In AutoCAD MEP 2023 toolset, schematic symbols, devices, panels, and plumbing fittings are style-based content. Each piece of style-based content is defined by a style. You can create style definitions using Style Manager or one of several conversion tools provided by the software. Style-based content can be stored in individual drawings. However, it is better to store style-based content in libraries that can be categorized and accessed through the dialogs and worksheets in the software.
A style definition is similar to an AutoCAD
block definition, which consists of all information associated with the block. Style definitions store all information associated with a piece of style-based content. The key difference between a block definition and a style definition is that a block definition stores information related only to appearance, whereas a style definition stores additional information related to function and behavior. For example, a traditional block-based symbol definition stores the geometry of the symbol. A style-based symbol definition stores the geometry of the symbol for each view direction. It also specifies how connecting lines are trimmed, defines the location and type of smart connectors used to create intelligent building systems, and determines the display properties of the symbol.
Style definitions are referenced when you add style-based content to your drawing. AutoCAD MEP 2023 toolset does not copy information from the style definition to the drawing area. Instead, it establishes a link between the style-based content and the style definition. If the style definition is changed, all references are updated.
Style-based content can be stored in libraries. Generally, your drawings include symbols that you draw repeatedly, such as schematic symbols, devices, panels, and plumbing fittings. Style-based content libraries eliminate the need to redraw objects or copy and paste objects between drawings. You can create style-based content and store related content in a single drawing file that acts as a library. You associate the drawing file, or library, with your drawing in the Options dialog box, so it can then be accessed through the Add dialog box, Modify dialog box, and Select worksheet (accessed from the Properties palette).