Style-based content refers to objects that are defined by styles. Styles are sets of parameters, properties, and associated view blocks that you assign to objects to determine their appearance or function. AutoCAD MEP 2024 toolset objects that use styles include devices, panels, wires, plumbing fittings, and schematic objects for schematic diagrams.
Styles define additional behaviors that traditional block-based objects do not have. For example, a symbol style determines the appearance of the symbol in different views, how connecting lines are trimmed, and the location and type of smart connectors used to create an intelligent building system.
CAD managers and engineers can create style-based content by defining new object styles using the Style Manager. You assign a style to all instances of an object that share the same characteristics. For example, you can assign one symbol style to all 3-way float valves and another symbol style to all 3-way pneumatic valves.
You can define the appearance of style-based content by assigning block-based graphics to specific views of the style. This enables you to convert traditional block-based objects, such as symbols, into usable content in AutoCAD MEP 2024 toolset. Hundreds of add-on block-based objects are available from third-party vendors. Many building product manufacturers provide inventories of block-based symbols, and many design offices now sell libraries of custom block-based symbols. With the ability to create new styles, you can easily convert symbol libraries into style-based content and customize AutoCAD MEP 2024 toolset to suit your needs.
Additionally, there are several ways to convert single objects or batches of objects to device styles or schematic symbol styles. You can:
The key to working with style-based content is organizing the content in a logical way. You can organize related style-based content in libraries and categorize the libraries into smaller subsets of related content. To understand the operations, commands, and options available with style-based content in AutoCAD MEP 2024 toolset, it is important to understand how style-based content is stored and referenced in a drawing. Central to working with style-based content is understanding style definitions.