What is a 2D Component? |
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2D components are either references or instances.
What are 2D component references?
A 2D component reference (also called "reference") is a re-usable set of geometry and annotations. It is stored either:
- in a layout detail sheet (in the same document as its instances)
- in a component catalog (in a drawing document).
A 2D component reference can be edited like any other item in a view. It serves as a reference when creating 2D component instances.
What are 2D component instances?
Instantiating a 2D component means re-using a 2D component reference, by creating 2D component instances (from a layout detail sheet or from a component catalog) in a layout view, once or several times. Each instance has a specific orientation, position and scale. When you instantiate a 2D component, you create a 2D component instance, also known as an "instance".
Depending on where the 2D component reference is stored, there are different ways of instantiating a 2D component:
- using the Instantiate 2D Component command. 2D components can be instantiated in a layout sheet, provided that they are stored in a detail sheet belonging to the same layout. Refer to Instantiating a 2D Component for more information.
- from the Catalog browser: 2D components can be instantiated from a component catalog in a layout sheet. The component catalog is based on a drawing (.CATDrawing) document.
- using Cut/Copy/Paste: 2D components instances can be copied/cut from a layout and pasted to any sheet of the same layout. Refer to Copying, Cutting and Pasting for more information.
What is a Component Catalog? |
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The component catalog is a separate file which references detail views from drawing documents, letting you group 2D components, classify them, and add information and attributes to them. This allows overall management of the components.
The Catalog browser lets you choose a 2D component and instantiate it in a layout sheet. Associativity is kept between a 2D component in a catalog and existing instances in a layout (through the drawing which serves as a basis for the component catalog).
Therefore, in the event a 2D component is modified in a component catalog, you can synchronize (update) any existing instances. To do this, go to Edit > Links and click the Synchronize button from the displayed dialog box. Note that synchronization is available only after a creation or a deletion in the 2D component reference (after a move or a graphic properties modification, synchronization is not possible).
For more information on component catalogs, refer to 2D Components > Before you Begin in the Interactive Drafting User's Guide, and to the Component Catalog Editor User's Guide.
Moving or Scaling 2D Components |
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By default, a 2D component (as a whole) can be moved or scaled using the mouse. If you want to prevent this, go to Tools > Options > Mechanical Design > Drafting > Annotation and Dress-up tab and select Prevent direct manipulation and/or Prevent direct scaling.
