Welcome to this tutorial on how to create a symbol in AutoCAD Electrical. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating symbols using the powerful features of AutoCAD Electrical. Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Open AutoCAD Electrical
To begin, launch AutoCAD Electrical on your computer. Once opened, you will be greeted with a blank drawing canvas ready for your symbol creation.
Step 2: Access the Symbol Builder
Next, navigate to the “Schematic” tab on the ribbon menu and click on the “Symbol Builder” button. This will open up the Symbol Builder dialog box, which is where we will be designing our custom symbol.
Step 3: Define Symbol Parameters
In the Symbol Builder dialog box, you can define various parameters for your symbol. This includes specifying the number of pins, assigning attributes for labeling, and determining the overall size of your symbol. Take some time to configure these parameters according to your requirements.
3.1 Number of Pins
Bold text: Specify the number and arrangement of pins by entering values in the respective fields. You can also add pin names and numbers for better organization and documentation purposes.2 Attributes
Bold text: Use attributes to add labels or text information within your symbol. These labels can be dynamically linked to an external database or spreadsheet for automatic updates.
- Underlined text: Click on the “Attribute Definition” button to define attributes such as tag names, descriptions, and default values.
- Underlined text: After defining attributes, you can insert them into your symbol by clicking on the “Insert Attribute” button and placing them at desired locations.
3.3 Symbol Size
Bold text: Adjust the overall size of your symbol using the “Width” and “Height” fields. This ensures that your symbol fits appropriately within your electrical schematics.
Step 4: Design the Symbol
Now comes the fun part – designing your symbol! The Symbol Builder dialog box provides a range of tools and features to help you create professional-looking symbols.
4.1 Draw Basic Shapes
Bold text: Use the drawing tools available in the Symbol Builder dialog box to create basic shapes such as rectangles, circles, and lines. These shapes will form the foundation of your symbol.2 Add Pins
Bold text: Attach pins to your symbol by clicking on the “Pin” button in the Symbol Builder dialog box. This allows you to define electrical connections for your symbol.3 Insert Text and Attributes
Bold text: Utilize the “Text” button in the Symbol Builder dialog box to add descriptive text or labels within your symbol. You can also insert attributes created earlier to display dynamic information.
Step 5: Save and Use Your Custom Symbol
Congratulations! You have successfully created a custom symbol in AutoCAD Electrical. Now, it’s time to save it for future use.
5.1 Save as a Block
Bold text: To save your custom symbol as a block, click on the “Save as Block” button in the Symbol Builder dialog box. This will prompt you to specify a name and location for your symbol.2 Use the Symbol in Your Drawings
Bold text: Once saved, you can easily access and insert your custom symbol into your electrical drawings. Simply use the “Insert” command and navigate to the location where you saved your custom symbol.
That’s it! You have now learned how to create a symbol in AutoCAD Electrical. By following these steps, you can design and customize symbols to enhance your electrical schematics efficiently.
We hope this tutorial has been helpful to you. Happy symbol creation!