Graphics Database

From SysCAD Documentation

Navigation: User Guide -> Data Libraries -> Graphics Database

Each unit model in a the SysCAD model library has a hardwired default graphics symbol or icon. When inserting a new model or using the change symbol command, the user can select alternate graphics symbols. The graphics symbols are stored in the folder \BaseFiles\Symbols and are sorted into logical groups in different sub folders.

Creating Your Own Symbols

New graphics symbols can be drawn using a CAD package (eg, AutoCAD, IntelliCAD or MicroStation) and saved in the DXF format to make available for SysCAD use.

The new graphics symbols are made available to SysCAD by placing them in the appropriate sub folders. For example, the Reactor is stored in folder \BaseFiles\Symbols\Tank.

NOTES:

1. When generating the new symbol, the scale should be kept consistent with the existing SysCAD Symbols.
2. The insertion point for the Graphics symbol should be placed at point (0, 0, 0) this is normally the centre of the symbol.
3. Colours would not normally be used.
4. Load or edit existing dxf symbols as examples to see how they have been constructed.
5. SysCAD cannot handle a complex symbol or icon that is saved as a block (or block within a block), therefore, the graphics symbols must be "exploded" to contain only basic drawing elements such as lines and segments before exporting or saving as a dxf file.
6. When naming the file, be sure not to use characters such as & or @ and so on. Try keep the name short and do not use spaces in the filename. Try keeping to letters and numbers and use underscore to separate words.