Saving a symbol as a symbol file (*.sym)

Symbols library

You can save design entities and/or text in the current document as a symbol file (*.sym).

To save a symbol file

• All the elements that are to make up the symbol are in the workspace.

1. Open the Symbols library in one of the following ways:
   • Select the Library palette and open the Symbols folder.
2. Open the Symbol file folder or an appropriate subfolder.
3. Click New symbol at the bottom of the palette.
4. Enter a name for the symbol and press ENTER to confirm.

   The file extension is preset to .sym and cannot be changed.

5. Select the elements you want to save as a symbol file.
   

   • To select a single element, click it.
   • To select elements in a region, use the left mouse button to open a selection rectangle around the elements you want to select
   • To include all the elements in the current document, click All in the Input options or press CTRL+A. Please note that this option is not available for all tools.

   For more information on the options available for selecting elements in Allplan, see Selecting elements, overview.

   When selecting elements, you can use the Filter Assistant to apply a filter based on element types and/or properties. For more information, see Filter Assistant.

6. Specify the reference point.

   This is the point at which the symbol is attached to the crosshairs when you insert it in the drawing.

7. Specify whether the symbol is to saved as an intelligent symbol with Snoop functionality or as a dumb symbol without Snoop functionality. For more information, see Intelligent (smart) symbols.
8. To define an intelligent symbol, enter the reference line and define the offset to this line.

Tip: Each symbol is placed as an entity group. You can address an entity group as a whole by clicking one of the elements in the group with the middle and then left mouse button. Alternatively, press and hold down the SHIFT key. This selection option is especially useful for complex symbols or symbols consisting of smart symbols as it selects visible as well as invisible elements and foils.

An entity group is a group of elements which can be addressed as a whole. Polylines constructed in one step, for example, or symbols are entity groups. A group can be addressed as a whole by clicking one of the elements in the group with the middle and then left mouse button. Alternatively, press and hold down the SHIFT key and then click the element with the left mouse button. Elements can be combined into an entity group even while being created (with the Assign Group Number tool) or later (with the Modify Format Properties tool).

Tip: You can use Save Copy as... to save the contents of the current drawing file as a symbol file (*.sym).

Activate Save Copy As... in one of the following ways

• Menu bar: File