Saving symbols to the library palette

Symbols

You can define design entities and text as a symbol and save this symbol to the Library palette.

To save a symbol to the library palette

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

1. Open the Library palette.
   If you want to see only symbols, click Filter and hide Smart symbols and SmartParts.
2. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the symbol.

   Note: You cannot create new symbols in the Default folder.

3. At the bottom of the palette, point to Insert element and click Insert symbol.
4. Select the elements you want to add as a symbol to the library.
   

   • 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.

5. Specify the reference point.

   This is the point at which the symbol is attached to the crosshairs when you are placing it in the workspace.

6. Specify whether you want to save the symbol as an intelligent symbol with Snoop functionality or as a dumb symbol without Snoop functionality. For more information, see Intelligent (smart) symbols.
7. To define an intelligent symbol, enter the reference line and define the offset to this line.
8. Enter a name for the symbol and click OK to confirm.

   Allplan saves the symbol as a SYM file to the selected folder.

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 elements, 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).