Selecting the outline

Tool(s): Linear fixture, defining the geometry

You can choose between two predefined types (rectangle, trapezium) and a symbol. This closed symbol is provided in the library.

To select an outline

1. Define the shape of the outline:
   • Select Rectangle or Trapezium and enter all relevant parameters (height, width) or
   • select Symbol.
     This requires symbols in plan view. Create any outline you want in the Draft module and save it as a symbol. Make sure you create closed geometric outlines and delete double lines. Otherwise, the program will issue an appropriate message when you retrieve the symbol later.
     Tip: Use the Combine Overlapping Lines (How) tool to convert superimposed lines to single lines.
     

     Activate Combine Overlapping Lines in one of the following ways

     • Menu bar: Modify Draft

     • Palette: Tools Modify area in the following module(s):

     Draft

2. If you have selected Symbol, click , open the libraries in the Default, Office, Project, Private and External paths and navigate to the required folder.

   Note: For symbol selection, the Library palette shows only the folders containing 2D symbols. To select a symbol in any folder, open the External path folder and set the external path to the required folder.

3. Select the symbol you want to use and click OK to confirm.
4. When you have selected an outline (rectangle, trapezium or symbol), you can specify how the fixture placed and the component interact:
   • Without interaction: the outline of the fixture has no effect on the components.
   • Positive (merge): the outline of the fixture is merged with the component.
   • Negative (cut out): the outline of the fixture is subtracted from the component.
5. Use the Create hatching/pattern/fill option to apply a surface element to the outline, thus making things more apparent on screen.

   Note: If you want to actually see the color used for hatching and pattern on screen, make sure the Color stands for pen option is not active in Show/Hide.

6. Click OK to confirm.