Custom Shape Files

Applies To:

All product levels

Related Settings:

Default Block Names

Using Custom Shape Files

Menu: Tools>Equipment>Equipment Library [Display Preferences]

Default keyboard shortcut: LE

Function:

Allows you to apply an equipment definition to a custom shape file.

Shape files are dwg files that have been place in the %BLOCKS%\Shape Files\ folder. There are two modes in which shape files work:

Basic Shape File Mode

Here we simply apply WireCAD ports to an existing dwg file. It can be any file in plan view mode. In this mode WireCAD will apply equipment definitions to dwg files. This function uses the Display Properties to determine the pin spacing, block width, etc. Whether the dwg file is fit or stretched to the display properties depends on the setting:

Item

Description

Shape Stretch Mode combo

Fit/Center

Fit scales the dwg into the Drawing Properties settings like Body Width, and (Pin Spacing x Pin Count).

Center leaves the drawing size alone and simply applies ports.

Examples:

Advanced Shape File Mode

In this mode we use dwg files and apply tags to items in the file to control their behaviour as we add ports to the file. We use the Shape File Editor to add these tags. To use the shape file editor Ctrl-Double-Click the in the the grid:

This launches the editor:

The editor allows you to place specific point to define where inputs and outputs are placed as well as tag items to control their behavior. Bear in mind that this editor is not meant to be a full CAD editor, but rather a Tag editor. If you need more control over the drawing use WireCAD to edit it, then open the file in the Shape File Editor and add the necessary tags.

Menu Structure

Item	Description
File>Open	Opens dwg files
File>Save	Saves the current file
File>Save As	Save the current file as
File>Exit	Close this
Edit>Undo	Undo the last action
Edit>Redo	Redo the Undone function
Edit>Delete	Delete the current selection set
Place>Line	Place a 2D Line segment by defining its end points
Place>Circle	Place a 2D Circle by defining its center point and radius
Place>PolyLine	Place a 2D polyline by defining vertices in the drawing space
Place>Rectangle	Place a rectangle by defining the lower left and upper right points
Place>Connection Point Input (CP_IN)	Place a connection point in the drawing. This will be repeated for every item selected in the Inputs list in the Equipment Library. Be sure to place on an OSnap point.
Place>Connection Point Output (CP_OUT)	Place a connection point in the drawing. This will be repeated for every item selected in the Outputs list in the Equipment Library. Be sure to place on an OSnap point.
Place>SysName	Place a SysName element. If you do not place a SysName element one will be added base on the Block Descriptors Map
Place>Alias	Place a system Alias element. If you do not place a system Alias element one will be added base on the Block Descriptors Map
Place>Location	Place a system Location element. If you do not place a system Location element one will be added base on the Block Descriptors Map
Osnap	Sets Object Snap Points

Tag Type

You add tags to items within the drawing by selecting the item and then assigning a Tag Value from the dropdown Select a Type and a behavior.

Notes: You must use Polylines for the body.

You must have either a CP_IN, CP_OUT, or both.

Item	Description
BODY	Tag a Polyline that describes the body of the functional block
NON_REPEATING_ELEMENT	Tag static elements that do not repeat. You can then assign behaviors that determine movement as the block grows or shrinks.
REPEATING_ELEMENT_INPUT	Tag elements that repeat once for every input that is selected in the Inputs list of the Equipment Library.
REPEATING_ELEMENT_OUTPUT	Tag elements that repeat once for every output that is selected in the Outputs list of the Equipment Library.
CP_IN	Tag a Point entity that represents the point to which we will attach wires. Automatically attached when you use the Place>Connection Point Input (CP_IN) function.
CP_OUT	Tag a Point entity that represents the point to which we will attach wires. Automatically attached when you use the Place>Connection Point Output (CP_OUT) function.

Tag Behavior

Item	Description
Move X and Y	Tagged item moves in the X and Y direction as the size of the body changes with the addition of ports.
Don't Move	Don't move this item.
Move X Only	Tagged item moves in the X direction as the size of the body changes with the addition of ports.
Move Y Only	Tagged item moves in the Y direction as the size of the body changes with the addition of ports.

Examples

The Shape File to the right has a rotated INCONN text entity, some repeating elements on both the Input and Output side and some static elements that move in the X and Y directions as the block is scaled. Inherits:

•	Body Color

•	Body Width

•	Pin Spacing

•	Vertically Center Pins

Note: SysName, Alias and Location are missing from this shape file so WireCAD will place them based on the Block Descriptor Locations

See the results below:

Looks like this:
Or this, depending on your Display Properties settings