RE: DBUG> Layered Symbols - where's the problem?

[Dick Eades <deades@cox-internet.com>]

<<< Well I don't think I have misunderstood and I am certainly not reading part
way through. But I'm still trying to see where the problem is.>>>



Nick,

Let me try one more time.

I use Bundle for my guestroom bath symbols, all properly layered.  If the symbols are inserted unexploded, I cannot turn off any individual layers within the symbol because the unexploded symbol resides on one layer only, the layer of insertion.  If I explode the bath without un-Bundling it, then all the entities of that symbol will reside on the layer that was active at the time it was exploded.  If I insert all the baths exploded and un-Bundle them I can turn off the desired layers, but I lose the ability to update all the baths in one operation.  If I have a change that affects all baths, I must erase all the baths and re-insert them.

For example, let's say the owner wants to move the sinks off-center of the lav counters, scoot the door over closer to the tub, and put in a dropped ceiling over the lav counter for recessed lights.  With a bundled symbol, I insert another instance out to the side, explode and un-Bundle it, make the changes and Bundle/redefine the symbol.  Presto, all 19 instances of that bath on that floor and on all other floors contained in that file are updated with the new plan (probably the most powerful feature of unexploded symbols).

But, If I want to turn off the layers that show the fixtures and doors and turn on a layer that contains headers to show a reflected ceiling plan, I cannot do it as all entities of an unexploded symbol reside on the layer of insertion.

I can do this if I insert the baths as Xref's but those are unprotected from changes or deletion and transporting the file elsewhere can cause problems.  Also, if I inserted 19 instances of the xref "bath1", duly copied and mirrored about the plan, I cannot easily replace all instances with "bath2" if the owner wants to use the alternative bath configuration like I could with an unexploded symbol.

What I am proposing is a symbol that responds to layering even when unexploded.

Dick Eades - Architect
Jonesboro, AR - USA




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