Workflow: Using 2D components of symbols and plug-in objects in viewports
When 3D geometry does not provide the desired look in a hidden line rendered viewport, symbol definitions and some plug-in objects can provide 2D components that can be used instead, as described in Concept: 2D components for symbol definitions and plug-in objects. The recommended workflow for preparing and using 2D components of symbol definitions and plug-in objects is as follows.
Use the Edit 2D Components context menu command for a symbol definition or plug-in object style from the Resource Manager or for a symbol instance or plug-in object instance in the drawing. This command opens an enhanced object editing mode so you can create and edit multiple 2D component views, as described in Creating 2D components for symbol definitions and plug-in objects, and for symbol definitions edit 3D components and 3D wall hole components.
Whether accessed from the Resource Manager or from a symbol instance, this editing mode edits the symbol definition. Individual plug-in item instances can be edited individually, if the plug-in object style permits it.
If some of the components stack incorrectly in the viewport, relocate the 2D component’s plane relative to the object’s bounding box; see Relocating 2D components of symbol definitions and plug-in objects.
If the 2D components, and the 3D components of symbol definitions, will be used in drawings with different scales, prepare the components to display a variety of detail levels, by Customizing detail levels for 2D and 3D components of symbol definitions and plug-in objects.
If you edit a plug-in object with customized 2D components, those user-provided components cannot update automatically to match the edited plug-in object, and viewports may display an inaccurate view. If the plug-in object changes, manually update the custom 2D components to match the changes, or see Deleting user-provided 2D components of plug-in objects to delete user-provided 2D components.
If you're creating or editing a symbol, you can optionally design it for Displaying 2D and 3D components of a symbol definition together in a viewport in a hidden line rendered viewport.
When creating or editing a hidden line rendered viewport set to a 3D view in orthogonal projection, select Display 2D Components and set the Detail Level to view the objects correctly. 2D components display only for objects positioned normal to the camera; 3D components display for other objects.
In addition to hidden line rendered viewports, the detail levels of 3D components of symbols can be set for visibility in design layers. To automatically display the objects’ appropriate detail levels in design layers based on the layer’s scale, set the Auto-display detail levels for design layers preference on the Document preferences: Display tab.
Optionally, select the component views and thumbnail component views for symbols and plug-in objects shown in the Resource Manager layout and Resource viewer menus, and in worksheet cells (see the Images tab in Formatting worksheet cells).