Custom data tag examples
Incrementing tag linked to a record format
This tag for "table and chairs" objects has two static text objects and two dynamic text fields. One dynamic field (ID) is a table number that is automatically incremented with each tag and saved to a record attached to each table. The other field (#) extracts the number of chairs from the tagged object.
ID is a calculated field with the data source set to be an integer incrementing value. The field is linked to the ID number in the table record format. The tag field definition is #INC_INT_1_1_10#->#Table Record#.#ID Number#
# is a calculated field with the data source set to be the Side Chairs parameter of the Table and Chairs object. The tag field definition is #Table and Chairs#.#Side Chairs#
When the tag is applied, the tables are automatically numbered sequentially. The number is displayed on the tag and also stored in the table record. The number of side chairs is pulled from the table object parameters and displayed on the tag.
Record format attached to a data tag
This tag for windows has one dynamic text object that extracts the width of the tagged window. We also attach that data to the tag object, and then apply a data visualization that colors the tags according to the window width. Windows smaller than 36" are red, and all others are green.
Calculated field with the data source set to be the Width parameter of the Window object. The field is linked to an EgressWidth field in a record format for the tag. The tag field definition is #Window#.#Width##in_11_1#->#TagRecord#.#EgressWidth#
When we apply the tags, we have the option to add the tag record to the windows or the tags, so we add the record to the tags. Then we apply a data visualization using the tag record. The tags show the window's width parameter, as well as a color based on the tag record.
Tag linked to data in a referenced spreadsheet
This tag for bathroom fitting symbols has four dynamic text objects that extract data from an Excel spreadsheet using the VLookup function. See Worksheet functions for more details.
Each field has a formula that searches for the symbol being tagged in the specified spreadsheet and extracts the desired data
Changes to the spreadsheet won't be reflected automatically in the data tags. To ensure that data tags are up to date, you can create a script and run the script function DT_ResetAllDataTags, which resets all data tags in the document. See Creating and editing script palettes and scripts.
The reset function might be slow for large documents, especially if you're using project sharing.
