Editable Linetype?

[kevinc.117928]

Is it possible to create a linetype with editable text within it?
I've created a linetype using mkltype but cannot edit the text. I've also tried ading a attributed block into the linetype, to no avail.
Is this even possible or does any text within a linetype have to be a shape file and therefore un-editable.

[Tom Beauford]

Is it possible to create a linetype with editable text within it?

Not with the Express Tool "mkltype". You can create complex linetypes with text copy and modify them for different text strings.

 *FM,Force Main ------FM------FM------FM------
A,2.5,-.05,["FM",STANDARD,S=.1,Y=-.05],-.2
*12FM,12" Force Main ------12"FM------12"FM------12"FM------
A,.25,-.125,.25,-.125,.25,-.125,.25,-.125,.25,-.1,["12%%34 FM",STANDARD,S=.1,Y=-.05],-.7

[rkmcswain]

Is it possible to create a linetype with editable text within it?

Yes, if you mean editable at the time of linetype definition (in a .LIN file). But not after the linetype has been loaded into the drawing.

Complex linetypes can contain shapes or text characters. Read up on this in the Customization Guide.

[kevinc.117928]

Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

[David.Hoole]

Kevin

As stated previously, you can't create complex linetypes containing text which is editable in the drawing.

However, you can simulate the effect using the following method:

1. Create a block which comprises a single MTEXT object with background masking turned on, and Middle Centre justified.
2. Use the MEASURE or DIVIDE command, BLOCK option, whichever is most appropriate, to insert this block along a line using a suitable standard linetype.
3. Use REFEDIT or BEDIT to edit the value of the text.

Editing the value of the text in the block will cause all instances to update, and the background masking will simulate a break in the line which matches the text string.
Not perfect, I know, but might be a useful method. You'll also need to consider scale.

Regards,

David