Lookup tables associate parameter values
for the dynamic block reference with other specified data (for example,
a model or part number).
You can extract data from block references just
as you would extract block attribute data.
When the parameter values
in a dynamic block reference match a row of input property values
in the lookup table, the corresponding lookup property values are
assigned to the block reference. These lookup properties and values
are displayed in the Properties palette under Custom.
Lookup tables support
the following:
- All numeric parameter properties (for
example, distance and angles for point, linear, polar, XY, and rotation
parameters)
- Text string parameter properties (for
example, flip and visibility parameter values)
NoteConstraint parameters
cannot be added to a lookup table. Instead, you should use a Block
Properties Table. For more information, see
Use a Block Properties Table.
Add Properties and Values
to a Lookup Table
The Property
Lookup Table consists of input properties and lookup properties.
- Input properties. Parameters.
Each parameter can correspond to one column (except for lookup,
alignment, and base point parameters). The parameter label is used
as the property name.
- Lookup properties. Lookup
parameters. Each lookup parameter can correspond to one column.
The lookup parameter label is used as the property name.
To add values to the
cells in each column, click a cell and enter a value. If you defined
a value set for an input property (parameter) in the table, a drop-down
list of available values will display. Make sure to follow the guidelines in Specify Values for Lookup Tables.
Custom Values
In a lookup table that
does not use value sets, parameter values that do not match a row
of input property values from the lookup table are assigned the lookup
property value that corresponds to <Unmatched>. The default
value is Custom.
Enable Reverse Lookup
A lookup property with reverse lookup enabled
adds a lookup grip to the dynamic block reference. When you click
this grip, a drop-down list of that column’s lookup values is displayed.
The corresponding input property values of the selected list item
are assigned to the block reference.
To enable reverse lookup
for a lookup property, each row in the lookup table must be unique.
To check for errors and empty cells, in the Property Lookup Table
dialog box, click the Audit button. You can also use the shortcut
menu options to insert, delete, or reorder rows.
Specify Values for Lookup
Tables
The following rules apply when you specify values
in lookup tables:
- Use a comma as the delimiter between
values.
- You can specify any number of unique
values separated by commas. For example: 5,6,7 5.5,6.25
- To specify a range, use brackets [ ]
to specify that the range includes the values separated by a comma,
or use parentheses ( ) to specify that the range does not include
the values separated by a comma.
- For a continuous range, use a pair of
values separated by a comma, enclosed in brackets or parentheses.
For example: [3,10] specifies any value between 3 and 10, including
3 and 10 (3,10) specifies any value between 3 and 10, not including
3 and 10.
- For an open-ended range, use one value
with a comma, enclosed in brackets or parentheses. For example:
[,5] specifies less than or equal to 5; (5,) specifies greater than
5.
- Use no more than 256 characters in a
table cell.
- You can use architectural and mechanical
unit syntax (for example, 15'1/4").
- If you enter a value in an invalid format,
the value will be reset to the last value when you move to another
cell in the table.
To add a lookup action
to a dynamic block definition
- In the Block Editor, in the Block Authoring
Palettes window, Actions tab, click the Lookup Action tool.
- In the Block Editor drawing area, select
one or more lookup parameters to associate with the action. (You
can associate only a lookup action with lookup parameters.)
- Specify the location of the action.
- In the Property Lookup Table dialog box,
complete the table as necessary.
- Click OK.
- If you are finished using the Block Editor,
click Close Block Editor.
To edit a lookup table
while the action bars are displayed in the Block Editor
- Hover the cursor over the lookup action
icon.
- Right-click and select Display Lookup
Table.
To display and add properties
to a lookup table
- In the Block Editor, double-click a lookup
action in a dynamic block definition.
- In the Property Lookup Table dialog box,
click Add Properties.
- In the Add Parameter Properties dialog
box, in the bottom-left corner of the dialog box, click Add Input
Properties or Add Lookup Properties.
- In the Parameter Properties list, select
the parameter properties you want to add to the lookup table. Hold
Ctrl down to select more than one property.
- Click OK.
- In the Property Lookup Table dialog box,
click an empty cell and do one of the following:
- Select a value from the drop-down list.
(A drop-down list only displays if a value set has been defined
for the parameter.)
- Enter a value.
- Click OK.
To allow or disallow reverse
lookup
- In the Block Editor, double-click a lookup
action in a dynamic block definition.
- In the Property Lookup Table dialog box,
at the bottom of a Lookup Property column, do one of the following:
- Click Read Only, and then select Allow
Reverse Lookup from the list.
- Click Allow Reverse Lookup, and then
select Read Only from the list.
NoteYou can only select
Allow Reverse Lookup if you have entered data in the column.
- Click OK.
CommandsBACTION
Adds an action to a
dynamic block definition.
BEDIT
Opens the block definition
in the Block Editor.
BLOOKUPTABLE
Displays or creates
a lookup table for a dynamic block definition.
BPARAMETER
Adds a parameter with
grips to a dynamic block definition.
