Topic Title

Similar to the view dependent layers inside symbols, DataCAD X3 supports scale dependent layers as well. This enables you to assign minimum and maximum scales at which layers inside the symbols will be shown. If a layer falls outside the range of view scales, then it is restricted from view. This gives you the ability to assign different levels of detail to display at different scales. Scale dependency is recognized by both view scale (on screen) and print scale (on paper).

For example, you could place hatching on a layer that is inside your symbol. Using the Symbol Editor, assign a minimum scale of 1/16"=1' and a maximum scale of 1"=1'. When you view a drawing which contains this symbol at a scale that falls in between the defined range, the information on the hatching layer is shown, providing a greater level of detail. When the current view scale for the drawing is outside the defined range, the information on the hatching layer is not shown. This can help to reduce clutter when viewing your drawing at small scales, or prevent unnecessary information from showing at large scales.

The method for assigning scale dependency to layers inside symbols is similar to the method for assigning 2D and 3D view dependency.

To assign scale dependency to layers inside a symbol:

1. Save the symbol which contains the information, separating the various levels of detail by layer.
2. Right click on the symbol in the Symbol Browser and choose "Edit Symbol" to launch the Symbol Editor.
   If there is an instance of the symbol in the drawing, you could also [Ctrl]+[Right-click] on it and choose “Edit Symbol” from the “Symbol Tools” menu, or you could double click on it.
3. Open the Symbol Layer Manager and highlight one or more of the layers that you wish to assign to a scale or range of scales.
4. Click the "Minimum Scale" drop down menu and select the minimum scale at which this layer will be shown.
5. Click the "Maximum Scale" drop down and choose the maximum layer at which the layer will be shown.
   If the same scale is selected for both minimum and maximum, the layer will only be displayed when the exact scale is the current view scale.
6. When you have finished assigning minimum and maximum scales to layers, close the Layer Manager by clicking “Close.”
7. Close the Symbol Editor by clicking the [x] in the upper left corner, and choose "Yes" to save the changes.

Before you can use this symbol in other drawings, you must save the new definition out to the hard drive.