-EntityGroup
Use the -EntityGroup command to create and control user-defined selection sets of entities. It is the command window variant of the EntityGroup command.
Creating an EntityGroup
To create an EntityGroup, first determine a unique name. The name will be required to identify the group later for a number of command options. In addition, specify whether the group should be selectable or not (see below).
To define a new group:
- Issue the -EntityGroup command using the New option.
- Specify a unique group name.
- If desired, enter a description.
- Determine whether the group should be selectable or not (the default is Yes).
- Specify the drawing entities that should belong to the EntityGroup.
Exploding an EntityGroup
EntityGroup definitions may he abolished by using the Explode option. When a group definition is dissolved the EntityGroup is deleted in the drawing. The only way to abolish an EntityGroup definition is by abolishing its name.
To explode a group:
- Choose the -EntityGroup command with its Explode option.
- Specify the name of the group, to be exploded.
Because a single entity may belong to multiple EntityGroups and EntityGroups may be part of other EntityGroups, the option does not allow you to pick an entity within a EntityGroup to explode the EntityGroup.
Renaming an EntityGroup
You can change the name of a group by using the Rename option. It is useful to employ this method when anonymous groups that have been created by copy commands exist. The system will automatically apply anonymous names to copied groups (**A1, **A2, etc.) that exist through the use of one of the Copy, Mirror, or Pattern commands.
To rename a group:
- Issue the -EntityGroup command with its Rename option.
- At the prompt to enter a current group name specify the name of an existing group (for example "*A0").
- At the prompt to enter a new group name specify the name of the specified group (for example "Screw_Copy1").
Adding / Removing Entities
Two other options of the -EntityGroup command are provided to allow you to integrate additional entities into an existing group or to remove entities that are currently in the group.
After a group name is specified, the entities that belong to the group are highlighted.
- To add entities to an existing group, select the entities that are to be added (they will not be highlighted).
- To remove entities from an existing group, select the highlighted entities that are to be removed.
Note: Should all entities be deleted from a group, remember that the group will still exist as long as it has a name!
Access
Command: -EntityGroup