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EDITING MATERIAL KEY SYMBOLS

This portion of the TXTEDT command edits material key symbols. Material keys are divided into 16 sections. To speed finding the desired material number this editor allows you to view a single section at a time and see the descriptions associated with the material numbers to minimize errors. You may also manually enter a material key number or select another material key symbol and copy its number. 

Known limitations:

• None reported. If there is something this command will not do that you think it should please let us know.

Alternate uses:

• None reported. If you have an alternate use for this command submit it here.

SAMPLE (Material key symbol editing) COMMAND SYNTAX:

Command:
Command: TE
Command: TXTEDT

Select attributes, text, mtext, dimensions, hatching, attdefs, APS architectural symbols, doors (in plan), or windows (in plan):

Select one or more material key symbol and press <Enter> or <Space> and the following dialog appears:

At the top of this dialog is the material key definition file used. 

You may enter or edit the value in the "Material key value" box if you know the number it should be.

Press "Match Existing Key Number" to select another material key and have its number  copied to the key being edited.

Otherwise select the section number button to display the section that contains the material description you want and then select the material key number from the list. The material key symbol will be updated with the selected number.

The list is further divided into sub-sections to help you to locate your number quickly. 

If you changed or typed a material key number in the "Material key value" box press and the material key will get the value entered.

The button discards any changes made and closes the dialog.

The button brings you to this web page for help during the command (without canceling).

 

Example format for material key numbers

The material key numbers that are in the "APS.mky" file provided with the APS software (and shown in the dialog above) are in the format:

<Section><Sub-Section><Two character abbreviation>

For example:  07412WP could indicate "MANUFACTURED WALL PANELS" as shown in the image above.

<Section> Is a number from 01 through 16 designating the material section. Many use these sections as shown here:

<Sub-Section> A three digit number.

<Two character abbreviation> Two letters to help indicate the material.

Combined they create a number similar to those used by CSI (MasterFormat™) and Sweets®.

Of course you may make the material key numbers designate whatever you choose. The only requirement is that the first two characters of your material key number must be a number between 01 and 16 and that you must use the leading zero when using numbers 01 through 09. Other than that you may use whatever format and combination of numbers and letters that work for you.

Solutions to common questions and problems with this command

Related Commands

MATEDIT  Command to edit material key definitions. 

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