DDATTDEF Command

Creates an attribute definition

	Draw menu: Block > Define Attribute
	Command line: ddattdef

The Attribute Definition dialog box is displayed.

An attribute is informational text associated with a block. An attribute definition specifies an attribute's properties and which prompts appear when the block is inserted.

After you complete the Attribute Definition dialog box, the attribute tag appears in the drawing. AutoCAD LT erases the attribute tag from the drawing when the attribute tag is included in a block definition using the BMAKE or BLOCK command. When you insert the block, AutoCAD LT displays the attribute value at the same location in the block with the same text style and alignment.

Attribute Definition Dialog Box

Mode

Sets options for attribute values associated with a block when you insert the block in a drawing.

These options are stored in the AFLAGS system variable.

• Invisible. Makes the attribute value invisible. The attribute value is not displayed or printed. To display invisible attributes, use the ATTDISP command.
• Constant. Assigns a fixed attribute value. The attribute value is inserted automatically into the drawing when the block is inserted.
• Verify. Instructs AutoCAD LT to prompt you to verify that the attribute value is correct before the block is inserted in the drawing.
• Preset. Sets the attribute to its default value when you insert a block containing a preset attribute.

Attribute

Sets attribute data.

• Tag. Identifies each occurrence of an attribute in the drawing. Enter the attribute tag using any combination of characters, except spaces.
• Prompt. Enter the prompt that you want displayed when you insert the block containing this attribute definition. If you do not enter a prompt, the attribute tag is used as a prompt. To create a leading blank for the value, start the text string with a backslash (\). To use a backslash as the first character, enter two backslashes.

Note: This text box is unavailable if you select Constant in the Mode area.

• Value. Enter the default attribute value (maximum of 256 characters). To create a leading blank for the value, start the text string with a backslash (\). To use a backslash as the first character, enter two backslashes.

Insertion Point

Specifies the location of the attribute when the block is inserted in a drawing. Select a point in the drawing or enter X, Y, and Z coordinate values.

• Pick Point. Choose Pick Point to close the dialog box so that you can select an insertion point with the mouse. After you select a point, the dialog box is redisplayed.
• X. Enter the X value for the insertion point.
• Y. Enter the Y value for the insertion point.
• Z. Enter the Z value for the insertion point.

Text Options

Sets the justification, style, height, and rotation of the attribute text.

• Justification. Select the justification for the attribute text.
• Text Style. Select the text style for the attribute text. Currently loaded text styles are displayed. To load or create a text style, see STYLE.
• Height. Enter a value for the height of the attribute text. Alternatively, choose Height to specify a height with your pointing device. The height is measured from the origin to the location you pick using your pointing device. After you specify a height, the dialog box is redisplayed.

Note: The Height and Rotation options are not available for all justification settings.

• Rotation. Enter a value for the rotation angle of the attribute text. Alternatively, choose Rotation to specify a rotation angle with your pointing device. The rotation angle is measured from the origin to the location you pick using your pointing device. After you specify a rotation, the dialog box is redisplayed.
• To specify a rotation angle on the screen, choose Rotation. The rotation angle is measured from the origin to the location of the cursor when you push the mouse button.

Align Below Previous Attribute

Select to place the attribute tag directly below the latest defined attribute.

Note: If you have not previously defined an attribute definition, this check box is unavailable.

Related Commands: ATTDEF creates attributes on the command line. ATTDISP overrides the visibility of attributes. ATTEDIT edits attributes on the command line. CHANGE modifies an attribute definition. DDATTE edits a block's variable attributes. DDATTEXT extracts attribute data. DDEDIT edits text and attribute definitions.
System Variables: AFLAGS stores the Mode settings.