Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
to represent the different types of that family. This helps reduce the number
of families required to maintain a complete library for design as well as
the number of families loaded into your project. Using multiple annotations
within a family makes for easy modification of your design.
Figure 13.3
shows a single communications family with three types utilizing different
symbols.
Figure 13.3
Multiple symbols in a device family
Using Face-hosted Families
It is best to use face-hosted families to model your receptacle and
communications layouts, because these types of elements are typically
hosted by walls and casework that you want to keep track of. Unless
otherwise noted, the examples discussed in this chapter refer to face-hosted
family types. This gives you the freedom to place the devices on any face
within the building model. These types of components move with their
hosts, so you spend less time moving your devices around to keep up with
changestothebuildingmodel.Ifadevicehostisdeletedfromthemodel,the
deviceremainsinplace.Thisgivesyoutheopportunitytorelocateorremove
the device manually and adjust any associated circuitry.
When you select a face-hosted device type to place in the model, the default
placement is to a vertical surface. When you place your mouse pointer near
a vertical surface such as a wall, the symbol used to represent the device
appears. You can press the spacebar to flip the orientation of the device to
either side of the face upon which you are placing it.
Figure 13.4
shows a
