Bentley Substation Help

Insert Symbol By Part Number

The Insert Symbol by Part Number function enables you to place objects in the current model by part number.

Accessed from:

2D Design/Panel Design

3D Design

  • 2D Design Ribbon > Components Group
  • Panel Design Ribbon > Components Group
  • 3D Ribbon > Components Group

If the current drawing mode is set to 3D Layout, the tool searches the parts database and looks up the symbol name to place from the Symbol_3D_Layout field in the selected part number record.

You can use the Symbol by Part Number tab to insert a single object or you can use the Insert Macro dialog to insert a macro (composite).

Note: Selecting the pin button in the upper right corner of the dialog will cause the dialog to reopen after you finish placing a symbol or macro.
Note: Many of the panes available in the interface can be moved, docked, minimized, or closed to suit your preference.
SettingDescription
Filters Panel
  • Apply Project Filter - You can define a project based filter in the Options > Project Options > Default Project Properties > Part Options dialog which you can apply by enabling this toggle. Project filters are useful if you have specific part criteria such as particular manufacturers you want to insist on using for the project.
  • Only parts with symbol for current drawing mode - When enabled, this toggle will filter out any parts that do not have a symbol specified for the current drawing mode.
  • Advanced Filter Editor - Using this control you can create any number of conditions and combine them in any manner using any logical operator. Click the + button to add a new condition. Select the field you want to filter on. Then pick the logical operator and specify your criteria. You can click the X to clear a filter condition.
  • Apply Filter - Press this button to apply the filter settings.
Part Tree The part tree hierarchy is defined in the Options > System Options > Part Tree dialog. You have the ability of organizing the tree by any of the fields in your parts database. You can filter the list of parts by selecting a folder in the tree. For example, if the tree lists all the manufacturers you can select a manufacturer in the tree and only parts from that manufacturer will be listed.
Filter part number If you know the part number you wish to select you can simply type it in this text box. The list of parts will be filtered as you type; limiting the number of choices to pick from and thus narrowing in on the desired part number.
Part List

The software lists all the parts in your parts database that match any filters that you have applied. You can apply additional filters by selecting a field heading and picking the down arrow which displays all the values for that field. Picking a value will filter the list of parts and only list those that have that value.

Clicking on a field heading will sort the list in ascending order. Clicking a second time will sort it in descending order.

You can click and drag the fields in any order you wish. Right clicking on any field heading will allow you select which fields from the parts database you wish to display. You can toggle on/off fields as desired.

You can select the part number that you want to place from the list.

Select Symbol List The Symbol list displays the symbol for the current drawing mode that is called out by the selected part number record. If you have comma separated multiple symbols each one will be listed and you will be required to select the one you want to place.
Accessory Kit If the selected part has an associated Accessory Kit, the name of the kit is displayed in this field.
Copy to project Enable this option to copy construction drawings selected in the View Drawings dialog to the current project.
View Constr. Drw. If the selected part has an associated construction drawing(s), pressing this button displays the View Drawings dialog.
Recently Used Panel Lists the last 10 part numbers that you had previously placed. The list is remembered the next time you restart the software and is not project specific.
Preview Panel Shows a preview of the symbol for the selected part number based on the current drawing mode.
Hook Points Panel This panel is only available when the current drawing mode is set to 3D Layout and it displays all the hook points in the symbol for the selected part number.
Settings Flyout

Selecting the down arrow on this button will flyout the button menu with 3 choices:

  • Symbol Settings - Opens the symbol settings dialog which allows you to specify a rotation angle, scale factor, and mirror setting which gets applied to any new symbol you insert.
  • Group Settings - Opens the group settings dialog. If you select more than one item you can place them as a group. You can make settings to determine how symbols are placed as a group.
  • Reset Dialog - If you had changed the layout of the dialog from the default or closed any panels you can reset the dialog to its default layout.
Place Symbol Places a new device, based on the symbol settings specified.