OpenBuildings™ Designer Help

Create Keys dialog

Used to create symbol subtypes and subtype groups, as well as in managing building structure.


The keys defined are also useful in defining circuit lines in wiring/distribution, and construct Model Link Matrix.
SettingDescription
Symbol group list Lists the key symbol icon, description and level of their hierarchy.
  • In context with Subtypes/Group, the list shows group and subtype symbols;
  • for Building structure, it displays the Building, Floor and Space symbols; and
  • for Panels, the list will have Distribution, Line, Device etc.
Key No. Sets the key details:
  • Key No. — Sets key number for subtype/group, or building structure elements.
  • Number of Keys — Sets number of new entries, an integer for a new elements such as subtype/group, or building elements.
  • Step Size — Sets step size for new key entries.
Description Description of the key based on the object.
Shortcut A shot keyword assigned to key. The shortcut will appear in the drawing next to the symbol it is assigned to.
Load Default Macro Opens Select Default Macro dialog from where the default macro is loaded for current object in treeview.


The list of macro differs with the key symbol currently selected. Also, the key symbols are different for from where the Create Key dialog is invoked. When defining keys for Building structure, the macro list will have default macro syntax Building n, Floor n, Space n etc.
Note: For Subtypes/group, the macro is inserted using the Insert rather than loading.
Insert Opens Macro Assistant where you can set level, leading zeros and pick different sequence for macro.
Test Macro generated key number is shown in symbol list.