Advanced Sheet Index Workflows: Integrating the CAD Sheet Set Manager
- Workflow Option 1: Sheets Include Attributes That Are Updated Manually
- Workflow Option 2: Sheets Include Fields That Link to the Sheet Set Manager
Although many Land F/X users simply use the Land F/X Sheet Index to manage their details, we've found that some users also integrate the CAD Sheet Set Manager in organizing and working with their sheets. Here are some workflows that may benefit you if you currently:
- Use the Sheet Set Manager in addition to the Sheet Index when working with your sheets, or
- Work with attributes in your layout or title block to automate items such as your sheet number
Are you just simply using the Sheet Index to manage your details and other sheets and then manually setting up or changing your sheets as needed? If so, you can just follow our Sheet Index documentation.
Workflow Option 1: Sheets Include Attributes That Are Updated Manually
This workflow could be a good option for you if you're currently using the Sheet Index but:
- Your layout/titleblock items are set with attributes, and you're able to update these attributes manually through the Attribute Editor, or
- Have a layout/titleblock that includes attributes (such as your Sheet Number), and you'd like to generate the creation of the sheets within the Sheet Index
If you want the Sheet Index to autofill, the Sheet Set Manager is required and has to manage the fields used in your setup. Otherwise, nothing will auto-pull into the Sheet Index.
You might also be using the CAD Sheet Set Manager independently to organize all your sheet sets. If so, we recommend using fields in your layouts or title blocks that link to the Sheet Set Manager. We've found that particular workflow to be the most integrated method of using the Land F/X Sheet Index with the CAD Sheet Set Manager.
If you're already using the Sheet Set Manager to organize your sheets and would like to automate the Sheet Index sheets and manage the attributes on your sheet, we also recommend using linked fields in your layout sheets.
First, quickly populate your sheet number, sheet name, and any other fields you want to manage using the Sheet Set Manager.
If you're using attributes, we recommend that you start using fields and assigning them through the Sheet Set Manager so the system can pull in the proper values automatically.
If you're not familiar with the Sheet Set Manager, see our Sheet Set Manager and Land F/X webinar to learn how the Sheet Set Manager can improve your workflow.
Available Sheet Number Attributes:
When the Sheet Number is a block attribute, the system assumes the Sheet Number is the one with one of the following attribute tags:
- SHEETNO
- SHT#
- SHEET:
- SHEET
Sheet Sets Best Practices
For optimum efficiency and organization, we recommend having a single DWG for each sheet in your sheet set.
Further, and most importantly, we highly recommend including the Sheet Number and other sheet set fields as attributes in your sheet title block. (Note that the sheet number will be a field within an attribute.)
Our software does not have full access to the SheetSet database. As a result, when your sheet set fields are just MText entities on any given sheet, the potential exists for confusion between the Sheet Number field and other fields.
Workflow Option 2: Sheets Include Fields That Link to the Sheet Set Manager
Use this workflow if you're already using the Sheet Set Manager, and you have fields in your Layout or title block that link to the Sheet Set Manager.
If you're familiar with the Sheet Set Manager, you'll simply need to verify that your attributes follow the guidelines for the available attributes listed below.
Available Sheet Number Attributes:
When the Sheet Number is a block attribute, the system assumes the Sheet Number is the one with one of the following attribute tags:
- SHEETNO
- SHT#
- SHEET:
- SHEET