Attribute Help For Beginner!!!

4/20/2021 Attribute Help for beginner!!!
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ChicagoMold (/s/profile/0054O000007xkXmQAI) asked a question.
May 13, 2015 at 2:56 PM (/s/question/0D54O000061wt2BSAQ/attribute-help-for-beginner)
Attribute Help for beginner!!!
I am looking to understand how to start attributes in Unigraphics 9.0. I have previous experience with
Solidworks of using attributes to a great extent it made drafting soo much more simpler. However, I cannot
figure out how to get started with attributes here in Unigraphics. Can someone help me with the basics of
being able to call out an attribute easily? I'm mostly wanting to apply attributes for a drawing template as well
as creating a BOM list for assemblies.
The big questions I need answered are:
1. How do you successfully create an attribute for a part?
2. In what way are you able to look for that attribute that was recently created and apply it with the correct
syntax?(in solidworks, when creating a note, there is an icon to click that will bring up all attributes related
with the parts in that model as well as default attributes such as mass, volume, etc.. is there something like
this in unigraphics?)
Any help would be appreciated!
NX Design NX CAD
(/s/topic/0TO4O000000MihTWAS/) (/s/topic/0TO4O000000MinbWAC/)
32 answers 2.58K views
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Top Rated Answers
JohnRBaker (/s/profile/0054O000007xhJ3QAI)
6 years ago
If all you want to do is to add Part Attributes on-the-fly, simply go to...
File -> Properties -> Attributes
...and create the needed attributes in your part file.
Or if you would like to have things where you can simply select the desired Attributes from a list of
predefined ones which are not activated until you need them, go to...
File -> Utilities -> Attribute Templates...
...where you can create a 'catalog' of predefined Attributes which will be available whenever you
have a part file open by going to...
...and selecting from the list of 'Unset' attributes that you will find there.
Note that using the Template approach does provide you with a lot more options as you can
predefine the attributes values which could be from a limited list of choices. You can also set up so-
called 'Boolean' attributes where the value is limited to either 'True' or 'False' which can be useful
when you want to provide someone a simple 'binary' choice.
As for linking notes to an attribute, when in the note editor, below the text entry box there is a
option titled 'Category'. Just change it to 'Relationships' and you'll then see an icon labeled 'Insert
Part Attribute' which when selected will give you list of all of the attributes in the current Work part.
Selected as Best Like
https://community.sw.siemens.com/s/question/0D54O000061wt2B/attribute-help-for-beginner 1/10
All Answers
6 years ago
If all you want to do is to add Part Attributes on-the-fly, simply go to...
...and create the needed attributes in your part file.
Or if you would like to have things where you can simply select the desired Attributes from a list of
predefined ones which are not activated until you need them, go to...
File -> Utilities -> Attribute Templates...
...where you can create a 'catalog' of predefined Attributes which will be available whenever you
have a part file open by going to...
...and selecting from the list of 'Unset' attributes that you will find there.
Note that using the Template approach does provide you with a lot more options as you can
predefine the attributes values which could be from a limited list of choices. You can also set up so-
called 'Boolean' attributes where the value is limited to either 'True' or 'False' which can be useful
when you want to provide someone a simple 'binary' choice.
As for linking notes to an attribute, when in the note editor, below the text entry box there is a
option titled 'Category'. Just change it to 'Relationships' and you'll then see an icon labeled 'Insert
Part Attribute' which when selected will give you list of all of the attributes in the current Work part.
Selected as Best Like Reply
ChicagoMold (/s/profile/0054O000007xkXmQAI)
6 years ago
This is perfect! This is exactly what I needed to get a jump start.
Thank you! 😃
Like Reply
6 years ago
I do have one observation to make. For someone new to NX, at least I assume so since you say you're
coming from where you've used a competitive product, I was surprised that you called it Unigraphics
9.0. Now there actually was a UG V9.0 but that was something like 23 years ago. Officially we have
not used the terms UG or Unigraphics since the release of NX 1.0, some 13 years ago.
Anyway, I'm just curious as to you using terminology that has long been obsolete, although many of
us 'old timers' still catch ourselves using those terms as well, when we're not careful. Now there's no
real problem as most people know that you mean, just that it was a bit unexpected, that's all 😀
Like Reply
6 years ago
Hello, IT guy for Chicago Mold here (different from the guy who started this thread),
Outside of the gentleman you have been talking to, all of our users who have used this product have
been doing this thing for a long time, and still call it Unigraphics. I guess it has rubbed off, but we
still call it that because calling it PLM or NX9 isn't immediately understood by them, while
Unigraphics still is. Trust me, I have tried to get them to call it by something close to its real name,
but to no avail.
I've just attributed it to 'Old timers stuck in their ways', but it still rubbs off onto everyone else.
Like Reply
RGudorf (/s/profile/0054O000007xi4JQAQ)
6 years ago
6 years ago
John,
Irrelevant of how long it's been, I don't think the marketing of "NX" has quite stuck.
People/Customers come in all the time and when asked about the CAD system we use, I say "NX";
and every single time I get a blank stare back, unless they use NX. When I tell them it's the "new"
name for Unigraphics/UG, then they all know what software we use. So whether it was the lawyers
or the Gov't that made you guys change the name of the software, I wish they would have kept their
noses out of it...for your sake.
my $0.02
Like Reply
6 years ago
Trust me, this was a purely home-grown, and admittedly, marketing inspired name change and while
many of us old-time UG users felt a bit sad with passing of the "Unigraphics" name (and remember
that I've been using this product since 1977), there was at least a rational motivation for the name
change at the time it was made.
The NX label grew out of the need to have a new go-forward name for the product that grew out of
the merging of Unigraphics and Ideas. And while it is true that NX is basically Unigraphics from an
architectural point of view, a large percentage of the new functionality introduced since the release
of NX 1.0 has come either directly from or was inspired by functionality that was unique to Ideas
and/or represented the best of what the two original products had to offer, and as such it was felt by
our management team that this NEW product deserved to carry a NEW name. With that in mind, the
decisions was made to adopt the name "NX", which was an allusion to the idea that this was what
was coming NEXT.
Like Reply
kl8ton (/s/profile/0054O000007xgs2QAA)
6 years ago
Maybe Siemens should change the exe file to nx.exe instead of ugraf.exe. I just had to force quit a
locked up UG er sorry NX session and lo and behold it is still called ugraf.exe. It's Unigraphics at its
core!
😀
Like Reply
6 years ago
"It's Unigraphics at its core!"
In many ways you are correct, but there is no driving need to change the underlying nomenclature
used to name the various tools and executable portions of the software. Over time, as files are
repurposed or replaced, they will be given the 'NX' moniker, as many files have been done with a
release like NX 10.0
Like Reply
Rob N. (/s/profile/0054O000007xjICQAY)
6 years ago
Yup, Unigraphics at its core. Even in 10.
Hard as I try, I still call it UG. I get that blank stare as well when people ask what software we run. I
just say UG or UGNX
Like Reply
6 years ago
Yes, but we are making progress. If you scroll up from there you'll find 10 folders with 'NX' as the
prefix 😉
Like Reply
Rob N. (/s/profile/0054O000007xjICQAY)
6 years ago
I hope by the time they all start with NX, we'll have a modern plotting solution.
But enough of the hijack. For all of NX's faults, Theres no other software I'd rather run.
Like Reply
cord (/s/profile/0054O000007xfgAQAQ)
6 years ago
We just got signs put up above are cubicles that says are area is for UG. Is there a UG refresher course
so I can go back to using it?
Like Reply
mike_fdo (/s/profile/0054O000007xi9nQAA)
6 years ago
Sometime ago I was in the same situation like you are.
In Solidworks you find only File Properties as same as Windows file properties, which could be
accessed and edit inside SWx, Windows file explorer and outside third party (bulk editing) software.
I find in NX you could have attributes on any object and File Attribute is almost same as SWx File
properties but unable to access outside of the software (Not known to me). In SWx you could directly
link any value by picking directly on it where as In NX you have to go through Expressions. (Please
correct me if I’m wrong.)
In Solidworks you could “add a comment” to each feature (Like Windows Excel) and could be used to
show information and also as filter tool. (=NX’s object/Feature attributes?)
Could someone please enlighten us the usage and the real benefit of having attributes in object
level?
In NX if you delete a File Attribute, it will move under the category “All Unset” whereas In SWx it
deletes permanently.
In NX you type and add values in the bottom part of the window and don’t forget to press the Tab to
move to next (Or select the next box), green check box to apply /apply button. (In SWX, like a
database table, you directly type on the Value in the cell and “Enter” would accept and take the
curser to the next box.)
Another question from me (John?)! Where is the best place enter Properties like DrawnBy,
DrawnDate, Customer etc. As expressions and link to File attributes (this is what I was told to do) or
directly in the File Attributes (This is what I think is correct).
Like Reply
6 years ago
You are right on that Mike_fdo. (as far as the SW comments go). SW has attribute creating and
managing soo much easier. Its nice to see the differences when you compare them like that.
However, I never used the feature attributes I only used them for the part files in a whole assembly.
I would love to see that question answered. I was looking to add those attributes to my drawing
template but I couldnt figure out how to do that. There should be a property automatically entered
when the file is created such as date, time, creator. we should be able to pull those properties out
correct? Or, am I wrong on that?
I have found a few varibles that i was looking for accidently. here are a few.
<W@$SH_SHEET_SCALE_NUMERATOR>:<W@$SH_SHEET_SCALE_DENOMINATOR>
<W@$SH_NUMBER_OF_SHEETS>
<W@$SH_SHEET_NUMBER>
If i understand correctly, The sytax "W@$SH_" will define a varible from the properties of that sheet.
So, if I understand correctly, anything in the edit sheet menu can be defined using that same sytax.
Just need to figure out the correct varible name for whatever you are trying to use.
In solidworks these attributes are already defined for you and ready to be plucked with a few clicks. I
cannot remember how I found these attributes I listed above, but I'm sure glad I did. So helpful when
you have multiple sheets.
Here is my question that I have! I was not able to find these callouts anywhere in the attribute list. Is
there a list of drawing attributes that I can get to be called out using similar syntax?
Like Reply
Ken_A (/s/profile/0054O000007xhtfQAA)
6 years ago
if you have the NX9 docs loaded:
Home -> CAD -> Drafting -> Drawing Automation -> Adding attributes to drawing templates
Note these are SHEET attributes, not PART attributes, so they don't show up in File -> Properties.
Not sure if they show up in (right click on drawing SHEET) -> Properties.
Like Reply
6 years ago
Ken_A, I was not able to find any defined sheet attributes the way you mentioned in your post. but by
defining the note as being <W@$SH_SHEET_NUMBER>. the actual sheet number appears with no
attribute being created in the file. It looks like I am calling out a vaible within the program(NX9) not
an attribute.
Like Reply
6 years ago
"It looks like I am calling out a vaible within the program(NX9) not an attribute."
Yes, that's exactly what's happening.
Like Reply
6 years ago
Like Reply
6 years ago
I am jumping with joy in my seat right now! this is PERFECT! These are the strings I am looking for!
Thank you Mike! Also for Ken to leading us in the right direction to find this!
Like Reply
6 years ago
You are welcome.
Another thing you should know is the MMT (Master Model Technique) which is similar to SW
drawings and models in two different files. The main difference I see in NX's MMT is that you could
switch to Modeling and to drafting inside both files which feels awkward to me (because of the
duplicity).
I understand that MMT is the NX recommended method of drawing creation and the future
developments are geared towards that.
In MMT, since the Drawing is referring the attributes of an external part, replace “W@$SH_ “ with
“DB_DWG_TEMPLATE_” to get the part attributes.
Like Reply
Adrian-Anglade (/s/profile/0054O000007xhvWQAQ)
6 years ago
@ChicagoMold (https://community.sw.siemens.com/s/profile/0054O000007xkXmQAI)
This set of videos has been very, very, helpful, the presenter Anthony gives a good run down on how
to leverage what is there.
https://vimeo.com/album/3065578 (https://vimeo.com/album/3065578)
Like Reply
lonesome-joe (/s/profile/0054O000007xtmHQAQ)
3 years ago
Hi, All!
I am building a title block in NX11. Our Drafting Standard (currently using AutoDesk Inventor) has
the "drawing number" fiels on the drawing title block populated by an attribute stored in the model
file. I'm having trouble cajoling NX into allowing this. The Attribute pointer is called "
<W$=@DRAWING NUMBER>".
When I open the template file and try to put this into the text of the title block cell, I get an error (see
attached). I tried inserting the part into the drawing and doing the same thing, but when I try to
insert the object attribute NX won't let me access the model's attributes. I tried putting the text into
the cell, got the same error.
Is there a way to put a reference to a model file into the drawing template title block? Thanx.
Ed
Like Reply
BenBroad (/s/profile/0054O000007xjgxQAA)
3 years ago
Hi @lonesome-joe (https://community.sw.siemens.com/s/profile/0054O000007xtmHQAQ),
Hi @lonesome joe (https://community.sw.siemens.com/s/profile/0054O000007xtmHQAQ),
Have you looked at the Drawing System Attributes
(https://docs.plm.automation.siemens.com/tdoc/nx/12.0.2/nx_help/#uid:drawing_drw_auto_text_ov)
It looks like the one you need to use is: <W@$SH_MASTER_PART_NAME>
Regards, Ben
Like Reply
3 years ago
After looking at your uploaded image, it looks like you might need to look into creating an Attribute
Template
(https://docs.plm.automation.siemens.com/tdoc/nx/12.0.2/nx_help#uid:xid1128417:index_drafting:
xid1108282:id1262541:xid461526:xid461527).
Regards, Ben
Like Reply
3 years ago
I'll look at the attribute template! I'm new to NX, and I'm learning on-the-job, so there's a WHOLE LOT
I don't know, and I've little time to learn it! Thanx to everyone for all your help!
Ed
Like Reply
3 years ago
Hey @lonesome-joe (https://community.sw.siemens.com/s/profile/0054O000007xtmHQAQ),
Here's a quick video showing how the Attribute Template works using your DRAWING NUMBER
attribute in the model part file (the Attribute Template is saved in the drawing template).
Note: I restarted NX at 01:47.
This video content is no longer available.
(view in My Videos)
Regards, Ben
Like Reply
3 years ago
Hi, Ben! Thank you for the suggestion regarding the Attribute Template. I had a little trouble getting
it to work, though. I must admit, I have a really hard time with any new software. Seems if a mistake
can be made, I'll make it, and if a failure to function is possible, it'll happen to me. That said, I built
the Attribute Template per your instructions... except I missed one "underscore"....
After some troubleshooting, it works fine. Thank you VERY much.
Ed
Like Reply
3 years ago
Hi, All!
I have another Attribute question. The Parts List in NX which is the default list has an attribute, "
<W$=@$PART_NAME>" which references the filename of each of the components ijn the drawing
model. I need to reference this, but I can't get it to work on our parts list. I tried creating a column
and pasting the attribute into the cell, but it appears as the filename in brackets. I saved the parts list
as a template, but when I inserted it into a drawing, the text in the cell was gone. How can I use this
attribute? I don't want to put a new attribute into all the parts, as we're still not sure we're going to
be able to use these models and there's a BUNCH of them Thanx

be able to use these models, and there s a BUNCH of them. Thanx.
Ed
Like Reply
3 years ago
Hi @lonesome-joe (https://community.sw.siemens.com/s/profile/0054O000007xtmHQAQ),
The brackets indicate that the cell contains manual text. To add read this attribute value from all
components, right click the column and choose Settings. From the Column settings, you can then
choose "$PART_NAME" as shown in the movie below:
This video content is no longer available.
(view in My Videos)
Regards, Ben
Like Reply
3 years ago
Hi, Ben!
Thanx, that worked great! I know I've done that before, but I'd lost the trail (my C.R.S is acting up 😀
). I've got this page saved now, to avoid such lapses...
Thanks again for all your help!
Ed
Like Reply
3 years ago
Thanx for the reply, Ben. The attrib "<W@$SH_MASTER_PART_NAME>" works! The Drawing Number
attribute needs to be a writeable attrib. I can't find the "<W@$SH_MASTER_PART_NAME>" one in the
model file, and it comes in blank. Is it a writeable attribute? Thanx.
Ed
Like Reply
UP (/s/profile/0054O000007xxpoQAA)
a year ago
I have already designed drawing template and I want to assign system attributes ( 4 attributes), how
I able to do this?
Like Reply
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4/20/2021 Attribute Help for beginner!!!

ChicagoMold (/s/proﬁle/0054O000007xkXmQAI) asked a question.

May 13, 2015 at 2:56 PM (/s/question/0D54O000061wt2BSAQ/attribute-help-for-beginner)

Attribute Help for beginner!!!

as creating a BOM list for assemblies.

The big questions I need answered are:

1. How do you successfully create an attribute for a part?

Any help would be appreciated!

32 answers 2.58K views

Like Answer Share

Top Rated Answers

If all you want to do is to add Part Attributes on-the-ﬂy, simply go to...

File -> Properties -> Attributes

...and create the needed attributes in your part ﬁle.

File -> Utilities -> Attribute Templates...

have a part ﬁle open by going to...

File -> Properties -> Attributes

when you want to provide someone a simple 'binary' choice.

Selected as Best Like

If all you want to do is to add Part Attributes on-the-ﬂy, simply go to...

File -> Properties -> Attributes

...and create the needed attributes in your part ﬁle.

File -> Utilities -> Attribute Templates...

have a part ﬁle open by going to...

File -> Properties -> Attributes

when you want to provide someone a simple 'binary' choice.

Selected as Best Like Reply

This is perfect! This is exactly what I needed to get a jump start.

noses out of it...for your sake.

change at the time it was made.

was coming NEXT.

"It's Unigraphics at its core!"

release like NX 10.0

Yup, Unigraphics at its core. Even in 10.

just say UG or UGNX

so I can go back to using it?

Sometime ago I was in the same situation like you are.

correct me if I’m wrong.)

show information and also as ﬁlter tool. (=NX’s object/Feature attributes?)

curser to the next box.)

directly in the File Attributes (This is what I think is correct).

correct? Or, am I wrong on that?

you have multiple sheets.

if you have the NX9 docs loaded:

Yes, that's exactly what's happening.

You are welcome.

developments are geared towards that.

“DB_DWG_TEMPLATE_” to get the part attributes.

to leverage what is there.

the cell, got the same error.

Have you looked at the Drawing System Attributes

It looks like the one you need to use is: <W@$SH_MASTER_PART_NAME>

Hey @lonesome-joe (https://community.sw.siemens.com/s/proﬁle/0054O000007xtmHQAQ),

Note: I restarted NX at 01:47.

This video content is no longer available.

After some troubleshooting, it works ﬁne. Thank you VERY much.

be able to use these models and there's a BUNCH of them Thanx

choose "$PART_NAME" as shown in the movie below:

This video content is no longer available.

Thanks again for all your help!

model ﬁle, and it comes in blank. Is it a writeable attribute? Thanx.

What is a Power Spectral Density (PSD)?