Object Browser

The Object Browser lists objects (e.g., root objects, attribute bundles, saved clipboard objects, etc.) in a ZW3D file. Unlike the ZW3D Object Manager, which only lists the root objects in an opened file, this browser lists a variety of objects depending on the type of input requested by the active command.

When first displayed, the Object Browser lists the objects in the active file by default. The drop down list contains each opened file in the active session for easy access. The folder icon allows you to select any other ZW3D file. Like the ZW3D Object Manager, you can preview graphics and attributes associated with a selected object (may be disabled in some cases).

File and Objects

This field displays the ZW3D file being browsed. By default the active file is selected. The drop down list contains the files currently opened by the active session. You can pick the folder icon to display the File Browser and select any other ZW3D file.

This list contains all objects of a specific type in the selected ZW3D file. Depending on the object type being requested (root objects, attribute bundles, etc.), this list may vary.

Preview

Check this box to disable preview mode. Selecting an object from the list satisfies the active command prompt and the Object Browser is closed.

Check this box to preview the graphics associated with a selected object. This only applies to those objects containing graphic data such as root objects, symbols, etc. The object will be displayed in the preview window with the current viewing mode. Use the View Menu to set the display mode for previewing graphics. Pick OK to accept the object for selection and close the Object Browser.

Check this box to preview the part attributes of a selected root object. You can pick OK now to accept the root object for selection and close the Object Browser or use the displayed Part Attributes Form to derive a new root object or filter the Object Browser list. Each procedure is explained below.

Accepts the selected object and closes the Object Browser. Use this button during the Graphics and Attributes preview modes (see above).

Using the Part Attributes Form

With the preview mode of the Object Browser set to Attributes and a root object selected, the Part Attributes Form is displayed. Note that the Derive new part and the Filter list by checked items buttons are now active.

You can now create a family of parts based on key driving dimensions or variables or filter the Object Browser based on checked attributes. See below for each option. Also refer to the Part Attributes Form for assigning part attributes and driving dimensions or variables.

Creates a new part based on the driving dimension or variable values. The new part will contain all of the attributes previewed in the Part Attributes Form. It will also contain all of the geometry of the part it was derived from as well as any modifications to the driving dimensions or variables.

Modify the attributes as desired and then pick the Derive button. Enter a name for the new part and then pick OK to create it. It will be added to the Object Browser list.

Filters the Object Browser (see above) based on the attributes, driving dimensions or variables checked. Filtering by part attributes (e.g., by Designer) is practical for all part. Filtering by driving dimensions or variables is practical for families of parts.

Place a check in the box next to the attribute you want to filter by and then enter a value in the input field that you want to search for. Pressing the Filter button will then filter the Object Browser list.

In this Article:

Object Browser

File and Objects

Preview

Using the Part Attributes Form

Notes