Using GLOB_CONTEXT to stop object from printing

[derekjackson]

Hi,
we'd like to make a 2D object that displays on screen, but won't print - similar to Hotspots or Section lines.

Can this be achieved using GLOB_CONTEXT? I can't see a code for 'print' at all.

Or is there another option?

Any help appreicated!

Cheers,

Derek

[Erika Epstein]

I don't know the GDL solution, but you can have a "working layer combination" which has a layer that shows this object and a similar "print layer combination" that doesn't include it.

[derekjackson]

Hmm, it's an idea, but not ideal. We'd like to use the potential object to help with designing layouts, so it's something that'd need to sit on a layout master template. And we don't really want to have to get into turning layers on and off within the masters.

A code solution would be preferable - any thoughts? Anyone known what the GLOB_CONTEXT = 8 (Layout) refers to?

[Barry Kelly]

GLOB_CONTEXT = 8 could be used to stop an object's script from running - hence making it invisible.

i.e.
if GLOB_CONTEXT = 8 then
END
endif

But this would stop you even seeing the object let alone not letting it print.
This will only activate if the object is place in a layout directly - so you could place it in the plan and you would see it there.
But if placed in the plan you would still see it in the layout because it is only a view of the plan in the layout. Because the object was not placed in the layout it wouldn't disappear.
I'm not sure if I explained that so well.


I was thinking you could try making the object with white pens (these won't print) but the layout pages are white and this won't help.
There is nothing that you can do about this and the pen visibility option in the work environment has no effect in the layout book.

You could add an on/off switch to your object so that you could turn it off when not needed but then if it is in the Master layout you would have to open that to turn it off.

The best option I think is a new layer combination so you can turn it on when needed as Erika suggested.
Barry.

[Anonymous]

isn't this situation something that Trace was meant for? i was also trying to think of a way to do this with gdl but couldn't figure out anything until Trace came to my mind as you can trace anything, as well another master.

[Pertti Paasky]

Can You just give the object a scale when it is visible? For exaple 2d script:
if a_<50 then end
It means that when 2d scale>1/50 then the object is invisible. 3d behaves the same way if needed. No Layers. You can also put the object in some other drawing or floor and trace it in Your drawing.

[Erika Epstein]

sinatropus wrote:
isn't this situation something that Trace was meant for? i was also trying to think of a way to do this with gdl but couldn't figure out anything until Trace came to my mind as you can trace anything, as well another master.

Agree, another solution is to have the object in a worksheet or detail window that can be shown as trace reference.

[Anonymous]

Barry wrote:
...I was thinking you could try making the object with white pens (these won't print) but the layout pages are white and this won't help.....
Barry.

ooppss re-read post, ignore the following
Actually if you only want to see this object in the saved views, this might work if you keep your screen an off white.

I keep mine off white so I can see my white-out fills and it's a bit easier on my eyes.
And just did a test with a white pen and it was quite readable.
lec

[derekjackson]

Cheers chaps,
all helpful ideas.

Thing is, I need to be quite realistic about how people would actually use these, and in a lot of cases the other staff just wouldn't bother, and would line stuff up by eye instead. Changing screen colours etc would cause more fuss than solutions!

We were after a solution that takes zero effort on the final user's part, hence hoping to create a 'hot line' object.

Guess we'll just have to set up a hotspot grid for layouts instead.

Thanks for the ideas.

Derek

[rocorona]

Not quite sure the trace system is the best solution, as it will prevent the trace to be used for it's real use (have another view superimposed). ut not better ideas from me.

I think there is some space for a wish: "static" guide-lines (that only go away with an explicit command) *and* a GUIDELINE2 command in GDL.