Process Block Diagramming Templates - SmartSketch - Help

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7.1(2011R1)

You use these templates to produce process block diagrams.

  • Imperial Template - This template has imperial units in decimal inches, ANSI sheet sizes, ANSI dimensioning and ANSI text.

  • Metric Template - This template has metric units in millimeters, ISO sheet sizes, ISO dimensioning, and ISO text.

Basic Diagramming symbols are available in the Symbol Explorer for these two templates. The Schematic toolbar containing tools to create diagrams appears on the left of the drawing window.

Setting Up a Process Block Diagram

You can create block diagrams with Maintain Relationships set on or off. It is suggested that you accept the default, Maintain Relationships set off.

Set up the sheet.

  1. Choose an appropriate sheet size and scale that allow enough paper space to draw. The default scale is 1:1.

    Prepare to draw.

  2. Set the drawing aids to your preferences using SmartSketch Settings, Grid Display, and Grid Snap. For more grid options, click the View tab on the Options dialog box to set the grid style to either dynamic or static, and set the static grid to the preferred grid spacing.

    • These settings provide visual feedback to you to improve the workflow while you draw. To create clean diagrams, use Grid Snap with a static grid displayed.

    • Placing symbols and connectors on a static grid produces high quality results.

    • You can set grid display and snap by right clicking.

Drawing a Simple Diagram

  1. Drag symbols from the Symbol Explorer.

  2. Use Connector to connect symbols.

  3. Double-click each symbol to add text.

Drawing an Optimal Diagram

  1. Place basic diagramming symbols by using the pointer to drag from the Symbol Explorer.

  2. Place multiple copies of a symbol by using the right mouse button to drag and by selecting Stamp Here.

  3. While dragging a symbol for placement, use the left/right arrow keys on the keyboard to rotate the symbol dynamically before placement. Use the up/down arrow keys to select different drag points on the symbol before placement.

  4. If you press Alt during symbol placement, the alignment indicators are temporarily disabled, allowing symbol placement with grid snap or visual alignment.

  5. Connect the symbols by using Connector.

  6. When you draw a connector that is not straight, you should set Clearance: to the minimum distance from the symbol so that the first turn in the connector appears.

  7. When you draw a connector to a symbol, approach the symbol from the direction you want the connector placed. As the pointer intent zone nears the symbol, suggested targets for the connector appear.

  8. The connector end point can be located on a target or any other symbol geometry. If you press Alt while drawing a connector, the alignment indicators are temporarily disabled, allowing the connector to be drawn with or without grid snap.

    Double-click symbols to place text in the center of the symbol.

  9. The active text settings in the file are used. To highlight existing text for properties editing or moving, pause the pointer over text until the QuickPick indicator appears.

  10. Then click and select the numbered box that represents the text. Right-click on the highlighted text to edit properties.

  11. To move the highlighted text, click the green lock to unlock. Then with the pointer drag the text to a new position. Note that text is entered in paper units regardless of the sheet scale.

    Finish the diagram.

  12. Use fills and modify the elements in symbols and connectors to enhance the drawing.

The following symbol sets aid in drawing diagrams.

Content

Description

Process Block Diagrams

Common Basic diagramming symbols. You can double-click these symbols to place text. These symbols also have special behaviors for enhanced placement and modification.

To use this functionality, you must install the Process Solutions option.

See Also

Drawing Basic Elements
Drawing Connectors
Create a Template