1Overview
Global Attribute Prefills are category-scoped defaults for data shared across assets. A single preset can be saved to several categories, while different category groups can keep different values.
Preparing to create a batch of similar assets, changing owner/status/component defaults, or correcting a category preset.
2Before you begin
- Initialise the project.
- Identify which asset classes should share the same values.
- Confirm whether saved categories may be overwritten.
3How global presets are stored and applied
The category key, not the visible ribbon group, selects the saved preset.
| Feature or choice | Current behaviour |
|---|---|
| Category scope | Presets are saved independently under selected asset categories.Different networks or disciplines can retain different defaults. |
| Set flow | Creates a new preset and warns before replacing categories with saved values.Accidental overwrites are visible. |
| Edit flow | Lets the user choose among saved category presets and loads the selected preset into the form.Existing groups can be corrected without retyping every value. |
| Asset creation | The asset category determines which global preset is merged into the new asset.The same command can support a mixed-discipline project. |
4Set and edit category presets
Scope each preset narrowly so later asset creation remains predictable.
Open global attributes
The command chooses Set or Edit flow based on saved data.
- Run
ADACGlobalAttributes. - With no saved presets, the Set form opens directly.
- With saved presets, choose whether to set new categories or edit existing ones.
Choose categories
Scope the preset before saving.
- Select one or more applicable categories.
- Do not include unrelated classes simply to avoid reopening the form.
- Continue only when at least one category is selected.
Enter and save values
Only reusable defaults belong here.
- Enter global attribute values.
- Review required/profile-controlled fields.
- Confirm the overwrite prompt for categories that already contain a preset.
Create additional presets
Repeat for categories that need different values.
- Choose to set more global attributes after
ADACNew, or rerun this command later. - Select a different category group.
- Create an asset and confirm the intended defaults appear.
5Product differences
The task is shared where possible, but selection, interface integration and model operations follow the host shown below.
Category presets are stored with project/drawing data and applied by AutoCAD asset creation.
BCAD shares the same category store and merge logic.
Global defaults are managed by the shared form and are applied when DCAD attributes native 12d elements through Generate, Edit, Annotation, Dimension and Bulk workflows.
6Troubleshooting
No categories are available
Verify that a valid profile or Base Schema is loaded and the GlobalAssetAttributes definition exists.
A saved value did not appear on a new asset
Check the asset's actual category, then edit that category's preset. Asset-specific prefills can also override or add specific values.
Several categories now have the wrong values
Run the command, choose Edit, select the affected preset/category group and save the corrected values. Review the overwrite list before confirming.