Issues with Symbols Containing Attribute-Only Nested Blocks in HyDraw

Issues with Symbols Containing Attribute-Only Nested Blocks in HyDraw

Issue

When a symbol contains a nested block that includes only attributes (such as model properties or Cavity Name) and no graphical entities, the following issues may occur after placing the symbol in a drawing:

  1. The balloon does not follow the item number when moved.
  2. The Net List command throws an unhandled exception.
  3. The Connection Lines command does not display the green connection dot on the symbol.


Cause
The issue occurs when a nested block inside the symbol contains only attributes and no graphical entities (such as a line, circle, etc.).
This situation typically happens when:
  1. The nested block is created by selecting only attribute definitions.
  2. During Convert to HyDraw, the user selects blocks together with DWG graphical entities or creates a nested block only for displaying attribute information.
HyDraw requires at least one graphical entity inside each nested block for proper symbol behavior.

Resolution / Workarounds

Option 1: Modify the Nested Block
  1. Open the symbol for editing.
  2. Locate the nested block used to display the cavity properties.
  3. Edit the nested block.
  4. Add a small graphical entity, such as:
    A short line, or
    A small circle.
  5. Save the block and update the symbol.
After adding a graphical entity:
  1. The balloon will follow the item number correctly.
  2. The Net List command will run without exception.
  3. The green connection dot will appear when using the Connection Lines command.

Option 2: Remove the Attribute-Only Block
If the nested block is not required:
  1. Edit the symbol.
  2. Delete the nested block that contains only attributes.
  3. Save and update the symbol.

Recommended Best Practice
When creating symbols:
  1. Do not convert blocks and DWG graphical entities together directly into a HyDraw symbol.
  2. Instead:
    Convert the required graphical entities into a HyDraw symbol first.
    Then add the attributes inside the HyDraw symbol.
This allows attributes to be modified by selecting the symbol and avoids issues related to nested blocks.

Summary
Nested blocks that contain only attributes are not fully supported in HyDraw symbols. Ensure that every nested block contains at least one graphical entity to avoid unexpected errors or issues.