When you add or edit a catalog element, you can modify the formula used to generate the element's name if you are using automatic name generation. Formulas are made up of variables (like Element Class and Element Type) and separators (spaces, symbols or characters).
Editing an element’s name generation formula sets the formula for any new elements you create of that type. For example, if you edit the name generation formula for an 8” Brick Wall, any new walls you add to the catalog will use the new formula if you use automatic name generation.
To modify the formula used for an element's automatic name generation:
Select File > Catalogs > Catalog Manager, or right-click an element in the catalog panel and select Catalog Manager.
Select the appropriate element type from the Element drop box.
Select the element to edit.
Select Catalog > Element Properties, or right-click and select Properties.
Click the Options button to the right of the Auto Name check box. The Automatic Name Generation dialog for that element type is displayed. The right pane (titled Used Variables and Separators) displays the current formula.
To remove a component from the formula, select it and click Remove, or press the left arrow key on your keyboard.
To add a component to the formula, select the desired variable or separator in the Available Variables or Available Separators window and click Add, or press the right arrow key on your keyboard.
To move a component in the formula, select the component and click Move Up or Move Down.
When you have finished modifying the formula, click OK to close the Automatic Name Generation dialog.
Click OK to close the element's properties dialog.
See Also: Using Automatic Name Generation