PKTEXT

PKTEXT is a command that allows text insertion with a dynamic method. The text can be typed in a pop-up dialog box as a single line or a multi-line entity. Once the OK button is pressed, the text appears in real-time at the cursor (see figure) for proper visual positioning. Prior to positioning the text, several dynamic effects can be added on-the-fly, providing the user visual feedback as to how the text will look upon finishing the command. The primary effects can be found on the command line prompt:

• SHIFT = 15° snap rotate
• CTRL = Dynamic scaling
• SHIFT+CTRL = Continuous rotation

Although the more powerful dynamic effects are not prompted. Dynamic “Letter Switch” shortcuts have been coded into PKTEXT. While the user moves the text around with the cursor, on-the-fly justification and character styles can be chosen prior to completing the text insertion. In the figure above, dynamic placement is shown with R and F justification, just prior to inserting the text at the Endpoint of the arrow. The Letter Switches are:

• H = Help... this brings up a Help dialog box that explains the switches, displays the current settings and allows direct feature editing (see figure below).
• I = Italic text
• S = Strong (bold) text
• U = Underline text
• O = Outline only

• L = Left justify
• C = Center justify
• R = Right justify
• B = Bottom justify
• M = Mid justify
• T = Top justify
• F = Far justify
• N = Near justify
• D = Reset the Text Style to the current (default) Text Style
• K = Keep is a quick way to update the current settings to become the default. The new setting will be reflected in FastCAD’s Text Styles.

Arrow keys also effect the dynamic text prior to insertion. Up/Down arrows increment and decrement the first numeral found in the text string. Left/Right arrows do the same for a second group of numerals found in the text screen. This feature is commonly used by electrical designers who layout cables, connectors and label pins.

To call this command, you can type PKTEXT at the command line. However, the most productive way to use PK Data commands is to integrate them into the Menu and Icon Bar, so that they can be called efficiently when you are drawing.

Before editing your menu, it is recommended that you backup the menu file. It can be found in the root directory of FastCAD or EasyCAD and is called FCW7.MNU or ECW7.MNU respectively. The backup file can come in handy if things do not work well after editing, you can always return to the original factory menu. In the CAD program’s root directory, you can find and launch NED4.EXE. FastCAD provides this as a text editor for making such customized changes. Use File > Open... to begin editing FCW7.MNU or ECW7.MNU. Scroll down to the Draw menu and find the “Text>” sub-menu area to make the following changes:

Notice that three related PK data text command are also included, along with menu seperation lines. PKTEDIT is a dynamic text editing tool and can be placed in this sub menu section, however it is recommended that an additional PKTEDIT menu entry be included in the Edit menu area.

Before editing your Icon bar configuration, it is recommended that you backup the configuration file. It can be found in the root directory of FastCAD or EasyCAD and is called FCW7.CFG or ECW7.CFG respectively. The backup file can come in handy if things do not work well after editing, you can always return to the original factory configuration. In the CAD program’s root directory, you can find and launch NED4.EXE. FastCAD provides this as a text editor for making such customized changes. Use File > Open... to begin editing FCW7.CFG or ECW7.CFG. The example below moves the code for FastCAD’s native single line text to the Right-Click icon pick. PKTEXT is coded as the Left-Click pick. Both commands can complement each other, by right-clicking, the user can type text on the fly at the on-screen cursor, or left-click to benefit from the many dynamic PKTEXT features.

If you prefer to have separate icons for PKTEXT and TEXT, consult the FastCAD Help files to learn how to add custom icon artwork and the command code to your configuration. If you need support, consult the Evolution Computing community’s bulletin board at the link below. The community is always open to helping users who are learning to customize the look and feel of their CAD software.

http://fastcad.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php