Command: Export to block

Procedure

Export to block () command opens TCG Block Manager window, used for creating blocks.
These blocks contain vector graphics that can later be inserted into the layouts and printed (see Create Appendix command).

Export to block () command can be found on the toolbars of the following windows:

The entire workspace content in the moment of running Export to block () command will be exported to the block.

E.g. If we are in “Fiber” mode in the schematic diagram and we’ve shown the fibers in circuit names’ colors, while the fibers are grouped unlimitedly, then a block displaying exactly that will be created, just the way it appears in the schematic diagram window (think of it as a print screen where even invisible parts of workspace are captured and the result is a vector graphic rather than raster).

Procedure

Note:

The further text describes the procedure of exporting fiber plan to block, in order to prepare it for printing.
The procedure is the same every time you run the command, regardless of the window from which you run the command or the content which is captured and exported to the block.

First, prepare everything in the FO Schematic Diagram window, so as to get the desired display (Figure 1).

Figure 1

In the example we’ve chosen the mode “Fibers", we’ve set the fibers’ display so that they are in circuit names’ colors and we’ve grouped fibers unlimitedly.

In addition, from the Floating Pane window (Legend tab) we’ve taken the fiber circuit name legend and inserted it next to the schematic diagram (Figure 2).
(Legend window is opened by clicking on Display Floating Pane icon () located at the toolbar of the FO Schematic Diagram window.)

Figure 2

Now that everything is prepared, run Export to block () command from FO Schematic Diagram window toolbar.
TCG Block Manager window opens (Figure 3).

Figure 3

Click on New Block ( ) icon to open the window (Figure 4) in which we assign the block name in the „Label” field.
Based on the block name, the program automatically generates the "Block Name" (since the name needs to comply with certain rules).
Finally, the user adds a brief description of the block (optional).

Figure 4

By clicking Accept a new block is created, which is then stored in the appropriate directory (Figure 5).
Block content is everything that you saw in the FO Schematic Diagram window (Figure 1).

Figure 5

A block gets created by clicking Accept button, and the program displays window (Figure 6) to inform you that the task is successfully completed.

Figure 6

Now that the block is created, we can insert it to into the layout or the site plan drawing, as described on Create Appendix page.