Product(s):	OpenBuildings Designer
	Version(s):	2024, 2023 and CONNECT Edition
	Area:	Architectural Design
	Subarea:	PC Studio

Problem

I need to modify existing PAZ door cells from the UK dataset to add rectangular 2D symbols representing zones where hardware might be installed, as shown in this image: 

Those symbols should move with the door leaf itself.  I also would like to know whether it's possible to add an angle variable to show the 3D and/or 2D leaf symbols either open or closed. 

Solution

The delivered PAZ door cells already include properties to independently control both the 3D and 2D leaf geometry angles:

To create the 2D hardware zone symbols in PC Studio:

- Set the active segment to Plan2d, then from Tools > Options > Path Preferences set the Default Left and Right Width Values to something small (1mm used in this example) and click OK.

- Click on the Edit Snap Set icon, select the 2D door symbol and press the Enter key to accept: the 2D door symbol will now display using a red, dashed linestyle.

- Using the Create Path2d tool, snap to the outer vertex of the door leaf symbol and place a rectangular shape, choosing an appropriate width value (34mm in this case), and set the length to "=DoorLeaf1DesignWidth" so that it always matches the leaf width itself. Repeat the same steps to create another 2D shape on the other side of the door leaf.

- With the door leaf symbol still part of the Edit Snap Set, click on the outer vertex of the hardware symbol, click on it again so it snaps to the door leaf vertex, then hit the Enter key to accept. This aligns the position of the two vertices so when adjusting the Leaf1Angle variable the 2D hardware symbol moves with it.

- Use the Define Auto Component tool to create a component from each 2D shape. In this example we've used the names "Inner_2" and "Outer_3".

- In order to set the symbology, right-click on the Component, choose Properties, and from the Attributes tab right-click and select New. Set the first attribute name to _TF_PARTFAMNAME, the value to an applicable Family, and the Type to String. Repeat the same process to add the attribute _TF_PARTNAME and assign the desired Part from the chosen Family.  The selected Part will define the Level, Color, Linestyle and Line Weight of the hardware zone symbols.

- Once complete, choose File > Publish to create your new PAZ file in the appropriate folder, and select that PAZ cell for your door catalog item. 

Your door should look something like this:

 

Note: You can also link the 3D door leaf angle to the 2D symbol leaf angle so they are always in sync.  To do so, set the value of the variable Leaf1Angle3d to "=Leaf1Angle" and republish the PAZ if needed. 

Below is how the door should behave using all of the steps above.