People ask why we put the “-JS” at the end of our Jump Production Solution Style names. This simple device serves a significant purpose – How do you know the difference between Styles?
AutoCAD Civil 3D doesn’t really care what you name anything, but the odds are it will matter to you pretty quickly.
Coming Attractions
For AUGI World, I recently wrote an article on why and how “We Must Customize AutoCAD Civil 3D’. The upcoming article focuses on the mission critical problem of how we name things in the software. Civil 3D Styles are just one of the places where the Names are pretty important - Consistent “namepaces” must sit behind any successful AutoCAD Civil 3D customization.
Whatever customization you do, it won’t be perfect. Users will change things. Even if they don’t, you will. The following Simple Style Rules work. ‘Nuff Said.
The Simple Style Rules
Never edit a Style in a production drawing.
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This creates chaos and inconsistency in your production drawings and projects.
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You will be tempted to break Rule #1.
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You will do it.
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You will probably regret it later.
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You are much more likely to lose data and/or corrupt styles and related features when you edit styles that are In Use in a drawing.
Always Use Copy and/or New to create a different named version of the style, if you must make a change in a production drawing.
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Take ownership of the Copy by replacing the JS with your initials
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Employ the Apply button when changing tabs and before using the OK button
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Save frequently when editing styles
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If you do not like things and want to change them, do so at the highest level possible.
Always test your results with a standard test drawing that includes both Civil 3D data and typical production Layouts that actually plot on your hardware and that you understand thoroughly.
The Known Good
If you obey the Simple Style Rules, you can not only check project drawings against your current templates, but identify and often quantify where the changes are. When it comes time to upgrade your upgrade will be much easier to manage.
All it really takes is to take some personal ownership and accountability for the problem.