Using an Automatic Counter in SmartProperties



Definition of an automatic meter:

This setting allows you to use variables to define the counter name. This name will be used to identify the automatic counter to be incremented (if one exists) or to create it using the default values defined in the counter type (simple or cumulative).



The list of automatic counters, created with their values, can be found by clicking on the



- First, we'll edit our SmartProperties mask by clicking the Settings button





- Next, we use a "Simple Text" property named PROJECT_NAME,which will allow us to assign a unique number that can be reset based on the value of the PROJECT_NAME property






- Now we need to create a Counter property. So we’ll drag this property into our mask and configure the counter. We’ll also check the “Index when property changes” option and specify the reference property as PROJECT_NAME.






- In the counters section, we'll check the "Advanced " box, then we'll add a new counter.






- You must then check the "Automatic Counter" option and define the counter variable. In our case, this will be the value of the SOLIDWORKS PROJECT_NAME property



- Finally, we'll create a concatenated property, which we can use, for example, to name the file.



CONCATENATION SYNTAX:

 

$PROJECT_NAME&-&$PRODUCT_NUMBER&-&$COMPONENT_NUMBER


$ To retrieve a property value


& To move from one property to another property or to text






Preview in the Properties dialog box:




Setting a new value for the PROJECT_NAME property will then increment the counter if that value already exists, or create it with the default value.





You can view the list of automatic counters, along with their values, by clicking the button