PCB_Cmd-ManageSmartUnionsManageSmartUnions_AD

Applied Parameters: Action=Explode | Object=LengthTuning

Summary

This command is used to convert a chosen length tuning object to its constituent primitives. A length tuning 'accordion' is a 'smart union' - a group object that is comprised of primitive track and/or arc segments. As such, it can be selected, modified and deleted as a single object.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the Tools » Convert » Explode Length Tuning To Free Primitives command from the main menus.
• Right-clicking in the workspace (over an object or not) and choosing the Unions » Explode Length Tuning To Free Primitives command from the context menu.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to select a length tuning object. Position the cursor over the required length tuning object to explode and click, or press Enter. The single, smart union object will be reverted back to its individual track and/or arc primitives.

Continue to explode further length tuning objects, or right-click, or press Esc, to exit.

Tips

1. If an accordion object is already selected when the command is launched, it will be converted, but you will not remain in conversion mode.
2. Although there is no actual command to regroup an exploded length tuning object, you can use the Undo command to achieve this.

Applied Parameters: Action=Explode | Object=OLEObject

Summary

This command is used to convert a chosen OLE object to its constituent region and/or text primitives. Support for Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) technology in the PCB Editor allows data supplied by Windows OLE applications to be embedded in a PCB design while actively linked back to the source application. In many cases, this allows the embedded PCB data to be edited from within the application that created it. Typical objects that might be placed in a PCB document include common Excel documents, Word documents or graphics objects from a suitable OLE image application.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by choosing the Tools » Convert » Explode OLE Object To Free Primitives command, from the main menus.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to select an OLE object. Position the cursor over the required OLE object to explode and click, or press Enter. The object will be reverted back to its individual region and/or text string primitives.

Continue to explode further OLE objects, or right-click, or press Esc, to exit.

Tips

1. If an OLEobject is already selected when the command is launched, it will be converted, but you will not remain in conversion mode.
2. A convert to free primitives option is also offered if the matching OLE application cannot be found when attempting to edit an OLE Object.
3. Although there is no actual command to regroup an exploded OLE object, you can use the Undo command to achieve this.