Data Tag Functions List?

[Bruce Kieffer]

Is there somewhere that shows the available functions that can be used with a data tag?

[Jonathan Pickup]

When you edit the layout, you can select a text object, assign the dynamic text, and then in the dialogue box that follows you can choose from the seven options that are there and each option will give you the functions are available. But I don't know where to find all of these written down. 

I'm not sure this will help you Bruce, but I'm just created a YouTube movie to show where to find all the different functions. It's just a short YouTube movie so it doesn't cover things in detail.

 

 

[Pat Stanford]

I don't think I have ever seen a list of Data Tag functions other than the list in the menus of the Dynamic Text editor.

 

For the Worksheet Functions, you can access the function reference here:  https://developer.vectorworks.net/index.php?title=Worksheet_Functions#Logic

[Bruce Kieffer]

Thanks @Jonathan Pickup and @Pat Stanford. The movie was very helpful, and I think Pat is correct that the only available tags are those in the Dynamic Text editor.

[Tom W.]

4 hours ago, Bruce Kieffer said:

the only available tags are those in the Dynamic Text editor

 

The exception being the worksheet functions for which only a selection are listed: for the full range of options you need to refer to the function reference like Pat says.

 

Plus I think Pat did something very clever with a worksheet script which opens up even more possibilities, but I can't remember what it was...!

[Bruce Kieffer]

I tried the MaterialName() function with a Data Tag. I can make it work on a design layer, but not in a viewport as an annotation. Is there a way to do that? It would be nice for me to be able to "tag" the objects in the VP to show what Material they have associated.

[Tom W.]

Yes it should work in a VP too. Not sure why it's not working for you.

You can use the object function #MATERIAL# or the worksheet function #WS_MATERIALNAME#: they will both do the same thing.

[Bruce Kieffer]

2 hours ago, Tom W. said:

Yes it should work in a VP too. Not sure why it's not working for you.

You can use the object function #MATERIAL# or the worksheet function #WS_MATERIALNAME#: they will both do the same thing.

I did some testing and I think I can't data tag the material because the VP is of a symbol, and Vectorworks does not see the individual components of the symbol in the VP. I added another VP with a cube with Red Oak material to my sheet. The data tag works on that.

[Tom W.]

3 minutes ago, Bruce Kieffer said:

I can't data tag the material because the VP is of a symbol

 

Correct. So presumably when it worked on the Design Layer you weren't tagging a symbol...?

 

You can tag objects inside Groups but not inside symbols...

 

Another option in your case would be to place the tag inside the symbol + control its visibility by class i.e. turn it on in VPs as required.

[Bruce Kieffer]

3 minutes ago, Tom W. said:

Correct. So presumably when it worked on the Design Layer you weren't tagging a symbol...?

Yes.

3 minutes ago, Tom W. said:

You can tag objects inside Groups but not inside symbols...

Good to know.

 

3 minutes ago, Tom W. said:

Another option in your case would be to place the tag inside the symbol + control its visibility by class i.e. turn it on in VPs as required.

That's a good workaround. I will give it a try. Thanks.

[Tom W.]

If you place a Data Tag inside a symbol you should enable 'Use world-based units' in the tag settings.