Entity Type "Object" (Entities)

This entity represents the smallest display element of drawings. An object may be a line, a circle, a text etc. It consists of a header, geometrical data and some object-specific data.

For basic structure of the entity type "Object" see MKI_ENTITY_OBJECT.

Standard Objects

Standard objects are "simple" objects that can be assembled of lines, circle parts and ellipse parts.

Extended Objects

Extended objects are more complex than standard objects. Such object cannot directly be handled by trimming and other modifications. Instead, they will have to be resolved in polylines before. This requires additional processing time and leads to reduced precision.

Dimension Objects

Dimension objects are usually used to add dimensions to a drawing. In addition, they can be used to create simple arrows. Dimensions are very complex and should be handled carefully.

The following image shows the different elements of a distance dimension and their names. These names are also equally valid for other dimension forms:

Dimensions are always referring to a coordinate system. This coordinate system contains all required information about the current entities, the scale and the desired number display modes.

The examples shown in this section are mainly not according to DIN rules. Instead, their purpose is to display all possible forms of dimension available in compact form.

Text Objects

Text objects are used for the lettering of the drawing and are basically implemented as a multi-instance of characters.

Construction Aid Objects

Construction Aid objects are used to create an auxiliary Construction Aid for easy and fast construction. They are not relevant for printer or plotter output (except if explicitly activated by the user) and will only be displayed on the screen. Construction Aid objects can usually be ignored during file conversion.

Supplementary Objects

Supplementary objects usually exist only in special location such as display or data lists of extended entities.