I am unable to rationalize the differences between terminology in Component Editor and Schematic. For example, in the _discrete_sch.eli library that came with DipTrace, there is a +12V symbol.

In Component Editor, the properties of the +12V symbol are as follows.
Type: Free
Template: None
Name: +12V
RefDes: P
Value: (blank)
PartType: NetPort
Part: Part1

In Shematic, the same +12V symbol properties are as follows.
RefDes: NetPort 1
Value: (blank)
Type: +12V
Part RefDes: 1
Part Type: Part 1

And the pin properties of the only pin in the +12V symbol are as follows.
Type: None
Electric: Power
Name: +12V
Number: 1

Please explain the rationale behind these properties. For example, why is the Type "Free" in Component Editor and "+12V" in Schematic. Why is the RefDes "P" in Component Editor and "NetPort 1" in Schematic? Why is the Part Type "NetPort" in Component Editor and "Part 1" in Schematic?

I am trying to create libraries that are logical and consistent, but am finding it very confusing. Is there a written explanation of all this?

Thanks.

Hi,

In Component editor:
"Type" is the name of a wizard, that creates component skeleton in one click. Component may be modified by editing few parameters below the box for choosing the type.
A component library may be saved as a template (Library/ Save Templates). When user creates new component in custom library he can open one of existing "templates" and continue from that point.
"Name" is the field for entering component type. You may enter full manufacturer part number there or enter something shorter.
"Value" is characteristic parameter of a components, i.e. resistance, voltage, etc.
"RefDes" is the field for entering default reference designator. However Schematic changes RefDes for netports, user can change refDes in Schematic as well.
"Part Type" is the box for choosing kind of component or part (for multipart components).
"Part" is name of part. It is shown on the bottom of design area.

In Schematic.
"RefDes" is actual reference designator. Program reads it from component properties, but user or software may change it.
"Value" is actual value of a component. It behaves similar to RefDes.
"Type" is actual component type. It's similar to value.
"Part refdes" is index for multipart component. For example, if you change part refdes from 1 to A for U1, U1.1 becomes U1.A
"Part Type" is name of part.

In pin properties:
"Type" is additional parameter, that adds some graphics to pin.
"Electric" is additional parameter that defines pin function.
"Name" is pin name, it's shown inside of component if enabled.
"Number" is pin number, it's used for association pins to pads within a footprint.

I am still trying to make sense of this. Here is what I discovered today, and I think it's a bug.

In Schematic, when you try to select the marking for components, and then select Type or Type and Part, you get the same thing, which is whatever is in the Name spot in Component Editor. The other choices (Value, etc.) seem to be correct, but these two are wrong.

And how do you change the Default settings in Schematic marking and display?

"Type and Part" makes sense for multipart components only. Otherwise it shows the same as "Type".
If we write another "Type" instead of "Name" in Component editor, it would be much more confusing.

You can find default marking settings in Schematic using "View/ Part marking" from main menu.

Thanks. So there is no way a user can set the default markings so that the program always defaults according to user preferences?

Do you want to set default markings RefDes and value for resistors, RefDes and Type for ICs etc.? It is not possible at the moment.

Please consider making this user definable. A good place could be in the component editor - so for each component one can choose which properties should be displayed per default, an where (e.g. "display refdes on top, and value on bottom"0.

Ok, we will consider this. Thanks.

Considering those options would be a good feature later on for the new release of dip trace.