5.8.2.1.15.5.  Create previews per line

If you want to provide different preview images for each line in projects, you can achieve this with the context menu command Generate preview images per line [Create previews per line] (value range fields are not taken into account).

Whenever parts of a project differ not only in size but also in form this is a great advantage.

Now, in the search results, you can recognize small differences already in the preview image, what makes part selection without large 3d preview easier.

List of characteristics under "Search results [Search results] "

List of characteristics under "Search results [Search results] "

The display in the CloudMap also benefits: the sliding blocks at the top and top right would otherwise have ended up in just one cluster.

CloudMap with different clusters

CloudMap with different clusters

The function is also available in Cloud Navigator, Reports and Component Comparison.

Technical details

  • Call

    Preview images are generated in PARTproject generated. The standard command for this is still Generate [Generate image data/preview images] image data/preview images. See Section 5.8.2.1.15.4, “ Generate image data/preview images in batch run ” image data/preview images.

    To generate the preview images per line, use the command Generate preview images per line [Create previews per line].

    Since all graphics should have the same style no settings dialog is displayed at this place and the generation starts at once. When using a 64bit PARTproject the generation happens in several threads in parallel, what results in considerable time savings (especially for large catalogs).

    [Note]Note

    Only preview images that do not yet exist or for which the "GeomDate" is out of date are generated. This means that only the first generation is time-consuming. In addition, the PARTqaChecker reports when preview images are outdated.

  • Through the generation two additional files are created per project (.prj):

    • _ppl_0.png

      Overall image with all preview images of the project: On this see next point.

    • .preview

      For each png file there is a configuration file, which stores the information which line corresponds to which preview image in the overall image.

  • All preview images are arranged in one single png overall image. So less memory space is required.

    Preview images are created with transparent background.

    Example for a .png with all the preview images of a table

    Example for a .png with all the preview images of a table

  • Before publishing the preview images have to be created anew, whereby, thanks to GEOMDATE only the changed geometries are created. The QAchecker checks whether all preview images are up-to-date.

  • Compatibility to older PARTsolutions versions is given because in this case the new files are simply not used.