default comment text, position, font

[vixo]

Is there a way to define default font and position for a component PCB view? Currently I have to go through EVERY component, changing the font size, stroke -> truetype, then the font, then the position. I waste so much time doing this stuff! Surely there must be a way to do all this by default?

- just realised I can use the PCB editor to change the font and size for everything at once if I match only comment text rather than all strings with a find similar objects search. But I still have to move all the comments to where I want them, which is nearly always the same place on the component! Any ideas? Help much appreciated       

[D3f1ant]

For any new boards, you can set the defaults in 'preferences->pcb editor->defaults->components.

For existing boards, you can as you have already half discovered, use 'PCB Inspector' to change the fonts and positions for selections.

[T3sl4co1l]

Don't forget the PCB Filter panel, so you can do powerful queries like
IsComponent AND (Name Like 'R*')
to select all the resistors.

Then go to Inspector, click the "Designator" link and change the properties, e.g. size, autoposition.

I don't think there's any way to change the autoposition offset, unfortunately.  While you have the Designators selected, you can M,S (Move Selection) to get them closer.  Don't forget to switch them to Manual autopositioning, otherwise their positions will reset next time you move the components.

Or save a step by filtering:
IsDesignator AND (Component Like 'R*')


Or filter by rotation (you can't filter by a designator's component angle; you have to select the components first, then follow the link) and position rotated labels, or...

Tim

[D3f1ant]

Don't forget the PCB Filter panel, so you can do powerful queries like
IsComponent AND (Name Like 'R*')
to select all the resistors.

Then go to Inspector, click the "Designator" link and change the properties, e.g. size, autoposition.

I don't think there's any way to change the autoposition offset, unfortunately.  While you have the Designators selected, you can M,S (Move Selection) to get them closer.  Don't forget to switch them to Manual autopositioning, otherwise their positions will reset next time you move the components.

Or save a step by filtering:
IsDesignator AND (Component Like 'R*')


Or filter by rotation (you can't filter by a designator's component angle; you have to select the components first, then follow the link) and position rotated labels, or...

Tim

Yeah I have requested they add a way adjust offset defaults before,  years ago... still waiting.
At least if you select all the designators, then auto position and rotate you can then  move the whole selection to get a good head start.