Generic is the only method available for identifying alignments.

Generic is the only method available for identifying Called Subroutines.

Generic is the only method available for identifying comments.

Spc queries can be identified using either the Generic or By Type method.

Dimensions can be identified using either the Generic or By Type method. If the By Type method is used, identifications can be similar to each dimension type, or different based on individual need.

Feature Control Frames can be identified using either the Generic or By Type method.

Features can be identified using either the Generic or By Type method.

If the By Type method is selected, the color used to display the feature ID can also be altered.

If the Show All ID check box is selected and you click Apply, PC-DMIS will display all feature ID labels in the Graphics Display window for all features from the current cursor location to the end of the part program. Newly created features will also show their ID. If this check box is deselected and you click Apply, all features IDs from current cursor location to the end of the part program are hidden. Newly created features still get created in the Edit window, but the ID label doesn't appear in the Graphics Display window.

If the Color option is selected (marked) all features created after the Apply button is pressed will be effected. (Features created prior to the color change will not be replaced.)

Pointcloud Operators can be identified using either the Generic or By Type method.

Generic is the only method available for identifying labels.

Generic is the only method available for identifying variables.

By Type lets you set the identification for each element type (for example: circle, cone, cylinder, line, plane, point, sphere, and so on).

Generic will apply the same identification system regardless of feature (dimension) type.

PC-DMIS has no inherent limit on the number of letters used for identifications. However, the Graphic Display area and Edit window have limits on the ID length. Even if the Edit window does not show the complete ID, PC-DMIS will internally keep track of the complete identification.

For example:
ID Length = 10, ID Letters = CIRCLE.
PC-DMIS will generate an ID = CIRCLE0001, etc. This is done only if the Length is set.

For example:
F1[3]=POINT MEASURED FROM 1 HIT
Shows that the feature, F1, is measured here for the third (designated by the number three in brackets) time.

The format of the bracketed expression can be controlled using the array_indices object. See "Array Indices Object" in the "Using Expressions and Variables" section.

### Setup Options: ID Setup tab

Setup Options dialog box-ID Setup tab

It is important to keep track of IDs already set when changing an identification. It is possible to have ID duplication through multiple changes to this option. | The ID Setup tab allows you to alter the format used to identify alignments, dimensions, features, comments, labels, variables, and other items. To access this option: 1. Access the Setup Options dialog box (Edit | Preferences | Setup). 2. Select the ID setup tab.

The default ID Setup option is Generic. As each feature is created, PC-DMIS will assign it an ID beginning with the letter F, followed by a number (incrementally set from the starting number of one). You may choose to override this setting by selecting options in this tab.

Feature ID Rules When modifying IDs, follow these rules:

- Do not use space characters (use an underscore instead)

- Do not duplicate feature names for different features.

- Do not use names that are identical to PC-DMIS keywords or commands (ALIGN, PROBE, OFFSET, and many more).

- Do not share names between ID types. For example, an alignment ID should not have the same ID as a feature ID or a label ID.

- All IDs should be alphanumeric. You may use an underscore or a dash.

- IDs should start with a letter.

- Avoid using these miscellaneous characters: @ # $ % & * ( ) + = / \ [ ] { }

While PC-DMIS does not prevent you from changing a feature ID to anything you want, ignoring these rules may cause problems with expressions, reporting, or how that ID functions with routines that use other products (like DataPage+, Excel and so on).

Options in the ID Setup Tab

Item | Description
Labels For list | The Labels For drop-down list allows you to select the identification that will be used for these items: (See "Labeling Method")

Alignments | Call Subs
Comments | Spc Queries
Dimensions | Feature Control Frames
Features | Pointcloud Operators
Labels |
Variables |

Labeling Method list | This drop down window allows you to select between By Type and Generic identification methods. By Type Generic
Starting Letters box | The Starting Letters box determines the first letter(s) that will be used in the identification process. PC-DMIS will always display the ID using capital letters. Note: In various dialog boxes where the ID is displayed, if you modify the ID there, PC-DMIS will display a prompt asking you if you would like to change the default ID for that item type.
Starting Number box | The Starting Number box determines the first number that will be used in the identification process. Any number between 1 and 9999 can be entered. Note: In various dialog boxes where the ID is displayed, if you modify only the number portion of an ID, the counter may be reset to a desired count
Label Length check box | The Label Length check box determines the length of the identification. Selecting it displays a small edit box, into which you can type a number value. The check box must be selected in order for this option to be active. If this length is set, PC-DMIS will append zeros to the ID letters to make up the necessary length.
Display Brackets for Feature Arrays check box | The Display Brackets for Feature Arrays check box determines whether array brackets are displayed with IDs for commands executed more than once. When selected, the inspection report displays which instance of the command's execution is being referenced.
Apply button | The Apply button applies the changes described in "Labeling Method") to any feature identifications. These changes only apply to feature IDs. If the Apply button is not pressed, PC-DMIS will continue to assign feature identifications using the previous method listed.

Note: If duplicate IDs are assigned, PC-DMIS will notify you that you must have a unique ID for any feature, dimension etc.

Default button | The Default button allows you to update the default settings to all of the ID Setup parameters. When a new part program is created, it will reflect any changes made to the parameters, only if the Default button is clicked. For additional information on Default buttons, see the "Default" topic in the "Navigating the User Interface" section.

Note: Always press the Apply button after a change is made (before pressing the OK or Default buttons).