CAD Tip #2: Displaying Legends
By Morton Block, CMKBD
20-20 Design gives you two options for displaying a legend of your design items. One format is automatic and applies a sequential number on the floorplan or elevation (in no specific order) and moves the cabinet description to a legend listing.
The other format allows you to choose a specific sequence for the numbering items on the floorplan. If you want the legend numbering to be in the same sequence as a quote that has been created from reports, print the quote first and follow the numbering sequence shown on the quote. This process in done by editing each item and selecting Add to Legend.
Getting Started
To create a legend you must first select the catalog(s) containing the items you want to display through the Legend preference by placing a check mark next to the catalog (s).
Creating a Legend
- Right click on a blank part of the design screen and select Display Settings.
- Click the Legend tab to add a legend on your plan and choose the catalog and sequencing option you want as described below:
- Under the Label Display Settings section, choose:
- No Legend if you do not want to display any legend for the current view.
- Automatic legend to display the floor plan or elevation numbering for items, in no specific sequence.
- Selected object(s) to display the floorplan or elevation numbering of items you select manually on the plan and add to the legend, in the order you add them.
- Check Keep numbering if you want the item numbering to remain static when you delete or hide items. For example, if you have three cabinets labeled 1, 2, and 3 and you delete or hide cabinet 2, cabinet 3 will keep label 3. When the option is not checked, cabinet 3 becomes cabinet 2.
- In the Catalogs section, add a check mark beside the catalog(s) you want to display in the legend.
- In the Legend Display References section, add the check mark beside User code, Manufacturer code, Floor plan description, or Price if you want to show these references in the legend. Test one first to see the result.
- If you want to display a specific item category or sub-category in the legend, in the Categories section, click the plus sign alongside the corresponding category to collapse it and display all associated sub-categories. Add the check mark beside the desired category or sub-category. (Presently, this feature only works with cabinets.)
- If you want to save the setup for future use, click Save As and create a scheme name.
- To apply your changes without leaving the dialog, click Apply.
To apply your changes and quit the Display Settings dialog, click OK.
To ignore your modifications, click Cancel.
About the Author
Morton Block, CMKBD, IIDA is an award winning designer, trainer, author, and consultant. A national trainer for the NKBA, he's also an Authorized Industry Consultant and Trainer for 20-20 Technologies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His practical, yet innovative, design solutions and training styles have significantly influenced the kitchen and bath industry throughout North America for more than 30 years. He can be reached at or at www.mortonblock.com.