How to create a title block?

Ok, so after a lucky find I managed to answer my own question. Posting here for future reference and to help lost souls like me...

Fist of all, the key word is CUSTOM TEXT.
Second of all, kudos to this youtube video explaining the process of setting up a page with custo text.
Third, the guide explaining how to use the text is "Concept HDL User Guide", section "Working with Custom Text" (it is amazing how finding the right key word opens a word of knowledge).

The bottom line is the following:

- edit the block editor symbol (file -> open, choose the correct library where the block is defined, pick the block name and click open)
- in the editor, use PLACE -> CUSTOM TEXT. This will open a window where you can choose the VARIABLE to display and the FORMAT in which they will displayed. There is a list of variables pre-defined by Cadence, to be picked using the drop down menu. Every time one is selected it is added in the FORMAT string so that many variables can be concatenated (such as to create page X of Y).
- as explained in the video, one can choose to create a customized variable such as <MYVAR>. As long as it is within triangular brakets that will work. NOTE: no spaces allowed so use underscore.
- Save and close. The block title in your design will  now have those fields correctly filled.
- To assign the value to <MYVAR> just do TOOLS > OPTIONS > CUSTOM VARIABLE: here you will see the list of customized variables. Just find "MYVAR" and assign it the correct value.

I hope this helps.
Cheers,

Paolo

Isn't it a shame that this only exists in the Schematic environment and not in Allegro PCB Designer.... edit text is boring..... why oh why isn't there a custom text... grr !

I did our templates exactly as you have shared above and it was revolutionary for us !.

I killed myself trying to get it to work in the PCB template... and gave up....

If you have a youtube video for the PCB custom text..... I would be shocked !, what a shame.

Thanks,

Chris

Hi Chris,

I see what you mean. I think I was once given a PCB design file with a text block but I suspect it was also edited by hand. As soon as I have a chance I will ask the engineer who designed that PCB how he did it.

To be honest, I would not be surprised if the option is there but I find the documentation for Allegro really hard to consult (although it has been greatly improved with version 17).

Good luck.
Paolo

Hi Chris,

Using the Allegro Productivity Toolbox license option will give you access to Custom variables (Setup > Custom Variables) which will allow you to update placeholder text on the design, similar to the Schematic Custom Text.

Hope this helps,
Mike Catrambone

... isn't it a shame that I just locked in our Cadence licences for the next 3 years.....

I wish I had known about this before.... although, I don't know the cost !.

A lot of interesting features with this... damnit.

It helps a lot though Mike, thanks !

Chris