Customizing node symbols

Node symbols (circles, squares, triangles, etc.) identify the location of each node. For example, filled circles are used to symbolize the nodes shown in Figure 1.

Related Topics
Customizing node labels

Context:

Figure 1. Model showing node symbols.

Node symbols are plot state–independent; that is, you set them once for all undeformed, deformed, contour, symbol, and material orientation plots. You can also set the node symbols that Abaqus/CAE will display on the undeformed shape when the deformed shape is superimposed on it. Toggle Show node symbols to display or suppress node labels and to choose their color.

  1. Locate the common or superimposed node symbol options. The common node symbol options always apply to the deformed shape; they apply to the undeformed shape when it is plotted individually in any plot state (undeformed, deformed, contour, symbol, or material orientation). When the undeformed shape is plotted with the deformed shape, the superimpose node symbol options apply.

    From the main menu bar, select OptionsCommon or Superimpose; then click the Labels tab in the dialog box that appears.

  2. Toggle Show node symbols to display or suppress node symbols.

    When Show node symbols is on, the node symbol color, type, and size options become available.

  3. Choose the color of the node symbols:

    1. Click the color sample .

      Abaqus/CAE displays the Select Color dialog box.

    2. Use one of the methods in the Select Color dialog box to select a new color. For more information, see Customizing colors.
    3. Click OK to close the Select Color dialog box.

      The color sample changes to the selected color. The new color does not appear in the viewport until you click OK or Apply in the Plot Options dialog box.

  4. Choose the type (circle, square, triangle, etc.) of the node symbols:

    1. Click the Symbol button to reveal the node symbol type options.
    2. Click the symbol type you want.

      The specified symbol type appears on the Symbol button.

  5. Choose the size of the node symbols:

    1. Click the Size button to reveal the node symbol size options.
    2. Click Small, Medium, or Large.

      The specified symbol size appears on the Size button.

  6. Click Apply to implement your changes.

    The symbols change according to your specification.

    By default, your changes are saved for the duration of the session and will affect all subsequent plots in the current viewport and in any new viewports created from the current viewport. If you want to retain the changes you applied for subsequent sessions, save them to a file. For more information, see Saving customizations for use in subsequent sessions.