Overview
This article covers a specific feature: how to make a shape-based Product or Bundle automatically display a sequence number, or accept a custom text label, when placed on the canvas. This is useful for things like numbered doors, labeled HVAC units, sequential equipment markers, or any item where each instance needs to be uniquely identified on the drawing.
What this is and isn't. This feature labels individual instances of a shape on the canvas โ door 1, door 2, door 3. It's not how you name your overall Products in the catalog (that's the Name field on the Product). And it's specific to shape-based items; line and area Products don't use this pattern.
Sequential numbering with #SEQ#
To create a shape-based Product or Bundle that automatically numbers each instance:
Draw the shape you want to number.
Add the placeholder. Inside the shape, type the special code #SEQ#. This tells ArcSite to insert a number when the shape is placed.
Save it as a Product or Bundle. Turn your shape into a Shape-based Product (or use the same shape when creating a Shape-based Bundle).
When a user taps the Product from the Product Panel and places it, ArcSite automatically inserts the next number in the sequence (1, 2, 3, โฆ). No additional input is required at placement time.
Note for Bundles. Bundles support automatic numeric sequencing using #SEQ#. They do not support per-item custom text labels โ for that, use a Product (see below).
Custom text labels with attributes
To create a shape-based Product where each placement prompts the user for a custom text label:
Draw your shape.
Add a placeholder character. Inside the shape, type a single character like L or $. This character will be replaced by the user's custom label at placement time.
Save it as a Shape-based Product. Custom text labels work only on Products, not Bundles, because Bundle instances don't currently have per-item label editing.
Set up the label attribute:
In the Product's details, tap + Add Attribute.
Name the attribute something clear โ "Label" works.
Toggle on Use attribute to replace label in shape.
In the box that appears, type the same placeholder character you used in the shape (e.g., L).
Save.
When a user places this Product on the canvas, a window appears with an Attributes icon in the bottom-left. Tapping it lets them type the custom text (e.g., "Main Door," "HVAC Unit 1"), which replaces the placeholder character.
Choosing between #SEQ# and custom labels
Use #SEQ# when you need automatic, sequential numbering and don't want users to think about it at placement time. Best for things like "number every door 1 through N as I place them."
Use custom labels when each instance needs a meaningful name decided at placement time. Best for things like "this one is the main entrance, this one is the side door."
You can have both feature types in the same drawing โ they're independent Products with different placeholder configurations.
Related articles
Product Attributes โ the feature that powers custom labels (covered above) plus broader field-data collection.
Build Your Product Catalog in the User Site โ full Product/Group/Bundle creation flow.