Format Attribute
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Definition
A format attribute is an attribute that contains data which is part of the format specification, rather than part of the user's data model. You can recognize a format attribute because they are prefixed with the format keyword, for example igds_level or autocad_color.
When reading the attribute will be present in any dataset of that type (although it may be hidden). When writing it does not necessarily have to exist beforehand, as default values will be applied.
Uses
Reading format attributes allows data to be managed (eg filtered) on the basis of that value; for example splitting up data on the basis of colour.
Writing format attributes allows data to be modified; for example setting the colour of a feature. Modification of format attributes by the user is usually considered an "advanced" task.
Exposing Format Attributes
To expose a format attribute - ie make it available for use - in Workbench, open the feature type properties dialog and select the format attribute tab from the window pane that appears.
This tab shows a list of the format attributes available. Selecting an attribute by checking the box on the left exposes the attribute, and you can then do further processing on the basis of that attribute's value.
An alternate method of exposing attributes is through an AttributeExposer transformer.
Above: The format attribute igds_level being exposed on a source DGN level
Documentation
More information on individual format attributes can be found in the FME Readers and Writers Manual.
