Defining Blocks
A Block is a collection of entities bound together as a single entity. After you create a Block, you can insert it whenever you need it in a drawing.
When you use the MakeBlock command, the Block is recognized in the current drawing only. The ExportDrawing command lets you write a Block to an external drawing file for use in any drawing.
To define Blocks:
- Click Draw > Block > Define (or type MakeBlock).
- In the dialog box, for Name, type a name for the Block, or select an existing Block to overwrite a Block. Names may have up to 255 characters, and may contain letters, numbers, blank spaces, and special characters such as $, #, _. The name is case-sensitive.
- For Description, type a Block description.
- Under Settings, select options:
- Apply uniform scale: Restricts the Block to a uniform scale when inserting the Block. Otherwise you can specify different X, Y, and Z scaling factors when inserting the Block.
- Allow block to explode: Lets the Block explode on insertion.
- Units: Lets you select different units from those in the current drawing.
- Attach Hyperlink: Lets you specify a hyperlink for the Block.
- Under Parameters, set the base point that serves as the insertion point when inserting the Block. It is also the base point for changing the scale and serves as a rotation point during the insertion.
- Click Select in graphics area to specify the base point of the Block in the drawing.
- or - - For X, Y, and Z, type coordinate values.
- Under Block entities:
- Click Select in graphics area to specify the entities to form the Block.
- Set options:
- Preserve as separate entities: Leaves the source entities as they are.
- Convert to block: Replaces the source entities with a Reference of the Block definition.
- Remove from drawing: Removes the source entities from the drawing.
- Click OK.
If you selected an existing Block in Name, you are asked to redefine the Block.
Access
Command: MakeBlock
Menu: Draw > Block > Define