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:

  1. Click Draw > Block > Define (or type MakeBlock).
  2. 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.
  3. For Description, type a Block description.
  4. Under Settings, select options:
  5. 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.
  6. Under Block entities:
    1. Click Select in graphics area  to specify the entities to form the Block.
    2. 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.
  7. Click OK.

    If you selected an existing Block in Name, you are asked to redefine the Block.

Access

Command: MakeBlock

Menu: Draw > Block > Define

Related Topics

Inserting Blocks

Defining Block Attributes