LESSON 14.

INTRODUCTION TO BLOCKS - CREATING AND INSERTING

Topics covered in this Lesson:

Blocks in AutoCAD | Dynamic Blocks | Write Block | Redefining Blocks | Exploding
Blocks

In this lesson you will be introduced to blocks. By definition, a block is a collection of

objects (lines, arcs, circles, text, etc.) that form a more complex entity that normally
represents an object in the real world, e.g. a door, a chair, a window, a computer.

There are many advantages to using blocks, here the major ones:
Blocks are a single entity. This means that you can modify (move, copy, rotate) a
block by selecting only one object in it.

You can build up a library of blocks consisting of the parts that you require many
times in your workday. These blocks can be stored in a separate folder and even on a
network so that all drafters have access to them. Think of plumbing parts, valves,
elbows, etc as well as electrical symbols or furniture.

Using blocks can help keep your file size down. AutoCAD stores block definitions in
its database. When you insert a block, AutoCAD only stores the name of the block, its
location (insertion point), scale and rotation. This can be very noticeable in large
drawing.

If you need to change something, you can redefine a block. For example, you draw
a chair and turn it into a block. Later, you're told that the size of the chair has changed.
Since you used a block you can redefine the block and all of your chairs are updated
automatically. If you had drawn (or copied) 100 chairs in your drawing, you would have
to manually change each one.

Blocks can also contain non-graphical information. These are text objects called
attributes. For example, you have made blocks of different chairs. You can add
information to the block such manufacturer, cost, weight, etc. This information stays with
the block, but can also be extracted to a database or spreadsheet. This would be useful
for things such as a bill of materials. Attributes can also be visible or invisible in your
drawing. Another good use of attributes could be a title block.

You can even easily add internet hyperlinks to blocks so you can connect a block to a
page on a supplier's online catalog.

There are two types of blocks you can create: blocks that are internal to your current
drawing, and those that are external, or saved as a separate file. To create the different
types, different commands are used. Many companies use a template that will include a
number of blocks for use in the project.
Here are the commands that you will need for using blocks in this lesson:

Command Keystroke Icon Location Result

Home > Block > Creates a block from separate entities (internal to
BLOCK Bmake / B
Create current drawing)
WRITE Wblock /
None None Creates a block and writes it to a file (external)
BLOCK W

Home > Block >

INSERT Insert / I Inserts a block (internal or external)
Insert

Explode / Home > Modify > Explodes a block or other compound object into its
EXPLODE
X Explode component parts

For this assignment, you will be using any one of the floor plans you drew earlier in
Lesson 2-1.

Open the drawing.

Zoom in to one section of the room close to a desk (Draw a rectangle to represent a
desk if you don't have any in your drawing.).
Create a new layer called COMPUTERS and make the color #73 (remember LA
invokes the Layer Properties Manager).
Make the Zero Layer current.

ZERO LAYER :

Zero Layer has special properties. When creating blocks, if the objects in the block are
drawn on Zero layer, they will assume the properties of the current layer when they are
inserted. Example: If you draw the computer below on Zero layer, and insert it on the
'COMPUTERS' layer, it will assume the color, linetype and lineweight of the Computers
layer. If you drew and created it on the 'DOOR' layer, and inserted it in the Computers
layer, it would retain the properties of the Door layer. For this reason, blocks are drawn
on the Zero layer - you need them to assume the layer's properties, whether it is in your
template, or a client's.

Draw the following objects to create what you need for the computer block (top view of
keyboard and monitor) You do not need to dimension the computer.
Start the BLOCK command by either typing B or using the pull down menu or the icon.
You will see a dialog box that looks like the one shown. Enter information the same way
though. Remember to approach all new dialog boxes from the top and work your way
down.
1 : The first thing that you want to do is give your block a name. Type COMPUTER in
the edit box beside Name. Some names may need to be more descriptive, such as part
number, or size.

2 : Now you need to select an insertion/base point. Pick the Pick Point button and then
pick the midpoint of the bottom line of the keyboard. Make sure that the retain button is
selected (this will keep your objects on the screen as individual objects. (You will see in
a moment that selecting the Pick Point with blocks is very important when you later
insert them into the drawing - always pick a point that will allow you to place the block
easily.) If you don't select a base point, your block will default to 0,0,0 and you will insert
all your blocks at the same location - the origin. (This is where many students find their
blocks when they tell me "It didn't work!")

3 : Next you want to select the objects for your block. Pick the Select Objects button
and then select all the parts of your computer and press <ENTER>. Be careful not to
select any other objects, or you'll just get to do it over again.

4 : Select the drawing units you used to create the original objects in.

5 : This is optional, but you can add a description here. This is good if you are creating
specific parts, like maybe a motor and want to add some quick specifications. It's also
great if co-workers know what the block is used for (more information = better).
6: It's usually a good idea to give a block a short description and it's a great idea if you
think other people will be using this block. Remember - more information is always
better. Your job as a CAD drafter is to convey information to other people.

7: Uncheck the "Open in Block Editor" checkbox if it is currently checked.

8: Pick the OK Button and the dialog box closes. It will look like nothing happened, but
the drawing file now has a "Block Definition" for a Computer in it. Congratulations, you
have created your first block.

Now select any object in the new block and you will see that all of the objects are
selected and the basepoint you picked is highlighted as it's (Insertion Point) Osnap.

Now that you have created a block, it's time to add another one to your drawing by
inserting it.

Change to the Computer Layer. Start the Insert command by typing I <ENTER>. You
will see this dialog box on the screen:
By default, all the options you need are pre-selected. Since you only have one block in
your drawing, its name is displayed (in some drawings, you might have a long list of
block names to choose from).

Make sure that the Insertion Point - Specify On-screen box is checked, and the
Explode button is not checked. The Scale - Specify On-screen should not be
checked. Then press the OK button.

You now have the block attached to your cursor and it is ready to be placed in the
drawing. Click on one of the tables in your drawing. Notice how the block that you drew
on the white Zero Layer is now Red and on the Computer layer.

Now insert a computer on every desk in your drawing. You can also copy the block
instead of re-inserting each time, but make sure you know how to insert.

Extra Practice: Find something in the room where you are and measure it
(approximate is fine) and make a block out it.

BREAK TIME :Take a moment to think about what you just did. You drew a bunch of
lines and turned them into a digital computer. It's an easy process, but the power of
blocks is immense. In any line of CAD work, you'll need to be fluent in blocks.

DYNAMIC BLOCKS

In AutoCAD 2006, Dynamic Blocks were introduced. These are parametric blocks which
can be easily modified by the user. In this exercise, you will create and insert a simple
Dynamic Block. The goal is to create a Chair block that can be easily rotated to
orientate it to a desk.

Draw the Chair below on the Zero layer.

Start the same Block command you used last time, only this time make sure that the
"Open in Block Editor" checkbox is checked. This time when you select OK, you will
be magically taken to the Block Editor (see below). If you didn't select the box, you can
just select the block, then right-click and choose "Block Editor".
Now that you in the block editor, you can edit the objects in your block, or in this
exercise add dynamic interaction to your block. As mentioned earlier, our goal is to
create a block that we can easily rotate. First you will need to add a parameter to the
block, followed by an action.
Click on the "Rotation Parameter" icon in the palette. Then check the command line for
prompts (as usual). Use the entries below:

Command: _BParameter Rotation

Specify base point or [Name/Label/Chain/Description/Palette/Value
set]:<select midpoint of the seat>
 Specify radius of parameter: 9
Specify default rotation angle or [Base angle] <0>:<ENTER>

What you have done is selected the location of the parameter, then set the radius of the
parameter (in this case, where you will have a 'grip' to rotate it, and finally the default
setting for the parameter - 0° means the block will look like you drew it when inserted.

After defining the parameter, you then need to apply an action to the parameter. Select
the tab on the palette that says "Actions". You will need to select the "Rotate Action"
(makes sense). You will be asked to select the parameter that you want to apply the
action to (select the parameter you just drew). Finally, select the location of the Action )-
once again select the center of the seat, and then the objects that you want the action to
act on (in this case, all of them). Your block should now look like this:
Now that the Block is complete, you can select the "Close Block Editor" at the top of the
drawing screen. You will be returned to the regular drawing screen, and your block will
be created. Click on it, and you should see all the objects highlight, and the grip for the
block's Pick Point. You will also see a grip for the block's dynamic rotation parameter.
Now that your Dynamic Block is in your drawing, pick on the rotation parameter, and
move it around. You'll see that you can rotate the chair without using the rotate
command. Features like this can be a real time saver. Think of other blocks that could
benefit from parametric abilities : windows, doors, ceiling lights - the list is endless. Also,
when you work on a new drawing from someone else, be aware the Dynamic Blocks
could be present.

This exercise has shown the basic steps that are used in creating a Dynamic Block.
There are many other parameters and uses, and they can make your CAD life much
easier. Check out the next video to see some more options in how these are created.

WRITING BLOCKS

This time you will be creating an external block using the wblock command. This
difference here is that the block will become a separate, external drawing file for use in
other CAD drawings.

In the dialog box below, you will see that you have almost all the same options. Instead
of giving the block a name like you did before, you give it a filename in a specific folder.
After creating the other blocks above, you should be able to work your way through this
dialog box. Make sure you put the block in a logical path and give it a good, descriptive
name.

When you insert an external block, use the same INSERT command that you did above
and use the Browse button to navigate to the folder where you stored your block. Insert
it like you did before. Put some chairs in front of the desks in your drawings, and rotate
them if needed.

NOTE: For some reason, Autodesk won't allow us to use the write block command to
create Dynamic Blocks. Perhaps this will be added in a later version. You can always
create a drawing with just the block you want separate and then save the file.

Now you have created three blocks. The process is the same for any other block that
you need to create from drawing objects.

If you want more practice, draw more objects and create blocks from their geometry.
Video: Writing Blocks (WBLOCK)

EXPLODING BLOCKS

Now that you know how useful block are, you should know that there are times when
you need to explode a block. The EXPLODE command works on blocks, rectangles and
other objects that are not the basic lines, arcs, circles, etc. If you have a block on your
screen, type X <ENTER> to start the explode command. Select the block that you want
to explode and press <ENTER>. Now you have all of the components that made up the
block as individual objects.

REDEFINING BLOCKS
If you want to see how to update a block, explode and modify the computer block by
stretching the monitor out by one inch on each side. Create a new block using the same
COMPUTER name. After re-defining the block, you will see this box pop up to warn that
you are about to update the block definition:
Select Yes, and all your 'computer' blocks in the drawing will update to the new
definition.

This is a good example of how blocks save you time. In a typical work situation, the
original specifications for the computer could have changed from large CRT monitors to
flat screens and you would need to change them all. Using blocks is much easier than
changing each individual object one at a time.

Conclusion: Remember that blocks are powerful tools for the reasons listed above. In
any discipline of CAD drafting, you will use them a lot. Usually, you will insert the block
first and then copy then to other locations. They are powerful, yet easy to work with.
Remember, Create the Block, Insert it - it's that simple (In most cases, you will use the
blocks in a template to save time). When creating a block, your choice is if you want an
external, internal or dynamic block. That choice depends entirely on how that block will
be used.

ONE LAST TIP

There are times when you might name a block and decide later that you want to change
it. Maybe you designed a bracket and now that the design is finalized, it is given a part
number (or maybe you noticed a spelling mistake). Now you want to change the name
of the bracket from "BRACKET-01" to "BRACKET-BR734". The easiest way to do this is
to use the RENAME command. This will open a dialog box that allows you rename a
number of AutoCAD objects.
This command is simple to use. Select the type of object first in the left column, and it
will show you all the different items in the right column. Make sure that the 'Old Name'
field is filled, and then type the new name in the box below it. Check your edits and
press OK.

This command can be used for changing layer names, linetypes and most other
AutoCAD objects.