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Module 7 Blocks

Module 7 covers the use of blocks in AutoCAD, which are collections of objects combined into a single named object. It explains how to insert blocks from external files and create block definitions directly within a drawing, including the use of attributes for additional information. Recommendations for organizing and storing block definitions are also provided to enhance efficiency in drawing management.

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7 views3 pages

Module 7 Blocks

Module 7 covers the use of blocks in AutoCAD, which are collections of objects combined into a single named object. It explains how to insert blocks from external files and create block definitions directly within a drawing, including the use of attributes for additional information. Recommendations for organizing and storing block definitions are also provided to enhance efficiency in drawing management.

Uploaded by

al.almejas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Module 7: BLOCKS

Insert symbols and details into your drawings from commercial online sources or from your
own designs.

In AutoCAD, a Block is a collection of objects that are combined into a single named object.
The following are some sample blocks at various scales.

Some of these blocks are realistic representations of objets, some are symbols, and one of
them is an architectural title block for a D-size drawing.

LESSON 1: INSERT BLOCK

Typically, each of these blocks is an individual drawing file, perhaps saved in a folder with
similar drawing files. When you need to insert one into your current drawing file, you use the
INSERT command (or enter I in the Command window).

The first time you insert the drawing as a block, you need to click Browse to locate the drawing
file. Make sure you organize your blocks into easy-to-find folders.

Once inserted, the block definition is stored in your current drawing. From then on, you can
choose it from the Name drop-down list without needing to click the Browse button.

TIP: The default settings in the Insert dialog box are usually acceptable. After you choose the
block name, click OK, and then specify its location in your drawing. You can rotate it later, if
necessary.

Notice that when you insert a block, it is attached to your cursor at the point indicated. This
location is called the insertion point. By default, the insertion point is the origin point (0,0) of
the original drawing.
In the following example, a drawing file is inserted into the current drawing to provide a
standard detail view.

NOTE: Inserting a drawing file as a block provides a static reference to the specified drawing.
For a reference that automatically updates, you can attach the drawing with the External
References palette (XREF command) instead.

LESSON 2: CREATE A BLOCK DEFINITION

Instead of creating a drawing file to be inserted as a block, you might want to create a block
definition directly in your current drawing. Use this method if you do not plan to insert the block
into any other drawing. In that case, use the BLOCK command to create the block definition.

For example, this is how you could create a module for cubicle design.

 Create the objects for the block.


 Start the BLOCK command.
 Enter a name for the block, in this case Quad-Cube.
 Select the objects that you created for the block (click 1 and 2).
You can enter the information for step 3, 4, and 5 into the Block Definition dialog box in any
order.

After creating the block definition, you can insert, copy, and rotate the block as needed.

Using the EXPLODE command, you can explode a block back to its component objects if you
need to make changes. In the illustration below, the cubicle on the right was explode and
modified.

In this example, you would probably create a new block definition from the object in the
exploded block.

NOTE: You can create block definitions that include one or more attributes that store and
display information. The command that you would use is ATTDEF. Typically, attributes include
data such as part number, name, cost, and date. You can export block attribute information to
a table or to an external life.

RECOMMENDATIONS

There are several different schemes for saving and retrieving block definitions.

 You can create an individual drawing file for each block that you intend to use. You
save these drawing files in fodders, each of which would contain a family of related
drawing files.
 You can include the block definitions for title blocks and common symbols in your
drawing template files to make them available immediately when starting a new
drawing.
 You can create several drawing files, which are sometimes called Block Library
Drawings. Each of these drawings contains a family of related block definitions. When
you insert a block library drawing into your current drawing, all the blocks that are
defined in that drawing become available.

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