After you define a block
in a drawing, you can insert a block reference in the drawing as
many times as necessary. Use this method to create blocks quickly.
Each
block definition includes a block name, one or more objects, the
coordinate values of the base point to be used for inserting the
block, and any associated attribute data.
The base
point is used as a reference for positioning the block when you insert
it. Suppose you specify that the base point is at the lower-left
corner of an object in the block. Later, when you insert the block,
you are prompted for an insertion point. The block base point is
aligned at the insertion point you specified.
The block definition in the illustration comprises
a name, PLUG_VALVE, four lines, and a base point at the intersection
of the two diagonal lines. For an explanation of the schematic representation
shown, see Overview of Blocks.
The illustration shows a typical sequence for
creating a block definition within a drawing.
You can also use the Block Editor to create
blocks that are saved within a drawing.
To define a block for the
current drawing
- Create the objects you want to use in
the block definition.
- In the Block Definition dialog box, enter
a block name in the Name box.
- Under Objects, select Convert to Block.
If you want the original objects used to create
the block definition to remain in your drawing, make sure the Delete
option is not selected. If this option is selected, the original
objects are erased from the drawing. If necessary, you can use OOPS
to restore them.
- Click Select Objects.
- Use your pointing device to select the
objects to be included in the block definition. Press Enter to complete
object selection.
- In the Block Definition dialog box under
Base Point, specify the block insertion point using one of these
methods.
- Click Pick Point to specify a point using
the pointing device.
- Enter the X,Y,Z coordinate
values of the point.
- In the Description box, enter a description
for the block definition. This description is displayed in DesignCenter™ (ADCENTER).
- Click OK.
The block is defined in the current drawing
and can be inserted at any time.
CommandsBLOCK
Creates a block definition
from selected objects.
