Block creation in AutoCAD

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In AutoCAD, you can combine one or more objects to create a single object.

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These compound objects are known as blocks.

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Commonly used for symbols, parts, detail views,

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and title blocks, blocks ensure consistency between identical copies of objects.

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When creating blocks, it’s easiest to work with objects that already exist in a drawing.

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Open a drawing that has several individual objects already in place, such as arcs and lines.

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In this example, a desk is made of individual lines and polylines.

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You can convert this desk into a single block, making it much easier to copy, rotate, and move.

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To do so, from the Insert ribbon, Block Definition panel, select Create Block.

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In the Block Definition dialog, Name field, enter a unique name for the block, such as “Large desk”.

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Then, define a base point.

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A base point is used for placing the block in a drawing.

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From the Base point group, select Pick point.

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In the drawing area, specify an insertion base point, such as the corner of the desk.

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Once you specify the base point, the Block Definition dialog opens again.

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Notice that in the Base point group box, the X, Y, and Z coordinates are assigned values.

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Next, specify the objects included in the block.

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From the Objects group box, click Select objects.

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Then, in the drawing area, use a window selection to select the objects.

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Note that you can use any selection tool to make this selection.

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Once the objects are selected, right-click, or from your keyboard, press ENTER to confirm the selection.

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The dialog appears again, this time, containing the preview of the block to be created.

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Back in the Objects group box, you can specify what to do with the original objects you selected.

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You can retain the objects, which keeps the objects in their original form,

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convert the objects to a block, or delete the objects from the drawing.

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Deleting the original objects from the drawing maintains the block of objects,

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but the individual objects, such as lines and polylines, will be deleted.

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Select Delete.

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In the Settings group box of the Block Definition dialog, you can specify the insertion units for the block reference.

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The hyperlink option associates a hyperlink with the block definition.

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Under Behavior , you can specify whether the block is annotative, which automates scaling.

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This is useful for objects that are symbols, such as labels.

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You can also specify whether the block scales uniformly and whether you want to be able to explode the block.

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Not allowing the block to explode will ensure the preservation of the block,

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as it will not be able to be converted to its original, individual parts.

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Click OK.

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The individual objects are deleted from the drawing area and are ready to be inserted as a singular, repeatable block.

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Blocks are an excellent way to streamline and standardize workflows.

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When editing or redefining block definitions, all referenced blocks in the drawing update automatically.

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Plus, working with block references reduces the file size of the drawing, when compared to object geometry duplication.