(Create) Block command
(Create) Block command
Defines a new block that is local to the active document. You are prompted to select block contents, select an origin point for the block, assign properties, and accept or edit the default block name.
Note:
Connectors and blocks do not require that you maintain relationships, as they have their own built-in intelligence. For this reason, ensure that these options on the ribbon are cleared:
A block can contain many different kinds of 2D elements. For example, you can select block labels, symbols, text, lines, points, circles, arcs, ellipses, and text profiles. Embedded objects, drawing views, and elements that have been grouped with the Group command cannot be selected.
You can use the Insert Image command to insert logos and other external images into the graphics, then select the image frame as one of the elements to be included in the block, or create a block that consists only of the image itself.
You can even select another block occurrence to be included in the new block or in the block view. If the block occurrence is not selectable, first use the Unblock command to unblock the occurrence, then fence select the graphics for the new block or block view.
When you select an element to be included, the element should highlight to show it is selected. If it does not, then the element is not eligible for inclusion in the block graphics.
For information about creating blocks from the contents of existing .dft, .dxf, and .dwg files, see the Help topic, Using Blocks.
The graphics for master blocks can reside on multiple layers. On placement of such a block into a file, the layers are created as needed in the new file. Any new layers that are created are displayed. If the layers already exist, then the block elements are placed on the existing layers. The display status of the existing layer is not changed. To see the layer definition, click the Layers tab.
The elements assigned to a block must have a single origin point, which will be used to place the block when it is selected from the library. You can click any point on any of the elements in the block or you can click a point in free space.
A default block name is assigned automatically and displayed in the command bar. The block name is the name used to identify the block in the Block Library. You can change the default name by typing in the Name box, or you can accept the default name and change it later using the Rename command from the block shortcut menu.
In addition to the required block name, you can assign optional, descriptive information to the block in the Block Options dialog box. You can assign one or more name-value pairs that pertain to the general appearance of the block. For example, you can provide a descriptive name for the type of part the block represents and you can list alternative model numbers or sizes.
Use the Block Options button on the command bar to open the Block Options dialog box.
To make this block available outside the active document, drag the block from the drawing into the Block Library File List, then rename it appropriately.
The drag function from the drawing to the Block Library File List creates a block file with a default Symbol.dft file name. Even though the block has a default symbol name, it is still a block. You can select the block in the library, then use the Rename command on the file's shortcut menu to rename the file. Alternatively, you can use the Copy To Library function to both create and rename the block, without removing the geometry from the drawing sheet.
Dragging the block to the Block Library File List removes the block occurrence geometry from the drawing sheet. However, the master block is still available in the Block Selection Pane in the active document. From there, you can drag it back into the document, creating a new block occurrence, or use the Place Block command from the master block's shortcut menu.