Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Sacramento City College
EDT 310/312
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
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Objectives
 Create
and save blocks
 Insert blocks in drawings
 Edit a block and update it in a drawing.
 Insert drawings and blocks into drawings.
 Create blocks that are saved independent
of the drawing.
 Construct and use a symbol library of
blocks.
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Symbols or “BLOCKS”
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
3
Blocks or Symbols
A
block can be any
 Shape.
 Symbol.
 View.
 Drawing
 Text
 Group
 that
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of lines.
you use more than once.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Blocks or Symbols
 Examples
of blocks
 Chair
 Desk
 Plumbing
Fixture
 Piping Symbol.
 Etc.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Blocks or Symbols
 When
preparing drawings
 LOOK
for items that should be a block
 Review
the drawing.
 Look
for any shapes, components, notes, and
assemblies that are used more than once.
can be drawn once and then saved
as blocks and re-used over and over again.
 These
 Saves
time.
 Saves $$$ for your company.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Blocks or Symbols
 AutoCAD
has two commands for blocks.
 Block
 WBlock
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Blocks or Symbols
 BLOCK
–
 Creates
a block that is stored within the
CURRENT drawing ONLY.
 Re-use
block over and over in THAT drawing.
 LOCAL access only.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Blocks or Symbols
 WBLOCK
–
 Creates
a block that is saved as a separate
drawing file on your diskette, flash or hard drive
 Can
be used in any drawing.
 Put Blocks in Library on file server.
 Can be used by the entire company.
 GLOBAL access
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Blocks or Symbols
 Both
types of blocks can be scaled and
rotated to meet the drawing requirements.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Blocks or Symbols
 Both
types of blocks can be used to create
a symbol library.
A
symbol library is a related group of
symbols.
 Pipe
 Furniture
 Mechanical
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symbols
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating a Block
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Creating a Block
 Procedure
to create a block.
 1.
Select the drawing components that should
be part of the block.
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 2.
Name the block.
 3.
Indicate the block “handle” or Insertion Point.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Selecting a Layer
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Selecting A Layer
 Before
drawing blocks or symbols
 Determine
the appropriate layer first.
 An
understanding of how layers and objects
properties are applied to blocks is critical.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Drawing the Block Components
 Three
Methods
 1.
Draw blocks on Layer 0
 2. Draw blocks with components on other
layers.
 3. OVERRIDE colors/linetypes
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Drawing the Block Components
 Method
1 – Created on Layer 0
 The
block inherits the same color, linetype and
lineweight as the layer on which it is inserted.
 The block will become “part of the family”
where it is inserted.
 Always create blocks on layer 0.
 If block objects are on different layers, move
them to layer 0 first.
 Usually
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the preferred method!
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Drawing the Block Components
 Example
1:
 If a block is
 Created
on Layer “0” and the
 INSERT’ed on a layer with these attributes:
 RED
color
 HIDDEN linetype
 The
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block will appear RED and HIDDEN.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Drawing the Block Components
 Example
2:
 If a block is
 Created
on Layer “0” and the
 INSERT’ed on a layer with these attributes:
 GREEN
color
 CENTER linetype
 The
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block will appear GREEN and CENTER.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Drawing the Block Components
 Method
2 – Created on Layers other than
the layer 0
 The
objects belong to the layer on which the
block was created
 They retain the properties of the layer or layers
on which the objects were created.
 This can cause confusion
A
block belongs to one layer but has the properties
of a different layer.
 Solution:
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Create blocks on layer 0 instead.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Drawing the Block Components
 Method
3 – Blocks with specific colors,
linetypes.
 Set
the absolute color/linetype before drawing
the objects.
 (OVERRIDE)
 The block will always be the selected color and
linetype.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Layers and Blocks
 Blocks
when created
 retain
the properties of the layers on which they
were created.
 Retain the layers on which they were created.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Layers and Blocks
 ByLayer
is the default creation mode.
 When
set to “ByLayer”, the block will take on
the properties of the layer it is inserted.
 Block
color and linetype are determined by the
layer on which they were created.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Layers and Blocks
 If
a block named circle was created with
 Red
color.
 Dashed linetype.
 When
inserted or used on the drawing,
 it
remains red and dashed, no matter what
layer it is inserted on.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Layers and Blocks
A
block defined in ByLayer mode retains its
properties, including layer.
 If
the layers do not exist in the drawing
where the block is being inserted, AutoCAD
creates these layers.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Layers and Blocks
A
block must be created on layer 0 to
assume the properties of the layer it is
inserted on.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Layers and Blocks
 If
a block
 is
created on layer 0, and
 inserted on layer 1
 it becomes part of Layer 1 and
 assumes Layer 1 properties.
 If
the block is exploded, the objects return
back to layer 0 and to the original color and
linetype of Layer 0.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
ByLayer vs ByBlock
 If
the current linetype is set to BYLAYER,
 The
block is created with the current linetype
assigned to that layer.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
ByLayer vs ByBlock
 If
the current linetype is set to BYBLOCK,
 The
block will assume the current color and
linetype (from the Object Properties toolbar)
when it is inserted into a drawing.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
ByLayer vs ByBlock
 If
the current linetype is set to BYBLOCK,
 Objects
are created using the CONTINOUS
linetype until the objects are grouped into a
block.
 When the block is inserted into the drawing,
those objects acquire the current linetype
setting.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
ByLayer vs ByBlock
 If
the current color is set to BYLAYER,
 Objects
are created with the color assigned to
the current layer.
 If
the current color is set to BYBLOCK
 Objects
are created using color 7 (white or
black) until the objects are grouped into a
block.
 When the block is inserted into the drawing, it
acquires the current color setting.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Changing Block Properties
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Changing Block Properties
 Use
the Properties window to change the
properties of a block.
 To
open the Properties window
 Right-click,
choose Properties
 Or
 Double-click
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entity.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Drawing Block Components
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Drawing Block Components
 Draw
block geometry just as any other
geometry
 Pick
an insertion base point.
 The
insertion base point attaches to the
crosshairs for placement in the drawing.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating Blocks
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To Create A Block
 To
create a BLOCK:
 Pick
the Make Block button in the Draw toolbar
 OR
 Pick
Make... from the Block cascading menu in
the Draw pull-down menu
 OR
 Enter
B, BLOCK, or BMAKE at the Command:
prompt.
 Any
one of these methods displays the
Block Definition dialog box.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 1.
In the Name: text box, enter a name for
the block, such as BORDER.
 The
name cannot exceed 255 characters.
 It can include numbers, letters, and spaces, as
well as the dollar sign ($), hyphen (-), and
underscore (-).
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 2.
In the Objects area, pick the Select
objects button
 Use
your pointing device to select objects for
the block definition.
 Select
all the objects that will make up the
block. Press [Enter] when you are done.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 The
Block Definition dialog box reopens,
 The number of objects selected is shown in the
Objects area.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 3.
In the Objects area specify
 Retain
 Convert
 Delete
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 Retain
 Keep
the selected objects in the current
drawing (in their original state).
 Makes a copy of the objects glued together as
a BLOCK in Memory.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 Convert
to Block (default)
 Replaces
the selected objects with one of the
blocks you are creating.
 Makes a copy of the objects glued together as
a BLOCK in Memory.
 Delete
 Remove
the selected objects after the block is
defined.
 Makes a copy of the objects glued together as
a BLOCK in Memory.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 All
three
 Cause
 The
a BLOCK to be created in memory.
only difference is
 what
 They
happens to the ORIGINAL objects.
are
 Retained
 Converted
 Deleted
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 4.
In the Base point area:
 Enter
the coordinates for the insertion base
point
 OR
 Pick
the Pick point button to use your pointing
device to select an insertion point.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 5.
In the Description: text box
 Enter
a textual description to help identify the
block for easy reference, such as “Vacuum
pump symbol”.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 6.
In the Preview icon area
 Specify
whether to create an icon from the
BLOCK definition.
 The icon is used to provide a preview image
when using the AutoCAD DesignCenter.
 You can have an icon for every block if you
wish.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 6.
In the Preview icon area
 To
omit an icon from the block definition, pick
the Do not include an icon radio button.
 To save an icon with the block definition, pick
the Create icon from block geometry radio
button.
 An image of the icon is then displayed to the
right.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
To Create A Block
 7.
Use the Insert units: drop-down list to
 Specify
the type of units the AutoCAD Design
Center will use when inserting the block.
 8.
After you have finished defining the
block, pick OK.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Verifying Block Was Created
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To Create A Block
 To
verify that the block was saved properly:
 Access
the Block Definition dialog box.
 Pick the Name: drop-down list button to display
a list of all blocks in the current drawing, Figure
23-5.
 The
block names are organized in numerical
and alphabetical order.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The EXPLODE Command
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The EXPLODE Command
 The
EXPLODE command breaks apart any:
 Existing
block
 Polyline
 Dimension.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The EXPLODE Command
 To
access this command
 Pick
the Explode button in the Modify toolbar
 OR
 Select
Explode from the Modify pull-down
menu
 OR
 Type
X or EXPLODE at the Command:
prompt:
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The EXPLODE Command
 When
the block is exploded, the individual
objects can now be changed individually.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The EXPLODE Command
 NOTE
You can explode a block that was
scaled using different X, Y, and Z values
when it was inserted.
 This type of block is technically a
nonuniformly scaled block.
 Versions
of AutoCAD prior to Release 13 did
not allow exploding of such blocks (!)
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The PURGE Command
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Storing a Drawing As A WBlock
 The
PURGE command can also be used to
remove any unused
 Layers
 Linetypes
 Text
styles
 Dimension styles
 Multiline styles
 Blocks
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Inserting A Block
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
83
Inserting A Block
 Once
a block has been created, it is easy to
insert it into a drawing.
 Determine
a proper size.
 Determine a rotation angle.
 Determine the proper layer.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Use
the INSERT command by:
 Type
I, INSERT, or DDINSERT at the
Command: prompt
 OR
 Pick
the Insert Block button from the Draw
toolbar
 OR
 Pick
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Block... from the Insert pull-down menu.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Select
the block you wish to insert
 From
the drop-down list
 OR
 Enter
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the block name in the Name: text box.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Pick
the Name: drop-down list button to
access the defined blocks in the current
drawing.
 Highlight
insert.
88
the name of the block you wish to
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
94
 Specify
the Insertion Point
 Specify
the Scale.
 Specify
the Rotation angle.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Specify
the check box whether to EXPLODE
the block upon inserting it.
 EXPLODE
breaks block apart into its
components.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Insertion
point area.
 Use
the Specify On-screen check box to pick
an insertion point on screen and insert the
block dynamically.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 To
insert the block using absolute
coordinates
 Disable
the Specify On-screen check box
 Enter the coordinates in the X:, Y:, and Z: text
boxes.
 If X, Y, Z are used, the block is immediately
inserted at the specified coordinates when you
pick OK.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Title
Blocks often use 0,0,0 as the Insertion
Point.
 Most
other blocks
 Chairs
 Desks
 Piping
symbols
 Etc
 do
103
NOT use 0,0,0 as the Insertion Point.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Scale
area.
 The
Scale area allows you to specify scale
values for the block in relation to the X, Y, and
Z axes.
 The Specify On-screen check box is inactive by
default.
 This causes the block to be inserted at a oneto-one scale once the insertion point has been
selected.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Scale
area.
 Specify
On-screen - prompts you to enter
the scale at the command line when
inserting the block.
 Enter scale values
 X.
 Y.
 Z.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Scale
area - Uniform Scale check box
 Scales
 This
113
object uniformly in all directions.
is the most common setting.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Rotation
area.
 Use
to insert the block at a specified angle.
 The default angle is zero.
 Enter a different value in the Angle: text box.
 Activate the Specify On-screen check box to be
prompted for the rotation angle at the command
line when inserting the block.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Explode
check box.
 When
a block is created, it is saved as a single
object.
 It is defined as a single object when inserted in
the drawing, no matter how many objects were
used to create the block.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Explode
check box.
 Causes
the BLOCK to explode into its original
objects for editing purposes.
 If

you explode the block upon insertion,
it will assume its original properties, such as
 Original
layer
 Original color
 Original linetype.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 If
you are specifying the insertion point onscreen, the following prompt appears:
 Specify
insertion point or
[Scale/X/Y/Z/Rotate/PScale/PX/PY/PZ/
 PRotate]: (pick the point to insert the block)
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Scale.
 Y.
 Z.
 Rotate.
 PScale.
 PX.
 PY.
 PZ.
 PRotate.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Scale.
 Affects
the overall scale of the X, Y, and Z
axes.
 Entering a NEGATIVE scale factor INSERT’s a
a mirror image of a block.
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Inserting A Block
 X.
 Affects
only the X scale factor.
 Y.
 Affects
only the Y scale factor.
 Z.
 Affects
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only the Z scale factor.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Rotate.
 Sets
the rotation angle.
 PScale.
 Preview
the scale of the X, Y, and Z axes.
 You are then prompted to enter the actual scale
factors.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Preview
Scale
 PX.
 Preview
the scale of the X axis, then enter the actual
scale factor.
 PY.
 Preview
the scale of the Y axis, then enter the actual
scale factor.
 PZ.
 Preview
the scale of the Z axis, then enter the scale
factor.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 Preview
Rotate
 PRotate.
 Preview
the rotation angle, then enter the
actual rotation angle.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 If
you are specifying the scale factor, the
following prompt appears:
 Enter
X scale factor, specify opposite corner, or
[Corner/XYZI <1 >: (pick a point, or enter a
value for the scale).
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Inserting A Block
 Moving
the cursor scales the block
dynamically as it is dragged.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting A Block
 If
you enter an X scale factor or press
[Enter] to accept the default scale value,
the prompt reads:
 Enter
Y scale factor <use X scale factor>:
(enter a value or press [Enter] to accept the
same scale specified for the X axis)
 Specify
rotation angle <0>: (pick a point, enter
a value for the rotation angle and press [Enter],
or press [Enter] to accept the default angle)
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Inserting A Block
 The
prompt for the Y scale factor allows
you to accept the X scale factor for Y by
simply pressing [Enter].
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Inserting Multiple Copies
Of A Block
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134
Inserting Multiple Copies
 Use
the MINSERT command to insert
multiple copies of a block.
 MINSERT
combines INSERT and ARRAY
into one command.
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Inserting Entire Drawings
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136
Inserting Entire Drawings
 Use
INSERT to insert an entire drawing file
into the current drawing.
 Example:
 Titleblock
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting Entire Drawings
 When
one drawing is inserted into another,
the inserted drawing becomes a block
reference.
 It
does not inherit the color, linetype or
thickness properties of the layer it is inserted
on.
 You can explode the inserted drawing back to
its original objects (and original layers).
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Inserting Entire Drawings
A
drawing that is inserted brings any
existing
 Block
definitions.
 Layers.
 Linetypes.
 Text styles
 Dimension styles.
 into
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the current drawing.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting Entire Drawings
 The
default insertion point of every drawing
is 0,0,0.
 Use
the BASE command to change the
insertion point of a block.
 Pick Base from the Block cascading menu in
the Draw pull-down menu
 OR
 Type
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BASE at the Command: prompt.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating a Block From
A Drawing File
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Creating a Drawing File Block
 You
can create a block from any existing
drawing.
 You can name your new block anything you
wish.
 Remember,
if something has already been
drawn, try to use it as a block rather than
redrawing it.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating a Drawing File Block
 Example:
Use the -INSERT command to
define a block named BOLT from an
existing drawing file named fastener.dwg:
 Command:
-INSERT
 Enter block name or [?]: <current>:
BOLT=FASTENER.
 Specify insertion point or
[Scale/X/Y/Z/Rotate/PScale/PX/PY/PZ/PRotate]
:
 (press the [Esc] key) to CANCEL the
command.
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Creating a Drawing File Block
 The
drawing is not inserted on screen
because the command was canceled (the
ESC key).
 However,
a block named BOLT is saved and
added to the drawing file (!)
 It
can be used in the same manner as any
other block.
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Creating Permanent Global Blocks
The WBLOCK Command
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
145
Creating a Drawing File Block
 Blocks
created with the BLOCK command
can only be used in the drawing in which
they were made.
 You
may want to use blocks on many
different drawings without having to redraw
them.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating a Drawing File Block
 Use
the WBLOCK (write block) command to
create a drawing (.dwg) file out of a block
OR a drawing.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating a Drawing File Block
 Use
the WBLOCK command to create a
global block from any object
 It
does not have to be first saved as a
block.
 The
resulting drawing file can then be
inserted as a block into any drawing.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating a New WBlock
 You
can create a WBLOCK from a shape
you have just drawn, but you have not yet
made a block.
 (The TITLEBLOCK assignment).
 Enter
the WBLOCK command.
 Select the Objects option button.
 Pick the Select objects button to select the
objects for the drawing file.
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Creating a New WBlock
 Pick
the Pick point button to select the insertion
point.
 Enter coordinates in the X:, Y:, and Z: text
boxes.
 Give the file a name in the File name: text box.
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Creating a New WBlock
 Select
 Pick
151
the type of units.
OK.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating a New WBlock
 This
is the same sequence that is used with
the BLOCK commnand.

152
However, the WBLOCK is saved to disk as
a drawing file, not as a block in the current
drawing.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Storing a Drawing As A WBlock
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
153
Storing a Drawing As A WBlock
 An
entire drawing can also be stored as a
WBLOCK.
 Pick
the Entire drawing option button in the
Write Block dialog box.
 Give
the WBLOCK a name in the File name,
text box.
 Specify
154
a location for the new drawing file
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Storing a Drawing As A WBlock
 Select
 Pick
155
the type of units
OK when you are through.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Storing a Drawing As A WBlock
 The
whole drawing is saved to disk as if
you had used the SAVE command.
 All
unused blocks are deleted from the
drawing.
 If
the drawing contains any unused blocks,
this method reduces the size of a drawing
considerably.
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Storing a Drawing As A WBlock
 The
Entire drawing WBLOCK option
 Acts
like PURGE
 Removes named objects that are unused
 Reduces your drawing file size.
 Quick
way to clean up (PURGE) drawing
 Removes
unused
 Blocks
 Layers
 Styles
 Objects.
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Block Insertion Options
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158
Block Insertion Options
 Use
the Corner option to get an
approximate dynamic scaling technique.
 If
the DRAGMODE system variable is set to
Auto, you can size the block dynamically as
you move the cursor.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Block Insertion Options
 The
Corner option:
 Enter
X scale factor, specify opposite corner, or
[Corner/XYZ] <1>: C
 Specify opposite corner: (move the cursor to
change the size of the block and pick a point or
enter absolute coordinates)
 Pick
a point on screen above and to the
right of the insertion point to insert the
block as drawn.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Block Insertion Options
 The
Corner option:
 Picking
a corner point below or to the left of the
insertion point generates a mirror image.
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Block Insertion Options
A
block that is scaled during insertion can
be classified as
A
real block.
 A schematic block.
 A unit block.
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Block Insertion Options
A
real block
 Is
drawn at a one-to-one scale.
 Is inserted into the drawing using 1 for both the
X and Y scale factors.
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Block Insertion Options
A
schematic block
 Is
a block that is originally drawn at a one-toone scale.
 Is inserted into the drawing using the scale
factor of the drawing for both the X and Y scale
values.
 Examples
of schematic blocks
 Notes
 Detail
bubbles
 Section symbols.
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The -BLOCK Command
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
165
The -BLOCK Command
 The
-BLOCK command can also be used to
create new blocks and list existing blocks.
 Access this command by:
 Typing
166
-B or -BLOCK at the Command: prompt.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The -BLOCK Command
 When
the -BLOCK command is entered, the
options in the Block Definition dialog box
are presented as prompts on the command
line.
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The -BLOCK Command
 To
display a list of block names, use the ?
option:
 Command:
-B or -BLOCK
 Enter block name or [?]: ?
 Enter block(s) to list <*>:
 Press
[Enter] to list all of the blocks in the
current drawing.
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The -BLOCK Command
 This
listing shows
 Each
block name
 The different types of blocks
 The number of each type in the drawing.
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The -BLOCK Command
 When
you create a block, you have actually
created a block definition.
 The
first entry in the block listing is that of
defined blocks.
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The -BLOCK Command
 User
blocks are those created by the user.
 External
references are drawings
referenced with the XREF command.
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Nesting Blocks
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172
Nesting Blocks
 Blocks
blocks.
can be used when creating other
 This
process is called nesting, where larger
blocks contain smaller blocks.
 The
larger block must be given a different
name.
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Editing Blocks
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
174
Editing Blocks
 In-Place
Editing allows you to make minor
changes to blocks, wblocks or drawings
that have been inserted in the current
drawing.
 You can edit blocks without having to
explode and redefine them.
 In-place
editing cannot be used on blocks
that have been inserted with MINSERT.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 Use
the REFEDIT command to edit blocks
in place.
 Type
REFEDIT at the Command: prompt.
 OR
 Use
the Refedit toolbar
 OR
 Pick
In-place Xref and Block Edit and Edit
Reference in the Modify pull-down menu.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 The
REFEDIT command options:
 Reference
name
 Preview
 Enable
unique layer and symbol names
 Display attribute definitions for editing
 Next
 OK
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Editing Blocks
 Reference
name
 Displays
the name of the selected block and
any references nested within the selected
block.
 Preview
 Displays
an image of the the selected block.
 Use the NEXT button to cycle through nested
blocks.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 Enable
unique layer and symbol names
 Controls
layer and symbol names of objects
extracted from the reference
 If checked, layer and symbol names are given
a prefix such as $#$
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Editing Blocks
 Display
attribute definitions for editing
 If
checked, the block attributes and attribute
definitions are available for editing.
 Edited attribute definitions only take effect in
future insertions of the edited block.
 Next
 Use
to cycle through nested blocks.
 OK
 Pick
183
OK after selecting the desired block.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 After
you pick the OK button, the Refedit
toolbar is displayed and you get the
following prompt:
 Select
nested objects: (select the objects in the
block to edit)
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 Pick
all objects in the block to be edited,
then press [Enter].
 Select
nested objects:
 Use
REFCLOSE or the Refedit toolbar to end
reference editing session.
 Command:
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 If
multiple insertions of the same block are
displayed, pick the one you originally
selected.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 When
the Command: prompt is available,
all the objects in the drawing are grayed
out, except the objects you selected.
 Use
any drawing or editing commands to
alter the object as desired.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 Pick
the Save back changes to reference
button in the Refedit toolbar.
 Pick OK to continue with the save.
 Changes to the edited block are displayed
immediately.
 Changes affect
 other
insertions of the same block and
 future insertions of the block.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 Objects
selected for editing are referred to
as the “working set” and appear brighter
than other objects.
 Objects that are not a part of the working
set are faded.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 The
percent of fading is controlled in the
Display tab of the Options dialog box.
 A maximum of 90% fading is allowed, and
the default is 50%.
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Editing Blocks
 This
value is controlled by the XFADECTL
variable.
 Enter a value in the Reference Edit fading
intensity text box in the lower-right comer,
or move the slider.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 Objects
that are added to the drawing
during the edit can be removed from the
working set.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 The
Refedit Toolbar Buttons.
 Add
objects to working set.
 Remove objects from the working set.
 Discard changes to reference.
 Save changes back to block.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 Add
objects to working set.
 Any
object that is drawn during the in-place edit
is automatically added to the working set.
 Use this button to add additional existing
objects.
 If
an object is added to the working set, it
is removed from the host drawing.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 The
REFSET command allows you to add to
or remove objects from the working set.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
“Checking Out” a Reference
A
drawing must be checked out to edit it. If
the REFEDIT command is issued, when the
block is not checked out, an error message
will result.
 Command:
REFSET
 ** Command not allowed unless a
reference is checked out with REFEDIT
command **.
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Editing Blocks
 Remove
objects from the working set.
 Use
this button to remove objects from the
working set.
 When an object is removed from the set it
appears faded.
 If an object is removed from the working set, it
is added to the host drawing.
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Editing Blocks
 Discard
changes to reference.
 Pick
to exit the reference edit function without
saving changes to the object.
 The
REFCLOSE command allows you to
save or discard changes to the working set,
and closes reference editing.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 The
REFEDIT command can also be used in
the command window.
 Command:
-REFEDIT
 Select reference: (select the block to change)
 Select [Enter] (to accept the currently
highlighted reference)
 OR
 Press
212
[Enter] to use the Next option:
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 Select
nesting level [Ok/Next] <Next>: [Enter]
 Select nesting level [Ok/Next] <Next>: O [Enter]
 Select nested objects: (select objects within the
block to edit)
 Display attribute definitions [Yes/No] <No>:
(type Y or [Enter] for No)
 Use REFCLOSE or the Refedit toolbar to end
reference editing session.
 Command: (use drawing and editing
commands as needed to edit the block)
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Editing Blocks
 Use
the Save back changes to reference button
on the Refedit toolbar
 OR
 Type
the REFCLOSE command and use one of
its options.
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Editing Blocks
 The
Save option :
 Command:
REFCLOSE [Eenter]
 Enter option [Save/Discard reference changes]
<Save>: [Enter]
 The AutoCAD alert box is displayed.
 Use OK to accept the changes.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Redefining Existing Blocks
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
216
Redefining Existing Blocks
 To
redefine an existing block:
 1. Insert the block to be redefined
anywhere in your drawing.
 2. Make sure that you know where the
insertion point of the block is located.
 3. Explode the inserted block using the
EXPLODE command.
 4. Edit the block as needed.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Redefining Existing Blocks
 5.
Recreate the block definition using the
BLOCK command.
 6. Give the block the same name and the
same insertion point it originally had.
 7. Select the objects to be included in the
block.
 8. Pick OK.
 When
a message from AutoCAD appears and
asks if you want to redefine the block, pick Yes.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Redefining Existing Blocks
 9.
When the BLOCK command is complete,
all insertions of the block are updated.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Redefining Existing Blocks
A
common mistake is to forget to use the
EXPLODE command before redefining the
block.
 When you try to create the block again with
the same name, an alert box indicating the
block references itself is displayed.
 This means you are trying to create a block
that already exists.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Redefining Existing Blocks
 Once
you press the OK button, the alert
box disappears and the Block Definition
dialog box is redisplayed.
 Press the Cancel button, explode the block
to be redefined, and try again.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Redefining Existing Blocks
 You
can also redefine existing blocks using
the -BLOCK command:
 Insert
the block
 Explode the block
 Make necessary changes have been made
 Issue the -BLOCK command.
 Enter the same block name
 Enter Y or YES to redefine the block
 Pick the same insertion point
 Select the revised objects.
 Press [Enter]
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The Circular Reference Error
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
223
The Circular Reference Error
 When
you try to redefine a block that
already exists (using the same name),
AutoCAD informs you that the block
references itself.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The Circular Reference Error
A
block can be composed of any objects,
including other blocks.
 When using the BLOCK command, AutoCAD
makes a list of all the objects that compose
the new block.
 AutoCAD must refer to any existing block
definitions that are selected to be part of
the new block.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The Circular Reference Error
 If
you select an instance, or reference, of
the block being redefined as a component
object for the new definition, a problem
occurs.
 You are trying to redefine a block name
using a previous version of the block with
the same name.
 In other words, the new block refers to a
block of the same name, or references
itself.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The Circular Reference Error
 Example
#1 - assume you create a block
named BOX that is composed of four line
objects in the shape of a square, and insert
it.
 You then decide that the block needs to be
changed so that it contains a small circle in
the lower-left corner.
 If the original BOX block is exploded, all
that is left are the four line objects.
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The Circular Reference Error
 After
drawing the required circle, you can
enter the BLOCK command and recreate a
block named BOX by selecting the four lines
and the circle as the component objects.
 Redefining
a block destroys the old
definition and creates a new one.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The Circular Reference Error
 Example
#2 - assume you do not explode
the block, but still draw the circle and try to
redefine the block.
 By selecting the BOX block and the circle, a
new block named BOX would now be a
block reference of the BOX block with a
circle.
 The old block definition of BOX has not
been destroyed, but a new definition has
been attempted.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
The Circular Reference Error
 Thus,
AutoCAD is trying to define a new
block named BOX by using an instance of
the BOX block.
 This is referred to as a circular reference,
and is what is meant by a block referencing
itself.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting a Drawing File with
Select Drawing File
Dialog Box
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
231
Inserting a Drawing File
 The
INSERT command can be used to:
 Insert
a block
 Insert a wblock.
 Insert another drawing file.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting a Drawing File
 Picking
the Browse... button in the Insert dialog
box activates the Select Drawing File dialog
box. (To insert a WBLOCK)
 You can then scroll through the files in any
folder, or on another drive, and pick the file
name you need.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting a Drawing File
 The
-INSERT command can be used to
insert Wblocks also.
 To access the Select Drawing File dialog
box, enter a tilde (-) when prompted for
the block name as follows:
 Command:
-INSERT
 Enter block name or [?]: <current>: ~
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Inserting a Drawing File
 You
can use the tilde character (~)
whenever any AutoCAD command prompt
requests a file name.
 One
of several dialog boxes is then
displayed so that you may select a file.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Revising an Inserted Drawing
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
237
Revising an Inserted Drawing
 You
may find that you need to revise a
drawing file that has been used in other
drawings.
 If this happens, you can quickly update any
drawing in which the revised drawing is
used.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Revising an Inserted Drawing
 Example:
a drawing file named “pump” was
used several times in a drawing.
 To update references to the changed
“pump” file
 Type
-INSERT
 Type an equal sign (=) after the block name to
update all of the references to the pump
drawing:
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Revising an Inserted Drawing
 Command:
-INSERT
 Enter block name or [?]: <current>: PUMP=
 Block "pump" already exists. Redefine it?
[Yes/No] <N>: Yi
 Block "pump" redefined
 Regenerating model.
 Specify insertion point or
[Scale/X/Y/Z/Rotate/PScale/PX/PY/PZ/PRotate]
:
 (press the [Esc] key)
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Revising an Inserted Drawing
 All
of the pump references are
automatically updated.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Revising an Inserted Drawing
 Example
#2:
 A drawing file named “fastener” was
inserted into your current drawing
 The drawing file “fastener” was saved as a
block “screw”.
 You
have decided to revise the fastener
drawing.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Revising an Inserted Drawing
 The
screw block can be updated using the INSERT command as follows:
 Command:
-INSERT
 Enter block name or [?]: <current>:
SCREW=FASTENER
 Block "screw" already exists. Redefine it?
[Yes/No] <N>: Yi
 Block "screw" redefined
 Regenerating model.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Revising an Inserted Drawing
 If
you work on projects in which inserted
drawings may be revised, it may be more
productive to use reference drawings
instead of inserted drawing files.
 Reference drawings are used with the XREF
command
 This is covered in Chapter 24.
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Revising an Inserted Drawing
 All
referenced drawings are automatically
updated when a drawing file that contains
the externally referenced material is loaded
into AutoCAD.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating Symbol Libraries
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
246
Creating Symbol Libraries
 As
you become proficient with AutoCAD,
you will want to start constructing symbol
libraries.
 A symbol library is a collection of related
shapes, views, and symbols that are used
repeatedly in drawings.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating Symbol Libraries
 Symbols
are generally incorporated into
your screen and tablet menus.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating Symbol Libraries
 First,
you must decide where symbols
(blocks and drawing files) are stored and
how they can be inserted into different
drawings.
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Creating Symbol Libraries
 Remember:
 BLOCK
a block is saved with the drawing
 WBLOCK saves the block as a separate
drawing file.
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Creating Symbol Libraries
A
complete drawing file occupies
considerably more disk space than a block.
 Also, a drawing file can contain many
blocks
 Once the drawing file is inserted into the
current drawing, all the blocks in the
drawing file are also inserted into the
drawing.
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Creating Symbol Libraries
 To
use blocks, each person in the office or
class must have a copy of the drawing that
contains the blocks.
 The blocks are usually created and stored
in a template file or a separate drawing file.
 If drawing files are used, each student or
employee must have access to the files.
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Creating Symbol Libraries
 Using
3.5" Diskettes
 Good
to use for temporarily storing backup
copies of drawing and data files.
 Are NOT a good choice for the primary means
for storing symbols, especially if you have
sufficient room on the hard disk, optical, or
network server drives.
 Inserting and removing diskettes from a disk
drive is tedious and time-consuming
 It takes more time for the computer to access
the diskettes.
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Creating Symbol Libraries
 Create
all symbols as separate drawing
files.
 Assign one person to initially create the
symbols for each specialty.
 Follow class or company symbol standards.
 Print a hard copy of the symbol library.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating Symbol Libraries
 Include
A
representation of the symbol,
 Symbol insertion point
 Any other necessary information
 Symbol location.
 Provide all users of the symbols with a copy of
the listing.
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Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Creating Symbol Libraries
 Save
symbols by discipline:
 Electronic
 Electrical
 Piping
 Mechanical
 Structural
 Architectural
 Landscaping
 Mapping
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 The
Hard Disk Drive
 Is
the best places to store a symbol library.
 Is easily accessed
 Is quick
 Is more convenient to use than diskettes.
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 Create
symbols with the WBLOCK
command.
 Create directories for each discipline.
 Save discipline specific symbols in the same
directory.
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 Folder
structure:
 Blocks
 Arch
 Civil
 Elect
 Landscape
 Mech
 Struct
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 If
a symbol is saved as a file,
 you
must search for its folder the first time the
symbol is inserted.
 After its initial insertion, the drawing file is
saved as a block definition in the current
drawing, and it can be accessed by entering its
file name.
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 All
workstations in the class or office should
have folders with the same names.
 One person should be assigned to update
and copy symbol libraries to all workstation
hard drives.
 Drawing files should be copied onto each
workstation's hard drive from a master
diskette or network server.
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Copying a Symbol Library into a
New Drawing
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Copying a Symbol Library
A
symbol library of blocks that is part of a
drawing can be copied into a new drawing
file.
 The incoming blocks are not displayed, they
are only included as definitions in the
drawing file.
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 This
allows you to use blocks created on
one drawing without also having to use the
drawing.
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 Example:
If the drawing pipeflow.dwg
saved on the diskette in the A: drive
contains the needed blocks, use the INSERT command as follows:
 Command:
-INSERT
 Enter block name or [?] <current>:
A:PIPEFLOW
 Specify insertion point or
[Scale/XN/Z/Rotate/PScale/PX/PY/PZ/PRotatel:
 (press the [Esc] key to cancel the command)
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 After
pressing the [Escl key:
 The
drawing is not inserted on screen
 But, the blocks are now included with the new
file.
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 NOTE:
 If
a symbol library is saved as a template
file, it cannot be inserted into another
drawing.
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A
symbol library template is beneficial when
starting a new drawing in which the
symbols are to be used.
 For
example, when starting a new
mechanical drawing, a mechanical template
that contains a mechanical symbol library
would be helpful.
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Renaming Blocks
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Creating a Symbol Library Listing
 Blocks
can be renamed using the RENAME
command.
 Access this command by
 Selecting
Rename... from the Format pull-down
menu
 OR
 Entering
REN or RENAME at the Command:
prompt.
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 NOTE
Since AutoCAD does not permit the
renaming of layer 0 or the Continuous
linetype, these two named objects do not
appear in the Items list in the Rename
dialog box.
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 NOTE
The -RENAME command can be
used to rename blocks, layers, views, and
other named objects at the Command:
prompt.
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Deleting Named Objects
A
block is a named object.
 In many drawing sessions, not all of the
named objects in a drawing are used.
 These objects occupy disk space.
 It is good practice to delete or purge the
unused objects with the PURGE command.
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The PURGE Command
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276
Deleting Named Objects
 To
access the PURGE command:
 Pick
Purge from the Drawing Utilities cascading
menu in the File pull-down menu,
 OR
 enter
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PU or PURGE at the Command: prompt.
Chapter 23-Creating Symbols For Multiple Use
Deleting Named Objects
 The
command sequence displays each of
the unused named objects one at a time.
 Decide whether to delete or save them.
 You
can also specify a named object by
entering the option corresponding to the
type of object to be purged.
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 Use
the PURGE command in the following
manner to delete a block named LINESPEC:
 Command:
PU or PURGE
 Enter type of unused objects to purge
 [Blocks/Dimstyles/LAyers/LTypes/Plotstyles/SH
apes/textSTyles/Mlinestyles/All]: B
 Enter name(s) to purge <*>:
 Verify each name to be purged? [Yes/No] <Y>:
 Purge block "linespec"? <N> Y
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 The
PURGE command
 Lists
all unused blocks individually
 Gives you the option to answer yes or no.
 The
All option can be used to delete all
unused named objects.
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 The
PURGE command
 Is
a good way to clean up a drawing after it is
completed.
 Is slower than using the Entire drawing wblock
option in the Write Block dialog box.
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