Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
MAKE SURE YOU SELECT OBJECTS WHEN CREATING BLOCKS
Make sure you use the Select Objects option in the Define Block dialog box to select the objects you
want to turn into a block. AutoCAD lets you create a block that contains no objects, but if you try
to proceed without selecting objects, you'll get a warning message. This can cause confusion and
frustration, even for an experienced user.
Understanding the Define Block Dialog Box
The Define Block dialog box offers several options that can help make using blocks easier. If
you're interested in these options, take a moment to review the Define Block dialog box as you
read the descriptions. If you prefer, you can continue with the tutorial and come back to this
section later.
You've already seen how the Name option lets you enter a name for your block. AutoCAD
doesn't let you complete the block creation until you enter a name.
You've also seen how to select a base point for your block. The base point is like the grip
of the block: it's the reference point you use when you insert the block back into the drawing.
In the exercise, you used the Pick Point option to indicate a base point, but you also have the
option to enter X, Y, and Z coordinates just below the Pick Point option. In most cases, how-
ever, you'll want to use the Pick Point option to indicate a base point that is on or near the set
of objects you're converting to a block.
The Source Objects group of the Define Block dialog box lets you select the objects that
make up the block. You use the Select Objects button to visually select the objects you want to
include in the block you're creating. Once you select a set of objects for your block, you'll see a
thumbnail preview of the block's contents near the top center of the Define Block dialog box.
Other options in the Source Objects group and Block Behavior group let you specify what
to do with the objects you're selecting for your block. Table 4.1 shows a list of the options and
what they mean.
TABLE 4.1:
The Define Block dialog box options
OPTION
PURPOSE
Source Objects group
Select Objects
Lets you select the objects for the block after you click Create Block.
Convert To Block
Converts the objects you select into the block you're defining. The block then acts
like a single object after you've completed the Block command.
Retain Objects
Keeps the objects you select for your block as they are, unchanged.
