Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 4.1:
The Define Block dialog box options
(CONTINUED)
OPTION
PURPOSE
Delete Objects
Deletes the objects you selected for your block. You may also notice that a warning
message appear s at the bot tom of the Source Objec ts g roup. if This war ning appear s if
you haven't selected objects for the block. After you've selected objects, the warning
changes to tell you how many objects you've selected.
Base Point group
Pick Point
Lets you select the base point for the block before you click Create Block to dis-
miss the dialog box.
X, Y, and Z input boxes
Enable you to enter exact coordinates for the block's base point.
Block Behav ior g roup
Scale Uniformly
By default, blocks can have a different X, Y, or Z scale. This means they can be
stretched in any of the axes. You can lock the X, Y, and Z scale of the block by
selecting this option. That way, the block will always be scaled uniformly and
can't be stretched in one axis.
Allow Exploding
By default, blocks can be exploded or reduced to their component objects. You
can lock a block so that it can't be exploded by turning off this option. You can
always turn on this option later through the Properties Inspector palette if you
decide that you need to explode a block.
Annotative
Turns on the Annotative scale feature for blocks. This feature lets you use a single
block for different scale views of a drawing. With this feature turned on, AutoCAD
can be set to adjust the size of the block to the appropriate scale for the drawing.
Match Block
Orientation To Layout
With the Annotative option turned on, this option is available. This option
causes a block to appear always in its normal orientation regardless of the orien-
tation of the layout view.
Block Unit
Lets you determine how the object is to be scaled when it's inserted into the
drawing using the Content palette. By default, this value is the same as the cur-
rent drawing's Insert value.
Description
Lets you include a brief description or keyword for the block. This option is help-
ful when you need to find a specific block in a set of drawings.
Open In Block Editor
If you turn on this option, the block is created and then opened in the Block
Editor, described later in this chapter.
