Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
command) or when you're viewing the attribute's properties in the Enhanced Attribute
Editor dialog box (Eattedit command). Of course, this has an effect only on blocks containing
multiple attributes.
Redefining Blocks Containing Attributes
Attributes act differently from other objects when they're included in redefined blocks.
Normally, blocks that have been redefined change their configuration to reflect the new block
definition. But if a redefined block contains attributes, the attributes maintain their old prop-
erties, including their position in relation to other objects in the block. This means the old
attribute position, style, and so on don't change even though you may have changed them in
the new definition.
Fortunately, AutoCAD offers a tool that's specifically designed to let you update blocks with
attributes. The following steps describe how to update attribute blocks:
1.
Before you use the command to redefine an attribute block, you must create the objects
and attribute definitions that will make up the replacement attribute block. The simplest
way to do this is to explode a copy of the attribute block you want to update (the Explode
command is covered in Chapter 4, “Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups”). This
ensures that you have the same attribute definitions in the updated block.
2.
Make your changes to the exploded attribute block.
EXPLODE ATTRIBUTE BLOCKS AT A 1-TO-1 SCALE
Before you explode the attribute block copy, be sure it's at a 1-to-1 scale. This is important because
if you don't use the original size of the block, you could end up with all your new attribute blocks
at the wrong size. Also be sure you use a marker device, such as a line, to locate the insertion point
of the attribute block before you explode it. This will help you locate and maintain the original
insertion point for the redefined block.
3.
Type
AT
↵.
4.
At the Enter name of block you wish to redefine: prompt, enter the
appropriate name.
5.
At the Select objects: prompt, select all the objects, including the attribute definitions,
that you want to include in the revised attribute block.
6.
At the Specify insertion base point of new Block: prompt, pick the same location
used for the original block.
After you pick the insertion point, AutoCAD takes a few seconds to update the blocks. The
amount of time depends on the complexity of the block and the number of times the block
occurs in the drawing. If you include a new attribute definition with your new block, it too is
added to all the updated blocks, with its default value. Attribute definitions that are deleted
from your new definition are removed from all the updated blocks.
