Combining Objects into Blocks - AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required - page 343

Typically when you choose to EXPLODE a block you want the linework to
retain the layer displayed in your drawing. Users of AutoCAD (not AutoCAD
LT) have another command named BURST that does just that. You can find
the BURST command and the Explode Attributes button on the Express Tools
tab ➢ Blocks panel. Like the EXPLODE command, BURST reduces the A-GLAZ
block into three lines, but they will retain the correct A-GLAZ layer.

O

You can also start
the EXPLODE com-
mand by entering
EXPLODE ↵ .

Revising a Block

One of the biggest advantages to using blocks over manually drawing items
such as doors and windows in your drawing is the ease with which blocks can be
modified. Earlier you used the Block Editor as you were defining blocks. In this
section you'll use the Block Editor again, this time not to define a new block but
to modify an existing one. More specifically, you'll modify the A-GLAZ (window)
block and see how the changes you make are reflected throughout your drawing.
Let's say that the client who's building the cabin finds out that double glazing is
required in all windows. You'll want the windows to show two lines for the glass. If
you revise the A-GLAZ block definition, the changes you make in one block refer-
ence will be made in all six windows.

1. Make sure 07A-FPLAY3.dwg is open.

NOTE Using standard commands, you can MOVE , ROTATE , COPY ,
ERASE , SCALE , and EXPLODE blocks. all objects in a block are associated
and behave as if they were one object.

2. Select the A-GLAZ block inserted over the stove, right-click to display
the context menu and select Block Editor, as shown in Figure 7.44.
Alternatively, you can access the Block Editor from the Insert
tab ➢ Block panel ➢ Block Editor tool, or by entering BEDIT ↵ at the
command line.
In the drawing area, the rest of the drawing disappears, the back-
ground turns gray, and the Block Editor tab and panels appear in the
Ribbon. Only the A-GLAZ block and the Block Authoring Palettes
remain (see Figure 7.45). You are now in the Block Editor mode.

3. Use the OFFSET command to offset the glazing line 0.5 ″ (13 mm) up
and down. Then erase the original horizontal line (see Figure 7.46).
This window block now has double glazing.