Library Portability vs Performance

Block Explorer libraries can be subdivided into three categories based on their block files location:

1.  Checked In — each block file is located in a sequentially indexed block archive (.zip) files under its file system folder

2.  Checked Out  — each block file is located in dwg file under its file system folder

3.  Mixed — some block files are located in block archives and some are checked out to file system folders

The following are main pros of using Checked In (category 1 above) scenario:

·      Increased Performance — block insertions are much faster when libraries are located on a network drive.

·      Library Security — block archives could be password encrypted and user access will be controlled by permissions configured in User Access module.

·      Single source - when archived blocks are inserted, Block Explorer transparently extracts them into temporary folder and deletes block files afterwards so no extracted files are left behind on the file system.

·      Consistent X-references - when archived blocks are X-referenced Block Explorer extracts them into appropriate file system folder. These files will stay extracted (checked out) until library manager checks them back into library blocks archives.

The following are the main pros of using Checked Out (category 2 above) scenario:

·      Increased Performance - library blocks collection and modifications is much faster, especially on larger libraries

·      Block files security is controlled outside of Block Explorer by system administrators

For detailed help on how to check in / out library blocks, encrypt library archive with a password, move libraries and more - see Library Hub - Custom Library Node.