Modify AutoCAD Block Definitions

Modify library blocks definitions without exploding them, shoot block slides, modify insertion point or restore block definitions.

This module is accessible for Library Editors (see User Access) from main toolbar or Admin Tools menu.

Display library blocks by selecting library folder.

Select blocks for modification by checking box in bottom left corner of a block image or click  Select All / Clear All toggle

 Show Names / Show Description switch  - displays block names or block descriptions  under block images

Modify Sub-Entities

In order for a block insert to take the properties of the layer it is inserted on, it is necessary to change the properties of the entities that it consists of to

 - Layer to 0 (zero)

 - Color to ByBlock

 - LineType to ByBlock

 - LineWeight to ByBlock

Modify Nested Blocks — controls if modification is applied to nested blocks (when block definition contains other blocks)

Purge — if checked will purge selected block’s  unreferenced nested blocks, layers, linetypes, text and dimension styles

 Update Block — click this button to update block definition and re-shoot its slide

Acquire Slide Image

 - Auto shoot current block’s image

 - If the image extends are not perfect - use this button to "Pan", "Zoom" or "Zoom Scale" to the preferred picture and then click Enter to Shoot Slide.
This button is disabled when multiple blocks are selected.

Select Slide File — associate current block’s image with a slide file

 Include Attributes — controls attribute visibility

 Change Block’s Insertion Point - this button is disabled when multiple blocks are selected.

 Custom Modify - make modifications to selected block’s definition. When done click Save button.  This button is disabled when multiple blocks are selected.

 Update Extends — if block was modified outside of Block Explorer click this button to recalculate block extends

 Restore from File- click to restore block definition from library archive file. It is available only before Save to File button is used.

 Save to File - click to save modified blocks definitions and slides to library archive file.

WARNING!!! These changes are permanent. Do not click this button if the appearance of selected blocks is not to your satisfaction.

After use of this command Restore from File is disabled