Editing Block Definitions

Use the Block Editor to edit Block definitions. To open the Block Editor, use the EditBlock command. Alternatively, double-click a Block reference in the graphics area.

You can do the following changes to the Block:

  • Modify geometry using modification tools and commands. You can add, delete, and modify the Block entities.

  • Modify properties of any entity in the graphics area by using the Properties palette.

  • Add elements and activities to the Block definitions to create CustomBlocks.

You can add, delete, and modify these entities within a CustomBlock definition:

  • Constraints

  • Elements

  • Activities

  • Visibility states

  • Value tables

  • Grip points

  • Custom properties

The Properties palette is available in the Block Editor. You can select and modify the properties of entities in the graphics area such as geometric entities, elements, and activities.

To finish the Block editing session, use the CBClose command and save the Block. See Saving CustomBlocks.

All instances of modified Blocks and References update in the drawing.

To open a Block definition for editing:

  1. Click Modify > Entity > Edit Block (or type EditBlock).

  1. In the graphics area, click the Block to edit.

  1. From the list in the Edit Block dialog box, select the name of the Block.

    Note: You can edit simple Blocks only. An orange dot in the bottom-right corner of the icon identifies CustomBlocks. In addition, the preview image displays the CB abbreviation for the selected CustomBlock.

  1. To zoom to the bounding box that surrounds the selected Block, select Zoom to Bounds.

  2. Click Show Selection to highlight the Block in the drawing before you start editing.

    The dialog box temporarily disappears until you click in the graphics area or press Esc to return to the dialog box.

  1. Click OK.

    The Block Editor opens. The Block geometry appears. The origin of the coordinate system is in the Block insertion point.

  2. Do the required changes to the Block definition. You can add, delete, and modify the following:

    • Geometric Constraints

    • Elements

    • Activities

    • Block entities

    • Visibility states

    • Tables

    • Base point

    • Grips

    • Properties

    • Modify the geometry using modification tools and commands.

  3. Type CBSave to accept the changes.

  4. Type CBClose to exit the editor.

To close the Block Editor:

  1. Type CBClose at the command prompt.

    If the Block definition has changed since you last saved it, the system prompts you to save the changes.

  2. Save or discard the changes.

Access

Command: EditBlock

Menu: Modify > Entity > Edit Block

Ribbon: Insert > Block > Edit Block

Related Topics

Saving CustomBlocks

Parent Topic

Using the Block Editor