About Blocks
Blocks are compound objects that are commonly used for symbols, parts, detail views, and title blocks.
A block is one or more objects combined to create a single object. The following are some examples of blocks inserted into drawings.
Using blocks provides the following advantages:
- You can ensure uniformity between identical copies of furniture, fixtures, parts, symbols, and title blocks in drawings.
- You can insert, rotate, scale, move, and copy blocks much faster than operating on selections of individual geometric objects.
- If you edit or redefine a block definition, all block references in that drawing are updated automatically.
- You can include data such as part numbers, costs, service dates, and performance values to blocks. The data is stored in special objects called block attributes.
- You can reduce the file size of a drawing by inserting multiple block references instead of duplicating object geometry.
With online access, you can download AutoCAD drawing files from the web sites of commercial vendors and suppliers. This option can save you a significant amount of time, but check to make sure that these drawings are drawn correctly and to scale.
Related Articles
About Inserting Blocks
Save time and control the drawing size by inserting references to a set of objects that have been combined to form a block. Sources of Block Definitions You can insert blocks from these sources: Blocks defined in the current drawing. Other drawing ...About Defining Blocks
You can create blocks by associating objects and giving them a name or by creating a drawing to be used as a block. Block Definitions Whenever you create a block or insert a drawing as a block, all of the block information in the block definition, ...Understanding the Blocks Palette
Blocks can be inserted into a drawing with the Blocks Palette, the Tool Palettes window, or Design Center, depending on which of these tools best suits the user's needs. This article focuses on the Blocks Palette. To access the Blocks Palette, enter ...About Modifying Block Definitions
You can modify a block definition using several methods. Modify a Block Definition There are several methods for redefining a block definition. The method you choose depends on whether you want to make changes in the current drawing only or in a ...DIVIDE Command
Creates evenly spaced point objects or blocks along the length or perimeter of an object. The following prompts are displayed: Select Objects to Divide Specifies a single geometric object such as a line, polyline, arc, circle, ellipse, or spline. ...
Recent Articles
Toolbox Release Notes | Build 25.1.0114.641
The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 25.1.0114.641. UI Fixes Several issues were reported and discovered within the OEM 2025 user interface. The following issues have been resolved: Fig. 1: Excess commands on the tool strip being ...Toolbox Release Notes | Build 25.1.102.641
The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 25.1.102.641 Toolbox OEM 2025 Work smarter, and faster with Toolbox 2025 (OEM). With an OEM Subscription, you’ll gain access to the latest toolsets and innovative features of Toolbox 2025. ...What’s New in Toolbox 2025 (OEM)
Work smarter, faster with Toolbox 2025 (OEM). With an OEM Subscription, you’ll gain access to the latest toolsets and innovative features of Toolbox 2025. Improvements Toolbox UI Overhaul OEM 2025 introduces several updates to the appearance and ...Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1206.641
The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1206.641 MV Server Nesting Fix There was a reported issue occurring when users attempted to remotely process work orders using a nesting station on MV Server. When attempting to process the work ...Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 24.1127
The following release notes apply to Microvellum Foundation Library build 24.1127. Additions Added a new Soffit product to the Upper Cabinet Accessories category. Added the Top Filler (Ceiling Scribe) option to Upper and Tall cabinets. (Corner ...