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Block Commands

This page covers the BLOCK command for creating reusable symbol definitions and the INSERT command for placing block references in the drawing.

BLOCK (Command)

Creates a named block definition from selected entities. The selected entities are removed from the drawing and replaced with a block reference.

Prompts

Prompt Description
Enter block name Type a name for the new block definition
Specify insertion base point Click the point that will serve as the block's origin
Select Entities Select entities to include in the block

How to Use

  1. Type block and press Enter
  2. Enter a descriptive name (e.g., Door-90, Bolt-M10)
  3. Pick the base point — this becomes the insertion origin when the block is placed later
  4. Select the entities to include and press Enter
  5. The entities are converted to a block definition and a reference is placed at the original location

Notes

  • The original entities are erased and replaced by a single block reference
  • The base point determines where the block "anchors" during insertion — choose a meaningful point (e.g., hinge of a door, center of a bolt)
  • Block definitions are stored in the drawing's block table and appear in the Block Manager

INSERT (Command)

Places a block reference from an existing block definition into the drawing.

Prompts

Prompt Description Keywords
Enter block name Type the name of the block to insert —
Specify insertion base point Click or type the placement point Scale, Rotation

Keywords

Keyword Description
Scale Set a scale factor before placing (prompts for a value)
Rotation Set a rotation angle before placing (prompts for an angle)

How to Use

  1. Type insert and press Enter
  2. Enter the block name exactly as defined
  3. (Optional) Type Scale to set a scale factor, then enter the value
  4. (Optional) Type Rotation to set a rotation angle, then enter the angle
  5. Click or type coordinates for the insertion point
  6. A live preview follows the cursor showing the block at the current scale and rotation

Example

Command: insert
Enter block name: Door-90
Specify insertion base point [Scale / Rotation]: Scale
Enter scale factor: 2
Specify insertion base point [Scale / Rotation]: Rotation
Enter rotation angle: 45
Specify insertion base point [Scale / Rotation]: (click to place)

Notes

  • Live preview: A dynamic preview of the block follows the cursor during placement, showing scale and rotation
  • Scale and Rotation can be set before placing: Use the keywords multiple times to adjust before committing the insertion point
  • Block name must exist: The block must already be defined (via BLOCK command or Block Manager). If the name doesn't exist, the command will fail silently
  • Multiple insertions: Run INSERT again (or press Enter to repeat) to place additional copies of the same or different blocks

Best Practices

Tip Reason
Choose meaningful base points A door's base point should be at the hinge, a bolt at the center
Use consistent naming Makes INSERT faster — you can type the name from memory
Set scale/rotation before clicking Avoids needing to edit properties after placement
Use the Block Manager for browsing Easier to find blocks visually than typing names

Quick Reference

Command Action Keywords
block Create a new block from entities —
insert Place an existing block reference Scale, Rotation