Block Manager¶

The Block Manager lets you create custom symbols (blocks) and reuse them throughout your drawing. A block is a named collection of entities that acts as a single object -- insert it multiple times without duplicating geometry.

Why use blocks?

Reuse -- draw once, insert many times (furniture, fixtures, title blocks, etc.)
Consistency -- all instances share the same definition; edit once to update all
File size -- multiple insertions reference one definition, keeping files small
Organization -- group related entities into a named unit

Block Concepts¶

Term	Description
Block definition	The master template stored in the symbols library
Block insertion	An instance placed in the drawing (references the definition)
Base point	The insertion/anchor point used when placing the block
Attributes	Optional text fields that can vary per insertion (e.g., part number, room name)

Add Block¶

Create a new block and add it to the symbols library:

Select entities to include in the block
Click Add Block in the Block Manager
Enter a block name (e.g., Door-90, Chair, Title Block)
Pick the base point (insertion origin) -- use snaps for precision
The selected entities become the block definition

Base point matters

Choose a meaningful base point (e.g., hinge point for a door, center for a bolt). This is where the cursor attaches when you insert the block later.

Inserting Blocks¶

To place a block in your drawing:

Select the block from the Block Manager or use the Insert command
Click to set the insertion point (snaps supported)
Optionally set scale and rotation at insertion time

Parameter	Description	Default
Insertion point	Where the block's base point is placed	Mouse click
Scale X / Y	Horizontal and vertical scale factors	1.0
Rotation	Angle of the insertion	0 degrees

Tip

Insert the same block at different scales and rotations to represent variations (e.g., doors at 45 degrees, furniture scaled to fit).

Editing Blocks¶

Edit Block Definition¶

Double-click a block insertion or use Edit Block to modify the definition:

Enter block edit mode -- the block's entities become editable
Add, modify, or delete entities within the block
Save to update the definition -- all insertions in the drawing update automatically

Note

Editing a block definition affects every instance of that block in the drawing. To modify only one instance, explode it first.

Explode Block¶

Convert a block insertion back into individual entities:

Select the block and use Explode (from toolbar or context menu)
The entities become independent -- they are no longer linked to the block definition
Useful for one-off modifications without affecting other instances

Delete Block¶

Remove a block definition from the symbols library.

Warning

All insertions of the deleted block will be removed from the drawing
This action cannot be undone after saving
Consider renaming or hiding unused blocks instead of deleting

Block Properties¶

Select a block insertion to view/edit in the Properties panel:

Property	Description
Name	Block definition name
Position X, Y	Insertion point coordinates
Scale X, Y	Scale factors
Rotation	Insertion angle
Layer	Layer the insertion is placed on

Best Practices¶

Practice	Benefit
Use meaningful block names	Easy to find and identify (e.g., `Sink-Single`, `Window-1200`)
Set base point at a logical origin	Natural placement when inserting
Keep blocks on layer `0` internally	Entities inherit the insertion layer's properties
Use ByLayer color and thickness	Blocks adapt to the layer they are inserted on
Create a library of common symbols	Speeds up drafting for repeated elements

Quick Reference¶

Task	Action
Create a block	Select entities > Block Manager > Add > name + base point
Insert a block	Block Manager > select block > click placement point
Edit a block definition	Double-click insertion > modify > save
Explode a block	Select > Explode (entities become independent)
Delete a block	Block Manager > select > Delete
Change insertion properties	Select block > Properties panel > adjust scale/rotation