Draftsight

How to Edit Block DraftSight?

Understanding the Concept of an Edit Block

An edit block is a distinct entity within Draftsight, allowing users to independently manipulate its various components. By organizing elements into blocks, you can customize backgrounds or specific text for each block, enhancing the visual appeal of your layout. The block editor serves as a visual workstation that reveals how each block will appear once integrated into your project.

Creating a Block in Draftsight: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Navigate to the Draw menu and select Block followed by Define, or you can simply type the command MakeBlock.
  2. A dialog box will appear prompting you to enter a name for your new block; alternatively, you can choose an existing block if you are looking to overwrite it.
  3. Provide a description for the block in the designated field to offer insight into its content or purpose.
  4. Adjust the settings as required to fine-tune the block according to your needs.
  5. If you want to create an advanced version, select the option to Open in Block Editor to start customizing behaviors and attributes of the block.

Editing Text Within Draftsight

  1. Go to the Modify menu and select Entity, then Annotation. You can also type EditAnnotation to access the option.
  2. In the drawing area, click to select the text entity that you wish to edit.
  3. A dialog box will appear based on the type of text entity selected, where you can make your modifications seamlessly.

Removing a Block in Draftsight

  1. Click on Modify, then Component, and choose Remove Elements. Alternatively, input ChangeElements and opt for the Remove option.
  2. Select the elements targeted for removal from the block definition or reference.
  3. To finalize this process, navigate to Modify > Component and select Save and Close, or type SaveComponent. All associated instances of the block will automatically update following these changes.

In-Place Block Editing: Solutions for Common Issues

If you’re encountering difficulty with in-place editing of blocks, the default setting often requires double-clicking the block to open the Properties dialog or the Block Editor. To modify a block directly in its location, consider these steps:

  1. Right-click on the block and choose the option labeled Edit Block In-Place. This allows for direct modifications without navigating away from the main workspace.
  2. If this does not initiate in-place editing, use the REFEDIT command to directly open the in-place block editor.

When to Utilize the Block Editor

The Block Editor is specifically designed for crafting and modifying the geometry of your blocks. It enables the addition of parameters and actions which define both custom properties and dynamic behaviors. Whenever you need to define complex objects or set specific behaviors within a block, the Block Editor proves to be an essential tool.

Saving a DraftSight Block Effectively

  1. Access the File menu and select Export, then Export Drawing. Alternatively, you can use the command ExportDrawing for speed.
  2. Within the appearing dialog box, designate a source where the block should be saved.

Dynamic Blocks in Draftsight

Dynamic blocks in Draftsight offer flexibility by allowing adjustments to specific dimensions or uniform resizing. The software now accommodates the importation of dynamic blocks that represent movable segments within any given block.

FAQs

1. Can I edit multiple text entities at once in Draftsight?
Unfortunately, text edits must be made individually in Draftsight, as each text entity is treated separately.

2. What steps should I follow to retract a change made to a block?
To revert changes, use the Undo command immediately after the edit. For more permanent changes, accessing the Block Editor and modifying your adjustments will be necessary.

3. How can I ensure that changes to a block are reflected in all instances?
To ensure updates apply universally, make modifications within the Block Editor and then save them; this will update all occurrences of that block throughout your project.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.