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Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will be able to do the following:
/ Use AutoCAD's Block Editor to create dynamic blocks.
/ List the parameters and actions that can be used to create a dynamic block.
/ Insert parameters into blocks.
/ Assign actions to parameters.
/ Insert and use dynamic blocks.
/ Use parameter sets.
/ Modify parameters and actions.
Symbol libraries can contain hundreds or even thousands of blocks. The more
blocks you have, the more time it takes to manage and work with them. In addi
tion, many blocks may resemble several other blocks with only slight variances. For
example, you may need to create a blockof a bolt that is 1"long. If the same style of bolt
is also available in three other lengths, then three additional blocks may be created. An
alternative is to create a single dynamic block that can be adjusted according to each
unique bolt length. This chapter describes how to create and use dynamic blocks.
Once a parameter and action have been inserted into a block and the block has been action: A definition
that controls how
saved, the block is considered a dynamic block. the parameters of a
dynamic block behave.
A dynamic block is modified by selecting it in the drawing to display the
parameter grips, which can then be selected to modify the block. Figure 24-1 shows parameter grips:
Special grips that
an example of a bolt that has been created as a dynamic block. The shaft objects of allow you to change
the parameters of a
the bolt block have been assigned a linear parameter with a stretch action. The linear dynamic block.
777
Figure 24-1.
A linear parameter and stretch action have been assigned to theshaft objects in thisblock
ofa bolt. ASelecting the block displays the linear grips. BSelecting a linear grip and
dragging it stretches the shaft of the bolt.
Dynamic distance of
the bolt shaft being stretched
T=r-=ae
._r_
f
Linear parameter Hot linear Grip dragged
grips parameter grip to here
A B
parameter grips are shown in Figure 24-1A. To increase the length of the bolt, the
right-hand linear parameter grip is selected and dragged to the right. SeeFigure 24-1B.
The modification affects only this instance of the bolt block. Other references to the
same block in the drawing are not updated. In this way, dynamic blocks can be used
so only one block is inserted into the drawing, but multiple variations of the symbol
can appear in the drawing.
The different types of parameters and actions can be seen in the Block Authoring
Palettes window by selecting the appropriate tab. The Parameters tab and Actions tab
are shown in Figure 24-2. Only certain actions can be assigned to a given parameter.
Figure 24-2.
The available parameters and actions can be accessed from the Block Authoring Palettes window.
Pant Parameter 4,
Linear Parameter {if Scale Action
1 i::
B K-*l
XY Parameter
Y\r Polar Stretch
l|-'"i Action
1 Ad Rotation
Parameter
Alignment
Flip Action
Parameter
\ Tn Lookup Parameter
Base Point
4- Parameter
i
Parameters Tab Actions Tab
flip flip
linear move, scale, stretch, and array
lookup lookup
point move and stretch
visibility none
the Block Editor. To edit a block in the Block Editor, pick the Block Editor button on Q
LU
the Standard toolbar, pick Tools > Block Editor, type BEDIT, or double-click on a block Standard Annotation m
in the drawing. The Edit Block Definition dialog box appears with a list of blocks. See
Figure 24-3. &
To edit an existing block, select the name of the block from the list of blocks. A Block Editor
preview and the description of the selected block are shown. A new block can be Tools
created by typinga name for the newblock in the Block to create oreditfield. Pick the OK > Block Editor
buttonto open the selected block (or new block) in the Block Editor. Refer to Figure 22-15.
Tools available from the Block Editor toolbar and the Block Authoring Palettes
window are used to create dynamic blocks. Some commands are not available in the
Block Editor. Whenyou finish editing, close the Block Editor and return to the drawing
by picking the Close Block Editor button on the Block Editor toolbar or by typing
BCLOSE. If changes have not been saved, a dialog box appears asking if you wish to
save the changes. Pick Yes to save the changes, No to discard the changes, or Cancel to
return to block editing mode.
Block in the
drawing
Description
DesignCenterFaiteneis US example
Description
*"-* of the
selected block
01 Cancel Help
00
Uil^^^^^^^_ Specify parameter location or[Name/Label/Chain/Description/Palette]: (pick the
| pOint center of the door tag)
Specify label location: (drag the label to the side ofthe door tag and pick)
Command:
The parameter location defines the grip point and the X and Y coordinates. This
is the parametergrip that appearswhen the block is selected in the drawing. Selecting
the parameter grip and moving it carries out the action that is assigned to the param
eter. In this example, it is not essential that the center of the door tag be selected as the
parameter location, but it makes more sense to put it there. If the parameter location
is selected off the object, it may not be clear what the grip is for when the block is
selected. Ifyouwant to move the parameter location after it has been inserted,you can
select the grip in the Block Editor and move it.
parameter label: A
label that indicates
Theparameter labelis like a note that indicates the purpose of the parameter. All
the purpose of a parameters have a label. It appears only in block editing mode. By default, the label
parameter.
for a point parameter is POSITION. However, this can be changed to a more descrip
tive label. You can change the parameter label text when you create the parameter by
using the Label optionbefore specifying the parameterlocation. Afterthe parameteris
created, you can change the label text in the Properties palette. You can also move the
label after the parameter has been inserted. Todo this, select the label text or the label
line to highlight the label, select the grip next to the label text, and move the label.
Figure 24-4.
Alert icon indicates
A point parameter that no action has
consists of the grip been assigned
location and a label.
C
The Name, Label, Chain, Description, and Palette options are
common to many types of parameters.
Exercise 24-1
Complete the exercise on the Student CD.
selecting the action from the Actions tab of the Block Authoring Palette window, or * CO
Action
double-clicking any part of the parameter.
The sequence ofprompts willbeslightly different depending on the method used
to access the action. If you pick the Action button from the Block Editor toolbar or type
BACTION, the prompts are:
Select parameter: (pick the parameter)
Enter action type [Move/sTretch]: (specify the action)
Specify selection set for action
Select objects: (select the objects to be modified by the action; this prompt differs
depending on which type ofaction isselected)
Select objects: J
Specify action location or [Multiplier/Offset]: (pick a point near the parameter label to
place the action icon)
Command:
If you select the action from the Block Authoring Palette window, the Enter action type
[Move/sTretch]: prompt is not displayed. If you double-click the parameter, the Select
parameter: prompt is not displayed.
Forthe door example, select Move Action from the Block Authoring Palette window
to assign a move action to the point parameter. Refer to Figure 24-5 while following
this command sequence:
Scale Action
pY Stretch Action
Polar Stretch 2. Pick the parameter
Action
to which the action
will be assigned
r J Rotate Action
($ FlipAction
Array Action
POSITION
4. Pick to place
the action icon
3. Window around
the door tag objects
When prompted to select objects, select all of the objects to be associated with this
action. You can pick objects individually or by using a window/crossing selection. In
this example, the objects that make up the door tag need to be selected.
LU
Thedynamic block is now ready to be saved and used. To save the block, pick the
>
<
m
BSAVE
3
| Block Editor|
Save Block Definition button on the Block Editor toolbar or type BSAVE. An AutoCAD
alert appears stating that saving the edits to the block updates any block references
in the drawing. Pick the Yes button to save the edits. To exit the Block Editor, pick the
~h Close Block Editor button on the Block Editor toolbar or type BCLOSE.
Save Block De inition
")
In most cases, when you select objects to include with an action, you
should also select the parameter with which the action will be associ
ated. If the parameter is not selected, the parameter grip will not be
part of the action. Thus, the parameter grip may be left behind when
a move, rotate, or stretch action is used.
'oint parameter
grip
Insertion
point grip
the center of the door tag. The insertion point that was specified when the block was
created is displayed as a darker bluesquare surrounded by a dark line. It is shown in
the lower-left corner of the block.
To move the objects composing the door tag within the block, select the block to
display grips and select the point parameter grip to make it active. Drag the door tag
objects to a newlocation. See Figure 24-7A. Pick a pointin thedrawing area to specify
a new location for the door tag. See Figure 24-7B.
Being able to move part of a block can be very helpful. In the case of the door
block example, there may be areas in the drawing where other objects pass through
the door tag when the tag is in its default location. Being able to move the tag quickly,
while maintaining the block definition, results in a drawing that is much cleaner and
easier to read. If a normal block is used, the block must be exploded before the door
tag objects canbe moved. Once exploded, theobjects areno longer associated with the
block definition.
Exercise 24-2
Complete the exercise on the Student CD.
Figure 24-7.
Dynamically moving an action assigned toa point parameter. ASelect the pointparameter
gripand move it. BThe door tagis at a new location, but it is stillpart of theblock.
Drag the New placement
door tag
Selected
parameter
grip --
A B
Notice that the linear parameter has the same Name, Label, Chain, Description,
and Palette options available when placing a point parameter. However, two addi
tional options are available:
Base. Allows either the start point or the midpoint of the linear parameter to
be used as the base for the action.
Value set. Allows specific values to be defined for the action. Both of these
options are described later in the chapter.
By default, a linear parameter has two parameter gripsone at thefirst pick point
and another at the second pick point. These are the grips that will be selected in the
drawing to carry out the action that is assigned to the parameter.
Action
Specify parameter point to associate with action or enter [sTart point/Second point]
<current>: (move the cursor close to the parameter point that this action will be asso
ciated with; a red snap marker appears at the parameter point; pick to select the point)
Specify first corner of stretch frame or[CPolygon]: (pick a point to the upper-right of
the end of the bolt shaft; see Figure 24-9A)
Specify opposite corner: (pick a point near the lower-middle ofthe shaft making sure
that all the shaft objects are selected; seeFigure 24-9A)
Specify objects to stretch
Select objects: (pick near the first point ofthe stretchframe; seeFigure 24-9B)
Specify opposite corner: (pick near the second point of the stretch frame; see
Figure 24-9B)
n found
Select objects: J
Specify action location or [Multiplier/Offset]: (pick apoint near the parameter to place
the stretch action icon; seeFigure 24-9C)
Command:
When a parameter has more than one parameter grip, as in the case of the linear
parameter, AutoCAD needs to know thegrip (parameter point) to which the action is
associated. The parameter point can be selected with the cursor. Use the sTart point
option to select the first point that was picked when creating the linear parameter or
use the Second point option to select the second point.
-~'- V
.=*;
6. Pick the second
SHAFT LENGTH
point of the
B cross ing w indow
^ I
7. Pick to place the
SHAFT LENGTH
""* action icon
Z)
The distance field displayed when dynamic input is enabled is a
special property of the linear parameter. This feature allows you to
enter an exact distance or length. Therefore, to get the best results
when using the linear parameter, it is important that the first and
second parameter points be inserted at the correct locations. Other
parametersdisplay similar fields when dynamic input is enabled.
Exercise 24-3
Complete the exercise on the Student CD. D
Figure 24-10.
Selecting the block
in the drawing
displays the
parameter grips.
Linear
parameter grip
Parameter label
Now a stretch action must be assigned to the parameter for each side of the bolt head.
Refer to Figure 24-12. First, pick Stretch Action from the Actions tab of the Block
Authoring Palette window. Then continue as follows:
Select parameter: (pick the HEAD DIAMETER parameter)
Specify parameter point to associate with action or enter [sTart point/Second point]
<Second>: (pick the upper linear parameter point; see Figure 24-12A)
Specify first corner of stretch frame or [CPolygon]: (pick the first corner ofthe stretch
frame above and to the left ofthe bolt head)
Specify opposite corner: (pick just above the midpoint and within the shaft)
Select objects: (select the upper objects ofthe bolt head; see Figure 24-12B)
Select objects: J
Figure 24-12.
Assigning a stretch action tooneside ofthe bolt head. ACreate a stretch frame around the
topof thebolt head. BUse a window to select theobjects to be included in thestretch.
>ick to Use a window to
Stretch frame
select the objects
r-:::i.
A B
Repeat this sequence to assign a second stretch action to the parameter. Associate it
with the lower parameterpoint and specify the objects as the lower objects of the bolt
head. Save the block and exit the Block Editor.
Now, draggingoneofthe parameter gripsincreases or decreases the opposite side
ofthe bolt head thesame length. Select the block in the drawing area to display grips.
Select either ofthegrips for the HEAD DIAMETER parameter and dragthecursor. Notice
how the oppositeside of the bolt head is moving the same distance. See Figure 24-13.
If dynamic input is enabled, you can specify an exact diameter for the bolt head by
typing in a value in the distance field.
Figure 24-13.
Linear parameter
Dynamically stretches equally Upper part of the
stretching the bolt on both sides v
bolt head is stretched
head. Note that the the same amount as
head is stretched the lower part
symmetrically.
"---I)
i J^__z^
Figure 24-14.
A linear parameter
is inserted into the Use the Base option
block of a sink and lo set the midpoint
countertop. The base
point is specified
as the center of the
sink so it will stretch
symmetrically.
Countertop
Sink Quadrant
When using the scale action, it is critical to scale the objects relative to the correct
location (base point). If the base point is not in the correct location, undesirable results
areproduced. For thesink, it isimportant thattheobjects bescaled relative to theexact
center of the sink. This keeps the sink centered within the countertop.
Notice in the previous command sequence that there are two options for the base
point of the scale action. The default option is Dependent, which scales the objects
relative to the base point of the associated parameter. To specify a different location,
use the Independent option. AutoCAD promptsyou to specify the base point,which is
then used as the base to scale the objects.
The dynamic blockis now defined. Save the block and close the Block Editor.
c
In the previous command sequence, the Independent option was
used to set the center of the sink as the base point for the scale action.
This is needed because the base point of the linear parameter is the
first pick point, not the midpoint. Themidpoint was defined for the
parameter so that the parameter (and its grips) are scaled about its
midpoint, not its start point. The Independent option of the scale
action is used to specify the point about which the geometry (not
the parameter) is scaled.
sink edge
Exercise 24-4
Complete the exercise on the Student CD.
Figure 24-16.
Inserting a polar
parameter.
Endpoint
Base point
Notice that you must specify the number of grips. Now that the parameter has been
assigned, an action can be associated to it.
C
In this example, the parameter grip for the base point can also be
moved byselecting it and dragging. Noaction or objects are assigned
to the base point grip, so only the grip itself is moved. However, this
affects the distance and angle to the endpoint.
Figure 24-17.
Assigning a move 4. Tick a point to
action to a polar place the action
parameter. icon
1. Select the
parameter
Exercise 24-5
Complete the exercise on the Student CD.
Q.
CD iLMMMii^mm
Specify base point or [Name/Label/Chain/Description/Palette/Value set]: (pick the
| Rotation center of the needle's circular base)
Specify radius of parameter: (pick a point to define a circle on which the rotation
parameter grip will be placed)
Specify default rotation angle or [Base angle]: (pick the tip ofthe arrow ortype 90;
the grip will be placed here)
Specify label location: (pick a point toplace the label)
Command:
Figure 24-19.
The needle can be
rotated to indicate
different speeds on
this speedometer by
assigning a rotation
parameter with a
rotate action to the
needle.
Radius of
the parameter
Base point of
the parameter
As shown in Figure 24-20,an angle of 90 places the parameter grip in line with
the arrow. By default, the base angle for a drawing is at 0 to the east. The Base angle
option allows you to specify a base angle that is different from the current drawing
base angle.
Rotate Action was picked from the Actions tab of the Block Authoring Palette window: 4 CO.
Action
The Basetype option can be used to define a different rotational base point. By default,
the rotation point is the base point of the rotation parameter.
The dynamic block is now defined. Save the block and close the Block Editor.
Exercise 24-6
Complete the exercise on the Student CD.
/? \ !
! ! I
//
6n
Parameter grip
Alignment line
C
When you manipulate a block with an alignment parameter, the
Nearest objectsnap is temporarily turned on, if it is not already on.
Exercise 24-7
C Complete the exercise on the Student CD.
Figure 24-23.
When the gate valveblock is dragged near the angled line, the block automatically aligns
with the line.
Drag the cursor near
the object to which the
block should be aligned
The block will be mirrored about the reflection line. However, with the line in its
current position, an incorrect flip will result. Since a door is placed in a 4" wall, the
reflection line should be 2" lower than the door. Using the MOVE command, select
the reflection line and move it 2" down. The label and parameter grip also move. An
alternative is to construct the correct location of the reflection line before adding the
flip parameter. Besure to erase the construction objects before saving the block so the
objects are not included in the block definition. In addition, you may want to move
the parameter grip horizontally to the middle of the door opening. This may help in
placing and flipping the block as it is inserted into the drawing. The MOVE command
can be used to move the grip. See Figure 24-24B.
The dynamic block is now defined. Save the block and close the Block Editor.
Figure 24-24.
AInserting a flip parameter. BMoving the parameter so the block will correctly flip
about the centerline of a wall.
Parameter grip
C
Ifthe door block in Figure 24-25 has a second flip parameter inserted
and action applied, the door can also be flipped from side to side. In
this way, one block takes the place of four blocks to accommodate
different door positions.
Exercise 24-8
Complete the exercise on the Student CD.
The base point is the "origin" for the Xand Ydistances. The endpoint is where the XY
grip is placed. Grips are then automatically created on the Xand Y axis aligned with
the base point. See Figure 24-26.
In the example of the glass block, be sure to allow for a grout joint when setting
the row and column distance. Before assigning the action, you may want to draw a
construction point offset from the block by the width of the grout joint. Then you can
pick two points to define the row and column values. Be sure to erase the construc
tion point before saving the block. Otherwise, the point will be included in the block
definition.
The dynamic block is now defined. Save the block and close the Block Editor.
Y distance
X distance
Exercise 24-9
Complete the exercise on the Student CD.
rr To insert a visibility parameter, pick the Parameter button on the Block Editor
LU BPARAMETER
toolbar or type BPARAMETER. Then choose the Visibility option. This can also be
iii
| Block Editor | entered directly by selecting Visibility Parameter from the Parameters tab in the Block
2
< Authoring Palettes window.
ft
< Paramet *r Specify parameter location or [Name/Label/Description/Palette]: (pick a point to
place the visibility grip)
CD
| Visibility Enter number of grips [0/1] <1>: J
1
Command:
Theparametergrip is placed at the point you pick for the parameter location. Picking
this grip in the drawing displays the visibilitystates.A visibility parameter is associated
with an entire block, so there is no prompt to select objects.
Figure 24-29.
The visibility tools are found on the right-hand end of the Block Editor toolbar. You may need
to use the "clean screen" option ([Ctrl]+[0]) to allow the tools to be displayed.
Visibility Make Current
Mode Invisible visibility state
96 9
E an !E3|yisfoilHyStateO
t
Make Manage
Visible Visibility
States
Figure 24-30.
M Visibility States
AManage
Pick to
visibility states
create a new
using the Visibility visibility
States dialog box. Currently state
BCreate new defined
visibility states visibility
using the New states
Visibility State
dialog box.
Cancel Help
Now, using the Make Visible and Make Invisible tools, display only the objects that
should be visible in the state. For example, to make a visibility state to depict the gate
valve shown in Figure 24-28A from the valve block shown in Figure 24-31A, use the
Make Invisible command to turn off the filled circle and the arrow. See Figure 24-31B.
The changes are automatically saved to the visibility state.
Repeat this process to create additional visibility states for the block. For the valve
block, a total of four visibility states are needed. When all the visibility states have
been created, save the block and close the Block Editor.
Figure 24-32. i B-
APicking the
visibility parameter
grip displays the
available visibility
states shortcut
menu. The current >/ Gate Valve
V Gate Valve
appearance of the B
block.
C
If you add new objects when modifying a state, be sure any other
parameters/actions applied to the block are updated to include the
new objects, if needed.
Exercise 24-10
Complete the exercise on the Student CD.
Figure 24-33.
A lookup parameter was used to create these three views of the same block. Notice how the
geometry is changed.
0 10 20
Middle line
The point you pick for the parameter location is where the parameter grip is placed.
Picking the grip in the drawing displays a shortcut menu that contains a list of the
custom groups. A lookup parameter is associated with the entire block, so no objects
are selected.
|Block Editor|
| Block Editor toolbar, type BACTION, select Lookup Action from the Actions tab of the
Block Authoring Palette window, or double-click on any part of the parameter.
<
Select parameter: (pick the lookup parameter)
Action
Specify action location: (pick a point near the parameter toplace the lookup action icon)
After specifying the action location, the Property Lookup Table dialog box opens. See
Figure 24-34. This is where the lookup table is created, as described in the next sections.
Figure 24-34.
The Property Lookup Table dialog box.
Pick to add
a property
Custom
Readonty
Input __Lookup
properties properties
OK Help
Figure 24-35.
The block with linear parameters and stretch actions assigned to the start and end lines and
a rotation parameter and rotate action assigned to the middle line.
f ROTATE
Ld
A- -u- Ar
f STRETCH
MIDDLE-. LINE
Q
Z
STRETCH 1
in t m ,. Ld
m ID
-V V LOOKUP
Select the
type of Addinput properties
property O Addlookup properties
i OK |( Cancel | ( Help |
To add a parameter property to the lookup table, select the property in the
Parameter properties: list and pick the OK button. A new column is then added to the
Input Properties area of the Property Lookup Table dialog box. The name of the param
eter property is the column header. See Figure 24-37. To add values for the parameter,
type the value in each cell in the column. Add a custom name for each row (record) on
the same row in the Lookup column in the Lookup Properties area.
For the example block, add the MIDDLE LINE, START LINE, and END LINE properties
to the table. Then, complete the lookup table as shown below. Start with the MIDDLE
LINE values. Press [Enter] after typing the value to add a new blank row below it. Then
add the remaining values. Pick in a cell and type the value. Press [Enter], pick in a
different cell, or use the tab or arrow keys to navigate through the table.
Figure 24-37.
A lookup table with multiple parameters and values added.
Parameter
properties
Custom names
Parameter
for the row
values for the
(record)
property
The row (record) that contains the <Unmatched> value, which is named Custom
in the Lookup column, is used when the current parameter values of the block do not
match any of the records in the table. You cannot add any values to the row, but you
can change the name of Custom.
Picking in the cell at the bottom of the Lookup column, which currently indi
cates Read only, displays a drop-down list containing two options. The default Read
only setting means that the lookup parameter grip is not displayed when the block
is selected in the drawing. To have the lookup parameter grip displayed, select Allow
reverse lookup from the drop-down list. See Figure 24-38. This can only be selected if
all names in the lookup table are unique.
After you have added all of the properties to the table and assigned values to each,
pick the Audit button in the Property Lookup Table dialog box to check the table. Any
errors that are found will be reported. If no errors are found, as indicated by a message box,
pick the OK button to return to the Block Editor. Save the block and close the Block Editor.
Figure 24-38.
The field at the bottom of the Lookup column determines whether the lookup parameter grip
is displayed when the block is selected in the drawing.
Property Lookup Table
Action name:
Lookupl
Input Properties
MIDDLE LINE START LINE END LINE
0 05000 05000 Custom
10 0.3700 0.6300 property
20 0.2400 0.7800
record
<Unmatched>
Select to
display the
ookup
parameter
grip in the
drawing
<Unmatched> Custom
Allowreverse lookup
< / >
1 OK | | Cancel I I Help I
Custom named
lookup records
Window block is
created at a width of 36
Tick marks show the
value set parameter values
Exercise 24-12
Complete the exercise on the Student CD.
Properties palette.
Start X 0"
Start Y 3"
EndX 3-4"
EndY
Label offset
Distance 3'-4"
Angle 0
Value set
options Dist type Increment
Dist increment 6"
Dist minimum 3'
Dist maximum 5'
Figure 24-42.
<3 C -
AA block of
a table with six
chairs. BUsing a
chain action with -<- $>-
a linear parameter,
you can array the
chairs automatically
when the table is
stretched.
>
p>
Linear parameter
Now insert a linear parameter and stretch action for the table. Pick Linear Parameter from
the Parameters tab of the Block Authoring Palette window and continue as follows.
Specify start point or [Name/Label/Chain/Description/Base/Palette/Value set]:
LABELJ
Enter distance property label <Distance>: TABLE STRETCHJ
Specify start point or [Name/Label/Chain/Description/Base/Palette/Value set]: (pick
one endpoint ofthe table, as shown in Figure 24-44A)
Specifyendpoint: (pick the opposite endpoint of the table, as shown in
Figure 24-44A)
Specify label location: (pick a location for the parameter label)
Command: BACTIONJ
Select parameter: (pick the TABLE STRETCH parameter)
Enter action type [Array/Move/Scale/sTretch]: STRETCHJ
Specify parameter point to associate with action or enter [sTart point/Second point]
<Start>: (pick the endpoint parameter grip of the TABLE STRETCH parameter)
AInserting a
Start point- Endpoint
linear parameter
that will be used
to stretch the table.
BAssigning a
stretch action to the
linear parameter. -O C?-
When you specify
CHAIR ARRAY
the stretch frame,
be sure the CHAIR ARRAY
ARRAY parameter
grip is within the
frame. TABLE STRETCH
-Stretch frame
<} r>
Include this
-=3
parameter grip in
the stretch frame
CHAIR ARRAY
f ARRAY
Specify first corner of stretch frame or [CPolygon]: (include the right-hand end ofthe
table and the right-hand parameter gripfor the CHAIR ARRAY parameter, as shown
in Figure 24-44B)
Select objects: (select the table, the chair at the right-hand end ofthe table, and the
CHAIR ARRAY parameter)
Select objects: J
Specify action location or [Multiplier/Offset]: (pick a location for the action icon)
Command:
"-<h-
Exercise 24-13
Complete the exercise on the Student CD-
Chapter Test
Answer thefollowing questions. Write your answers on aseparate sheet ofpaper or complete the
electronic chapter test on the Student CD.
1. Define dynamic block.
2. Compare and contrast dynamic blocks and normal blocks.
3. Define parameter.
4. Define action.
5. List the parameters that can be inserted into a block.
6. Briefly describe AutoCAD's Block Editor.
7 What does a point parameter do? Identify the actions that can be assigned to a
point parameter.
8. Describe the shape and default color of a point parameter grip.
9. What does a linear parameter do? Identify the actions that can be assigned to a
linear parameter.
10. Describe the shape and default color of a linear parameter grip.
11. What does a stretch action do?
12. Compare and contrast a polar parameter and a linear parameter. Identify the
actions that can be assigned to a polar parameter.
13. What does a rotation parameter do? Identify the actions that can be assigned to
a rotation parameter.
14. What does an alignment parameter do? Identify the actions that can be assigned
to an alignment parameter.
15. Give an example of where an alignment parameter may be used on a block.
16. What is the basic function of the flip parameter?
17. List the function of each grip of an XY parameter. Identify the actions that can be
assigned to an XY parameter.
18. How are visibility states defined and used on a dynamic block?
19. Explain how a lookup parameter differs from a visibility parameter.
20. What does a base point parameter do?
21. What is a value set? Give an example of its use.
22. Name the two types of value sets.
23. Define chain action. Identify the parameters that can be part of a chain action.
24. Explain how the Multiplier and Offset options can be used.
25. What are parameter sets? Explain how they are used.
I r-012.00
3.00 ! i
010.00
t
t
1.00-I ~^A. DO m
- 36.00
3. Create a single block that can be used to represent each of the three door blocks
shown below. Name the block 30 INCH DOOR; do not include labels. Create an
appropriately named visibility state for each view: 90 OPEN, 60 OPEN, and 30 OPEN.
Insert the 30 INCH DOOR block into the drawing three times. Set each block to a
different visibility state. Save the drawing as P24-3.
R3.50
I
4.00
3.85
11.00
4.00
90 Elbow
5. Create a block of the 48" window shown below on the left. Do not include the
dimensions. Insert an alignment parameter so the length of the window can be
aligned with a wall. Then, draw the walls shown below on the right. Insert the
window block as needed. Use the alignment parameter to align the window to
the walls. Windows are centered on wall segments unless dimensioned. Save the
drawing as P24-5.
3'-6"
6"
41 7'
3'-6" ?* ><?>'-&'
7. Create a block named CONTROL VALVE as shown below on the left. Include the
label in the block. Insert a point parameter and assign a move action to it. Select
the two lines of text as the objects to which the action applies. Insert the CONTROL
VALVE block into the drawing three times. Use the point parameter to move the
text to match the three positions shown below. Save the drawing as P24-7.
CONTROL VALVE
PART #336HR
CONTROL VALVE
PART #336HR
CONTROL VALVE
PART #336HR
1.00
2.00
7.00
5.50
01.00
2X 0.20
2.25
-& .75
1.00
6.50
2.00
1.75
n
,<o,
O O
H. Set the table to allow reverse lookup, save the block, and exit the Block Editor.
I. Insert the block four times into the drawing. Specify a different lookup prop
erty for each block.
J. Save the drawing as P24-10.
.300 1.000
.217
.866 0.500
.217
.400 2.500
.366 2.000