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INTRODUCTION TO DRAFTING AND AUTOCAD 2D

CONTENTS

Part 7

Module 33: Blocks

Learning Outcomes

When you have completed this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe a block and explain how blocks are stored and inserted in a
drawing file.

2. Describe
Previous: how
Module 32: blocks
Hatching work with layers.
3. Apply the BLOCK and INSERT commands. Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities
 4. Explain the importance of layer 0 when blocks are created.

Blocks

A block is a collection of drawing objects that acts as one object. After defining a
block, it can be inserted into the current drawing as many times as required. It
can also be inserted into other drawings or shared with other users. Regardless of
the number of times a block has been inserted into the drawing, it will not signific-
antly change the size of the drawing’s database. The EXPLODE command can be
used to explode a block back into its individual drawing objects.

Every drawing file has an invisible data area called the block definition table. The
block definition table stores all block definitions in that drawing and contains all of
the data associated with each block. It is these block definitions that the INSERT
command refers to when it is used to insert a block into the drawing. The only
way to remove a block from the definition table is to purge it using the PURGE
command. All inserted blocks must be deleted before the block definition can be
purged from the drawing. Purging is taught in Module 34.

The BLOCK command is used to create a block in the definition table. The INSERT
command is used to insert a block, from the definition table, into the drawing. A
block can be scaled and/or rotated when it is inserted or it can be scaled and/or ro-
tated after it has been inserted by changing the block’s properties or by using the
SCALE and ROTATE commands.

There are two methods available to edit an existing block. The first is to insert the
block into the drawing, explode it, and make the necessary changes. After the
changes are made, redefine the block and assign the original name. When a block
is edited and redefined, it will overwrite the block definition in the block defini-
tion table and all insertions of that block will change to appear as the revised
block. The second method is to use the BEDIT command. BEDIT is taught in the
AutoCAD 2D Advanced book.

Previous:
Blocks canModule 32: Hatching
also have intelligence, called attributes, attached to them. After blocks
Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities
with assigned attributes are defined and inserted into a drawing, the data at-
tached to them can be extracted.

Attributes and data extraction are taught in the AutoCAD 2D Advanced book.

It is essential to know how blocks and layers work in a drawing. When a block is
inserted in a drawing, it will reside on the current layer but it is more important
to know what layer the drawing objects, that were used to create the block, were
drawn on. See Figure 33-1.

Figure 33-1

Blocks and Layers

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Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Figure 33-2

Object Snap Mode – Blocks

AutoCAD Command: BLOCK

The BLOCK command is used to create a block in the block definition table in
the current drawing.

Shortcut: B

Block Toolbar

Draw Pull-down

Previous: Module 32: Hatching

Home Ribbon
Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities
AutoCAD Command: INSERT

The INSERT command is used to insert a block into the current drawing from
the current drawings block definition table.

Shortcut: none

Insert Toolbar

Insert Pull-down

Home Ribbon

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Layer 0 (zero), colored white/black, is a

special layer and color for blocks. When inserted, a block defined
using drawing objects drawn on layer 0 (colored white/black), will
take the properties of the layer it is inserted on. If the block is
exploded, the individual drawing objects will reside on layer 0 (colored
white/black). If a block is defined, using objects drawn on any other
layer, and inserted it will display the color that it was constructed on
Previous: Module 32: Hatching
and not the color assigned to the layer it resides on.
Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities
WORK ALONG: Creating and Inserting Blocks

Step 1

Start a new drawing using the template: 2D Layout English.

Step 2

Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 33-1.

Step 3

On layer: Construction, draw the three horizontal and 3 vertical lines shown in the
dimensioned drawing. Start the first line anywhere in model space. (Figure Step 3)

Figure Step 3

Step 4

On layer: 0, draw the three polygons as shown in the figure. Draw them anywhere
on the drawing. (Figure Step 4A and 4B)

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Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

 Figure Step 4A

Figure Step 4B

Step 5

Enter the BLOCK command. It will open the Block Definition dialogue box. (Figure
Step 5)

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Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

 Figure Step 5

Step 6

In the Name box, enter the name: Module 33 Triangle for the name of the block.
(Figure Step 6)

Figure Step 6

Step 7

Click the Pick point icon to select the Base point for the block. When prompted for
the base point, snap to the top corner of the triangle. (Figure Step 7A and 7B)

Previous: Module 32: Hatching Figure Step 7A

Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

 Figure Step 7B

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:  The base point of a block is important since

it is the same point as the insert point you will be using when you
insert the block.

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Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 8

In the Objects area, click the Select objects icon. When prompted to select objects,
use a window to select the triangle. (Figure Step 8A and 8B)

Figure Step 8A

Figure Step 8B

Step 9

In the Objects area, enable the Delete button. (Figure Step 9)

Figure Step 9

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:

Delete – the objects used to create the block will be deleted.

Previous: Module 32: Hatching
Retain – the objects used to create the block will remain in as indi‐
vidual objects. Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities
 Convert to block – the objects that were used to create the block are
converted to a block.

Step 10

In the Settings area, set the Block unit to Inches and in the Description area, enter
the description as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 10)

Figure Step 10

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: The Block unit refers to the units that the block
is drawn in. If they match the Insertion scale, when the block is inser‐
ted, the block will be inserted at full size or a scale factor of 1.

MUST KNOW: A block is a collection of drawing objects that acts as one object.
Every drawing file has an invisible data area called the block definition table.
The block definition table stores all the block definitions in that drawing.
When a block is inserted into the drawing, it will reside on the current layer.
A block can be exploded with theEXPLODE command. When a block is ex-
ploded, it loses all of its block properties and it is converted back to the ori-
ginal drawing objects and properties that it had when it was created.

Previous: Module 32: Hatching

Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 11

Except for the Base point, the Block Definition dialogue box should now match the
figure. (Figure Step 11)

Figure Step 11

Step 12

Click OK and your drawing should now appear similar to the figure. (Figure Step
12)

Figure Step 12

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Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 13

Using what you just learned, create a block from the hexagon and the octagon. For
both, use the center of the object as the base point. To do that, you must first draw
a construction line so that you can snap to its midpoint when specifying the base
point. Ensure that you do not select the construction line as one of the block ob-
jects. Name the blocks: Module 33 Hexagon and Module 33 Octagon. (Figure Step
13A and 13B)

Figure Step 13A

Figure Step 13B

Step 14

Your drawing should now appear as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 14)

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Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

 Figure Step 14

Step 15

Enter the UNITS command. In the Drawing Units dialogue box, set the Insertion
scale to Inches. (Figure Step 15)

Figure Step 15

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: The Insertion scale units are the units that the
blocks are inserted in the current drawing. If they match the Block unit
of the block being inserted, the block will be inserted at full size or a
Previous: Module 32: Hatching
scale factor of 1. If not, a scale factor will be applied when the block is
inserted. Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities
Previous: Module 32: Hatching

Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 16

Set layer: 0 as the current layer. Enter the INSERT command to open the Insert
dialogue box. In the Name: box, pull down the list and select the block: Module 33
Triangle. (Figure Step 16)

Figure Step 16

Step 17

Set the Insert point, Scale and Rotation boxes as shown in the figure. (Figure Step
17)

Figure Step 17
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Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 18

Click OK and when prompted for the insertion point, snap to the intersection of
the upper left construction lines. (Figure Step 18)

Figure Step 18

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:  The base point you selected when creating the
block will be located at the insertion point.

Step 19

Enter the INSERT command and select the block: Module 33 Triangle. Set the
Angle to 45. Insert the block locating the insertion point as shown in the figure.
(Figure Step 19A and 19B)

Previous: Module 32: Hatching

Figure Step 19A
Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities
 Figure Step 19B

MUST KNOW: Layer 0 (zero), assigned the color white/black, is a special layer and
color for blocks. An inserted block that was created using objects drawn on layer 0
will reside on and take the properties of the layer that it is inserted on. If the block
is exploded, the individual objects belonging to that block, will reside on layer 0
(colored white/black). When a block is created using objects drawn on any other
layer, it will display the properties of that layer even though it is inserted on the
layer with a different color assigned to it. If it is exploded, the individual objects will
reside on the layer that they were originally drawn on.

Previous: Module 32: Hatching

Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 20

Enter the INSERT command and select the block: Module 33 Triangle. Set the
Angle to 180, the X Scale to 2 and enable Uniform Scale. Insert the block as shown
in the figure. (Figure Step 20A and 20B)

Figure Step 20A

Figure Step 20B

Previous: Module 32: Hatching

Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 21

Set layer: Blocks as the current layer. Using what you just learned, insert three:
Module 33 Hexagon blocks locating the insert point at the intersections of the con-
struction lines as shown in the figure. The left and center blocks are inserted at
scale factor of 1 and the one on the right at a scale factor of 1.5. Set the appropri-
ate angles to match the figure. (Figure Step 21)

Figure Step 21

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Note that when you insert a block on layer

Blocks, it takes the color of that layer.

Previous: Module 32: Hatching

Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 22

Set layer: Object as the current layer. Using what you just learned, insert three:
Module 33 Octagon blocks placing the insert point as shown in the figure. The left
and center blocks are inserted at a scale factor of 1 and the one on the right at a
scale factor of 1.25. Set the appropriate angle to match the figure. (Figure Step 22)

Figure Step 22

Step 23

Explode the left block: Module 33 Octagon as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 23)

Previous: Module 32:Figure Step 23

Hatching

Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

 AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Note that when the block is exploded, the
drawing objects reside on layer 0 and display the color black/white.

Step 24

Turn layer: Construction off. (Figure Step 24)

Figure Step 24

Step 25

Insert a block: Module 33 Triangle anywhere in model space. Explode the block
and change the objects to layer: Object. On layer: Object, draw lines from each
corner to the midpoint of the opposite line. (Figure Step 25).

Figure Step 25

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Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 26

Using the BLOCK command, create a block of the triangle that you created in Step
25. Assign it the name: Module 33 Triangle. Keep the same base point (top corner
of triangle).

When you execute the command, the alert box will open warning you that a block
with the same name is already defined in the drawing. Click Yes to accept. Take
note how all of the blocks, named: Module 33 Triangle, will now display the new
block definition. (Figure Step 26A and 26B)

Figure Step 26A

Figure Step 26B

Previous: Module 32: Hatching

Step 27

Save and close the drawing. Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities
 USER TIP:The location of the base point that is selected when creating a block
is important. Each block is unique and has a best location for its base point.
When selecting the location for a base point, imagine what location would be
best when the block is inserted into a drawing. Study the blocks below and the
base point locations that were selected for each of them.

MUST KNOW: To insert a block with different X and Y scales, disable the Uniform
scale box and enter the scales and as shown in the figures below.

Key Principles

Key Principles in Module 33

1. A block is a collection of objects that acts as one object. Regardless of the

number of times the block has been inserted into the drawing, it will not
Previous: Module 32: Hatching
significantly change the size of the drawing’s database.
Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities
 2. The only way to remove a block from the block definition table is to
purge it with the PURGE command.
3. Layer 0 (zero), assigned the color black/white, is a special layer and
color for blocks. A block that was created using objects drawn on layer 0
will reside on and take the properties of the layer it is inserted on.

Lab Exercise 33-1

Time allowed: 90 minutes.

Drawing Name Template Units

AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1 N/A Feet and /Inches

Step 1

Open the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 29-3. (Figure Step 1)

Figure Step 1

Step 2

Using the SAVEAS command, save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1.

Step 3

Make the changes to the floor plan as shown in the figure. Note the size changes
andPrevious:
some Module
walls were removed. Use the STRETCH command to make all of the size
32: Hatching
changes. (Figure Step 3)
Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities
 Figure Step 3

Step 4

Draw the 10 objects shown in the figures anywhere in model space. Draw them on
layer: 0. Ensure it is assigned the color Black/White. (Figure Step 4A and 4B)

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 Figure Step 4A

Previous: Module 32: Hatching

Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

 Figure Step 4B

Figure Step 4C

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:   The plant block can be drawn by eye. Draw a

construction circle and draw random lines. Use a 3 point arcs to
complete it. (Figure Hint 1)

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Step 5

Create a block from each object. Use the following:

A Name the block as shown under the

B Set the BLOCK command to delete the blocks after

C Set the base point as shown on the

D Give the block a description and set the Block unit to

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Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 6

On layer: Furniture, insert the blocks as shown in the figure. Match the drawing
the best that you can by eye. (Figure Step 6)

Figure Step 6

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:   Insert one block for each required object and
then use the ARRAY or COPY commands to speed the insert process.

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Step 7

Enable layout: Module Layout D. On layer: Viewport, create a viewport setting its
scale to 1/2″=1′-0″ and lock the display. In Paper space, on layer: Text, label the
rooms as shown. Pick your own text size and font. Fill in the titleblock. (Figure
Step 7)

Figure Step 7

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Step 8

Turn layer: Viewport off to complete the drawing. (Figure Step 8)

Figure Step 8

Step 9

Save and close the drawing.

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Lab Exercise 33-2

Time allowed: 30 minutes.

Drawing Name Template Units

AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-2 2D Layout English Inches

Step 1

Open the Drafting Setting dialogue box. Set the grid and snap spacing to 0.05 units
and any other settings to match the figure. Ensure that you disable the Adaptive
grid and the Display grid beyond Limits box. (Figure step 1)

Figure Step 1

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Step 2

With the grid and snap enabled, draw the five symbols shown below anywhere in
model pace. Draw them on layer 0. You will have zoom in close to draw the sym-
bols. (Figure Step 2)

Step 2

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: Ensure that you draw each symbol by

snapping to grid points as shown below. Notice how each of the
connecting points of the symbols are located on a grid point.

Step 3

Make a block of each symbol. Name them with the name shown below the draw-
ing. Set the Block units to Inches. Delete the objects when you the block is created.

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Step 4

Set the grid to 0.1 and the snap to 0.05. (Figure Step 4)

Figure Step 4

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: To draw the solid areas of the symbols, first

draw the outside shape with polylines or circles and then hatch them
with a solid pattern..

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Step 5

On layer: Object, draw the lines and the terminating circles for the schematic dia-
gram. Draw it by eye but do your best to match the figure. Ensure that you snap to
grid point for the endpoints of all lines. (Figure Step 5)

Figure Step 5

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Step 6

On layer: Symbols, insert the blocks and trim the lines. (Figure Step 6)

Figure Step 6

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Step 7

On layer: Viewport, create viewport setting the scale to 1.25:1 and lock the display.
(Figure Step 7)

Figure Step 7

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Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

Step 8

In Paper space, on layer: Text, add the text as shown in the figure. Pick your own
font and text height. Fill in the titleblock and turn layer: Viewport off to complete
the drawing. (Figure step 8)

Figure Step 8

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Introduction to Drafting and AutoCAD
2D by Wally Baumback is licensed
under a Creative Commons Attribution
4.0 International License, except where
otherwise noted.

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