2/18/25, 11:41 PM Module 33: Blocks – Introduction to Drafting and AutoCAD 2D

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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 how blocks work with layers.

3. Apply the BLOCK and INSERT commands.

4. Explain the importance of layer 0 when blocks are created.

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Blocks

A block is a collection of drawing objects that acts as one object. After defining a block, it can be in‐
serted 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 significantly change the size of the drawing’s database. The EXPLODE com‐
mand 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 ro‐
tated when it is inserted or it can be scaled and/or rotated 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 definition 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.

Blocks can also have intelligence, called attributes, attached to them. After blocks with assigned at‐
tributes are defined and inserted into a drawing, the data attached 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 draw‐
ing, it will reside on the current layer but it is more important to know what layer the drawing ob‐
jects, that were used to create the block, were drawn on. See Figure 33-1.

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Figure 33-1
Blocks and Layers

Figure 33-2
Object Snap Mode – Blocks

AutoCAD Command: BLOCK

Previous:
The BLOCK Module 32: Hatching
command is used to create a block in the block definition table in the current
drawing. Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

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Shortcut: B

Block Toolbar

Draw Pull-down

Home Ribbon

AutoCAD Command: INSERT

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

Shortcut: none

Insert Toolbar

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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 and not the color
assigned to the layer it resides on.

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.

Previous:
Step 3 Module 32: Hatching

On layer: Construction, draw the three horizontal and 3 vertical lines shown
Next: in 34:
Module theDrawing
dimensioned
Utilities

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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)

Figure Step 4A

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Figure Step 4B

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

Figure Step 5

Step 6
In the NameModule
Previous: box, enter the name: Module 33 Triangle for the name of the block. (Figure Step 6)
32: Hatching

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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)

Figure Step 7A

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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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.

Retain – the objects used to create the block will remain in as individual
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objects.
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Convert to block – the objects that were used to create the block are con-
verted 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 inserted,
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 draw‐
ing 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 exploded, it loses all of its block properties and it is converted back to the original
drawing objects and properties that it had when it was created.

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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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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 construc‐
tion line as one of the block objects. 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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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 scale
factor of 1. If not, a scale factor will be applied when the block is
inserted.

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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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Step 18
Click OK and when prompted for the insertion point, snap to the intersection of the upper left con‐
struction 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)

Figure Step 19A

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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 proper‐
ties 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.

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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

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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 construction 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 appropriate 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.

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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)

Figure Step 23
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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 ob‐
jects 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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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

Step 27
Save and close the drawing.
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USER TIP:The location of the base point that is selected when creating a block is important.
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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 significantly change the
size of the drawing’s database.
2. The only way to remove a block from the block definition table is to purge it with the
PURGE command.
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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 proper‐
ties 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 and some walls
were removed. Use the STRETCH command to make all of the size changes. (Figure Step 3)

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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

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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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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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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 symbols. (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 drawing. 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 diagram. 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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2/18/25, 11:41 PM Module 33: Blocks – Introduction to Drafting and AutoCAD 2D

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 Copyright © 2021 by Wally Baumback
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Previous: Module 32: Hatching

Next: Module 34: Drawing Utilities

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