Alignment Parameter

Enables the block to automatically align itself with other geometry

Alignment Parameter not require any actions

An Alignment parameter (1) is used to align the Entertainment Center dynamic block (2) to the wall (3)

Linear Parameter

Shows the distance between two anchor points

The grip movement is constrained along a preset angle

Actions associated: Move, Stretch, Scale, Array

Linear Parameter before associates with any Actions

Stretch Action has been associated with the Linear parameter

Using the grip at location (2), the dynamic block is being stretched to a new size

Point Parameter

Defines an X and Y location in the drawing

Action associated: Move, Stretch

Grips 1, 2, 3, 4 can be used as reference points to move or stretch the dynamic block

Grip 5 does not contain a point parameter, there is no way to select that corner as a reference to move or stretch the dynamic block

Parameter Type

Each Parameter type is designed to either work with various Actions, or do not require the association of an Action, like Base Point parameter

1. Point Parameter 

2. Linear Parameter 

3. Alignment Parameter 

4. Flip Parameter 

5. Visibility Parameter 

6. Base Point Parameter 

Add Parameters

Define the behavior of a dynamic block

1. Unique capabilities for controlling dynamic block behavior 

2. Contains a unique set of properties that are specific to the parameter type

1. Flip

2. Visibility

3. Point / Base Point

4. Linear

Parameters are identified by grips 

The shape of a grip depends on the type of the parameter and indicates the effect of a parameter on the dynamic block

Block Authoring Palettes Group

Parameters

Specify positions, distances, and angles for the geometry in a block

Actions

Assign a specific action to a selected parameter

Most parameters require an associated action

Parameter Set

Contain predefined combinations of parameters and actions

Both Ribbon toolbar and Palette interfaces offer similar functionality for placing parameters and actions

Block Editor Ribbon Panels

Manage

 Save Block Definition

 Save Block Definition As

Saves the block definition with another name

 Edit or Create Block Definition

Closes the Block Editor Environment, and opens the Edit Block Definition dialog box

Block Name: Displays the block currently editing

Tools

 Parameter

Adds parameters to a block

 Action

Adds actions to a block

 Define Attribute

 Authoring Palettes

Toggles the Block Authoring palette on or off

 Update Parameter & Action Text Size (after zooming)

 Learn about Dynamic Blocks

Launches the New Features Workshop

Visiblity

 Visibility States

Manage the visibility states

 Visibility Mode

Toggles the visibility mode on and off

 Make Visible

Sets objects as visible

 Make Invisible

Sets objects as invisible

Block Visibility State: Sets the block visibility state

 Close Block Editor

Block Editor

Edit a selected block or to create a new block

Specify the name of the new block or block to edit

BLOCKEDITLOCK: 1 (Prevent access to the Block Editor)

Block Editor Environment

Block Editor environment is separate from the standard drafting environment

When working in the Block Editor, only the geometry for the block is visible

Along with the standard software tools, the Block Editor offers additional tools on the Ribbon and Block Authoring palettes

Dynamic Block

Block instance which is adjustable in size, shape, and configuration

Number of chair increase when resize the table

Use the same block definition for multiple instances of a block

Element

Parameters: define adjustable properties for the block, such as positions, distances and angles

Actions: define how the geometry behaves when the block parameters are adjusted in the drawing

Benefits

1. Streamline existing block libraries by combining multiple blocks into a single dynamic block
   
2. Edit block geometry without first exploding it or using the block editor
   
3. Cycle through different insertion points when inserting dynamic blocks, using the CTRL key
   

Edit Attributes

Attributes are text objects that require special tools to edit their values

Properties Palette

1. Tag field

2. Value field

Enhanced Attribute Editor

Provides a more substantial editing interface than the Properties palette

Click Edit Attribute or double-click on the attribute

1. Select block: Edits the attributes of a selected block

2. Attribute tab: Specifies the attributes for editing and their values

3. Text Options tab: Edits all aspects of the text appearance for the selected attribute

4. Properties tab: Access to the common object properties, including Layer, Linetype, Color, and Lineweight

When editing, the attribute values are displayed simultaneously in the drawing

This is useful for viewing whether the text that entering fits within the required box or area

Using Enhanced Attribute Editor, can edit attribute properties and values

Block Attribute Manager

Settings

Specify the columns that appear

Edit

Edit the properties that are defined at the time of attribute creation

Using Block Attribute Manager, can arrange the order of attributes or prompt sequences and modify or delete attribute definitions

Refedit

Add or modify objects in an existing block definition

When you are globally editing an attributed block, Refedit is a quick way to modify the text contained in the block

Turning on the Display Attribute Definitions

Cannot modify text objects in a block by using the Enhanced Attribute Editor or the Block Attribute Manager dialog boxes

Create Attributes

Define Attributes

1. Create geometry and start Define Attributes

2. Set options for attribute values

Mode: Constant

Attribute:

                  Tag: Name

                  Default: Alarm

Position the attribute

3. Repeat the same step to create the 2nd attribute

Mode: Verify

Attribute:

                  Tag: Size

                  Prompt: Verify size of alarm

                  Default: M

Check "Align below previous attribute definition"

Attribute automatically align below the 1st attribute

4. Repeat the same step to create the 3rd attribute

Mode: Preset

Attribute:

                  Tag: Color

                  Prompt: Enter color of alarm

                  Default: Red

3rd attribute align below the 2nd attribute

5. Repeat the same step to create the 4th attribute

Mode: Invisible

Attribute:

                  Tag: Brand

                  Prompt: Enter brand of alarm

                  Default: Aweak

4th attribute align below the 3rd attribute

Create Attributes

1. Click 

Pick point for the block

2. Select objects

Select by prompt sequence

1. Block

2. Name

3. Size

4. Color

5. Brand

3. Attributes prompt by the select sequence

Verify the default data, edit it if necessary

Brand set as Invisible Mode, so is not display