Dynamic Blocks & Attributes

[koenibaby]

The first one. When you insert the block, you can only fill a content for the first attribute you made. The second is taking the value of the first.

 

I did not find how to do the second option that you talk about. I tried that with a move action, but could not do it cuz I don't really understand how to work with those actions. I'll try that again later. But if you have other idea, please give you reaction.

 

By the way : I'm trying to find when I insert a block on a line, that those lines are trimed at the block edge. I have use now a wipeout instead.

[Magnum Z]

The first one. When you insert the block, you can only fill a content for the first attribute you made. The second is taking the value of the first.

 

I did not find how to do the second option that you talk about. I tried that with a move action, but could not do it cuz I don't really understand how to work with those actions. I'll try that again later. But if you have other idea, please give you reaction.

 

By the way : I'm trying to find when I insert a block on a line, that those lines are trimed at the block edge. I have use now a wipeout instead.

 

I wasn't really asking questions on how to do it. Just wanted to know what the ultimate goal of making the block was because I didn't really understand why you'd want to move the attributes in the first place when they are the same in either visibility state. I would have just moved the frame box only instead.

 

Anyway, what I've found you can do for yours is use a MTEXT box with a background mask in the dynamic block editor. Make sure that the attribute text is layered over top of the MTEXT field, both boxes are the same size, and if you need to make it adaptive for longer text, you'll have to use a stretch action on the MTEXT field only as it won't change with the attribute text. At least, not any way I know of to do that. This is how I've done it before. One other thing, you'll need to put a space character in the MTEXT box for it to stay and not disappear. There probably is an easier way to do this, but this is the one I know.

[razorangel]

Sorry for the necrobump, but I've got a problem with keeping attribute definitions tied to my border. When you open the drawing, you'll see how things are supposed to be. The rectangle will stretch as desired, and that's fine. The problem is, I can't get the attributes to move and stay in position with the border.

 

I've been able to do this linearly, before, but now I can't even get the attributes to move at all. Halp!

Drawing2.dwg

[Magnum Z]

Well, first you would need to have the text on each side included into one of the Stretch actions, but ultimately that wouldn't solve your problem.

 

This could be done a number of ways. Problems will be keeping the text centered on each side while stretching the box, if that's your intention.

 

I would recommend using a Look Up Set if you are going to be using standard or set sizes of the rectangle. You'd have to have each text object have it's own Position parameter. Then, you can make a list of sizes for the rectangle. With each size choice, you can set where the text would appear using the Position parameters X & Y coordinates.

 

Just out of curiousity, what's the block for? If it's for drawing limits, why not use the LIMITS command?

[razorangel]

We got it figured out. Here's our use.

Drawing2.dwg

[razorangel]

Just out of curiousity, what's the block for? If it's for drawing limits, why not use the LIMITS command?

 

We got it figured out, just a little before your post, as you can see above. But, the reason we're using it because this is how we show our area limits for plans. For example, this block will surround a viewport which shows a particular part of a model, such as the filter or metering area, and call out the matchlines according to our coordinate system.

[Magnum Z]

I know you already figured it out, but I think I may have simplified it a bit further for you. Check it out. I saved it as a 2008 file, but let me know if you have any problems viewing it.

Drawing2.dwg

[razorangel]

Okay, that looks alright - I kind of liked being able to stretch all 4 corners, but truthfully, it's not necessary.

 

Now, my next problem is this. I've put in a "move action" for each of the attributes, so that they can actually be moved horizontally or vertically (depending on alignment). This is for instances when we have text run through the border, for any reason. My issue is that the move grips won't stay associated locationally with the block when it's "stretched." I've tried putting the grips into the stretch action, but no good.

 

Perhaps you could take a quick shot at it? Thanks!

Drawing2.dwg

[Magnum Z]

I'll take a look tomorrow. Don't have access to CAD at the moment, but did you try chaining the parameter you set for the text objects to the stretch commands?

 

Don't include the grips in the stretch action. Modify the Stretchs action seletion sets to include the parameters. Then select the parameters themselves and go to there properties. There will be an option called Chain. Set it to "Yes". Look up "chain parameters" in the Help to get a better description of what this actually does.

 

Hope that helps, otherwise I'll see what I can do tomorrow.

[Magnum Z]

Ok I'm back, and umm...I took a look at the block and realized the above advice might not have helped you.

 

You seem to have a nasty habit of adding more actions to your dynamics blocks than you truly need. Less is more in this case and many cases when concerning blocks.

 

I was able to add some Move actions and get them to still initially center the text while the box is being stretched. You can move the text along the respective sides to where ever you wish now, but the text will still stretch if you adjust the size of the box after you've moved the text which will in turn have you re-adjust the location of the text once more.

 

Hope in the end that helps. If you need anymore advice, let me know.

Drawing2.dwg

[razorangel]

Thanks so much Magnum! It works like a charm! I'm just learning to use dynamic blocks, so I hope you understand that's why I'm so overly clumsy with my work. I'm still trying to learn, and I appreciate your help!

[Magnum Z]

No problem. I learned a lot from trial and error myself. That and using the AutoCAD Help a LOT!

 

If you ever need a block function explained, hit me up and I'll see what I can do.

[SESHENDRA]

How to create the dynamic blocks with 2 directions?

[Magnum Z]

Exactly what do you mean by two directions?

[SESHENDRA]

Two directions means if i create a dynamic block i can stretch move,rotate that block i mean to say block can be used for different sizes. And please tell me how to create dynamic blocks?in autocad2012 .

[Magnum Z]

Well first off, creating a block in 2012 is really no different than any other previous version. Now if you have no experience with them at all, that's a different story.

 

Firstly, I use the ribbons command layout which should be your default layout when you first install 2012. If you've changed it, then the location of where I tell you the commands/buttons will differ.

 

So on your Insert tab, there should be a button called "Create Block". Click that and fill out the information as you like. There will be a check box near the bottom that says "open in block editor". Checking this will get you into the block editing environment after you click "Ok". Alternatively, you can select objects you want to be a block before executing the Create Block command. Otherwise you will start with a blank environment.

 

Always start with a base point parameter. This will be the default grip to move your entire block around. Other parameters will be used by actions in order to alter your block. The easiest way to do basic stuff is using the Parameter Sets tab on your Block Authoring Palette that should be floating off to the left somewhere.

 

Experiment with those commands and test them out. Use Help(F1) to read more about them as you use them. Get use to using them individually before you try combining them. Just a tip though if you're going to combine Stretch and Rotate. Make the Stretch actions chained and select them when choosing objects for the Rotate action. This way the Rotate action will effect all elements in the block and the Stretch action will not mess up the Rotate action.

 

See Help for more info regarding chained actions.

 

That should get you started.

[SESHENDRA]

Please give me any example or tutorial for dynamic blocks & what is lisp in autocad?

[mikekmx]

Please give me any example or tutorial for dynamic blocks & what is lisp in autocad?

 

put 'dynamic blocks' into the youtube search box (in yt obv).....there's more tutorials there that you can shake a stick at.

[Magnum Z]

Sesh, I can't teach you AutoCAD over the internet. You're going to need to learn something things on your own or take a class. I'd take mike's advice if dynamic blocks is still your main concern.