How to Create Blocks in Autocad LT
Whether you’re an AutoCAD novice or a seasoned pro, the block feature in AutoCAD LT is a vital shortcut that will boost your efficiency while sparing you endless hours of tedious repetition.This timesaver combines one or more objects into a single object called an AutoCAD block. The block feature allows you to establish a library of common elements you use in your computer-aided design projects. It’s an ideal shortcut for inserting any common symbols, specific manufactured items or other frequently used design elements into your AutoCAD projects.
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Instructions
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Create the drawing that will become your block, such as a window, drawer pull or tree. From the "Draw" menu bar, click the "Make Block" icon to open the "Block Definition" dialogue box. In the "Name" field, type a name for your new block.
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Locate the "Base Point" field in the open "Block Definition" dialogue box. Check the "Specify on Screen" box to default the block insertion point to “0,0,0” of the user coordinate system. In the "Block Definition" dialogue box, locate the objects field. Select the "Convert to Block"radio button and click the "Select Objects" icon.
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Highlight everything you want to include in your new block. Press enter. The number of objects you select will be displayed at the bottom of the objects field. In the behavior field, select the "Allow Exploding" button, which is the default option.
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On the lower left side of the "Block Definition" dialogue box, locate the "Block Unit" menu in the settings field. Select a block unit to coincide with your drawing unit. For example, select “inches” when using SAE units or select “millimeters” when using metric units.
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On the lower right side of the "Block Definition" dialogue box, locate the description field. If desired, type in a manufacturer’s part number, color selection, price, availability or other relevant descriptive information for your new block.
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Click “OK” to close the "Block Definition" dialogue box. From the "Draw" menu bar, click the "Insert Block" icon to open that dialogue box to preview your newly created block.
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Tips & Warnings
Many manufacturers provide AutoCAD blocks for their products online; a few minutes of surfing the Web can save you several hours of drawing.
Keep track of all the blocks in a drawing by using the "Log File" feature. The file path is: "Tools," "Options," "Open," and "Save," "Maintain a Log File."
Newer versions of AutoCAD LT have a dynamic blocks function that makes the block feature even more versatile.
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