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AutoCAD Tips & Tutorials

Dynamic blocks: the white papers

I've written three white papers for Autodesk on Dynamic Blocks. (They've even created a special URL for these papers: www.autodesk.com/autocad-blocks.) Together, these three white papers provide a thorough overview of the 2006 dynamic block feature.

Part 1: Dynamic Block Overview and Quick-Start Tutorial. In this white paper I explain the concepts behind dynamic blocks and suggest some scenarios for their use. I display some sample dynamic blocks and explain the steps for creating one. I define the components of dynamic blocks, parameters and actions. I end the paper with a short tutorial to run you through the process of creating, inserting, and editing your first dynamic block.

Part 2: Inventory of Block Editor, Commands, Parameters, Actions, and Parameter Sets. In this white paper I document dynamic block properties and characteristics. I list dynamic block capabilities and provide a thorough review of the Block Editor, which is the interface for creating dynamic blocks. Then I list and describe all the parameters, which are the building blocks of dynamic blocks. I explain how to attach actions to parameters. Actions are like editing commands, which control how you can edit a dynamic block. I end the paper with a table of parameter sets, which are parameter-action combos that you can quickly apply to a block.

Part 3: Advanced Features of Dynamic Blocks. In the final white paper, I explain some of the advanced features, best practices, and capabilities of dynamic blocks. Here are the topics:

  • Naming parameters and actions
  • Selecting objects for actions
  • Specifying stretch frames
  • Cycling through insertions points
  • Changing the direction of an action
  • Keeping objects centered
  • Stretching a block equally in opposite directions
  • Chaining parameters
  • Using visibility states
  • Using lookup parameters and tables

Here's a link to a video showing the use of dynamic blocks.

 

 

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Books by Ellen

New!
AutoCAD 2009 and AutoCAD LT 2009 Bible

This is the 9th edition of this book! Completely updated to conform to the new interface and, of course, it covers all the new features, such as the ribbon, Quick View, ShowMotion, the View Cube, the SteeringWheel, and more.

AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 Bible
Learn the great new features with wide application to all disciplines. Get the most comprehensive book on AutoCAD! DVD contains a 30-day trial of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. Thorough exercises guide you through each feature.

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Discover the 2007 features, especially the radically improved 3D tools. CD has AutoCAD 30-day trial, 3rd-party software, and drawings for exercises.

AutoCAD 2006 and AutoCAD LT 2006 Bible 
Understand and use the 2006 features, including dynamic blocks and the new method of customizing menus and toolbars. CD-ROM has AutoCAD trial, software, and drawings for all exercises.


AutoCAD 2005 and AutoCAD LT 2005 Bible
Fully explains latest 2005 features:  tables, fields, and sheet sets. For the first time, covers AutoCAD LT! CD-ROM comes with software and drawings for all exercises.


AutoCAD 2004 Bible

Covers all features in detail. Hands-on exercises. Over 1300 pages + CD-ROM with software and drawings for all exercises.

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