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How do you copy and modify blocks in Autocad?

Published in AutoCAD Blocks 4 mins read

To copy and modify blocks in AutoCAD, you typically use standard copy commands and then either edit the block definition directly or break the block into its original components.

Copying Blocks in AutoCAD

Copying blocks is a straightforward process, similar to copying any other object in your drawing. The most common methods utilize standard Windows or Mac keyboard shortcuts or AutoCAD's built-in copy command.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

A quick way to duplicate blocks is by using familiar copy-paste shortcuts:

  • Press CTRL + C (on Windows) or Command + C (on Mac).
  • The Command line will prompt you to "Select objects".
  • Click the block(s) you want to copy. You can select multiple blocks by clicking them individually or by drawing a window (crossing or selection) encompassing several objects.
  • Once objects are selected, press Enter.
  • Press CTRL + V (on Windows) or Command + V (on Mac) to paste the copied block(s).
  • Click in the drawing area to place the copy.

Using the COPY Command

Alternatively, you can use the dedicated COPY command:

  1. Type COPY in the Command line and press Enter.
  2. Select the block(s) you wish to copy.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Specify a base point (the point on the object used for displacement).
  5. Specify a second point (the destination point for the copy). You can place multiple copies by specifying additional points.
  6. Press Enter to finish the command.

Modifying Blocks in AutoCAD

Modifying a block means changing its definition, which will update all instances of that block throughout your drawing. If you only want to change one instance, you typically break it apart or use other methods like changing properties or using dynamic block grips.

Here are the primary ways to modify a block's definition or an individual instance:

1. Editing the Block Definition (Block Editor)

This is the standard way to change all instances of a block.

  1. Double-click on any instance of the block you want to modify. This opens the Block Editor.
  2. Alternatively, type BEDIT or BLOCKEDIT in the Command line and press Enter. A dialog box will appear listing all blocks; select the block you want to edit and click OK.
  3. You are now in the Block Editor environment, a special drawing area.
  4. Modify the geometry, add/remove objects, change layers, colors, line types, etc., within this environment.
  5. Once finished, click the Save Block button (floppy disk icon) on the Block Editor ribbon or type BSAVE and press Enter.
  6. Click the Close Block Editor button (red 'X') or type BCLOSE and press Enter.
  7. All instances of the block in your drawing will automatically update with the changes you made.

2. Exploding the Block

Exploding a block breaks it down into its original constituent objects (lines, arcs, circles, etc.). This is useful if you only want to modify a single instance without affecting others, or if you need to make drastic changes that are easier outside the Block Editor.

  1. Select the block instance you want to modify individually.
  2. Type EXPLODE in the Command line or click the Explode icon (looks like a bursting box) on the Modify panel of the Home tab.
  3. Press Enter.
  4. The selected block instance is now replaced by its original objects. You can now modify these objects individually using standard AutoCAD commands (MOVE, COPY, ROTATE, ERASE, TRIM, EXTEND, etc.).
  5. Note that the original block definition still exists, and other instances of the block in the drawing remain unchanged.

3. Changing Properties

You can change properties like color, layer, line type, and scale of a block instance directly through the Properties palette (CTRL + 1 or Command + 1). This changes the appearance of the selected instance but doesn't modify the block's definition.

4. Using Dynamic Block Grips

If the block is a dynamic block, it may have special grips that allow you to stretch, rotate, flip, or change visibility states of the block instance without exploding it or entering the Block Editor. This provides flexibility for individual instances.

By combining these methods, you can efficiently manage and modify blocks in your AutoCAD drawings.

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