Block

Alias: B

Creates a reusable block definition from selected objects.

Block icon

Description

The Block command creates a named block definition from one or more selected objects. Once defined, a block can be inserted multiple times into the drawing as a single object reference. Blocks reduce file size and allow consistent reuse of geometry.

Workflow

  1. Type B and press Space or Enter.

  2. Select objects: Click the objects to include in the block, then press Enter to confirm the selection.

  3. Specify insertion point: Click the point that will act as the block’s handle when it is inserted.

  4. Enter block name: Type a name for the block and press Enter.

Tips

  • Choose an insertion point that makes the block easy to place, such as a corner, centre point, or connection point.

  • Block names must be unique within the drawing.

  • Inserted blocks can be exploded back into their component objects if editing is required.

DXF Representation

Blocks involve two separate DXF structures — see ../dxf for the overall file layout:

Block definition — stored in the BLOCKS section, containing the geometry:

0
BLOCK
8        ← layer name
0
2        ← block name
MyBlock
10       ← base point X
0.0
20       ← base point Y
0.0
...
← entity definitions (LINE, CIRCLE, etc.) go here
...
0
ENDBLK

Block reference (INSERT) — stored in the BLOCKS / ENTITIES section each time the block is placed:

0
INSERT
8        ← layer name
0
2        ← block name to reference
MyBlock
10       ← insertion point X
100.0
20       ← insertion point Y
75.0
41       ← X scale factor (1.0 = no scale)
1.0
42       ← Y scale factor
1.0
50       ← rotation angle in degrees
0.0

See Also

explode | ../dxf