Unit 3.

Grouping in
AutoCAD
Unit 3. Grouping in AutoCAD [3 Hrs.]
3.1. BLOCK, WBLOCK commands
3.2. INSERT, MINSERT commands
3.3. EXPLODE, BASE commands
3.1. BLOCK, WBLOCK commands
• In AutoCAD, the "BLOCK" and "WBLOCK" commands are used to create and manage
blocks, which are reusable collections of objects that you can use in your drawings.
Here's a brief explanation of each command:
• BLOCK Command:
• Usage: The BLOCK command is used to create a block definition from a selection of
objects.
• Steps:
• Type "BLOCK" in the command line and press Enter.
• Select the objects you want to include in the block.
• Specify the insertion point (base point) of the block.
• Optionally, specify a name for the block.
• Set other parameters such as scaling, rotation, and visibility options.
• Press Enter to create the block.
Note: When you use the BLOCK command, the block is defined within the current drawing.
• WBLOCK Command:
• Usage: The WBLOCK (Write Block) command is used to create a block
definition that can be saved as a separate drawing file (DWG).
• Steps:
• Type "WBLOCK" in the command line and press Enter.
• Specify the objects to include in the block.
• Choose a destination folder and specify a name for the new drawing file.
• Set other options such as base point, insertion point, and scale.
• Press Enter to save the block as a separate DWG file.
Note: The WBLOCK command allows you to create a block and save it as a
separate DWG file. This is useful for creating a library of reusable blocks
that can be inserted into other drawings.
3.2. INSERT, MINSERT commands
In AutoCAD, the INSERT and MINSERT commands are used for inserting blocks or
symbols into your drawing. These commands allow you to place predefined blocks or
collections of blocks at specific locations within your drawing.
INSERT Command:
• Usage: The INSERT command is used to insert a single instance of a block into your
drawing.
Steps:
• Type INSERT in the command line and press Enter.
• Select the block you want to insert from the list or browse to the location of the
block file.
• Specify the insertion point by clicking a point in the drawing or entering coordinates.
• Optionally, specify the scale factor, rotation angle, and other parameters.
• Click OK to place the block in the drawing.
MINSERT Command:
• Usage: The MINSERT (Multiple Insert) command allows you to insert multiple
instances of a block in a rectangular or polar array.
Steps:
• Type MINSERT in the command line and press Enter.
• Select the block you want to insert from the list or browse to the location of
the block file.
• Specify the insertion point by clicking a point in the drawing or entering
coordinates.
• Specify the number of rows and columns for the array.
• Optionally, specify the row and column spacing, rotation angle, and other
parameters.
• Click OK to place the block array in the drawing.
3.3. EXPLODE, BASE commands
In AutoCAD, the EXPLODE and BASE commands are used for different purposes:
EXPLODE:
• Description: The EXPLODE command in AutoCAD is used to break down
complex objects, such as blocks or polylines, into their individual components
or basic elements.
Usage:
• Type EXPLODE in the command line and press Enter.
• Select the object you want to explode.
• AutoCAD will break the object into its constituent parts.
• Example:
• If you have inserted a block and want to break it into its individual
components, you can use the EXPLODE command.
BASE:
• Description: The BASE command is used to specify a new base point for
a block in AutoCAD. This command allows you to redefine the insertion
point of a block without changing its geometry.
Usage:
• Type BASE in the command line and press Enter.
• Select the block you want to redefine the base point for.
• Specify the new base point location.
• Example:
• If you have inserted a block, and its insertion point is not at the desired location,
you can use the BASE command to redefine the insertion point.