How to Add Objects in your Drawing into an AutoCAD Block

We often need to modify a block definition. There are many reasons why you should use AutoCAD blocks (at least we can list 5 of them here).

A block can make a complicated drawing simpler. You can group many lines into one block. If you use a block for this purpose, you need to modify the block regularly. Sometimes you need to add existing objects in your drawing to your block. Using Block Editor is not suitable because you only see objects in your block. If you need to see objects in your drawing, you need to use another method.

Let’s look at how we can do this.

Using Edit Block In-Place

Select the block that you want to modify. Right-click and click Edit Block In-place from the context menu.

Hint: This is the same tool as REFEDIT

AutoCAD asks for confirmation to select the block that you want to modify. Choose the block then click OK.

You can see now the objects on your block are more visible than the other objects. They are in the working set.

Click Add to Working Set on the Edit Reference panel.

Select the objects that you want to add to your block.

Click Save Changes on the Edit Reference panel.

Your block definition is updated.

Using Add Objects to Block

AutoCAD users can use AutoLISP to do this faster. You can download Add Objects to Block LISP from Lee Mac here.

The LISP routine allows you to select objects then choose the block to add objects. There are a few steps that you can save by using this LISP.

Do you want to see how it works?

See it in this YouTube video.

Or watch it on YouTube here.

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Sr. Consultant in PT Cipta Satria Informatika. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and I am also active in Autodesk discussion forum. I'm a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, an appreciation for individuals who give contributions to the Autodesk community.
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