AutoCAD 2021: Modifying Dynamic Blocks

by John Flanagan

Modifying Dynamic Blocks

Creating dynamic blocks is an extension of creating static block definitions.

After a dynamic block is inserted into an AutoCAD drawing, you can select it and modify its display through a special set of custom grips as shown.

Hover over a grip to display a tooltip that explains its use, as shown above.

 Typical Dynamic Block Grips

Click one of the custom grips. For example, clicking a round grip opens the rotation parameter of the object. Then you rotate the component as required.

Other examples of how you could use dynamic blocks include the following:

• Automatically align a block to the geometric objects that represent a wall or a pipe.
• Create additional movement grips on a block.
• Add multiple insertion points so you can cycle through them by pressing Ctrl when inserting a block.
• Choose whether a block is flipped or mirrored when inserted.
• Control the size or shape of a block to standard increments such as the length of a fastener or width of a door.
• Display a family of parts or similar styles in a tabular format to choose different versions of the same block.

With dynamic blocks you can insert one block that can change shape, size or configuration instead of inserting one of many static block definitions. For example, instead of creating multiple interior door blocks of different sizes, you can create one resizable door block.