AutoCAD Tip: Express Tools, Burst, an alternative to Explode?

by Dennis Collin

The Explode command is commonly used by some users to convert complex elements into simpler constituent parts. For example, Polylines into lines or Blocks into easier to edit elements.

Dimensions, hatching and multi-leaders can also be exploded, but this is generally not recommended as it tends to over complicate the drawing and can lead to errors not only when reading the drawing but also lost time in making amendments. If a block has attributed data and is exploded, all this vital information is lost, with the default attribute tag being displayed rather than the value. As a rule therefore, it is recommended to use the appropriate commands like Edit Hatch to adjust fill patterns or stretch a drawing to the correct size with associative dimensions showing the correct measurement.

Fig. Example showing an exploded and burst title frame, note the retention of textual information with the Burst command

However, when providing drawings for issue it is sometimes necessary to flatten the drawing, removing any extraneous and undesired data. Attributed blocks need to be simplified yet still show text strings of the original information as in the case of drawing sheets. For this process AutoCAD has an improved version of Explode, called Burst, which is located within the Express tool suite, under the Blocks panel. Like explode it simplifies elements to constituent parts but unlike explode converts attribute values to plain text instead.

Fig. Locating the Burst command within the Express tools ribbon

The Burst command ensures that the visual fidelity of an issued drawing remains the same as the working copy of the drawing file. For working drawings, tools like Attribute Editor, Block Editor, Styles and best practice methods should be used for the editing of more complex elements.