3D AutoCAD 2004/2005: One Step at a Time

Overview

Following this lesson, you will:

• Know how to create and manipulate Groups

• Know how to use blocks in a drawing

  • The Block command

  • The WBlock command

  • The Insert Command

• Know how to create libraries of blocked objects

• Know how to share blocks between drawings using the AutoCAD Design Center and Tool Palettes

One of the great benefits of using a computer to create design plans lies in the ability of the operator to create something once, and then duplicate or manipulate it as desired. We've used several modification commands, techniques, and procedures throughout the course of this text and have become fairly comfortable with the basic tools. But there are still two modification routines that can increase speed and make your work easier. These are the Group and Block commands.

In Lesson 18, we'll look at the Group and Block commands. Although they often behave the same, each has its niche in the drawing world and it'll be important to know when to use them. Then, in Lesson 19, we'll learn why blocks are one of the most valuable design tools ever created.