AutoCAD 2010/2011/2012 DWG Format

[#1]

I have a drawing containing over 100 blocks with 8-10 attributes each. I want to align all the attribute text without rotating the associated blocks. I can select individual attributes by holding down the Ctrl key while I select each attribute. Then I can change the text angle in a pop-up dialog. Is there a quicker way to select all the attributes without having to click on each one? Remember that I do not want to rotate the whole block, just the attribute text.

[#2]

I wrote a vba script to do this on a per-click basis, I can share this if requested.

G

[#3]

If your VBA script will select all 800+ attributes with one click, I would be interested.

[#4]

My script work on a per-click basis only.

It may suit you better to redefine the block reference.  You can create an associative block reference that will align itself with the viewport, have you considered that approach?

[#5]

I have thought of redefining the blocks; is it possible to set the attribute text angle such that it will not rotate as the whole block is rotated?

[#6]

Not in the way you suggest.

Without knowing the context it's difficult to advise, however the associative block flag will resize the block to have it appear at a constant paperspace size regardless of scale - likewise setting the 'match block orientation' flag will effectively set the rotation of the block to zero, regardless of any rotations applied to it.

[#7]

I am a lighting and stage designer; when I draw, I insert blocks representing theatrical lighting units. Each block is rotated towards a focal point. Each block has attributes such as unit number, color, dimmer, circuit, type, location, etc. What I want to do is align all the attribute text so that it reads easily regardless of how each block is rotated. I can spend 20 minutes selecting each attribute, and then change the angle for the whole group. I just wanted a quicker way, like the ability to Quick Select attributes. (Quick Select is so helpful otherwise.)

Thank you so much for trying to help, I really appreciate it!

[#8 · Accepted solution]

perhaps you want to experiment with dynamic blocks a bit:

Create a dynamic block of a favourite fitting with rotation parrameters on everything except the hook-clamp and the attributes.

Insert the block in the usual way, only this time do not apply any rotation, use the dynamic grip to focus the light, similar to how you'd actually rig them physically - hang first, focus afterwards.

This would require a change to your workflow, but you might find it beneficial in the long term, for example 6-bars could be arranged to have all the cans rotate on the one grip, rather than having to explode and re-align.

Attached is a sample of what you could try.

G

[#9]

Not exactly what I was looking for, but It shows promise, thanks. (Are you in the entertainment biz?)

[#10]

It's an illustration of a different approach, rather than a solution.

And yes, I work for a large hire & installations company in the UK.

G