Block Replace in AutoCAD 2014 does not work

[kadmonkee8]

When using the block editor to rename an existing block to clean that instance of the block name out of the file, the block replace command from express tools does not work.

I select a block enter block editor save block as (new Name) save and exit block editor.

Insert new block into the drawing.

Express tab on the ribbon select Replace Block select block A to be replaced by Block B purge out instance of block A after complete. It reports 0 blocks replaced

attached is a file with 2 blocks called Drain and Drain X each have the same visibility states I want to replace Drain with Drain X to purge out Drain from my file.

Any Ideas?

[braudpat]

Hello from France

Just a stupid idea !

Unfortunately some Express Tools are not working correctly with Dynamic Blocks : BCOUNT, ATTIN/ATTOUT, etc

and may be also the Block Replace ???

Bye, Pat

PS for Pendean : thks for the confirmation !

[pendean]

That Express Tool doesn't work on Dynamic blocks: just old school static blocks. Think 1995 when using Express Tools.

[braudpat]

Hello from France

So you will find a ZIP attached file with a marvellous French routine : RBLOC

which is much more powerful than the old Replace Block (from Express)

and it supports Dynamic Blocs & Attributes (if I remember well)  !

The Routine is 2 files : LSP + DCL 

So you will have to add to your Support Folders the folder where you will place the 2 files

OR you can place the 2 files INTO your ACAD folder ...

Thks to Patrick : a high level Lisp/VLisp french developper !

A lot of people are using this nice routine in France and some other countries ...

If the French options/texts are too "dark" for you

let me know, I will try to explain ...

or I will dot a fast translation of the DCL/LSP ...

ATTENTION : I have not tested it on an US/English ACAD !

So maybe you could have problem ! Please let me know ?

Please enjoy, Bye, Pat

[dmfrazier]

Here's an alternate workflow idea:

1. Create your updated/revised block in a separate dwg (we'll call it the "source" dwg); keep the block name the same as the name in the "destination" dwg.

2. With both the "source" and the "destination" dwgs open, open DesignCenter, click the "Open Drawings" tab, go to the Blocks section of the "source" dwg, find the new version of the block in the right-hand pane, right-click it and select "insert and redefine".

Does that get you what you want (and maybe save some steps, too)?

(P.S. Step 1a. Be sure to save the "source" dwg before proceeding to step 2.)

(P.P.S. Perhaps this is obvious, but in step 2, the "destination dwg" must be "current".)

[kadmonkee8 · Accepted solution]

that does work Thank you

this can be dangerous in the wrong hands though.

Dynamic blocks w/ visibility states and action parameters could become lost or damaged

I will need to play with this some more to explain it to the users in the office.

thanks again

[braudpat]

Hello

Please (just for my Info) which solution is OK for you ?

- dmfrazier procedure ?

or

- RBLOC french routine ?

Bye, Pat

[kadmonkee8]

i went with dmfrazier's procedure

it seemed less intrusive

especially since the lisp / dcl has not been tested in the english version yet.

thank you for your suggestion

i will test it at a later time though

[dmfrazier]

---

@kadmonkee8 wrote:

...this can be dangerous in the wrong hands though.

---

Yes, any useful, powerful tool can be dangerous if not used properly.  Users must be trained in the downsides as well as the upsides.
In addition to making certain maintenance tasks easier, you will eventually discover that another advantage of using block "source" dwgs is in developing standard tool palettes for inserting the blocks.

Glad I could help.

[braudpat]

Hello Everybody

I will appreciate if somebody could test a little bit

the French RBLOC routine on it's English / German / Spanish / etc AutoCAD 201X ...

Thks, Bye, Pat

[pendean]

Works fine: that lisp seems to be very similar to an old RBLOCK routine (Lisp and DCL) from Kerry Helmer back in 1994.

OP may just not be comfortable with the laguage barrier and prefers to take a route that can lead to better organization of their blocks anyway.

[braudpat]

Hello

THKS Mr Pendean 

I appreciate your test and I can do a minimum translation if you estimate it's necessary to use it easily !

This nice routine (with many options) from Patrick_35 (cadxp.com - a very popular CAD french forum)

is used by a lot of french people, so it could interest other people

I have too (from an other french developper Bryce always on cadxp.com) a GOOD ATTIN / ATTOUT routine

which support dynamic blocs ...

Thks again, Bye, Pat

PS: a stupid french question, what does mean the term OP please ?

[abubakars]

Hi kadmonkee8,

I have just created a video demonstrating your issue, the Block replace using Free tool "BatchInDatabase" available in Autodesk Exchange App to download.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmC_vPc6MHM&feature=youtu.be

[drjohn]

---

@braudpat wrote:
PS: a stupid french question, what does mean the term OP please ?

---

OP = Original Poster (affiche originale  <--- Goog translation))

[kadmonkee8]

Other People

[drjohn]

Orange Pontiac   

[dmfrazier]

In most cases, OP is used as an abbreviation for Original Poster (the author of the question).

In our company it stands for Order Processing, so I am frequently confused (usually only momentarily, though ).

[kadmonkee8]

Thank you for the video

it does work for block replace, but I need it to also recognize the visibility states in the dynamic blocks

apparently AutoCAD 2014 does not like Dynamic blocks in this manner

Autodesk is looking into a solution for this to happen.

Dynamic blocks respond well in the vertical Autodesk application but not the basic generic flavor of AutoCAD

[braudpat]

Hello

Thks for the OP Info 

Now I am ready to contribute for OP ( = Other People) !  

Bye, Pat

[Anonymous]

Hello, i have downloaded and installed this today. I works perfectly!! It is all in French though, how can i change the language to English?
Antonio