topic Re: Save Multiple Block Annotation Scales in Template in AutoCAD Forum

Save Multiple Block Annotation Scales in Template

Gary_Braun — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 17:31:28 GMT

I have a drawing template with block definitions, but when inserted into a drawing, each block only has a single annotation scale assigned to it. I would like to assign multiple scales to my block definitions so that they will already be available on the block each time it is inserted in the drawing.

I've tried inserting the blocks to a second drawing, adding all the extra scales there, and then using Design Center to update the definitions in my template, but that doesn't work. Each block continues to insert with only a single annotation scale.

Is it possible to save a block with multiple scales on it?

Re: Save Multiple Block Annotation Scales in Template

R_Tweed — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:08:25 GMT

Add the annotation scales to each individual block within the library dwg.

Insert the entire library dwg to the new file. fyi. The new file cannot contain the block definitions.

Alternatively, you could use objectscale to add the desired scales or modify the attached lisp routine to add scales.

I should mention the lisp routine also changes text in the current dwg to annotative.

You could just write below to add the list of scales to all objects:

(setvar "cannoscale" "1/8\" = 1'-0\"")
(setvar "cannoscale" "1/4\" = 1'-0\"")
(setvar "cannoscale" "1/2\" = 1'-0\"")

Re: Save Multiple Block Annotation Scales in Template

Gary_Braun — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 19:30:27 GMT

Thanks for your reply, but this doesn't work for me.

I have the blocks with the additional drawing scales all inserted into a third drawing. You're right that if I insert this into a blank drawing and explode it, the blocks retain the added scales, but the block definitions do not.

eg. I have 'tree' and 'manhole' blocks inserted into dwg1. I begin a new dwg2 with no blocks, and insert dwg1 into it. Dwg2 now recognizes 'tree' and 'manhole' in the blocks palette, but if I insert either of them into dwg2 they don't retain the added scales.
Exploding the inserted dwg (dwg1) leaves 'tree' and 'manhole' blocks in my modelspace with the added scales, but the block definitions in the drawing do not hold onto them.

Re: Save Multiple Block Annotation Scales in Template

Jason.Piercey — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 20:40:50 GMT

Quickly looking a some of my annotative blocks...

The annotative property is assigned to the block definition. The annotative scale(s) property is assigned to the block reference.

Re: Save Multiple Block Annotation Scales in Template

Gary_Braun — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 21:34:49 GMT

Well that's the state I'm hoping to get to, but I've tried it in Map 2024 and Map 2025 (just in case...) and so far no luck.

Re: Save Multiple Block Annotation Scales in Template

Gary_Braun — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 21:37:48 GMT

I thought I would include my DWG.

Re: Save Multiple Block Annotation Scales in Template

R_Tweed — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:43:12 GMT

This lisp comments would then be used. The list at the bottom can be saved into a script file and will add the annotative scales to all annotative objects that are not isloted (hidden).

Re: Save Multiple Block Annotation Scales in Template

Jason.Piercey — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:15:44 GMT

The annotative scales can't be added to the block definition. They can only be added to the block references (existing insertions)

Re: Save Multiple Block Annotation Scales in Template

Gary_Braun — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:27:57 GMT

This certainly explains my results and confirms what I was strongly suspecting.

Thanks Jason