topic Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi in Dynamic Blocks Forum

How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combined

Jaycee.foli — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 20:34:12 GMT

I will try to add a video or images after this.

My question is, how can I take multiple blocks and combine them in to one with all smart features working, or create a block with all the same features as the multiple others. I am using CAD 2017. we have multiple clients whom all require similar but different annotation across thier packages. I have created variations of sheet callouts, title area callouts, call backs, ect. What I have currently is 5 blocks that can be inserted, and placed, all with their own visibility states, and attributes, and parameters. I tried initially just setting it all up as one block, but CAD wont let you place more than one visibility state grip. Unfortunetely, that won't work, as I need to be able to handle each parts vis separately.

EXAMPLE: On one end of the block is a vis state bubble for grid, or grid and call back, or no bubble at all. At the other end is a north arrow with a rotate and vis for turning off and on the north arrow. I need to be able to keep both vis state grips in order to turn off or on either object independently. other wise the vis state list would grow like crazy.

I am looking for options to make this work, or even possibly doing a vba.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Libbya — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 20:41:01 GMT

For the best response, you would have to post a block with specific information about all of the functionality you would like that block to have.

Your described block having a bubble on one end with the selection of 3 potential visibility states and a separate selection at the other end to select 2 potential visibility states is easily accomplished (although a bit of an advanced technique). Post the block if you want further info on how to accomplish it.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Jaycee.foli — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 21:00:21 GMT

Here is a video with my example being shown. I need to make all these functions work as one block.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Jaycee.foli — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 21:12:34 GMT

First time I've used screencast sorry, here is another video. Please feel free to ask questions. I need to make all of these into one block, or one object or something.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Jaycee.foli — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 21:15:11 GMT

I posted a video showing my examples.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Libbya — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 22:03:46 GMT

As I said twice in my last reply, post the file(s). Starting from scratch is tiresome.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Jaycee.foli — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 22:05:40 GMT

I am looking to learn how, not have someone else do it. Thanks though. I'll keep looking

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Libbya — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 22:10:10 GMT

Have no fear, I will not provide the finished block to you. I never do. What I would do is post a step-by-step screencast as that is both the easiest way for me to present the information on HOW and the easiest way for you to receive it. No problem, though. If you don't want to accommodate that process, I certainly don't mind not partaking in it. I have personally posted the details multiple times on this forum demonstrating exactly how to do what you are asking. Avail yourself of the search and I'm sure you will figure it out without further input.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Jaycee.foli — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 18:04:00 GMT

It isn't about that, These files belong to my employer. I have to submit a request to upload and send them to someone who doesn't work here. Which could take an hour or could take days. I sent a request, I'll just have to wait and see.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Libbya — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 19:37:51 GMT

In that case the thing to do would be to create and post a generic block of your own making that can be used to demonstrate all the parts you would like assistance with. No request/permission necessary.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Jaycee.foli — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 16:54:00 GMT

I havn't had the chance to work on this again since you sent the reply. I am messing with it today while slow. I will try to send a sample of what I am trying to do.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Jaycee.foli — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 16:59:46 GMT

Here is the block in whole. In order to see/use the different functions, you have to BURST the block. It is essentially several blocks saved as one. What I am trying to do, is combine them, and have each vis state available to use separately. I am thinking after watching the video and what not that I won't be able too, but now that I have had time to draw this from scratch like you said, I figured we'd at least give it a look. I also have the file with all the different vis's broken out (all objects prior to creating the blocks.

( P.s., I also sent a message, prior to remembering we already had this thread going. Sorry.)

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Libbya — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 17:22:02 GMT

The number of visibility states required is a the number of options on each selection multiplied together. Callback = 2, Bubble = 3, North Arrow = 2, Scale bar = 31, for a total of 2 x 3 x 2 x 31 = 372. That sounds impressively tiresome to create. I believe the scale bar could be reworked so that it does not use individual visibility states for each option but instead uses a single visibility state and either block properties or lookup to modify the geometry along with attributes for changing the values shown on the scale bar. Doing so would significantly reduce the effort involved in creating the block. Either that or keep the scale bar as a separate block.

Re: How can I combine multiple blocks, or Create a block with all features combi

Jaycee.foli — Fri, 25 Oct 2019 17:36:04 GMT

I thought so, I feel as if functionally, it would be easier to just keep it all as separate blocks. Thanks for the help!