topic Rename Multiple Blocks in Visual LISP, AutoLISP and General Customization Forum

Rename Multiple Blocks

anderson51 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:35:13 GMT

Is there lisp routine that will allow you to rename multiple blocks at once?

Thanks,

Anderson51

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

CodeDing — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:42:00 GMT

@anderson51 ,

There sure is:

(defun c:RMB ( / lstBlocks)
  ;Rename Multiple Blocks
  ;Prep
  (setq lstBlocks '(
    ;("old_name" "new_name")
    ("Block A" "Block 1")
    ("BLOCK B" "Block 2")
  ))
  ;Begin work
  (setvar 'CMDECHO 0)
  (foreach blk lstBlocks
    (command "-RENAME" "b" (car blk) (cadr blk))
  );foreach
  (setvar 'CMDECHO 1)
  ;Finish up
  (prompt "\nBlock Re-Naming Complete.")
  (princ)
);defun

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

JTBWorld — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:47:10 GMT

You may find these code snippets useful https://jtbworld.com/autocad-axblock-lsp and if you find you need further help feel free to use the contact page. JTB Batch Change is another option.

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

anderson51 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 16:51:04 GMT

Is there a way to have it pull up in list form, similar to how the rename command works?

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

JTBWorld — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:17:11 GMT

Yes it can be done. Either learn to program, hope someone create it for free or pay to get it done. I can help but not for free.

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

anderson51 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:24:11 GMT

Have a nice day Jimmy!

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

CodeDing — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:34:22 GMT

@anderson51 ,

I don't understand. If you want to rename them via a form, then why not just use the original RENAME command?

I can not think of any effective mechanic / workflow to rename multiple blocks at once via a form that would be more-efficient than the original command..

Can you describe what you have in mind that would be faster?

Because, we can easily create a form to select multiple blocks at once.. but then what.. loop through each one asking for a new name? that would be essentially the same as the original command.

Best,

~DD

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

hak_vz — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:37:02 GMT

(defun c:renmblocks nil (renmblocks)) (defun renmblocks ( / get-blocks getallblocks nonincluded blocklist dont oldblock newname) (defun getblocks (/ adoc name lst) (vlax-for block (vla-get-blocks (vla-get-activedocument (vlax-get-acad-object))) (if (and (equal (vla-get-IsLayout block) :vlax-false) (equal (vla-get-IsXref block) :vlax-false) (/= (substr (vla-get-Name block) 1 1) "*")) (setq lst (cons (vla-get-Name block) lst)) ) ) lst ) (defun getallblocks ( / lst)(vlax-for block (vla-get-blocks (vla-get-activedocument (vlax-get-acad-object)))(setq lst (cons (vla-get-Name block) lst))) lst) (defun nonincluded(a b) (if a (if (not(member (car a) b)) (cons (car a) (nonincluded (cdr a) b)) (nonincluded (cdr a)b) ) ) ) (setq blocklist (getblocks)) (setq dont (nonincluded (getallblocks) blocklist)) (foreach bname blocklist (initget 1) (setq newname (getstring (strcat"\nNew name for block <" bname ">:" ))) (setq oldblock (vla-item(vla-get-blocks (vla-get-activedocument (vlax-get-acad-object))) bname)) (if (and (> (strlen newname) 0) (not (member newname dont)) ) (vlax-put oldblock 'name newname) ) ) (princ "\nDone") ) (princ)

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

pbejse — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:42:57 GMT

@JTBWorld wrote:

You may find these code snippets useful https://jtbworld.com/autocad-axblock-lsp

Thats is a classic 😊

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

CodeDing — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:44:33 GMT

@hak_vz ,

If OP is NOT trying to rename EVERY block, then I do not think that looping through every block in the drawing and asking for each to be renamed is a practical or efficient method. Again, I believe the original command would accomplish it better.

--EDIT--

Also, I do not believe that the (initget 1) flag works on the (getstring ...) method.

Best,

~DD

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

anderson51 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:43:23 GMT

The fact that you have to invoke the command each time slows you down. Also, you have to scroll thru the list each time to find the block you want to rename, depending on the list size, you could be scrolling a while to find the block.

It would definitely save time to pick multiple and rename multiple at the same time.

Thanks,

Anderson51

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

hak_vz — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 17:54:49 GMT

@CodeDing wrote:
@hak_vz ,

If OP is NOT trying to rename EVERY block, then I do not think that looping through every block in the drawing and asking for each to be renamed is a practical or efficient method. Again, I believe the original command would accomplish it better.

DD I agree with you. Original command is best option, at least from security point of view,

It actually mimics -rename, but then offer names of all blocks that can be modified (removes xrefs and layouts).

To skip rename one just have to hit <enter>

I've jumbled this code in last 20 mins just for fun, so you can find some stupid entries i.e initget on getstring 🙂

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

dmfrazier — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 19:14:00 GMT

@anderson51

Just checking: Are you aware of the use of "*" as a wildcard?

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

ВeekeeCZ — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 19:33:47 GMT

Would you give us list of examples of block names and how they should be renamed?

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

Kent1Cooper — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 19:36:46 GMT

@anderson51 wrote:

....

It would definitely save time to pick multiple and rename multiple at the same time.

....

I'm trying to understand the procedure you envision. Say you can pick multiple Block names that you want to rename, from a list or dialog box or something. Then what? How are you expecting to give them their new names, other than one at a time?

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

ВeekeeCZ — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 19:45:42 GMT

@anderson51 wrote:

The fact that you have to invoke the command each time slows you down....

Are you aware that you can actually hit the button "Rename To" to quickly rename an item without closing a dialog...

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

anderson51 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 19:58:56 GMT

Below is an example list.

Say I wanted to rename the following:

DS-145-301-a1 to DS-146-302-a8

DS-145-301-a2 to DS-146-302-a9

DS-145-301-a3 to DS-146-302-a10

I would have to invoke the command 3 separate times, scroll to the block, and rename accordingly. It would be nice to take care of it all during the single execution of the command.

The existing rename command would work perfectly if you could simply "OK" it without it exiting the command, and moving on to the next block you want to rename....if that makes sense?

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

anderson51 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 20:03:18 GMT

WOW.

I was completely unaware that you could simply click "rename to" and move on to the next one. For some reason I was under the impression you had to click OK in order to complete the renaming.

Learn something new everyday.

Thanks

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

dmfrazier — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 20:05:38 GMT

In addition to using that handy "Rename to" button, you could also take advantage of using the "*" wildcard character to expedite some of the renaming. It may be necessary to do the renaming in stages, e.g. first change "145-301" to "146-302", followed by the other segments.

Re: Rename Multiple Blocks

anderson51 — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 20:07:36 GMT

I am not sure I am following what you mean, can you give me an example?

Thanks