CAN I INSERT A BLOCK FROM THE COMMAND LINE INSTEAD OF FROM THE WINDOW?

[phyllis9007]

Using ACAD 2023. I know the names of almost all the blocks I want to insert. Is there a way that I can simply type "I" (enter) then type the block name in the command line instead of having to type the name in the separate block window? The block I choose from the window enters at a random point so I must then pick the block at it's insertion point and move it to the desired location. I liked the simple way I inserted blocks in ACAD 2019. These few extra steps are very frustrating.  Is there still a way I can do it the old way without going thru the block insertion window?? 

[cadffm · Accepted solution]

Hi,

ever tried to just TYPE IN YOUR BLOCKNAME ?

Standard installation will find your Block (if already defined in your DWG), it's a setting.

If you are using external DWG 'as block', so they are not already defined in your current file,

use command -INSERT, type in the name..

You can create a alias for "-INSERT", read about ACAD.PGP [F1]

[cadffm]

>>"The block I choose from the window enters at a random point"

Never

If you are using the block palette, you are surely set a fix coordinate to insert to. Check out your...

>>"so I must then pick the block at it's insertion point and move it to the desired location."

No, that shouldn't the case. If the Basepoint option in block palette details is not selected:

Is the explode-Option selected?

Please explain IN DETAIL you way, what you are doing and what values/setting you are using.

Or create a Screencast and share it

>>"These few extra steps are very frustrating"

0,00$ -> [F1]

>>"I liked the simple way I inserted blocks in ACAD 2019."

>>" Is there still a way I can do it the old way without going thru the block insertion window??"

That's not what you ask for, but yes!

The old insert dialog is still available by command CLASSICINSERT [F1]

[jreidKVSUZ]

I think the best way to setup your CAD Blocks that you want to insert is through Drop Down Menus.

I have my Scales set to come in at a certain place for our drawing boarder. I pick and bang!! its there.

I have my plotters, viewport scaling, dimstyle, text style, etc... to automatically set it up with 2 clicks.

One to open the drop down, and two to pick what one. ( for scales it is 3 clicks ).

But, I have these coming in at 0,0. You can remove that and have it ready for you to pick your point of insertion.

Or make your AutoCAD old school and use Toolbars. See 2nd Pasted image.

I am sharing my full screen of drop downs and toolbars with 3rd Pasted image.

Using both of these saves hours of time in a year!! Especially for Viewport scales.

Hope this helps!

JRR!

[Kent1Cooper · Accepted solution]

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@phyllis9007 wrote:

... Is there a way that I can simply type "I" (enter) then type the block name in the command line ...? ....

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Just prefix it with a hyphen:

-I

[rgrainer]

(defun c:test-xx ()
;;;(laysymit);;; here you have a function which makes and sets to the proper layer; you'll have to make that yourself
(setvar "cmdecho" 0)
(prompt"\nSelect the location for ..block insertion: ")
(command "insert" "XX") "END,NODE" pause (GETVAR "dimscale") "" pause "" "" "" );;change to osnaps you need
;;;(command "-layer" "s" cla "") this sets the layer back to what it was before but is not used here because the ; character makes it to be ignored.
(princ)
)

here's some simple code to insert a block named "XX"

[pendean · Accepted solution]

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@phyllis9007 wrote:

Using ACAD 2023....I liked the simple way I inserted blocks in ACAD 2019...

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Nothing has changed, you maybe just did not get a chance to look in HELP forum what changed since 2019 to be made unaware a few command names changed over those years

https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2024/ENU/?guid=GUID-B93A458E-1A7F-4090-A8CF-87A31C24E404 

Or... just forgot the name of the actual commandline tool?

HTH

[changmarin · Accepted solution]

-INSERT

[AllenJessup · Accepted solution]

As @pendean shows. CLASSICINSERT

I've redefined my alias to that.

[phyllis9007]

Thanks for the info!

[phyllis9007]

See, I'm just not ACAD savvy enough to even do that. I really don't even understand what a lot of your actual lisp routine instructions are referring to because I am not familiar with the program terminology.  I do like the "_I" answer because it seems the most simple solution.

[phyllis9007]

Sigh... I don't even know how to make a screencast... 

[molivasc1]

 Just add here the path of your blocks folder, then click OK.

In the command prompt type -I, then the name of your block, and thats all!

[Kent1Cooper]

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@phyllis9007 wrote:

....  I do like the "_I" answer because it seems the most simple solution.

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Just a typo, I assume, but that's -I [hyphen prefix, not underscore].