Create a library for block reference files

[k_geo]

Hello guys!

I created some DWG files which contain simple symbols with attributes.

These files are located on a server drive and will be inserted as blocks in drawings.

My goal is to be able to organize them inside of AutoCAD 2024, either through a pulldown menu with only text, or (which I would like more) a graphical menu/library, similar to the one that you get when you use the "Insert" ribbon. Maybe even with categories. 

I thought about using the Tool Palette -> create a custom palette -> insert my files there and then export that palette and make it accessible for everyone to load. This would import the custom palette and blocks automatically to everyones AutoCAD, but if new blocks are added to the folder on the server, the palette file need to be edited and reloaded by everyone. Additionally it is not possible to hide certain groups or sections inside the palettes. There are these seperation lines that can be added to get at least a small sectioning, but it does nothing to the eye or clarity. 

Is there another way to be able to just put new blocks into the server folder and everyone who opens AutoCAD automatically loads the blocks inside that folder? What menu is able to do that?

[pendean]

Have you fully explored all the built-in ways to access your blocks in AutoCAD2024 yet? Besides TPs:
1) ADCENTER
2) the BLOCKS Palette's LIBRARIES and FAVORITES tabs
3) CLASSICINSERT but actually placing those block folders for your users in the sidebar for quick access

[k_geo]

Hello @pendean ! 

Thank you for providing additional ways to solve this problem. 

Regarding 1. ADCENTER:

this is not exactly what I am looking for, since it is basically a file explorer.

Regarding 2. BLOCKS Palette's LIBRARIES and FAVORITES tabs:

I didn't know this existed, since I only recently switched from 2019 to 2024.

While this almost seems to be a good solution, I don't like the fact that it is not possible to categories or create sections/sub-sections. The preview of the blocks is also horrible. Symbols cannot be recognized at all through the thumbnail. The big positive point is though, that this menu is directly showing what is inside those folders, since it is a "simple" file explorer. This would require to organize the files inside folders on the server, which is a possibility for us. I will think about that.

The Tool Palette, which has great previews/thumbnails (even custom ones) and can be separated with lines (although not possible to hide these sections unfortunately) has a big negative: It does not update. I created a tool palette of the folder where my blocks are in, but after adding a few, they did not appear in the palette. Restart doesn't solve this.

Regarding 3.:

Is not a way we want to go, but will keep it in mind. 

A solution I am looking for (ideally) would be something like this:

Categories and recognizable thumbnails. Doesn't really matter how they are aligned on the interface, but for some reason AutoCAD provides three ways to manage blocks, but one does not update the library, the other is unorganized and with unrecognizable symbols and the other is just a file explorer, also without symbols.

I don't really want to use 3rd Party Addons. This means I will probably have to go with a folder structure on the server and with the new block library in AutoCAD.

[pendean]

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@k_geo wrote:

A solution I am looking for (ideally) would be something like this:

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I don't really want to use 3rd Party Addons. This means I will probably have to go with a folder structure on the server and with the new block library in AutoCAD.

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Then roll up your sleeves, you have a lot of coding and testing to do in CUI command: I'll get you started right here 

Happy cadding.

[dmfrazier]

@k_geo

You probably already know this, but in case you aren't aware, Image Tile Menus are in the "Legacy" category and as such they are likely to be deprecated at some point in the (probably not-too-distant) future.

BTW, I sympathize with you on this issue and wish that Tool Palettes were a little less clunky when it comes to sharing among a group of users.

[dmfrazier]

"Is there another way to be able to just put new blocks into the server folder and everyone who opens AutoCAD automatically loads the blocks inside that folder? What menu is able to do that?"

I think DesignCenter will get you the closest to what it seems you are looking for. Categorize the blocks by source DWGs named based on their contents, all in the same folder, which the users would have set as their "Home" folder. (Don't quote me on this, but I think there is a relatively simple way to force this folder for your users using a startup LISP.)

Otherwise, you're probably looking at a 3rd-party solution.