Create block for multiple uses

CLARKMENTE4722 · ‎11-29-2022

We have a multi-story project that was built in the 90s without mop sinks! I tried to create a block for a mop sink that shows the new sink (on layer NEW-pfixt) AND a hatched area that shows on layer DEMO. Seems simple enough.

We typically create blocks on Layer 0 but in this case I changed the mop sink block to layer "NEW-pfixt" and added the area that will be cored for the drain on layer "DEMO".

The mop sink shows up on the floor plan, but nothing shows up on the Demo drawings. I must be missing something obvious but I'll be darned if I know what it is.

cheryl.buck · ‎11-29-2022

Hi @CLARKMENTE4722,

I see that you are visiting as a new member to the AutoCAD forum. Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

That certainly sounds like the block should be displaying the way you expect. Does this occur if you insert a new instance of the block into an new drawing?

If yes, can you share a drawing with the block behaving this way for the community members to troubleshoot?

All the best,

Cheryl Buck
Technical Support Specialist

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CLARKMENTE4722 · ‎11-29-2022

It apparently has something to do with the layer state manager.

I exported the block as a wblock and re-inserted it.

If I go to the FLOOR PLAN layer state the mop sink shows up.

If I go to the DEMO PLAN layer state, nothing.

If I go to the FLOOR PLAN layer state and manually turn on layer DEMO, the area to be cored (on the DEMO layer) shows up.

So, the block is correct. Not sure if I need to manipulate the saved layer states of layer state options.

pendean · ‎11-29-2022

@CLARKMENTE4722 If the problem is with your master file with the block in it, sharing only the block with everyone here does no good. Share the master file with Layerstates definitions in it

OR...
You go through each of those layer states and see what settings are not there for your DEMO and NEW-PFIXT layers that reside inside your block. You may have just missed something. And keep in mind what layer your BLOCK is actually on too, it needs to reside on a layer that is always on/thawed in all of your layerstates. All of them.

Kent1Cooper · ‎11-29-2022

@CLARKMENTE4722 wrote:

It apparently has something to do with the layer state manager.

.... Not sure if I need to manipulate the saved layer states of layer state options.

That sounds like what you need to do. The drawing posted has no Layer States, so those must be in the drawings you're putting this into.

Kent Cooper, AIA

CLARKMENTE4722 · ‎11-30-2022

PENDEAN NAILED IT!!!
My block has 2 integral layers, however, it was inserted into the drawing on the NEW-PFIXT layer, which isn't "always on/thawed in all of (the) layerstates. All of them."
I changed the block's insertion layer to "0" and it works.
THANKS!!!

CLARKMENTE4722 · ‎11-30-2022

"And keep in mind what layer your BLOCK is actually on too, it needs to reside on a layer that is always on/thawed in all of your layerstates. All of them."
The block was on layer NEW-PFIXT, which isn't always on/thawed. I changed it to layer 0 and it now works as it should.
Thanks!