Edit Blocks in Autocad Web app

[Anonymous]

It's my first time using AutoCAD on any platform and I'm just learning so I'm using the free web app to get my bearings.  I can't seem to find a way to edit blocks. 

I can create blocks, for instance rectangle to represent a shower.  I can place and copy the shower block but I can't change it, for instance to add or move details like a drain to all instances by editing the block object.

I feel like object classes "blocks" and instances are critical core functionality so it's frustrating not to be able to find it, I would sure appreciate a pointer in the right direction.

[Anonymous]

https://blogs.autodesk.com/autocad/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-autocad-web-app/

#7 "The Blocks palette allows you to view and modify the blocks in your drawing"

But for the life of me I can't figure out how to modify a block.

[Thomas_Stuehle · Accepted solution]

Hello @Anonymous 

Welcome to the AutoCAD Web App forum.

Please try the following steps when you want to change an existing block:

1. Select the block object.
2. Enter EXPLODE in the command line.
3. Modify the object(s).
4. Save the drawing.
5. Enter BLOCK or -BLOCK again.
6. Enter the old block name.
7. The system tells you that the block name already exists and asks if you want to redefine it.
8. Agree to redefine.
9. Follow the rest instructions in the command line.

Did the post helped you and answered your question?

If yes, feel free to click on the button "Mark as Solution". Thus also other users can benefit from the information. In case you still need help please feel free to provide an update here so we as Community know how we can help you best moving forward.

Best regards,

Thomas

[Anonymous]

Excellent!  That works.  It's a different workflow than I'm used to but it works all the same.

[pendean]

>>>... It's a different workflow than I'm used to...<<<
That's how we used to do it 30+ years ago in AutoCAD in DOS 🙂

BACK TO THE FUTURE!!!!

[Anonymous]

It's not the worst thing I've ever seen but it makes nested blocks either impossible or messy.

But hey I'm only 6 hours in, what do I know?

[Thomas_Stuehle]

Perfect - I am happy that it works for you too 🙂

[sabahalajrab]

It's the worst thing I've ever seen.

[vladimir_michl]

Alternatively, you can trick AutoCAD Web app by calling the old block editor with:

(command "-REFEDIT")

performing the changes and exiting the block editor with

(command "-REFCLOSE")

Vladimir Michl, www.arkance-systems.cz  -  www.cadforum.cz

[vladimir_michl]

You can now unlock the standard REFEDIT/REFCLOSE commands - see the tip:

https://www.cadforum.cz/en/adding-the-block-editor-to-autocad-web-app-tip13607

and see the video:

Vladimir Michl, www.arkance-systems.cz  -  www.cadforum.cz

[wayan_c]

There is AutoCAD in Dos? I thought it was a new software.

[pendean]

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@wayan_c wrote:

There is AutoCAD in Dos? I thought it was a new software.

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AutoCAD on PC is 40+years old now: it is updated and made to look modern, but a lot of the old clunkiness is still present in it's many iterations on a MAC and in Mobile/Web too.