This is a very common dynamic block problem —
THE CAUSE:
Attributes in dynamic blocks do not move
automatically with stretch or move actions
unless you specifically include them in the
action selection set.
This is the most missed step when creating
dynamic blocks with attributes.
THE FIX — Step by step:
Step 1: Open Block Editor
Type BEDIT → select your block → OK
Step 2: Find your Move or Stretch Action
In the Block Editor look for the action
symbol (lightning bolt icon) on your
canvas — double-click it to edit
Step 3: Check the Selection Set
When you created the Move or Stretch action
you selected objects to include.
Your ATTRIBUTE was probably NOT included
in this selection.
Step 4: Edit the Action Selection Set
• Double-click the action (lightning bolt)
• AutoCAD highlights currently selected objects
• Press Add Objects button or type A
• Click on your ATTRIBUTE text to add it
• Press Enter to confirm
• Click OK
Step 5: Test the block
Close Block Editor → Save
Insert the block → test the action
Attribute should now move with the geometry
ALTERNATIVE FIX — Delete and recreate action:
If editing the selection set does not work:
1. Delete the existing Move/Stretch action
2. Recreate it from scratch
3. When AutoCAD asks "Select objects for
action" — carefully select BOTH the
geometry AND the attribute
4. Press Enter to confirm selection
5. Save and test
IMPORTANT RULE I follow:
When creating any dynamic block action —
always select ALL objects including:
✔ Geometry (lines, rectangles, arcs)
✔ Attributes (text attributes)
✔ Grip points if needed
If even one object is missed from the
selection set, it will not move with
the action.
SPECIAL CASE — Attribute moves but
text position resets:
This happens when attribute has a
fixed insertion point in the block
definition.
Fix:
• Open BEDIT
• Double-click the attribute →
Attribute Editor opens
• Check "Lock Position" checkbox is
UNTICKED
• If it is ticked — untick it → OK
• Save and test
ANOTHER COMMON CAUSE —
Attribute on wrong layer:
If your attribute is on a frozen or
locked layer inside the block editor,
actions will not affect it.
Fix:
• In BEDIT check your layer panel
• Make sure attribute layer is
thawed and unlocked
• Move attribute to same layer as
geometry if needed
VERIFICATION CHECKLIST:
Before saving your dynamic block always
check:
☐ Attribute included in action selection set
☐ Lock Position is unticked on attribute
☐ Attribute layer is thawed and unlocked
☐ Action type is correct — Move not Stretch
if attribute should move without stretching
☐ Test all grip positions before saving
— L. Kiran Kumar
AutoCAD since 1997 | Modular Furniture
Specialist since 2006 | Hyderabad, India
[email protected]
