Toggle nested block parameters from outside the block using look ups and tables.

[-Igor-]

Hi AutoCAD developers,

I'd like to design a dynamic block with options to switch multiple combinations. for example: if its a window - it would have choices: with or without screen, and a choice of single pane, double or triple glass. Currently you guys limit us to 1 visibility state where we have to list all possible combinations of those and we end up with a list of all possible combinations. But i was wondering, would it be difficult to allow users to create a lookup parameter inside the parent block that would allow you to pick one of the nested blocks and allow you to toggle its visibility states (Visibility states would be the main one i am after, but other dynamic properties would be even better). ideally this then could be used with a table parameter and give a nice selection tree.

- This would be a game changer in my opinion.

Thanks

[Libbya]

That would be a nice feature if it was possible, but unfortunately it is not possible. The only way you could edit the nested block properties would be by opening the parent block in block editor.  After editing the nested block, every iteration of the parent block would adopt the edit.  In other words, if you edited the visibility state of the nested block, then all of the parent blocks would adopt the new visibility state of the nested block.  

[K_Kubat]

Once all possible visibility states have been created, you can filter them using a block table.
Create a user parameter for each possible selection (Object=Single, Double, Door... | Overlap=Right, Left, Without... | Shape=With Grid, Without Grid...).
These are arranged at the top of the block table in a logical order, with the corresponding visibility assigned to them.
The visibility handle can be disabled.
This allows you to easily select individual elements.

I've already adapted a block as an example here.

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/dynamic-blocks-forum/help-please-on-multiple-visability-states/m-p/13... 

[-Igor-]

Thanks for taking the time to share this. This is more of a wish list item for the devs. I understand the solution you have utilized, and it works, but the improvement that i am suggesting would allow users to pre-bake visibility states into the little components of the window (e.g. glass vs metal panel, thermal vs non-thermal profiles, gear hinge vs butt hinge etc.) then the block would have a lookup toggle for each one and the user could build the configurations that they need on the fly, instead of choosing from potentially a hundred different pre-built combinations. As @Libbya mentioned it is not possible at the moment, so i am just trying to get someone's attention that could make it possible in the future. I hope that makes sense.

[Libbya]

I don't believe devs pay any attention to forum posts for wish list items.  

[-Igor-]

I did a little bit of digging, but couldn't find an "idea station" or a "wish list" page. Do you, by chance, know  how to get there? i have a bunch more ideas. I have seen and used one for Inventor and Revit, just not for AutoCAD. 

[MMcCall402]

Sometimes you can use a scale action/parameter controlled by a Lookup to give the illusion that its turning something on and off. (when its actually scaling it from full size down to a tiny dot)