Error: "Cannot add inconsistent drawing to Design Block"

[chipdesk]

Based on an Eagle Youtube tutorial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-ChFk2pagA) I'm attempting to make a design block. I take these steps:

1. I select the parts of my schematic that are to be included in the design block.
2. I hit Ctrl + right click
3. The components are already selected in the board view. But I also want the tracks. So I select the whole area where the components and tracks are situated. Right now, there are no other components yet on the board (components that would not be part of the design block). So I'm pretty sure my selection is correct.
4. I hit Ctrl + right click
5. I get an error message...

The error message is this one:    Error: "Can not add a inconsistent drawing to Design Block" I'm using the latest version: Eagle 9.1.2 premium

Note: The schematic parts and signals that I've selected for the Design Block are inside a module. You can see that on the board view as well: all parts are preceded by "OP1:", indicating that they're part of the module "OP1". Perhaps that can cause confusion for Eagle?

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @chipdesk,

Thanks for posting the image and your detailed description. My gut feeling is that the fact that a module is involved is probably creating an issue. I would have to look at the files to be sure, I'll send you a direct message with my e-mail so that you can send the files to me.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[Anonymous]

I have the same issue.  Was there a solution?  When I group the circuitry on the schematic, and move to the board, the components are not highlighted.

[Anonymous]

Some more clues.  The design I am having issues with was created in Eagle 9.0.1.  I loaded another design I did in Eagle 9.1.1, and creating design blocks worked fine.  So it is likely related to the specific design done in 9.0.1.

I'll be working in 9.2.2 for the next project.

[Anonymous]

Just to help new people with this issue. I solved it by enabling all the layer in the board. Maybe there are some layers that must be activated in order to do that, like for example you can not drag devices if layers toriginis/borigins are not shown.

[spencer.bentley]

I have the exact same bug , if you create a part and add anything to the design block other that what is auto highlighted the same error occurs, i'll give your fix a go

[spencer.bentley]

Nope, not fixed my bug.

[aali21]

Try doing it the other way around, it should work then. Select the components, traces and vias in the board view FIRST, then do file > save selection as design block, Ctrl + right-click in board view, then Ctrl + right-click in schematic without selecting anything else. It will properly create a design block with traces and vias intact.

Just depends on what you're trying to save. If it's the schematic you want, then start from the schematic instead (you won't be able to select traces or vias if you do this, but all components will be selected).

[spencer.bentley]

That's the problem, The tracks are all custom filled polygons and
complicated tracking because it is a thermal transfer area under and around
a chip that needs passive cooling.

[havlicek6TH3H]

It´s strange, but this works fine, finally, I have 16 relays with some circuitry and routing everything one by one would be hell 😄

[EonAng]

I had the same problem as well. But I try to select from the board and then schematic, it fixed parts of the problem.  
I think it was caused by the GND and VDD signals(on schematic). Without select it, the route is able to select.

[nicolas.bouquet]

I have the same problem, this 4-years old bug is still persistent.

I have a simple LCLCLC filer with C connected to GND. In only works if I start the selection in the PCB, but when in the schematics, eagle doesn't auto-select the GND.

- If ctrl-right click, the design block created don't have the GND
- If I add GND to the selection before ctrl-right click, I have the mentioned error. 

[mgrusinAJJCB]

As of 2/2023 this bug persists. I have used design blocks in the past, and have no idea why this simple circuit section eludes it. Very frustrating.

Eagle 9.6.2 Premium.

[mgrusinAJJCB]

UPDATE: I managed to find a workaround.

tl;dr: "save selection as design block" does not work, but "save as design block" does.

Here's what worked for me, your mileage may vary:

Group and copy the schematic section for which you'd like a block.

Create a NEW blank schematic document. Paste.

Switch to (blank) board, redo your layout (ugh).

Delete the underlying board (or it will get saved with the block).

Now, if you "save selection as design block" it will fail per above. But if you "save as design block" it will work.

I hope this helps someone. Autodesk, please look into this bug. Thank you.

[re_autodesk]

In my case my design block omitted GND and 3V3 symbols .. I tried selecting everything in brd then ctrl-rightmousing to the sch and adding their symbols but then I got the 'inconsistent'.. my solution was to delete EVERYTHING EXCEPT what I wanted in the design block including the board outline etc, then saving to a different file name. THEN selecting everything in brd and and doing a save selection as design block