2012

Modify a Block Attribute Definition
You can modify attributes in block definitions with the Block Attribute
Manager. For example, you can modify the following:
■ Properties that define how values are assigned to an attribute and whether
or not the assigned value is visible in the drawing area
■ Properties that define how attribute text is displayed in the drawing
■ Properties that define the layer that the attribute is on and the attribute
line's color, weight, and type
By default, attribute changes you make are applied to all existing block
references in the current drawing.
Changing the attribute properties of existing block references does not affect
the values assigned to those blocks. For example, in a block containing an
attribute whose tag is Cost and value is 19.99, the 19.99 value is unaffected
if you change the tag from Cost to Unit Cost.
Updating attributes with duplicate tag names can lead to unpredictable results.
Use the Block Attribute Manager to find duplicate tags and change tag names.
If constant attributes or nested attributed blocks are affected by your changes,
use REGEN to update the display of those blocks in the drawing area.
Change the Prompt Order for Attribute Values
When you define a block, the order in which you select the attributes
determines the order in which you are prompted for attribute information
when you insert the block. You can use the Block Attribute Manager to change
the order of prompts that request attribute values.
Remove Block Attributes
You can remove attributes from block definitions and from all existing block
references in the current drawing. Attributes removed from existing block
references do not disappear in the drawing area until you regenerate the
drawing using REGEN.
You cannot remove all attributes from a block; at least one attribute must
remain. If you need to remove all attributes, redefine the block.
792 | Chapter 21 Create and Modify Blocks