2004

Create and Insert Symbols (Blocks) | 329
There are two methods for redefining a block definition:
■ Modify the block definition in the current drawing.
■ Modify the block definition in the source drawing and reinsert it into the
current drawing.
The method you choose depends on whether you want to make changes in
the current drawing only or in a source drawing also.
Modify a Block Definition in the Current Drawing
To modify a block definition, follow the procedure to create a new block def-
inition, but enter the name of the existing block definition. This replaces the
existing block definition, and all the references to that block in the drawing
are immediately updated to reflect the new definition.
To save time, you can insert and explode an instance of the original block
and then use the resulting objects in creating the new block definition.
Update a Block Definition That Originated from a Drawing File
Block definitions created in your current drawing by inserting a drawing file
are not updated automatically when the original drawing is modified. You
can use
INSERT to update a block definition from the drawing file.
Update a Block Definition That Originated from a Library Drawing
(Advanced)
AutoCAD
®
DesignCenter™ does not overwrite an existing block definition
in a drawing with one that comes from another drawing. To update a block
definition that came from a library drawing, use
WBLOCK to create a separate
drawing file from the library drawing block. Then, use
INSERT to overwrite
the block definition in the drawing that uses the block.
Note Block descriptions are stripped off when using INSERT. Use the Clipboard
to copy and paste a block description displayed in the Block Definition dialog
box from one block definition to another.
Modify the Description of a Block
To modify the DesignCenter description of a block definition, use
BLOCK.
You can also add descriptions to any number of existing blocks in the Block
Definition dialog box.