Managing blocks

[chaz]

Hi all, I'm new to DoubleCad free version, and have a few questions, about managing and saving blocks that I use regularly across multiple drawings.

In the past I have used AutoCAD, but not for some years and am a bit rusty...

My work is in the field of stage lighting, generally I am taking a building plan drawn by others, and drawing the layout of the lighting instruments over the top. I have these instruments as blocks, some from my previous work, and some I have created recently. Creating the blocks is not the issue, it is managing the blocks so that they are easily available for every drawing I do.

What is the best approach to saving regularly used blocks, currently most of them are in individual files, I can open that drawing, drag it into my current drawing and use it, but I am looking for a more elegant solution.

As a subsidiary question, many of the drawings I work on have been already worked on by others, and may well contain other blocks that while I want them to stay in the model space, I won't ever need to insert them again. Can I edit the list of available blocks in a drawing so I don't see these existing blocks? They just clutter up the block window on the right hand side.

I hope my questions make sense, (I've had a look for similar questions in the forum already) and someone can point me in the right direction. I'm basically looking at various CAD software, to see what will meet my needs for the lowest cost, currently the free edition's price tag is quite attractive! :-)

Thanks in advance

Chaz

[SteveMS]

Chaz, welcome along and welcome to the world of DoubleCAD.

Your question re blocks, you could save these files to your library and that way, they can be used in any drawing. Blocks are only available in the current drawing. You can create a new folder(where mouse pointer is) label it as you know how or what you wish to name it. The file is held here(or where your program is placed - this is mine): C:\Program Files\IMSIDesign\DoubleCAD XT 2\Symbols.

Thinking out loud here. Could you explode the block within your drawing, then delete it from the 'blocks' pallet? The 'block' would still be in your drawing, not detroying you suppliers work.

[spider]

Hi Chaz

I`ve just had a look at that and this may help (I hope - I`m also fairly new to DoubleCAD)?

Firstly you can change your Icon view in your blocks palette to a list view instaed of large/small icons.

Now;
1. Select/create your block and click on "create block" and give it a name.
2. In library palette (docked on right hand side) - open y symbols" from "All symbols" folder.
3. Using cursor grab hold of the yellow dot highlighted in your block and hold and drag it to your window in "My symbols".
4. The "enter new name" dialog will open - name your block and click ok.
5. This will open the "save as" dialog - click to save to your destination  - this will save your block in the library palette in the my symbols folder, you should now be able to open an old drawing or a new one and insert your blocks from this palette.

I hope this makes sense to as i too am fairly new to DC but I tell you what its a pretty nifty CAD program and already I`m thinking PRO version.

 Cheers Spider

[spider]

Cheers Steve

Didn`t realise you posted too!


Spider (Just dont call me "Man")

[John R]

re: Thinking out loud here. Could you explode the Block within your drawing, then delete it from the 'Blocks' palette? The 'Block' would still be in your drawing, not destroying your suppliers work.

Doesn't this defeat the purpose of using Blocks; the ability to show the same thing without bloating the drawing? I think Spider's idea of switching to "List" view is good, but I don't know of a way to hide Blocks shown in the Blocks palette.

[SteveMS]

John, doing what I suggested is, when thinking about somewhat extreme and going/using Spider(mans ) idea would indeed be more logical. I retract my statement in my original post.

[chaz]

Thanks folks for your prompt replies, will have a play, and see what suits me best.

Have to say that the response has been another plus point in favour of DoubleCAD, it's good to know there is a helpful community out there!

Cheers

Chaz

[spider]

your welcome -  that`s exactly what I thought about this forum

regards
spider

[SteveMS]

This forum I notice is getting more input from users and thats is great to see. We can all learn something, no matter what our age and I have no problem with a younger person showing me a trick or two!