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AutoCAD Productivity

Update the Source File Block Edits on the Tool Palette

by Michael Beall

From: AutoCAD Productivity Articles #139
Originally published: April 2015

Tool PropertiesThroughout the archives of Michael's Corner you will find dozens of references to tool palettes, including the key component of blocks on a tool palette: the Source File. [Coverage of the Block Source file was originally presented in March 2006.]

Scenario: You add this armless chair to the source file and put several chairs in a drawing… then you update the chair in the source file with arms.

Problem: The chair on the palette now displays arms, but the chairs in the drawing have no arms, soooo…

How to Update Drawing Blocks from the Source File

  1. Update tool imageAfter modifying the block in the Source File, right-click on the related block on the tool palette, then click Update tool image.

  2. Now, in the drawing containing the blocks that were in the former armless state, go to the tool palette, right-click on the updated block image, then click Redefine… and all those chairs now have the updated condition with arms!

See all the articles published in April 2015

Michael's Corner

Between 2003 and 2016, Michael Beall (and one or two guests) wrote almost 600 articles for CADTutor. The focus of these articles is AutoCAD productivity, and although some of them are now more than a few years old, most remain relevant to current versions of AutoCAD. The article above is just one example. Check out Michael's Corner for a full listing.

Tip of the Day

Absolute and Relative Coordinates

Coordinate Interpretation
25,75 depends on context
@25,75 relative
#25,75 absolute

It used to be very simple. Enter a coordinate and AutoCAD interpreted it as an absolute coordinate. Enter a coordinate preceded by "@" (the at sign) and AutoCAD interpreted it as a relative coordinate. This simple rule changed when dynamic input was introduced and now the interpretation of coordinates is contextual. For example, when you draw a rectangle using RECTANG, the coordinate for the second point is interpreted as absolute with dynamic input turned off and as relative with dynamic input turned on. Really, try it and see.

Fortunately, there's a new coordinate prefix that forces an absolute coordinate, even when AutoCAD decides you want a relative one. Precede any coordinate with "#" (the hash sign) to force an absolute coordinate.

Today's tip is by dbroada

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