Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published August 2011

Dynamic Block: Two-Directional Stretch

I love dynamic blocks; love 'em, love 'em, love 'em! So when I found this request among my sticky notes, I figured I should wrestle this one to the ground and show you how to do it.

The really cool thing about this exercise, is it can also be used in AutoCAD LT!

Note: You can use the following procedure on Single Line text, Mtext, or an Attribute Definition (which is what I'm using in this exercise). The Stretch action assigned in this exercise is horizontal. Similar methods can be used to create a Stretch action that is vertical. And finally, previous articles on Dynamic blocks can be found in Michael's Corner May 2009 and April 2008.

How to Create a Dynamic Block that Stretches in Two-Directions

1. Create a single line of text using Single Line text, Mtext, or an Attribute Definition [ATTDEF; first presented in June 2003].

2. Draw a rectangle around the text.

3. 

   Launch the Block command — give it a name, select the text and rectangle, and specify a basepoint — then be sure to check the box for Open in Block Editor.

4. Now click OK to open the block in the Block Editor.

   Note: The color of the Block Editor background can be edited in OptionsDisplayColor.

5. On the Parameters tab of the Block Authoring Palettes, click Linear. Placing a Linear parameter is essentially like picking the two points for, then placing, a dimension.

6. When prompted to 'Specify the Start Point', use Snap to Midpoint and pick the middle of the left side of the rectangle, then use Snap to Midpoint again, and pick the opposite side, as shown in the figure. Place the location of the Distance label above the rectangle.

7. 

   Click anywhere on the Linear parameter geometry to select it, then open Properties (Ctrl+ 1).

8. At the bottom of the list of properties for the Linear Parameter, under Misc, set the Number of Grips to 1.

9. On the Actions tab, click Stretch. When prompted to 'Select Parameter', click the light blue triangle on the right side of the box.

10. 

    When prompted to 'Specify Parameter Point…, press [Enter] for the default of <Second>.

11. When prompted to specify the corners of the Stretch frame, specify two corners similar to the dashed box shown in the figure (around the right side of the rectangle).

12. When prompted to 'Specify Objects to Stretch', click on the rectangle itself, then press [Enter].

13. On the Actions tab, click Stretch. When prompted to 'Select Parameter', click the light blue triangle on the right side of the box (the same one as in step 9, above).

14. When prompted to 'Specify Parameter Point…, press [Enter] for the default of <Second>.

15. 

    When prompted to specify the corners of the Stretch frame, specify two corners similar to the dashed box shown figure (around the left side of the rectangle).

16. When prompted to 'Specify Objects to Stretch', click on the rectangle, then press [Enter].

17. Click on the small Stretch Action icon that was added after assigning the 2nd Stretch Action. The Distance1 label will highlight and you will see two grips on the dotted box indicating the selection window associated with that action.

18. 

    Open the Properties window (Ctrl + 1).

19. Under Overrides, set the Angle Offset to 180.

20. Close Properties, click Close Block Editor and Save your changes to the block.

Now you can click on the block, then click in the blue Linear parameter grip… and when you move it, both sides stretch!

Bonus Points: Add this block to your 'block source' drawing, then put it on your favorite tool palette so you can bring it in to any drawing!

I would like to thank my dear friend, Kate Morrical, for her input on the Discussion Groups way back in 2007(!) for this insight. Also, you will find three other dynamic blocks available for download on my website.

Top of page

Local Navigation