Rename a block with VBA

[macchi]

I want to rename a block with VBA.

I need to rename a titleblock with attributes (e.g. A1 or A2 or A3 to VX_TITLE).

 

I don't want to use:

ThisDrawing.SendCommand "_-rename" & vbCr & "b" & vbCr & "A1" & vbCr & "VX_TITLE" & vbCr

 

Who can help me?

[dbroada]

I've done this recently but I'm home right now with bad weather. If nobody comes along before the snow melts I'll check how I did it.

[macchi]

OK, thanx. Tomorrow, they expect a lot off snow here (Kampen, Netherlands) also and they are running out of salt.....

[dbroada]

sounds much the same here. I can get to within about 2km of my work on main roads - no problem. BUT the final bit is up a single track lane. I don't want to drive an hour to there and then find I can't get in so I still don't know if I'll try today or not.

[dbroada]

OK, this is what I did...

gpCode(0) = 0 'item
gpCode(1) = 2 '?
groupCode = gpCode
dataValue(0) = "INSERT" 'item type
dataValue(1) = "STL*" '?
dataCode = dataValue
Set mySelSet = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Add("Blocks")
mySelSet.Select acSelectionSetAll, , , groupCode, dataCode
For Each myItem In mySelSet
If UCase(Left$(myItem.Name, 5)) = "STLA1" Then BlockName = "H:\Design_Office\E343\Blanks\E343T-A1.dwg"
If UCase(Left$(myItem.Name, 5)) = "STLA2" Then BlockName = "H:\Design_Office\E343\Blanks\E343T-A2.dwg"
If UCase(Left$(myItem.Name, 5)) = "STLA3" Then BlockName = "H:\Design_Office\E343\Blanks\E343T-A3.dwg"
If BlockName <> "" Then
   Set x = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.InsertBlock(BlockPos, BlockName, objScale, objScale, objScale, 0)
   x.Delete
   myItem.Name = BlockName
   BlockName = ""
   End If
Next myItem

all our drawings should have a drawing frame called STL* so I create a selection set of all the block instances just in case somebody has more than one frame inserted. There SHOULD only be one though!

 

I then decide what the new name is going to be based on what is already in the drawing. I then create an instance of the block to be inserted. Note that I don't insert it into the drawing, just prepare it.

 

and finally I get to the line where I rename the existing block! I would think you should be able to do the selection set and then rename it. Give it a try!

[macchi]

ok, you gave me an idea to solve my problem.

The title block needs to be the same name: VX_TITLE, whether it is a A0, A1, A2, A3 or A4. Other applications look for a title block called VX_TITLE and uses its attributes.

I'm thinking about creating different directories named \A0, \A1, etc.

Then using code like yours and change BlockName to e.g. "c:\A0\VX_TITLE.dwg", "c:\A1\VX_TITLE.dwg", etc. Off course in each dir it's a different title block.

I try to test it this weekend.

 

There must me a easier way. At the command prompt it's so simple (-rename)

Isn't there a simple method or whatever in vba?

 

Thanks,

Marco

[dbroada]

there may well be a simpler way, I stumbled upon my way when I was working out how to replace the existing block with a new (renamed) definition so it worked for me. Keep us posted with your progress as I am sure I will need something similar soon.

 

For what I was doing, my way actually saved me a couple of expected steps so I was pleased!

 

Still snowing over there? We have had a small fall overnight and a few flakes this morning but nothing of significance. More is expected tonight though.

[macchi]

Found it!

 

 
Dim objBlock As AcadBlock
For Each objBlock In ThisDrawing.Blocks
  objBlock.Name = Replace(objBlock.Name, "A3", "VX_TITLE")
Next

 

In the south its snowing, here it's still dry. The kids have a lot off fun with ice skating now.

 

 

Marco

[dbroada]

well done I'll see if I can remember it when I need to.

 

Ice skating on lakes or rinks?

[macchi]

Thanks,

They skate on rinks, small canals, lakes in forest and on the edges od greater lakes. But the ice is not so good because of the snow.

Have a nice weekend.

 

Marco