Block definition variable

[sinnerboy]

Presently if I insert a block into my drawing - and a block with the same name exists - the newly inserted block takes on the definition which exists in the receiving drawing . How do I reverse this i.e. I wan't to be able to overwrite the existing block definition by inserting the new wblock version.

[CyberAngel]

AutoCAD, for whatever reason, doesn't give you that option. One solution is to rename the existing block, then copy the new definition into it.

[pendean]

Bogus info above.

 

You can use many ways to redefine a block: explain your Insert method and someone wil show you how to do it.

[CyberAngel]

Bogus info above.

 

You can use many ways to redefine a block: explain your Insert method and someone wil show you how to do it.

 

This is a recent change. My information may be outdated, but it's not "bogus."

[sinnerboy]

I have about 30 different blocks each representing a different way finding / directional sign. I have placed them all in 1 file , a wblock , which I then insert using pull down menu - Insert Block into my layout drawing files. Then explode the block to break it into 30 blocks (signs) and then place them around each layout file.

 

The brief is developing and from time to time I need to change a block definition or two. So I can open up multiple files ( the layout files ) and redefine the block over and over. What I would like to do ( and if I recall correctly , it used to work like this before ) is redfine the block once in my wblock and when I re insert the wblock have it cause the located block instances to be redefined .

 

I hope I have explained myself clearly .

[sinnerboy]

Update - if I insert one updated block AutoCAD gives an option - redefine block or don't redefine block.

 

However If a block is redefined but it forms part of a wblock then AutoCAD imposes "don't redefine block".

 

It gives you then a list of "duplicate block definition ignored" for each block.

 

I suspect there is no solution....

[Dadgad]

If each of them were different drawings you would get that option.

When you insert and explode the block things change in that regard.

[RobDraw]

If I understand correctly, you have a block with a number of blocks in it that you insert into a drawing and then explode, and the new block definition is one of those blocks.

 

See if either of these work;

1. Insert the original drawing with the new block definition in it along with all the other blocks.

2. Delete or purge the block definition that has all the blocks in it and then insert your newly defined block.

 

Sorry Cyber, your information may not be bogus but it is incorrect. AutoCAD does allow you to redefine a block by inserting a new definition.

[sinnerboy]

Yeah Rob you understand the issue alright. Neither of your suggestions worked , but thank you. When a refined block is contained within a wblock AutoCAD bypasses the "refine/don't redefine" process. It defaults to don't redefine.

[RobDraw]

Are you actually using the block that the new block is nested in? Can you post the files in question so I can see what is going on? It would be much easier for you than trying to explain the details.