Can I make a block with a color/layer selection option?

[phreaxer]

So I'm working for a company that makes tech stuff and I can't get into a lot of detail because of some NDA stuff. That said, they are archaic in their ACAD use/methods.  Basically everything they do is in 2D and uses blocks. They have HUNDREDS of blocks, some made well, some made poorly (mostly poorly). Their "CAD Guy" talks himself through his work and does everything through icons despite claiming over 20 years experience...

 

The point of my post.

I want to make a block that I can insert for a given object, let's say an oven, and choose what 'version' of it I want. We have blue ones for new stuff, red ones for relocated, gold ones for unknown, and cyan for removed). Is it possible to have multiple versions in a single block to reduce the overall file size? Our current 2D drawing files are approx. 35mb.

 

Thanks, and I hope this made sense.

[rkmcswain]

You can create a dynamic block, with various visibility states. 

At or after insertion you can change the visibility state to match your needs.

 

Technically, you could put hundreds or even thousands of blocks inside of one block definition, but that is not practical.

I would say using your example of an oven, you could have 2 or 12 or even 50 various versions of the oven in one block, then choose you one you want to show.

 

How you break it down, depends on you.

 

Ref: 

Skip to 4:30 to see the end result.

 

 

[phreaxer]

Awesome! That's exactly what I was thinking in my head but didn't know what to call it.

It looks like I'll be spending the next 3 months building blocks...

Thanks for the quick response

[BIGAL]

Have a look at David Bethel stuff its pretty amazing a lot of it is drawn from answer 20 questions rather than just blocks. I have ran one of his code and the end result is pretty amazing.

 

You want an oven start with the basics L W H, 4 burners castor feet.

 

look at this there is lots more right down to the cooktop burner detail in 3d.http://www.davidbethel.com/kitchen.htm

 

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Edited April 5, 2019 by BIGAL