Insert block dialog box

The Insert Block dialog box allows you to insert parametric blocks into the current drawing. You can also insert entire DWG and DXF files as blocks into the drawing.

Note: If the block contains attributes, then you are prompted to enter values for the attributes in the Command line or through Edit Attributes dialog box, depending on the value of the value of the ATTDIA (attribute dialog) variable.
  1. Name
  2. Browse
  3. Path
  4. Insertion Point
  5. Scale
  6. Rotation
  7. Block unit
  8. Explode
  9. Guided Insert
  10. Insert mode

Name

Specifies the name of the block, whose definition exists in the drawing, or is a DWG or DXF file on the computer or network.

Browse

Selects a DWG or DXF file from your computer or network. Opens the Select Drawing File dialog box.

Path

Displays the path to the block, if the block was opened from a DWG or DXF file.

Insertion Point

Specifies the insertion point of the block in the drawing.

Scale

Scales the block:

  • X, Y, Z: Defines the scaling of the block:
    • X specifies the scale factor along the x axis. Enter a negative value to mirror the block about the y axis.
    • Y specifies the scale factor along the y axis. Enter a negative value to mirror the block about the x axis.
    • Z specifies the scale factor along the z axis.
  • Uniform Scale: Toggles whether the same scale factor is used for all axes.
Note:
  • Values larger than 1 make the block larger.
  • 1 inserts the block at actual size.
  • Values smaller than 1 make the block smaller.
  • Values less than zero flip the block, like mirroring it.

Rotation

Specifies the rotation angle of the block about its insertion point, starting with the x-axis as 0 degrees.

Note: Positive angles rotate the block counter-clockwise and negative angles rotate the block clockwise.

Block unit

Controls the automatic scaling of the block with respect to the INSUNITS system variable of the current drawing.

Explode

Toggles whether the block is inserted exploded.

Guided Insert

When the selected dwg contains guide curves, the Use reference curve for insert option becomes selectable. Specifies whether a reference curves should be used for insert or not.

Note: BricsCAD Pro or higher is required for this option.

Insert mode

If INSMODEAUTO setting is enabled insertion mode is determined automatically depending on block that user tries to insert. There are two insertion block modes:

Regular block
Inserts the block as a regular block.

Command line options

Edit inserted entity
Enables you to change the parameter expressions for the inserted entity. Continue editing individual parameters until you press Enter to end the option. This option is also available in the Hot Key Assistant.
Enter the parameter name or press ENTER to finish
Specifies the name of the parameter.
Enter expression
Specifies the expression for the parameter.
Rotate component
Allows you to change the rotation angle for the inserted entity.
Rotation angle for block
Specifies the rotation angle.
set Base point
Allows you to change the basepoint for the inserted entity.
New base point <0,0,0>
Specifies a new base point for the entity.
Flip
Allows you to flip the direction for the inserted entity.
Multiple
Allows you to insert multiple copies of the same entity by specifying an insertion point for each instance or creating an Array.
Select insertion point
Specifies a point in the current drawing where the entity will be inserted. Continue inserting entities until you press Enter to end the command.
Additional options: [Edit inserted entity/Rotate component/Base point/Flip/Array]
Array
Allows you to create an associative array of the inserted entity.
Specify base point for linear array
Specifies a point.
Enter the distance between columns
Specifies the distance between columns.
Additional options: [Direction]
Enter the distance between rows
Additional options: [Single row/Rectangular/Direction]
Select an end point for creating array
Specifies a point.
Accept resulting array
Press Enter to accept the array.
Additional options: [Base point/Columns/Rows/Accept] <Accept>:
Scale
Allows you to scales the inserted block.
Scale factor for block
Specifies the scale factor.
X scale
Allows you to scales the inserted block on X axis.
X scale factor for block
Specifies the X scale factor.
Y scale
Allows you to scales the inserted block on X axis.
Y scale factor for block
Specifies the Y scale factor.
Z scale
Allows you to scales the inserted block on X axis.
Z scale factor for block
Specifies the Z scale factor.
Mechanical component
Inserts the block as a mechanical block if MECHANICALBLOCKS setting is enabled otherwise inserts the block as a mechanical component.
Additional command line options:
Name
Allows you to change the instance name for the inserted entity.
Component insert name <DefaultName>
Enters a name for the inserted entity.
Change target 3d solids
Allows you to apply the inserted entity to existing 3D solids in the current drawing.
Select target 3D solids
Selects the target 3D solids.
Additional options: [cleaR/Select all affected 3d solids]
Select all affected 3d solids
All solids intersecting or touching solids in the BC_SUBTRACT and BC_UNITE layers of the inserted entity are affected.
Clear
Clears the selection set to ensure no solids are affected by the inserted entity.
SMART insert
Enables you to connect a Piping standard part to an existing Piping standard part. It automatically creates appropriate 3D constraints between the two parts and copies expressions for the parameters of the existing part to the new part. This option is also available in the Hot Key Assistant.
Select entity to insert to or
Hover the cursor over the Piping standard part you want to connect to.
Additional options: [switch Back/Rotate component/Flip/mUltiple/selection options (?)]