Re: Autocad 2d Blocks Free Download
Argimiro Krishnamoorthy
When I import AutoCAD drawings that contain blocks (and, in newer version .dwg files, arrays) the geometry comes in fine. However, when I try to move or rotate, objects that were block (or array) entities in original AutoCAD file seem to have a mind of their own in Max and don't move/rotate in unison with the non-block objects. I also can't even select and group a collection of objects that contain any that were arrays in the original CAD file. My workaround has been to explode blocks and arrays in AutoCAD before importing but I suspect there is a better way.
Thanks. That's interesting. I was reading about blocks in Help documentation last night. It described imported AutoCAD blocks becoming "Block/Style Parent" objects in Max but didn't offer any information on the issue we're experiencing. I just imported a 3d AutoCAD model with blocks. I can only access the blocks thru the heirarchy list. When I click an object - a caster in this case - I can select individual components (wheel, brake) but not the block itself. However when I try to move the entire model (a stool with casters) the stool (non-block objects in the AutoCAD file) goes one way and the casters head off toward the sunset. And I can select all the objects in the model but the "group" option is greyed out in the Group menu.
Blocks display as "Block:original AutoCAD block name" in the heirarchy list and as a "Block/Style Parent" object type in the modify panel when selected. Edit Mesh or Edit Poly modifiers aren't available for that type of object. When I clicked on a caster and selected a component, I could add the mesh modifier to it and then "collapse to", as you described, but it didn't change the behavior of the caster blocks.
Importing arrays has changed within the last few inceptions of AutoCad. Array has gotten an extra 'Containment' shield, like a +1 with armor. I had to edit my macros last year so as to contain one extra 'enter' hit at the end of the command. New property with arrayed groups in AutoCad. May have something to do with it. Also it arrays to a block straight away and deletes constituent entities. Super array ftw.
Select your imported block object within MAX. Then, hit "page up" to select the fantom parent object. Now move, rotate, scale, etc, the block behaves as expected. Same with a number of blocks. Select them all and then push "page up" and move all the blocks without crazy exploding pieces. Using the spacebar to lock the selection helps prevent inadvertant selection clicks while manipulating the block/s. I'm not familiar with arrays, but maybe this works for those objects as well.
You know, that's pretty bizarre. Importing AutoCAD models into Max is such a basic thing. You'd think Autodesk would have documented this in Help or Knowledge Base a long time ago. If they did, I sure haven't found it.
You'd think. With other things that should (but don't) translate well between MAX and ACAD like text and lines, I just try random things when I have a few spare minutes and work around the shortcomings until I discover a breakthrough, like the page-up trick.
Please help. I am using Revit 2017 and loving it. However, I moved to a firm that primarily uses AutoCAD for drafting but I would still ant to use Revit. The drawings are supposed to be standardized and have uniform objects across all projects and the objects are in AutoCAD block format. Please advice on the most effective way of using these blocks in Revit
@Anonymous hello, can you explain more about autocad block format? if is a standard detail drawing you can go view > drafting view > give name of your detail and set your scale > once your drafting view open > go insert > link cad and select your file. thanks
if youre trying to reproduce drawings in revit to look like the dwgs out of autocad - IMHO you havent got a chance..... unless you import the dwg onto a drafting view. even then getting the sheets to look the same is unlikely......
Based on your question, there are a few alternatives, depending on the intended outcome. In the long run, your best bet is to start building up your family library. AutoCAD blocks are not a direct 1:1 substitute because Revit families allow you to do a lot more. My company uses a mixture of families depending on our needs. Simple 2D families include just linework and are great for fast studies or schematic presentations. If a project is more developed, we switch to full 3D families that will show up in plan, elevations, 3D views, and sections.
As far as AUtoCAD blocks go, import them into Revit drafting views or families. But again thius will not give you the advantages of working with Revit components. For minimum frustration and maximum productivity, work entirely in one software. Just my two cents.
The most effective way to use AutoCAD blocks in Revit is not to do it at all. Don't even import them for conversion purposes. Some things don't import well or at all and the import creates a lot of unnecessary overhead that can bloat your project file.
It's not uncommon to use Revit for design, creating floor plans, RCPs, elevations, sections, etc... and use AutoCAD for detailing, especially typical details. The big question is that does your firm use Revit at all or just you are wanting to use it?
Civil 3D itself is different, and the blocks are actually stored within each drawing. To create more Point Markers in Civil 3D, you would INSERT the blocks into your drawing template and then use them to create new Point Styles.
Sinc (or anyone else) - If you are working on an existing file and did not think of doing that before hand, is there a way to insert it into the drawing? Also, when you open a new file from template, how come the blocks don't show up if you have essentially loaded up all these blocks? I am in the middle of setting up some new desc keys and already working within a file (wrong move but trying to run in parallel for the next project) and don't really want to start over from scratch.
The block description [the portion of the drawing database that defines the block] is separate from the block instance that appears in the drawing. That's what makes blocks more efficient than a bunch of individual objects collected in a Group. IOW You have one block definition for however many instances of that block appear in the drawing.
So you can have a block definition in drawing without any instances. If you use the -insert command and hit ESC when asked for the insertion point. You will have the definition in the drawing with no instance of the block. Otherwise just insert the block and then erase that instance of the block.
Allen Jessup
CAD Manager - Designer
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AllenJessup - Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the block itself that you are trying to insert needs to be drawn on the 0 layer so that if you use it like a point marker on a description key, it will assume the characteristics of the layer that the user is trying to place the block on.
Yes. If that's what you're using it for and how you want it to behave. But I'm referring to inserting a block that has already been defined externally to the drawing you're working in. If you insert an external block and abort the actual insertion, the block definition contains what layer it's components were drawn on. But that's not necessarily the layer the instance of the block will be inserted on.
Would you be able to try enabling on the AutoCAD reader Feature Type(s), under the Format Attributes tab, autocad_entity_visibility? If you want FME to appear as it does in AutoCAD, please try adding a Tester to the reader after enabling the reader attribute and test for autocad_entity_visibility = visible.
cad-blocks.net is an organized, modern, and clear site to download more than 5,000 CAD block files - with the .dwg file extension - for AutoCAD and other CAD software to use in architecture projects or plans. These files are compatible with AutoCAD 2024 and earlier versions and they have been created by architects, engineers, draftsmen to facilitate technical projects. The files are grouped into thematic and sub-thematic collections and are purged (only layer 0). Downloading CAD Blocks is totally FREE and no registration is required
Something as simple as this creates enormous advantages over the traditional construction of technical projects, allowing infinite possibilities, since once we have produced any design, it can be inserted into the existing drawing to complete it, complement it and help us save time in our CAD project.
CAD blocks arose as a result of the need for repetitive use of multiple objects in different projects. Now, thanks to the blocks, this CAD drawing only needs to be produced once, the first time it is needed. In subsequent projects where the same object is required, instead of drawing it again, it is reused by inserting it in the CAD file in which we are working.
Reuse of AutoCAD blocks is not restricted to our own designs, since logically, we can also use any block or CAD file produced by third parties if their use is permitted in our project.In addition, companies that manufacture products or construction systems often create their own product libraries in .dwg or .dxf versions with the business aim of projects stipulating the need for their products or technical solutions and offering them on their websites.
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