by John Flanagan
Inserting Dynamic Blocks
Inserting dynamic blocks follows the procedures that are used when inserting standard blocks. However, dynamic blocks can include special insertion options: insertion point cycling and automatic alignment.
● Only blocks that are created with these features have this functionality.
● Some dynamic blocks are annotative and are automatically scaled according to the
Annotation scale that is set in the Status Bar.
How To: Insert a Block Using Automatic Alignment
1. Click on the block in the tool palette. (You cannot click and drag drop the block for this to
work).
2. Move the cursor toward the object to which you want to align the block.
3. When the block is aligned properly as shown, click to place it.
Object snaps work with the Alignment option. To place the block anywhere along the line, you may want to turn off the default object snaps or use the Nearest osnap.
Dynamic Block Controls
Dynamic Blocks are more intelligent than Static Blocks. The static Door Block shown here (top) has no built-in controls. If you wanted the hinge to be on the right-hand side, you would have to use the mirror command. To change the door width, you would need to use the scale tool.
The dynamic Door Block shown here has several controls to alter the door size, the hinge side, the direction of swing, and the opening angle.
Press Ctrl+3 to open AutoCAD’s tool palettes. From here you can insert the dynamic blocks that ship with AutoCAD.
Architectural Tool Palette
In AutoCAD, you can create your own static and dynamic blocks and place them on a tool palette for future projects. To insert a dynamic block from a tool palette, simply left-click on the required block and then left-click again to insert it in your drawing. You can then use the controls to alter the desired orientation and size etc.