Block > Create, Frame - Point (Library Menu)

This command can be used to create a new block. After selecting the objects and instances which should make up the block, an area which specifies the extent of the block is entered

It is necessary to generate blocks using a frame if the block is to be used as a hatching template or as a character in a Malz++Kassner CAD6 font. For more information on generating fonts, refer to the description of font libraries in the CAD6interface (API) online documentation.

The objects and instances which are to make up the new block are chosen. Click on objects to choose them.

The first corner point of the block frame can be entered using the mouse, by clicking anywhere in the drawing.

The block frame's second corner point can be entered using the mouse, by clicking anywhere in the drawing.

The block's insertion point can be entered using the mouse, by clicking anywhere in the drawing. The insertion point should be placed at a distinct place in the block, e.g. at the end point of a line or the corner point of a rectangle.

After entering the reference point, the "Create Block" dialog appears, in which the name of the block to be generated can be entered. In addition, some parameters can be specified. After closing the dialog by clicking on "OK", the block is generated.

If the "Edit Attributes" check box is enabled in the parameters dialog, then the "Edit Attributes" dialog appears, in which the local and global attributes of the block can be edited. If this dialog is closed with the "Cancel" button, the block is still generated! The alterations to the attributes will however be ignored.

For information on attribute display inside blocks see Attributes.

If the "Edit Properties" check box in the parameters dialog is enabled, then the "Edit Properties" dialog appears, in which the properties of the block can be edited. If this dialog is closed with the "Cancel" button, the block is still generated! The alterations to the properties will however be ignored.

Blocks may themselves contain instances of other blocks and groups, i.e. nested instances are possible. This makes it possible, for example, to create components made up of components from several blocks from different libraries. There are however two restrictions, which should help avoid problems:
•        Internal blocks cannot be used in external blocks! This would make the block, and the whole library dependent on the drawing which contains the internal block.
•        The maximum number of levels which can be nested is 20. Deeper nesting is possible, but will not be displayed. If a circular reference is accidentally created (block X contains an instance of Y, block Y contains an instance of X), this is the same as an unending nesting and the blocks will not be displayed.

Notes on Blocks for Hatchings

In the case of a block that is to be used for hatching, the two corner points should define the overall frame of the repeated area, i.e. determine its horizontal and vertical dimensions (see graphic).

The insertion point should be on or within the frame and defines the position of the hatch block relative to the respective hatch origin.

Notes on Blocks for Font Characters

For a font character, the first corner-point must be the left limit on the baseline of a character (see graphic). This point does not have to be on the frame surrounding the block.

The second corner-point should be the right limit of the character at the height of a capital A (ascend line, see graphic). This point does not have to be on the frame surrounding the block.

The insertion point should be placed identically to the first corner-point (see first graphic), but in any case on the baseline.