What is a ʼBlockʼ in BricsCAD and how do you redefine it?
Short Answer
A Block in BricsCAD is a named collection of objects that behaves as one reusable object throughout the drawing. The fastest professional way to redefine a block is with BLOCK by recreating the same block name and allowing BricsCAD to replace its definition. Limitation: this updates only that block definition, not unrelated similar geometry.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: Redefining a block updates every instance of that block name in the current drawing immediately. If the block contains attributes, changed geometry or reordered attribute definitions can affect existing inserted block references and cause unexpected tag behavior.
How to Redefine a Block in BricsCAD
Command: BLOCK
Shortcut: B
Quick Steps:
- Edit or draw the new replacement geometry in Model Space, then go to the Ribbon if needed: Insert > Block Definition.
- Start BLOCK, enter the exact existing block name, choose a Base point, and select the new objects.
- Turn on a real option such as Open in block editor only if you need to review it, then confirm the redefinition prompt to replace the existing block.
Variables & Settings
Key Setting: Base point
Expert Setting: The base point controls how all existing block insertions align after redefinition. If you redefine the block with a different base point, every placed instance can appear to shift position even though the insertion points stay unchanged.
Why it Fails
- Cause 1 (Geometry): The new definition was created with a different base point, so all inserted block references appear moved or misaligned.
- Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Source objects used for the new block are on locked layers or include objects you cannot properly modify before redefining.
- Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The replacement geometry was saved under a different block name, so BricsCAD creates a new block instead of redefining the existing one.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
- Quick Fix: Use BEDIT to inspect the current block base point and contents first, then redefine with BLOCK using the same name and identical insertion base point.
- Manager’s Verdict: Redefine blocks when a standard symbol, fixture, or repeated detail must update everywhere fast. Avoid it in shared production drawings unless you verify attribute behavior and insertion point consistency first.
FAQ
Can I redefine a block without deleting existing inserts?
Yes, redefining the block updates existing inserts automatically.
Does redefining a block change all copies in the drawing?
Yes, all references of that block name in the current drawing are updated.
Should I use BEDIT instead of BLOCK?
Use BEDIT for direct block editing, but BLOCK is often the fastest standard method for simple redefinition.
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