Blocks & Scaling - AutoCAD LT

[pperlich]

Let me start by saying that I am no expert in AutoCAD.

I am using a set of files which contain blocks which I insert into drawings that I am working on.

The problem I have is that the scaling is always off. Once I insert a block I have to use the scale command to always scale it up 3x. Is there a way to edit the block so that it is 3x larger on the initial insert?

Thank you!

 

[IFRs]

Open the block up - it is just an AutoCAD drawing. Scale it up, save it. Open it from within AutoCAD by double clicking on it which will allow you to edit it for that drawing. Or open it from the hard drive directly, scale it and save it. You may get someone angry at you for doing this...

 

[Sparweb]

What is the subject of these block you are scaling? It may have a bearing on whether it's best to be scaling them so often.
If it's text/notes that are routinely inserted within the title block, there is a way to use AutoCAD that doesn't require resizing these blocks. Ever.
If it's a structural detail that is defined by it's dimensions, then you could make your life simpler by inserting all blocks at scale 1:1 and scaling the viewport that looks at them.
If it's an electrical/electronic component then, like the text block, you risk sacrificing legibility if you scale it down.
If it's a hardware component like a bolt or a nut, then, yeah... often people resort to just scaling one block rather than drawing a million specific ones.

Many new users are not properly introduced to using paperspace/layouts, which is the tool that allows you to sidestep these and 101 other drawing annoyances in AutoCAD. Not saying I think that's what your problem is, but it's the #1 cause I've seen. If you want to ask about using layouts, we'd be happy to steer you in the right direction.


STF

 

[pperlich]

They are text & notes, basically labels for details. We have been inserting them into the model space, and using view ports on a layout. If there is a better/simpler method, I'm all ears.

I tried what you suggested IFRs but it didn't work. I think I know what the problem was though: We use an existing dwg file as a template of sorts to start with, which is already populated with these blocks that I edited in the block dwg file. I think I may need to use a new unique name for the blocks that I scale up.

 

[IFRs]

You have a drawing full of blocks. Open that drawing then double click the blocks to edit them. If they are not visible, insert them then edit them. Or, you can use WBlock to put them each individually on your drive, but if there are a lot of them eithr of these will become tedious.

 

[Sparweb]

We have been inserting them into the model space

Anything stopping you from inserting the blocks in paperspace? Make the block have correct size/textsize to begin with, and as you insert on paperspace it will always have the right size. Never have to change its scale again.

There is a certain... obsessive compulsive behaviour... required when doing CAD. You don't have to be a nerd to be good at CAD... but it helps.


STF

 

[ohiocad]

Another way that we have used here, is to take that primary file that contains all the blocks, and build tool palettes from them. You can customize them, and have separate tabs or organizations, like 1 series of blocks for screw callouts, that you input into full size drawings, then another palette that inserts for 3/8" scale, etc. You can customize scales, and layers that things insert on within the tabs of the individual palettes.

As a caution, when you do this, the primary file that all the blocks come from to populate the tool palette - The file must remain in one location, the tool palette remembers where that file is, and pulls from it when you click on one of the items (unless that specific block exists in the drawing already)

I know that's a sparse description, sorry, management and use of them is pretty straightforward in theory, but can become a bit complex. But, is is a powerful tool if set up correctly.