How to Insert Blocks in BricsCAD

Quick answer: INSERT inserts a block through a dialog box, INSERTALIGNED inserts one dynamically aligned to an existing entity, and MINSERT inserts multiple instances as a rectangular array. Insert a whole drawing as a block, and it becomes a new block definition with no live link back to the original file.

The Four Insertion Commands

Command	What it does
`INSERT`	Inserts a block via a dialog box
`-INSERT`	Inserts a block via Command line prompts. Searches the current drawing’s block definitions first, then the paths set by `SRCHPATH`, and reports “Could not find file” if neither turns it up
`INSERTALIGNED`	Inserts a block that dynamically aligns with existing lines, polylines, arcs, or circles as you place it, aligning to whatever entity the cursor snaps to, or the WCS’s X-axis if nothing’s snapped
`MINSERT`	Inserts a block as a rectangular array, combining `-INSERT` and `ARRAY` (“multiple insertion”)

Inserting a Drawing as a Block

You can insert either an existing block definition or an entire drawing file. Inserting a drawing creates a new block definition in the current drawing, but there’s no ongoing link back to the source file, changing the original later has no effect unless you redefine the block by reinserting it. Once inserted, a block is treated as a single entity.

A few specifics worth knowing:

The origin for an inserted drawing comes from that drawing’s own INSBASE variable, set via the BASE command.
If the block contains attributes, you’ll be prompted to fill in text for each one.
With DRAGOPEN off, dragging a drawing from File Explorer into the current drawing inserts it as a block; with it on, the drawing opens instead.

Unit Scaling on Insert

INSUNITS and INSUNITSSCALING control automatic scaling when a block’s or Xref’s INSUNITS value differs from the target drawing’s. If the source drawing’s INSUNITS is 0 (unspecified), INSUNITSDEFSOURCE is used instead; if the target’s is 0, INSUNITSDEFTARGET is used. Both of those default variables are saved in the registry, so they apply globally, to every drawing where INSUNITS itself isn’t specified.

The Insert Block Dialog’s Unit and Factor Fields

The Unit field under Block Unit reflects either the source drawing’s INSUNITS value or the block definition’s own Block Unit property. The Factor field expresses the relationship between the source and target drawing’s INSUNITS: millimetres in the source and centimetres in the target gives a factor of 0.1, while matching units in both gives a factor of 1.

Using INSERT

Launch INSERT. The Insert Block dialog opens.
Either select an existing block from the Name list, or click Browse to select a drawing file instead.
Optionally tick Use reference curves for insert.
Set the Insertion Point, Scale, and Rotation, either directly in the dialog, or by choosing Specify On-screen for each (you’ll be prompted during insertion).
Optionally tick Explode to explode the block immediately upon insertion.
Click OK, then follow whatever prompts your chosen options trigger.

Inserting via the Drawing Explorer

From the current drawing:

Launch EXPBLOCKS. The Drawing Explorer opens to Blocks.
Optionally switch between Detail View and Icon View.
Optionally right-click a block and choose Options… to set its insertion options in the dialog that appears.
Double-click the block’s icon or number. The Drawing Explorer closes to let you place it.
Specify the insertion point. Depending on your options, you may also be prompted for scale and rotation; if Align is selected, you’ll need to specify the block’s position relative to a linear entity, then a mirroring control point, after which the Drawing Explorer reopens.

From another drawing:

Open the Drawing Explorer.
Click the Folders tab in the Drawings pane.
If no folders are listed yet, or you want to add one, click Add local folder…, browse to it, and click Select Folder; it and its subfolders appear in the Local Folders tree.
Select a drawing there.
Expand it and select Blocks to see every block it contains in the Blocks pane.
Continue from step 2 of the “From the current drawing” procedure above.

Inserting a Block Aligned with an Entity

Make sure the appropriate entity snaps are active.
Launch INSERTALIGNED. You’re prompted for the block to insert.
Press Enter to accept the current block, type a name, or press ? to list available blocks. You’re prompted for an insertion point, or to choose Scale, X scale, Y scale, Z scale, or Multiple blocks.
Optionally choose Multiple blocks, or specify a fixed scale.
Specify a point; the block displays at the snapped point, aligned with the linear entity. You’re prompted for a mirroring control point.
Move the cursor to choose the position, then click to insert.

The block rotates so its local Z-axis stays parallel to the active UCS’s Z-axis, and its local X-axis aligns parallel to the entity’s tangent at the snap point. Moving the mouse around the insertion point lets you choose how the block mirrors; its origin point ends up sitting directly on the entity.

Inserting Multiple Instances as a Rectangular Array

Launch MINSERT. You’re prompted for the block to insert, the same options as INSERTALIGNED.
Choose your block, then specify an insertion point.
Optionally choose Multiple blocks or a fixed scale.
Specify the point. You’re prompted for a rotation angle.
Press Enter to accept the default, or specify an angle. You’re prompted for the number of rows.
Specify a number. You’re prompted for the number of columns.
Specify a number. You’re prompted for the vertical distance between rows, or a spacing rectangle.
Either specify a value, then a horizontal distance between columns when prompted, or click two points to define a rectangle that sets both spacings at once.

The result is inserted as a Minsert Block entity, which can’t be exploded, unlike a regular block. Its properties are editable directly in the Properties panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does editing the original drawing file update a block I already inserted from it? No, there’s no ongoing link. You’d need to redefine the block by reinserting the changed drawing.

Can I explode a block that was inserted as a rectangular array with MINSERT? No, a Minsert Block entity can’t be exploded, unlike blocks inserted normally.

How does BricsCAD calculate the Factor field when inserting a block with different units? It’s the relationship between the source and target drawing’s INSUNITS values, for example, 0.1 when the source is millimetres and the target is centimetres, or 1 when both match.

What happens if a block I’m inserting isn’t found in the current drawing? BricsCAD searches the paths defined by SRCHPATH next; if it’s still not found, it reports “Could not find file.”