How to Insert Blocks with Attributes in BricsCAD
Quick answer: Placing a block that contains attributes prompts you to define them, either through the Command line or a dialog box, depending on the ATTDIA system variable. This refines something mentioned only partially on this hub’s general blocks insertion page, which described Command line prompting alone.
The ATTDIA Variable
- On: attributes are defined through the Edit Attributes dialog box.
- Off: you’re prompted for each attribute directly at the Command line.
Placing a Block with Attributes
- Open the Insert Block dialog: click the Insert Block tool on the Insert toolbar or the Insert/Blocks ribbon panel, choose Insert Block from the Insert menu, or run
INSERTdirectly. - Select the block and click OK. You’re prompted for an insertion point, or to choose Scale, X scale, Y scale, Z scale, Rotate, or Multiple blocks.
- Specify a point. Every entity in the block places into the drawing except its attributes.
- Depending on
ATTDIA, you’re either prompted at the Command line for the first attribute (showing its prompt text and default value), or the Edit Attributes dialog opens. - Define the attributes:
- At the Command line: for each one, press Enter or right-click to accept the default text, or type new text and press Enter to move to the next attribute.
- In the Edit Attributes dialog: select an attribute in the list (its current value shows in the Value field), type a new value, and click OK once every attribute is set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I not seeing a dialog box for attributes when I insert a block? Check ATTDIA. With it off, you’re prompted at the Command line instead of through the Edit Attributes dialog.
Do a block’s geometry and its attributes get placed at the same time? Not quite, the block’s entities place into the drawing first, then you’re prompted separately to define its attributes.
Can I just accept every attribute’s default value without typing anything? Yes, at the Command line, press Enter or right-click on each prompt to accept the default text shown.
Where do I go to change an attribute’s value after the block is already inserted? That’s covered on this hub’s block attribute editing page, values are edited directly in the Properties panel.