CAD BLOCKS HOW TO

The RefName is a string value with a width large enough to contain the length of any of the block names used. Use the ADD FIELD tool to add the RefName field to the feature class. The RefName is used by the Export to CAD tool to specify which named block INSERT entity should be used to represent the ArcGIS point. Modify the input feature classes' attribute table to also include a field called RefName.A value of INSERT in the CADType field triggers the Export to CAD tool to generate INSERT entities rather than the default POINT entity in the output AutoCAD drawing. Populate the CADType field with the string value INSERT to specify the creation of an INSERT type entity.The CADType is a string value with a width large enough to contain the length of any of the AutoCAD entity types that are used. Use the ADD FIELD tool to add the CADType field to the feature class. To override the default behavior of the Export to CAD tool, a valid entity type value other than POINT can be specified in a field called CADType. The default entity type created by the Export to CAD tool for an ArcGIS point is an AutoCAD POINT entity. Modify the input point feature classes' attribute table to include a field called CADType.Locate or create a valid AutoCAD seed file containing the block definitions that are going to be created with the Export to CAD tool.Ĭonsult the AutoCAD documentation on the creation of block definitions with and without attributes, and the creation and use of seed files.Most of the work is done to prepare the data prior to executing the Export to CAD tool. To create AutoCAD block INSERT entities with attributes, perform the steps below. When the Export to CADD tool encounters input feature classes with specially named CAD fields, it uses the valid values in those fields to determine how a CAD object is created. These named ATTDEF sub-entities provide the means for the AutoCAD INSERT entities to hold an attribute value.

They may be defined with simple or complex geometry and may include named text variables called ATTDEF sub-entities. These BLOCK entities, commonly referred to as AutoCAD BLOCKS, are referenced by name.

To create AutoCAD drawings with BLOCK entities using the Export to CAD tool, it is necessary to supply a valid AutoCAD seed file that contains the block definitions of the block INSERT entities being referenced.

CAD BLOCKS HOW TO

Instructions provided describe how to create AutoCAD BLOCKS with attributes from ArcGIS point features using the ArcInfo Export to CAD tool.

How To: Create AutoCAD BLOCKS with attributes from ArcGIS point features Summary

Cad blocks