Overview of Dynamic Block Elements
 
 
 

You add dynamic elements to a block definition in the Block Editor. In addition to geometry, a dynamic block generally includes one or more parameters and one or more actions.

NoteParameters and actions are displayed only in the Block Editor. When you insert a dynamic block reference in a drawing, the parameters and actions contained in the dynamic block definition are not displayed.

When you add a parameter to a dynamic block definition, grips are added to key points of the parameter. Key points are the parts of a parameter that you use to manipulate the block reference. For example, a linear parameter has key points at its base point and end point. You can manipulate the parameter distance from either key point.

The type of parameter that you add to a dynamic block determines the type of grips that are added. Each type of parameter supports only certain types of actions. The following table shows the relationship among parameters, grips, and actions.

Parameter Type

Grip Type

Actions You Can Associate with a Parameter

Point

Standard

Move, Stretch

Linear

Linear

Move, Scale, Stretch, Array

Polar

Standard

Move, Scale, Stretch, Polar Stretch, Array,

XY

Standard

Move, Scale, Stretch, Array

Rotation

Rotation

Rotate

Flip

Flip

Flip

Alignment

Alignment

None (The action is implied and contained within the parameter.)

Visibility

Lookup

None (The action is implied and controlled by visibility states.)

Lookup

Lookup

Lookup

Base

Standard

None