Dynamic Block Tutorial 4 Adding More Actions

September 1, 2009 by Edwin Prakoso 3 Comments

Previously, we have created door as AutoCAD dynamic

block. We add some actions so this door can be resized to
an available width in our list. But its not perfect yet. At
least not for our purpose. In this AutoCAD tutorial, we are
going to add more actions so this door can be flipped, and
will align automatically to our wall orientation.
Open your AutoCAD file that contain the door block we have created
on previous tutorial. Open that block in block editor. We are going to add two flip
actions. Lets just use parameter sets. Parameter sets basically just the same
with placing parameters and actions. Only it place them both right away.
Sometimes this is harder to control. But flip action is quite simple, so I think this
will be safe :) In block authoring palette, open parameter set tab. Activate flip
set.

We are going to add one flip action first. Click first and second point at mid point
of our door frame as below. This will allow our door to be flipped vertically.

When we placed the flip action set, the only thing we define is the reflection line.
Look at the action button, we have a warning sign on it. It means we havent

give all the data its required. We havent define which objects will be affected
by this action.

Click on the flip action button, right click. Select action selection set>new
selection setfrom context menu.

When AutoCAD ask you for objects, type ALL [enter]. Do not try to select
objects, just type all to select all objects. Ive tried to select by crossed window,
and my dynamic block didnt work as expected. I suspect that there are some
objects are not selected. It shows different numbers on how many objects
selected.
Try to test your dynamic block, and see if it works fine. Now lets move on, we
are going to add another flip action. Add it so we can flip our door horizontally.

Just like before, add all objects to be flipped. Test it. You will see that our
insertion point is shifted. There is no way to eliminate this error by using
parameters and action only. At least theres no way that I know. Even in door

sample from Autodesk, they cant keep the insertion point at its place. We can
use dimension and geometric constraints in AutoCAD 2010 (or newer), but not
with parameter and actions. I will write about parametric constraints later, after
we finish our plan.

However, we can minimize this impact. I hate to move my door after I placed it.
So I add one more stretch action to our linear parameter. I add the stretch frame
outside the flip parameter. I want this parameter also stretched when my door is
resized.

I also change the distance multiplier to 0.5. Changing this value will keep my flip
action at midpoint of my door width. (Door width changes)/2.

Save it, and test it. When we stretch it first, then flip it horizontally, then the
insertion point will remain at its position. But if we stretch it at this position, then
the insertion point will be shifted. At least this is better.

The last parameter we will add is alignment. Alignment dont need action. We
just add this parameter, and it will work.

This is our finished door.

Save it, close block editor. Try to place some wall, vertical, horizontal, and
angled wall. Try our door to these walls :)
I hope you like this trick. If do you, spend some time to see our AutoCAD tips
list here!