QY CAD block terminology

Block

A generic term for a named collection of one or more 2D elements or objects that can be selected and referenced as a single entity. A block consists of both graphics and data.

Block occurrence (instance)

A block that has been placed on a sheet in a draft document, on an ordered part/sheet metal sketch, or on an assembly layout.

Each occurrence references a source block and displays it at the specified location. By editing the block occurrence graphics, you edit the data in the source block.

A block occurrence is generated with the Place Block command, or using Copy and Paste.

Source block (block master)

The combined graphics and data used to define a block. A source block is like a template or prototype for block occurrences.

A source block is created with the Block command.

Block view

An alternative graphical representation of a source block. For example, a switch shown in the open and closed states has two block views.

A block view is created with the Add Block View command. For more information, see Adding alternate block views.

Block library

A collection of block files that can be used in many documents and accessed by different designers. A block library also can be a single file containing many blocks.

Block file

Files with the extension .dft, .dwg, or .dxf that contain one block or many related blocks. Block files can be imported using the AutoCAD Import Translation Wizard. Block files also can be converted to QY CAD format by double-clicking them in the Block Library or by dragging and dropping the file onto the drawing. See Importing Existing Blocks and Placing Blocks, below.

Block label (Attribute)

An object that contains one name-value pair and can be included in a source block definition to store alphanumeric data. Label values can be predefined or specified when the block is inserted as an occurrence. Label data can be extracted from a drawing and inserted into external files.

A block label is created with the Block Label command. For more information, see Creating and placing block labels.

Block properties (Attributes)

Both block graphics and block labels possess properties.

Block member data—Inherent information (block name and block view name) plus derived information (item number and quantity).

General Properties—One or more name-value pairs that pertain to the general appearance of the block. Typically, these name-value pairs identify the type of component, part, or element the block represents.

Label Properties—A name-value pair that provides specific alphanumeric information, notes, sequence numbers, or other details about a block.

All block properties that are shown in the Block Properties dialog box can be referenced in callouts, dimensions, and title blocks using property text strings. For more information, see Defining block properties.