Creating a Simple Dynamic Block: An Example of a Resizable Window Button Using a Dynamic Block in the Middle

---

💡 Key concepts of Dynamic Block

Dynamic Blocks are blocks with built-in intelligence, allowing users to instantly modify their appearance in the drafting screen by dragging or selecting options from the Properties or Grips context menu.

Main benefits:

• Save time: No need to create multiple block sizes for the same object (e.g. 80, 90, 100 cm doors).

• Reduce the number of blocks: Manage your block inventory more easily because a single block can be used in many different ways.

• Increased accuracy: It can be scaled accurately by setting parameters.

---

🛠️ Content details: Creating a Dynamic Block "Resizable Window"

The Instant Resizable Window Button example is a good case study for learning Intermediate Dynamic Blocks, focusing on using Grips (blue control points) to stretch or shrink windows.

1. Main components of Dynamic Block

The Dynamic Block consists of three main components that must work together:

component	Commands in the Block Editor	duty
1. Geometry	Basic drawing commands (LINE, ARC)	The shape of a real object (such as the shape of a window)
2. Parameters (Parameters)	Linear, Point, Visibilityetc.	Specify the properties that you want the block to be able to change (e.g. set distance, point, degree).
3. Actions (actions)	Stretch, Move, Rotateetc.	Specify how the changes occur when the user edits the parameter (e.g. dragging a point causes it to stretch).

---

2. Steps for creating a Dynamic Block Example: Window

The content will explain the creation steps in detail as follows:

Step 1: Prepare Geometry

• Draw the window shape in a simple block format with the LINEOR command POLYLINE, using the default standard dimensions (e.g., a window 100 cm wide).

Step 2: Add Parameters (specify what to change)

• Use the command Linear Parameterto specify the length of the window you want to stretch.

  • Place parameters from one edge to the other.

  • Specify parameter names (e.g. Width) and hide unnecessary numbers for neatness.

Step 3: Add Actions (define how changes are made)

• Use the command Stretch Actionto make the geometry stretch according to the specified parameters:

  • Select Parameter (Width)

  • Select the Point to control the stretch (Grip at the end of the parameter).

  • Specifies the Frame (window) used to select the objects (Select Objects) to be stretched.

Step 4: Grip Customization (Slightly Advanced)

• Set the Properties of the Linear Parameter to make the stretch symmetrical, i.e. stretching on both sides simultaneously, by changing the Number of Grips to 1 and setting the Base Location to the Midpoint.

• Set the Value Set to define the desired stretching range, such as 10 cm increments (Increment List) or define frequently used sizes (List of Values).

---

🚀 Implementation and training

This topic will summarize and encourage students to apply:

• Usage Test: Teach how to exit block editing ( Close Block Editor) and try dragging the window's Grips in the actual drawing screen.

• Practical Applications: Dynamic Blocks are not only flexible but can also be used to create:

  • Door: that can change the opening direction (Flip) and change the size

  • Electrical equipment: that can change symbols (Visibility State)

Understanding the relationship between Parameters and Actions is the key to fully controlling a Dynamic Block.

---

software	AutoCAD , drafting program	AutoCAD, CAD Software
Main techniques	Dynamic Block , Smart Block , Resizable Block, Block Editor, Grips	Dynamic Block, Smart Block, Parametric Block
component	Parameters, Actions, Stretch Action, Linear Parameter	Parameters, Actions, Block Geometry
User level	Intermediate , Basic for Blogging	Intermediate, Basic Block Creation
Application	Windows , doors, architectural elements, architectural drafting, time saving	Window Block, Architectural Drafting, Time Saving

1. Focus on techniques:

   #DynamicBlock #AutoCADTips #BlockEditor #SmartBlock #ParametricBlock

2. Focus on application:

   #AutoCAD #Window #Architectural Drafting #Intermediate #StretchAction

3. All inclusive package:

   #DynamicBlock #AutoCAD #SmartBlock #TimeSaving #BlockEditor #Intermediate #CADTips

Figure 1: The concept of a Dynamic Block. This illustration shows the difference between a normal block of various sizes arranged in a row and a single Dynamic Block showing the grips for resizing, to convey that the Dynamic Block can be modified in many different ways from a single block. `

Figure 2: The main components of a Dynamic Block (Parameters & Actions). An infographic that breaks down the three main components: Geometry (displays the window shape), Parameters (displays the Linear Parameter icon or a specified distance), and Actions (displays the Stretch Action icon or a stretch/shrink icon), with a short description to illustrate the relationship between each part. `

Figure 3: Dynamic Block Creation Steps Example "Resizable Window" Screenshot of AutoCAD's Block Editor showing the key steps:

1. Drawn window (Geometry)

2. Adding a Linear Parameter (Line with Grip)

3. Adding a Stretch Action focuses on selecting the Parameter, Grip, and the object frame to be stretched to visualize the setup steps. `

Figure 4: Dynamic Block in Action on a Real-world Drawing Screen This AutoCAD screenshot shows the Dynamic Block window being inserted into the building plan and the user clicking on the blue Grip to drag and resize the window instantly, possibly with a distance number displayed to convey ease and speed in action. `