CAD blocks are named groups of objects that act as a single 2D or 3D object. You can use them to create repeating content, such as drawing symbols, common components, and standard details. Blocks help you save time, maintain consistency and reduce file size because you can reuse and share content. The blocks of AutoCAD, or those of any other CAD program, are files that can be inserted into other CAD files, it's that simple.
CAD blocks are objects that are commonly used in architectural drawings. It's a good idea to use CAD blocks for objects such as appliances, doors, windows, chairs, plants, electrical appliances, furniture, cars, etc. Using blocks can help reduce file sizes. AutoCAD stores block definitions in its database.
When you insert a block, AutoCAD stores only the name of the block, its location (insertion point), scale, and rotation. This can be very noticeable in large drawings. It took me a while to finally find an IntelliCAD CMS software that was as good and easy to use as AutoCAD. Blocks are one of the most important types of objects in AutoCAD and are also used very frequently in almost all types of drawings.
Because CMS IntelliCAD gave me a free trial option, I tried to also work with other software, including free software, to compare and understand which one worked best for me. Although Detail Magazine and Architects Journal are excellent, I was more interested in downloading a CAD file of buildings to analyze their dimensions. AutoCAD has a small library of some standard blocks that you can use in your drawings. This block library can be accessed from the Design Center palette.
You can also create your own tool palette and place your favorite CAD blocks on it, or you can create a complete catalog of your standard CAD blocks using tool palettes. Although it's very useful to find free AutoCAD blocks and place them in your models, make sure you know them a little. The difference here is that the block will be converted into a separate external drawing file for use in other CAD drawings. In the context of AutoCAD, blocks are the set of geometries that act as a single object and can be used in a drawing on a repetitive basis.
A free, easy-to-use online library of CAD blocks was designed to facilitate and accelerate your workflow. If you're not using blocks in your drawings, you'd better start soon because you're missing out on some of the incredible advantages of AutoCAD blocks. Now, thanks to blocks, this CAD drawing only needs to be produced once, the first time it's needed.
