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In the previous article, we introduced the operations and concepts related to blocks in the HaoChen CAD software. In this article, we will continue to cover knowledge about blocks, so that those who are just starting to learn CAD can gain a more comprehensive understanding of CAD blocks. This will enable them to make better use of the block functions when drawing with the HaoChen CAD software. VIII. CAD Block Insertion Menu Command: [Insert] → [Block]; Toolbar: ‘Draw’ → ‘Insert Block’; Command Line: INSERT; Shortcut Key: I. The INSERT command allows a single block to be inserted at a time, and it is possible to specify parameters such as the insertion point, scaling factor, and rotation angle for the block. After executing the INSERT command, the system will open the “Insert” dialog box, and by using the settings in this dialog box, the block can be inserted into the drawing area. The meanings of the various options in the [Insert] Block dialog box are as follows: ① Name: You can select a block name that has been defined in the current drawing from the list, or insert a block file using the “Browse” button. ②Path: Lists the path to the block file to be inserted. ③Insertion point: The system defaults to “specified on the screen,” and users can also directly enter the absolute coordinates. ④Scaling factor: The system defaults to \"specified on screen\", which means the scaling factor is entered through the command line when inserting a block. Users can also specify the scaling factors in different directions by entering the values of X, Y, and Z. If the “Uniform Scale” checkbox is selected, the entire block can be scaled uniformly. ⑤Rotation: The system defaults to \"Specify on screen\", which means entering the rotation angle through the command line when inserting a block. You can also directly enter the rotation angle in the “Angle” text box. ⑥Decompose: When this checkbox is selected, the inserted block will be decomposed. IX. CAD Block Definition and Block Reference: After a CAD block is defined, its definition remains in the drawing. Even if all blocks in the drawing are deleted, by entering the I command, those blocks can still be found in the list provided in the Insert Block dialog box. The block inserted into the drawing is called a block reference, which means that the block definition has been referenced once. Block references can be deleted at will, whereas a block definition can only be removed through cleanup (PU) after all references to that block in the drawing have been deleted. X. Inserting blocks in a rectangular array (multiple block insertion): The command line is MINSERT. Executing the MINSERT command inserts blocks in a rectangular array; it is essentially a combination of the INSERT command and the ARRAY command. Tip: Several blocks inserted using MINSERT form a single object. Multiple insertion blocks cannot be decomposed directly; to do so, the number of rows and columns must be changed to 1, turning them into ordinary blocks. XI. CAD Reference Editing (refedit): Reference editing refers to the process of modifying a block reference in a drawing, thereby altering the block definition so that all block references are updated accordingly. In previous versions of HaoChen CAD 2012, double-clicking a regular block would directly bring up the reference editing function. After referencing and editing, remember to save or exit the referenced editing mode; otherwise, it will remain in that state and you won’t be able to perform many actions such as saving. The command to exit reference editing is refclose; you can also reopen the reference editing toolbar and click the save button on that toolbar. XII. CAD Block Editing (bedit) and Dynamic Blocks: HaoChen CAD 2012 adds block editing capabilities; it allows not only graphic editing of blocks but also the addition of visibility settings, as well as the definition of actions and parameters. This enables multiple CAD blocks to be combined into one block or to make blocks move, thereby achieving parametric functionality – which is why they are also known as dynamic blocks. With the dynamic block feature, reference editing is still available, but double-clicking now enters the block editing mode. 13. CAD Enhanced Attribute Editor: If a CAD block is an attribute block, double-clicking on the block will bring up the Enhanced Attribute Editor, allowing for direct modification of the block’s attributes. If you want to edit the graphics of an attribute block, you need to use the toolbar or commands; you cannot double-click directly. 14. CAD renaming function: The names of CAD blocks in a single drawing are unique. If there are blocks with the same name but different definitions in two different drawings, and you want to copy a block from one drawing to another, only one of the blocks with the same name can be retained. If you need to keep both, you must rename the block in one of the drawings. The command is: rename; to simplify things, just use ren. 15. CAD Clipping (XCLIP): Utilizing the reference clipping command, it is possible to cut out parts that are within or outside the boundaries of a block using a closed boundary; this is a very convenient method when it is necessary to extract a portion of a complex shape. 16. Using the [Tool Palette] to insert blocks: The CAD tool palette is a window area organized in tabs, providing an effective way to organize, share, and place blocks, hatches, and other tools. The tool palette can also include custom tools provided by third-party developers. Execute the [Tools/Palette/Tool Palette] command, or press the Ctrl+3 shortcut key, to open the “Tool Palette”. 17. Using the [Design Center] toolbar to insert blocks: Through the Design Center, users can organize access to graphics, blocks, hatches, and other graphic elements. Any content from the source graphic can be dragged into the current graphic. Graphics, blocks, and fills can be dragged to the tool palette. The source graphic can be located on the user’s computer, a network location, or a website. Additionally, if multiple drawings are open, it is possible to simplify the drawing process by using the Design Center to copy and paste other elements between them (such as layer definitions, layouts, and text styles). 18. Insert blocks from other CAD files to open existing libraries, blocks, or graphic files, select some or all of the graphics from them, then use the “Cut” or “Copy” command; after that, open the target file and use the “Paste” command. Or use the Design Center to browse other files, expand the block, and insert it directly in the Design Center. 19. Using the CAD Point command to insert blocks and applying the “Divide by Points” (DIVIDE) or “Measure at Equal Distances by Points” (MEASURE) commands allows for the insertion of user-defined internal blocks into the current graphic file. Blocks are widely used in design. Above are some concepts and operations related to blocks that come to mind for now; if there are any omissions, please leave a message to add them. For information on dynamic blocks, Design Center, palettes, equal division by constant values, equal division by fixed distances, etc., please refer to other relevant documents. During the use of Haochen CAD software for drawing, CAD blocks are also a very important component. Those who are just starting to learn CAD must have a clear understanding of the functions and concepts related to CAD blocks.