Adding Elements to CustomBlock Definitions

Use the CBElement command to add elements to CustomBlocks entities that you want to modify.

An element specifies additional properties and grip points for the CustomBlock that you can customize outside the Block Editor. Once you have added the element, you must apply an activity to it.

Examples:

• Add a point element to a point you want to move.
• Add a linear element to a line that you want to stretch.

To add an element:

1. In the Block Editor, type CBElement at the command prompt.
2. Specify an option:
   • Point. Specifies X and Y properties for the Block reference. The position of the point element in the CustomBlock definition becomes the grip point position in the Block reference.
   • Linear. Specifies the distance between two points in the CustomBlock definition. The specified points in the CustomBlock definition determine the grip points position in the Block reference.
   • Polar. Specifies a distance and an angle for two points in the CustomBlock definition.
   • XY. Specifies the X and Y distance from the base point of the CustomBlock definition.
   • Rotation. Specifies an angle for the CustomBlock reference.
   • Alignment. Specifies an alignment axis and a grip point in the CustomBlock definition. This lets you align the Block reference using the grip point.
   • Mirror. Specifies the position of a mirroring axis and a grip point in the CustomBlock definition. This lets you mirror the Block reference using the grip point.
   • Visibility. Adds a visibility element to the CustomBlock definition. In the Block reference, this grip point lets you select visibility states.
   • Table. Adds a table element to the CustomBlock definition.
   • Basepoint. Specifies a base point element for the CustomBlock definition.

   The options correspond to the choices provided by individual element commands from the Block Editor.

3. Optionally, specify the element properties. The set of properties corresponds to the element you add.

   After you add the element, you can modify the element properties at any time in the Properties palette.

4. Follow the command prompts.

   The subsequent sequences of the CBElement command are identical to those of the individual command variants.

   From the list of options above, click a link to see the command sequences.

CustomBlock Element Properties

The Properties palette groups the following properties of the CustomBlock elements:

Note: The set of properties displayed in the Properties palette corresponds to the element specified in the graphics area.

Name

Specifies a custom name of the element. The name does not appear in the Properties palette.

Label

Specifies the label that identifies the element in the graphics area and in the Properties palette (if you specified so). By default, elements have a generic label that you can modify.

Chain

Specifies whether you want to include the element in the selection set of an activity that is associated with a different element.

Description

Specifies an additional description of the label. When you select the element label in the Properties palette, this description displays at the bottom.

Base

Specifies whether you want to add a base point to the element.

Palette

Specifies whether you want to display the element in the Properties palette (Yes/No).

Value Set

Specifies a set of values that you can assign to the element in the Block reference.

• List. Specifies a list of values that are available for the element in the Block reference.
• Increment. Specifies minimum and maximum value and an increment.

Access

Command: CBElement