Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published January 2012

Adding a Rotation Parameter to a Block

This just seemed like it would be fun to add to your bucket of tricks. The end result will be a dynamic block with a rotation grip that will let you rotate the block without using the Rotate command. Check it out.

How to Add a Rotation Parameter to a Block

1. Open a drawing with a block or just insert one.

2. Single click on the block, then right-click and click Block Editor. In this exercise I'm using a chair.

3. To identify where the insertion point is for the block, set the UCS Icon to the Origin. [View tabCoordinates panelShow UCS Icon at Origin]

4. On the Parameters tab, click Rotation.

5. When prompted to "Specify the Base Point", specify a point that is the most logical base point for the rotation of the block, or enter 0,0 to specify the insertion point of the block.

6. When prompted to "Specify Radius of Parameter", turn on Ortho, then specify the point for the blue dot that will be the grip for the dynamic block rotation. I'm placing mine just off the front of the chair.

   

7. Press [Enter] to accept the default Rotation Angle of <0>. You will now see the rotation grip and a yellow box at the Base Point.

8. On the Actions tab, click Rotate.

9. When prompted to "Select Parameter", click anywhere on the dotted circle or the "Angle1" text, but do not press [Enter].

10. When prompted to select the objects for the action, window the entire block, then press [Enter]. You will now have a small Rotate parameter icon displayed near the grip point of your chair.

    

11. Click Close Block Editor and save your changes.

Now when you click on that block, you can take the blue rotation grip… and swing that thing around!

Bonus Points: Add this block to the Source drawing containing blocks you have placed on your Tool Palette, then add this block to the Tool Palette.

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