Editing a Block Reference

Blocks are not used directly in a drawing, but are referenced by another drawing object called a Block Reference. When you insert a block, you are actually inserting a block reference. Each block reference accesses just one block.

The block reference controls the way it displays the block in the drawing. It can rotate the block, scale it, make it a certain height, multiply its size by the drawing scale and force it to draw all in one color.

To edit the block reference, right click the block and choose Properties. TPC will redisplay the block using the block reference properties. Even though the block may appear larger or rotated, the block has not changed - only the block reference has changed.
To change the block itself you must edit the block. Once a block is edited all the block references will display the changes.

Changing the Color

By default, TPC lets each object in the block draw itself using its own color. The example logo block in the Miscellaneous folder draws all in black except for the tree, which is green. To force the block to a single color choose [X] Color All and select the color.

Paper Space

When you select [X] Paper Space, TPC stores the position of the block reference based on the nearest drawing corner. Blocks, like north arrows, scale bars and title blocks are generally in paper space.

Apply User Rotation

For blocks like north arrows, TPC will apply the drawing rotation to the block automatically. Any rotation angle you specify is added to or subtracted from the drawing rotation. See Rotating the Survey on the Page.

Sizing a Block

If you have a block like a north arrow that you want to be a certain height, set the Size option to Height and specify the height you want. Now, no matter what scale or page size you choose, TPC will force the block to be the height you want.

If you want the block to be larger or smaller, but not a specific height, change the scale. Each block reference remembers its scale, so a scale of 1.0000000 is always the original block size.

To multiply the block by the drawing scale (typical of 1X1 blocks from other CAD programs) turn on the [X]Apply drawing scale optiTo multiply the block by the drawing scale (typical of 1X1 blocks from other CAD programs) turn on the [X]Apply drawing scale option.

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