Block Files

TPC stores its blocks using the DXF (Data eXchange Format) format used to exchange data with CAD programs. Each block file starts with a BLOCK command and ends with an ENDBLK command. The DXF format allows TPC to re-use blocks you may be currently using in another CAD program and share its blocks with other programs.

The following example is the 'Set Rebar' block.

0
BLOCK
8
0
2
Set_Rebar
70
64
80
50343936l
40
0.200000
10
0.000000
20
0.000000
30
0.000000
0
CIRCLE
8
0
62
7
6
CONTINUOUS
41
1
80
139280l
10
0.014668
20
-0.000000
30
0.000000
40
1.000000
0
ENDBLK

Notice that the block name (Set_Rebar) uses an underscore instead of a space. Within TPC, this block will be identified as 'Set Rebar'. TPC replaces the underscore with a space for internal use, but writes the underscore to the block file to maintain compatibility with AutoCAD.

You may also notice that TPC includes an '80' attribute with both the block and the CIRCLE entity. TPC stores information about the block and its entities in these values. TPC does not include these attributes in the BLOCK definitions when it writes a drawing to a DXF file. This ensures compatibility with CAD programs that may not allow this attribute.

Related Topics

Object Library
Blocks
Inserting Blocks
Creating Blocks
Using Variables
Editing a Block Reference
Editing Blocks
Using Blocks from Other CAD Programs
Storing Blocks in the Drawing
Converting Blocks to Groups
Grouping Drawing Objects
No CAD Zone Drawings
Using Drawing View
Smart Drawing Objects
Working with Drawing Objects
Drawing Commands

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