Block > Create, Insertion Point (Library Menu)

This command can be used to create a new block. After selecting the objects and instances which are to make up the block, an insertion point is entered.

The objects and instances which are to make up the new block are chosen. Click on objects to choose them.

The block's insertion point can be entered using the mouse, by clicking anywhere in the drawing.

The insertion point should be placed at a distinct place in the block, e.g. at the end point of a line or the corner point of a rectangle.

After entering the insertion point, the "Create Block" dialog appears, in which the name of the block to be generated can be entered. In addition, some parameters can be specified. After closing the dialog by clicking on "OK", the block is generated.

If the "Edit Attributes" check box is enabled in the parameters dialog, then the "Edit Attributes" dialog appears, in which the local and global attributes of the block can be edited. If this dialog is closed with the "Cancel" button, the block is still generated! The alterations to the attributes will however be ignored.

For information on attribute display inside blocks see Attributes.

If the "Edit Properties" check box in the parameters dialog is enabled, then the "Edit Properties" dialog appears, in which the properties of the block can be edited. If this dialog is closed with the "Cancel" button, the block is still generated! The alterations to the properties will however be ignored.

Blocks may themselves contain instances of other blocks and groups, i.e. nested instances are possible. This makes it possible, for example, to create components made up of components from several blocks from different libraries. There are however two restrictions, which should help avoid problems:
•        Internal blocks and groups cannot be used in external blocks! This would make the block, and the whole library dependent on the drawing which contains the internal block or group.
•        The maximum number of levels which can be nested is 20. Deeper nesting is possible, but will not be displayed. If a circular reference is accidentally created (block X contains an instance of Y, block Y contains an instance of X), this is the same as an unending nesting and the blocks will not be displayed.