Autodesk 00128-051462-9310 - AUTOCAD 2008 COMM UPG FRM 2005 DVD, User Manual

Page: 1589 / 2268

can add a mask block to a drawing if the drawing contains a mask block definition. For more information, see “ Creating
Mask Block Definitions ” on page 1544.
TIP When you add mask blocks to your drawing, insert them on a separate layer. You can turn the layer off in 3D views,
where the mask blocks no longer mask any objects.
1 If a mask block does not already exist in the current drawing, then create or import a mask block definition.
For more information, see “
Importing Mask Block Definitions ” on page 1545.
2 Open the tool palette that you want to use, and select a mask block tool.
A mask block tool is located on the Drafting tool palette and in the Drafting Tools category in the AutoCAD
Architecture Stock Tool catalog. You can add this tool to any tool palette. For more information, see
“
Understanding the Content Browser ” on page 80.
3 Specify the insertion point of the mask block.
You can move or hide the Properties palette to expose more of the drawing area.
NOTE If you are using a mask block to mask a wall, the mask block must be located at the baseline of the wall
(Z = 0). Even though the wall components are at different heights, the plan display representation draws them
at the height of the baseline, as they would be drawn on paper.
4 Continue adding mask blocks, and press
ENTER
.
The mask blocks are displayed in the drawing at the insertion point you specified. To use a mask block to
clean up or correct an object in the drawing, attach the object to the mask block.
Adding a Mask Block with User-Specified Settings
Use this procedure to add a mask block with settings that you specify.
1 Open the tool palette that contains the mask block tool you want to use, and select the tool.
(You may have to scroll to display the desired tool.)
2 On the Properties palette, expand Basic, and expand General.
3 Select a definition.
4 Expand Scale.
5 Enter the X, Y, and Z scale of the mask block. The X, Y, and Z scales represent the distance from the insertion
point.
6 Alternately, expand Location, and select Yes for Specify scale on screen. Use your pointing device to
designate the scale of the mask block.
7 In the drawing area, specify the insertion point of the mask block.
You can move or hide the Properties palette to expose more of the drawing area.
8 Continue adding mask blocks, and press
ENTER
.
To use a mask block to clean up or correct an object in the drawing, attach the object to the mask block.
Creating a Mask Block from Polylines
Use this procedure to create a mask block reference from one or more closed polylines. If you use more than one polyline
to create your mask block, the polylines must be completely within or completely outside each other; they cannot
overlap or touch. Polylines that are within each other can be specified as void areas that become holes when the mask
block is created.
1 Select the polylines, right-click, and click Convert To
➤
Mask Block.
Adding a Mask Block with User-Specified Settings | 1549