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

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Multi-View Blocks
A multi-view block is an AutoCAD Architecture object that can have different representations in different view directions.
You create a multi-view block from AutoCAD blocks that represent the different views of the custom object that you
are creating.
Understanding Multi-View Blocks
Multi-view blocks can represent different types of objects in AutoCAD Architecture. They are typically used to represent
the following items:
■
Furniture and fixtures, such as tables and kitchen sinks
■
Annotation components, such as revision clouds or fire rating signs
■
Schedule tags, such as door numbers
Multi-view blocks can be displayed differently in each view direction and each display representation. For example,
the top view of a multi-view block representing a kitchen sink shows the top of the sink; the bottom view shows the
bottom of the sink; and there are representations for left, right, front, and back views. Additionally, you can define a
different group of displays for each display representation, so that you can have one set of views for Plan view and
another for Reflected view.
You can use a multi-view block as a cutout in objects such as walls, slabs, and curtain walls. You create a view block to
represent the cutting body. The block forms the body that will be subtracted from objects by applying the multi-view
block as interference. For example, you can create a skylight as a multi-view block and specify the block as a subtractive
Boolean in a slab.
Predefined Multi-View Blocks
The content folders of AutoCAD Architecture contain predefined multi-view blocks for various design purposes, such
as furniture, electrical appliances, annotation symbols, schedule tags, and other useful elements. You can access these
multi-view blocks from DesignCenter
™
. For more information, see “ AEC Content and DesignCenter ” on page 2115.
Creating Multi-View Block Definitions
Each multi-view block in a drawing is based on a definition that specifies the display representations in which the block
can be viewed, as well as the views available in each representation. From a multi-view block definition, you can create
as many multi-view blocks as you need.
Multi-view blocks typically represent 3D architectural objects. For example, you can create customized cabinetry by
drawing plan, elevation, and model views, and saving each view as an individual AutoCAD block. You assign each
block to a view when you create the multi-view block definition. The blocks (top, bottom, front, back, left, right, and
model views) are used to define the custom object as a single multi-view block. Prior to defining the block, you can
add points on the Defpoints layer to identify additional insertion points for the view block. You set the display
representations and view directions in the process of defining the multi-view block.
You can see the individual blocks of your custom object as one assembly in plan, elevation, and isometric views after
inserting them in the drawing as a multi-view block. For more information about working with blocks, see “Overview
of Blocks” in AutoCAD Help. For more information about display representations, see “
Display Representations ” on
page 451.
TIP The quickest way to locate and view an AutoCAD topic referenced in AutoCAD Architecture Help is to click the Search
tab in the Help window, select the Search titles only option, and then copy and paste or type in the AutoCAD topic name,
and click List Topics.
1558 | Chapter 35 Multi-View Blocks