objectdbx and copyblock

hi,

the sample by TT to copy a block definition
from one drawing to another, is very helpful,
what if the block already exists and i want
to update the dfinition...

TIA

 

Not quite sure if this is the 'correct' way but.....

you could remove the objects from the existing
definition and populate it with objects from the
new definition.

 

I wasn't suggesting removing the block definition,
just removing the contents of the block and then
replace the contents with the new objects.

 

intersting idea, will give it a shot...
i was thinking of renaming the old block,
then bringing in the new definition under the original name,
then go thru the entire database, search for the inserts
and vla-put-name the new block...

thanks
mark

 

Can you post a copy of this, or a link?

Thanks,
Mark

 

If the block definition exists, use CopyObjects from the source definition to
the current block object. Not sure, but I'd bet you have to vla-delete the
objects in the current definition, otherwise you'd have both. Do a Google
search for CloneBlock.

 

John,

CloneBlock crossed my mind as well. Good example of how to do it, especially since
it's heavily commented. The subject title is "Duplicate a block definition" dated
12/31/2003.

Joe Burke

 

Copying the defining entities from one block to
another does not redefine a block.

You would for example, loose the Block's properties
like layer and other things like the block icon;
description; base point; design center data; and
anything attached to the extension dictionary; etc.

To redefine a block:

1. Get _all_ insertions of the block, in the
destination drawing.

2. Rename the block in the destination drawing
(use any name that does not already exist).

3. Using CopyObjects, copy the new block object,
rather than its contents, to the destination
drawing (this works because the existing block
in the destination drawing was renamed).

4. Process all insertions of the block gathered
in step 1, and change the Name property to the
name of the block that was redefined (renaming
the block changes the name property, so now you
must change it to point to the new definition).

5. Delete the old, renamed block (it shouldn't
have any references after step 4).

 

Not really.

See my other post.

 

Tony,
thanks, that was the direction i was going
if you read my answer to JP yesterday...

before i go further with this, will it be possible
to redefine a block from a drawing into
another, none of the 2 drawings being active
or current...

thanks again
mark

 

It depends on whether you can use vlax-vla-object->ename
on objects in drawings that are not active, and I've
not confirmed whether that's possible.

Yes, it can be done exactly as I outlined, when you're
redefining a block in the active document, but otherwise
I've not verified if it will work.

 

why would i need vlax-vla-object->ename
i am going to browse the entire database
one object at a time, modelspace and layouts,
and then process them accordingly
(vlax-for layo (vla-get-layouts interfaceobject)
(vlax-for itm (vla-get-Block layo)
(setq obnm (vla-get-objectname itm)) etc....

thanks

 

Well, you can always do that too, but in a very large
drawing, it takes much longer than getting the list of
block references directly from the block.