MODIFYING

• Match Properties 
• Dynamic Blocks 
• Group 
• Explode Attributes 
• DWG Compare

1. Match Properties

Copy properties from one object to another using Match Properties (MATCHPROP). The types of properties that can be matched include color, layer, linetype, linetype scale, lineweight, plot style, transparency, and other special properties.

1. Click Home tab > Properties panel > Match Properties or type MATCHPROP into the command line. 

2. Select the source object from which you want to copy properties. 

3. Select the target objects to which you want to copy the properties, and press Enter.

BONUS: Specify what properties you want matched in the Property Settings dialog box. For example, disable the Text (style) property when you want to match the layer between two pieces of text. After Step 2 above, enter S (Settings). In the Property Settings dialog box, clear the properties that you do not want copied, and click OK.

2. Dynamic Blocks

Save time and decrease file size by utilizing Dynamic Blocks. Create one block that can change shape, size, or configuration depending on their usage instead of inserting multiple static blocks.

For example, instead of creating multiple blocks for different table types and chair settings, you can create one table block. Once the block is inserted, you can select the table type at any time. You can also define dynamic blocks that can be stretched, rotated, flipped, and more.

1. Click Insert tab > Block Definition panel > Create Block. 

2. Back in the drawing, double-click the block and select OK on the Edit Block Definition dialog. This opens the Block Editor environment and the Block Editor Ribbon tab. 

3. Add constraints, actions, and parameters (rules) using the Properties palette from within the Block Editor.

3. Group

Use the Group feature to perform multiple operations on the same objects without creating a block.

With the Group feature, you can quickly create temporary object associations. When objects are grouped together, selecting one object in the group results in all objects being selected, but each object can still be modified individually unlike a standard block.

1. Select the Group command from the Groups Panel in the Home tab of the Ribbon, or type GROUP into the command line 
2. Select the objects that you want to associate together, and press Enter. 
3. Then, when you select any object in the group, all the grouped objects are selected. A grip is displayed at the center of the group bounding box to provide access to all grip operations. 
4. Add a name or description to the group for easy access later.

4. Explode Attributes

Retain your valuable attributes if you need to explode a block by using the Express Tool “Explode Attributes” – or type BURST into the command line.

The core AutoCAD EXPLODE command will not retain a block’s attribute information. By using the Explode Attributes tool found in the Blocks panel in the Express Tools tab of the Ribbon, you can explode a block, but retain your important attribute value.

NOTE: Explode Attributes will also preserve the layer that the block was on, along with the text style of the attribute.

5. DWG Compare 

Identify graphical differences between two revisions of any drawing with DWG Compare. Quickly view changes, see clashes, review constructability, and more. 

There’s no need to worry about missing something – turning revision clouds on will further highlight the changes, and you can systematically cycle through each one to make sure every detail is accounted for. 

Start a DWG Comparison in the Collaborate Tab on the Ribbon or just type COMPARE into the command line.