Exporting Blocks to PBCAD: The Correct Process

Exporting and Adding Custom Blocks in PBCAD

Exporting and adding custom blocks to PBCAD requires following specific rules to ensure proper display and prevent blocks from disappearing. For automatic creation of room boundaries, you can use automation tools and dynamic blocks.

Contents

• Basic Problems When Working with Custom Blocks
• Correct Block Export Process
• Adding Blocks to PBCAD Library
• Automating Room Boundary Creation
• Recommendations for Library Organization
• Tools for Block Management

Basic Problems When Working with Custom Blocks

When working with custom blocks in PBCAD, two main problems often occur, which you mentioned:

1. Blocks disappearing when using multiple instances - this usually happens due to name conflicts, file path issues, or data binding problems
2. Incorrect specification display - occurs due to incorrectly configured block properties or missing required attributes

As experts note, one of the common causes of problems is creating blocks on different layers or with different properties, which disrupts their proper operation in specifications source.

Correct Block Export Process

To properly export custom blocks, follow these steps:

1. Preparing the Block for Export

• Ensure the block is created on “layer 0” without being bound to a specific layer
• Check that all required attributes for specifications are present
• Remove unnecessary objects from the block definition

2. Exporting the Block as a Separate File

Use the WBLOCK command (or its equivalent in PBCAD):

WBLOCK

Select the block to export and specify the save path. According to recommendations, this method allows exporting one block at a time as a global DWG file.

3. File Naming Structure

Create a logical file naming system for blocks:

• Use a prefix for the block type (e.g., ROOM_, DOOR_, WINDOW_)
• Add a unique identifier
• Avoid spaces and special characters

Adding Blocks to PBCAD Library

Method 1: Through DesignCenter

1. Open DesignCenter (Ctrl+2)
2. Navigate to the folder with exported blocks
3. Drag the blocks into the current drawing or into the PBCAD graphics window

Method 2: Through Tool Palettes

1. Create a new tool palette
2. In the context menu, select “Customize palettes”
3. Add the path to your block library
4. Blocks will be available for insertion with a single click source

Method 3: Through Library Interface

PBCAD may have a special interface for managing libraries:

1. Select the “Add to library” command
2. Specify the block category
3. Configure parameters for specifications
4. Save the block to the library source

Automating Room Boundary Creation

Several approaches are available for automatically creating room boundaries in PBCAD:

1. Using Dynamic Blocks

Create a dynamic block with auto-boundary parameters:

; Example of creating a dynamic block for boundaries
(defun c:RoomBoundary ()
  (command "_.BLOCK" "ROOM_BOUNDARY" "0,0" "" "")
  (command "_.RECTANG" pause pause)
  ; Adding dynamic parameters
  (command "_.PARAMETER" "linear" pause pause pause)
  (command "_.ACTION" "move" pause)
  (command "_.BLOCKEDIT" "ROOM_BOUNDARY" "_.SAVEBLOCK" "")
)

2. Automatic Contour Extraction

Use commands to automatically create boundaries:

• BOUNDARY (or BO) - creates a polyline along a closed contour
• REGION - creates a region from closed objects
• OFFSET - creates parallel lines for wall thickness

3. Scripts and Macros for Batch Processing

For automation, you can create scripts:

; Example script for creating boundaries for all rooms
(defun c:AutoRoomBoundaries ()
  (setq old-osmode (getvar "osmode"))
  (setvar "osmode" 0)
  (command "_.LAYER" "M" "BOUNDARIES" "")
  (foreach room (get-all-rooms)
    (command "_.BOUNDARY" room)
  )
  (setvar "osmode" old-osmode)
)

Recommendations for Library Organization

1. Hierarchical Structure

Organize the library by categories:

Block Library/
├── Rooms/
│   ├── Offices/
│   ├── Halls/
│   └── Corridors/
├── Doors/
├── Windows/
└── Specifications/

2. Naming Standards

Develop uniform standards for:

• Block file names
• Attribute names
• Color schemes
• Layers

3. Block Versioning

Create backup copies of blocks before making changes. Use a version control system for important libraries source.

Tools for Block Management

Specialized Utilities

1. Block Library Manager - a powerful tool for organizing block libraries at the corporate level source

2. iCADLib - contains 22,000 ready-to-use CAD blocks with a user-friendly interface for managing your own libraries source

Plugins and Extensions

Consider using plugins for PBCAD:

• Automatic specification tools
• Report generators
• Integration with BIM systems

As specialists note, effective organization of block libraries improves productivity and ensures project consistency source.

Conclusion

To solve problems with custom blocks in PBCAD, you need to:

1. Follow the correct export procedure through WBLOCK while saving to layer 0
2. Use uniform naming and library organization standards
3. Regularly update and verify blocks before adding them to the shared library
4. For automating room boundaries, use dynamic blocks and scripts

Practical Recommendations:

• Create a backup of the current library before making changes
• Test each new block in a separate drawing before adding it to the shared library
• Develop a template for new blocks with required attributes for specifications
• Use tools for mass checking and updating blocks

By following these rules, you will avoid problems with disappearing blocks and ensure correct specification display.

Sources

1. How to create block library in AutoCAD - 3 methods
2. Keep blocks accessible so you can insert them in any drawing–Part IV: A block library
3. To Add a Block to a Custom Content Library (AutoCAD Mechanical Toolset)
4. Adding a CAD Object, CAD Detail, or Text to the Library
5. Block Library Manager | AutoCAD | Autodesk App Store
6. iCADLib, 22.000 CAD blocks ready to use with CAD
7. The Importance of Block Libraries in AutoCAD Projects