Inserting a Block in a Rectangular Pattern

Use the InsertBlockN command to insert multiple copies of a Block or external drawing in a pattern, arranged in rows and columns.

To insert multiple copies of a Block or drawing in a rectangular pattern:

1. Do one of the following:
   • On the menu, click Draw > Block > Insert Multiple Blocks.
   • Type InsertBlockN.
2. Type the name of the Block or drawing to insert, or specify the ? option to view the Blocks defined in the current drawing.

   The block appears attached to the pointer.

3. In the graphics area, specify the insertion point for the block, or specify an option:
   • Angle. Sets the rotation angle in the graphics area during insertion. For counterclockwise rotation specify a positive value, for clockwise rotation specify a negative value.
   • Reference point. Sets a new reference point other than the default insertion point as you drag the Block into position.
   • Uniform scale. Sets an uniform scale factor for the XYZ axes.
   • X, Y, and Z. Sets individual scale factors for each axis.
   • Corner (available after you specify the insertion point). Specifies the X and Y scale by defining the opposite corner of a rectangle (where the insertion point is the base point of the rectangle). Then you specify the Z scale.
4. Type the X scale or click in the graphics area to set the opposite corner. Press Enter to confirm 1.0 as scale factor.
5. Type the Y scale. Press Enter to use the value equal to the X scale factor.
6. Type a rotation angle for the pattern.
7. Type the number of rows to insert.
8. Type the number of columns to insert.
9. Type the distance between the rows and the distance between the columns.

   - or -

   Specify a unit cell in the graphics area by two opposite points or type X and Y values.

   The Block or external drawing appears in a rectangular pattern.

  You cannot explode Blocks inserted with the InsertBlockN command. However, you can edit uniformly scaled Blocks inserted with the InsertBlockN command using the EditComponent command.

Access

Command: InsertBlockN

Menu: Draw > Block > Insert Multiple Blocks