Modify a Block Attribute Definition

You can edit the values and other properties of all attributes that are already attached to a block and inserted in a drawing.

You can modify attributes in block definitions with the Block Attribute Manager. For example, you can modify the following:

Properties that define how values are assigned to an attribute and whether or not the assigned value is visible in the drawing area
Properties that define how attribute text is displayed in the drawing
Properties that define the layer that the attribute is on and the attribute line's color, weight, and type

By default, attribute changes you make are applied to all existing block references in the current drawing.

Changing the attribute properties of existing block references does not affect the values assigned to those blocks. For example, in a block containing an attribute whose tag is Cost and value is 19.99, the 19.99 value is unaffected if you change the tag from Cost to Unit Cost.

Updating attributes with duplicate tag names can lead to unpredictable results. Use the Block Attribute Manager to find duplicate tags and change tag names.

If constant attributes or nested attributed blocks are affected by your changes, use REGEN to update the display of those blocks in the drawing area.

Change the Prompt Order for Attribute Values

When you define a block, the order in which you select the attributes determines the order in which you are prompted for attribute information when you insert the block. You can use the Block Attribute Manager to change the order of prompts that request attribute values.

Remove Block Attributes

You can remove attributes from block definitions and from all existing block references in the current drawing. Attributes removed from existing block references do not disappear in the drawing area until you regenerate the drawing using REGEN.

You cannot remove all attributes from a block; at least one attribute must remain. If you need to remove all attributes, redefine the block.

Update Block References

You can update attributes in all block references in the current drawing with changes you made to the block definition. For example, you may have used the Block Attribute Manager to modify attribute properties in several block definitions in your drawing but elected not to automatically update existing block references when you made the changes. Now that you are satisfied with the attribute changes you made, you can apply those changes to all blocks in the current drawing.

You can also use ATTSYNC to update attribute properties in block references to match their block definition, or to update a block instance after you redefine a block attribute using BLOCK, -BLOCK, or BEDIT.

Updating attribute properties in block references does not affect any values that have been assigned to those attributes.

Edit Attributes in a Block Reference

You can select an attribute in a block reference and use the Properties palette to change its properties, or you can use the Enhanced Attribute Editor to modify all the attributes in a selected block reference.

See Also

Procedure

To edit attributes assigned to a block definition

To specify whether changes are applied to existing block references

To highlight duplicate attribute tags in a block

To change the prompt order for attribute values

To remove an attribute from a block definition and all block references

To update existing block references with attributes you have modified

To update the attributes in block references for a selected block definition

Click Home tabBlock panelSynchronize Attributes. Enter attsync at the Command prompt.
At the prompt, do one of the following:
- Enter name, and then enter the name of the block whose block references you want to update.
- Enter ? to view a list of blocks, and then enter name, followed by the name of the block.
- Press Enter, and then use your pointing device to select a block in the drawing area.
If you specify a block that does not exist, or if the block exists but does not contain attributes, an error message is displayed.

Alternate

Click Home tabBlock panelEdit Single Attribute. At the Command prompt, enter eattedit.
In the drawing area, select the block you want to edit.
In the Enhanced Attribute Editor, select the attribute you want to edit. You can change the attribute value or choose another tab and edit other attribute properties.
Make the attribute changes you want, and then do one of the following:
- Click Apply to save your changes. The Enhanced Attribute Editor remains open.
  If you click Cancel later to exit the Enhanced Attribute Editor, attribute changes you made prior to choosing Apply are not reversed.
- Click OK to save your changes and close the Enhanced Attribute Editor.
- Click Select Block to edit the attributes of a different block. If you made changes to the current block, but have not saved them, you are prompted to do so before selecting a new block.

Quick Reference

Commands

System Variables