Dynamic Block Tutorial 3 Door

August 27, 2009 by Edwin Prakoso 35 Comments

This is the last object we are going to create using

AutoCAD dynamic block. We are going to create a door. Basically its not that
different with what we did with dynamic block before. But this time, we are going
to learn about action properties in dynamic block. We are going to use wipeout
as well.
Now, open your previous dynamic block tutorial file. We are going to create all
of our dynamic blocks in a single AutoCAD file. This file will be our block library.
We will create several dynamic blocks here. Dont loose it until we finish our
tutorial.

Creating the Geometry

In your AutoCAD file, create a new layer: A-Door, with color: blue, and
lineweight: 0.09 mm. Set this layer as current layer.
Draw a 50150 rectangle as the frame. Copy it to its right with 700mm
distance. Draw a rectangle 30650 as door panel. Then draw an arc for swing
symbol to complete it.

The last thing we are going to add is a wipeout. Activate it, and draw a rectangle
wipeout that covers the whole door width.

You will see the door frames are covered by the wipeout. Select the wipeout,
right click, then from context menu select draw order>send to back.

Why do we use wipeout? We are going to host our door to a wall. We dont
want to trim or modify our wall after door placement. And modifying the wall
length will be reported incorrectly. So we add wipeout to cover our wall later.
We will try this at the end :)
Now as usual, create a block from this object. We will create it as dynamic
block. Give it name Single Door. You can define insertion point wherever you
think appropriate. Open your block in block editor.

Adding Parameters and Action

We are still using linear parameter. Add a linear parameter as below.

Delete the left arrow. Or you can change number of grips value to 1 in
properties palette.

There are 3 action we need to add, based to this

parameter:
1. Add a stretch action to stretch our door width. Similar to what we do with
adding action to dynamic block wall. This time we only need to create a small
rectangle to include the right door frame and the wipeout.

2. Add scale action to resize the arc door swing symbol. This action is very
simple to add. Just select the parameter, then select the arc. [ENTER] to finish.
3. Add another stretch action for resizing the door panel. Only select the door
panel when this action ask you to select object.

Parameter and Action Properties

Placing those action is easy I believe. But we are not finish yet. We are going to
limit the size. We dont want AutoCAD users to change the door size without a
guidance. We will change some parameter properties just like we did when we
create column. Select the parameter. Change the Dist type to List and click the
button to input distance value list.
Dont forget to change this parameter name to something like width or door
width.
*You may want to use Increment. But since the last time we used it, I think it will
be better to use list now.

Add more values to define your door width.

The last one, is changing an action properties. Not only parameter has
properties! Remember the stretch action for the door panel? Where do you think
the door panel will be stretch? Horizontally!
We need to change a property to override this behavior. Select this action, open
your palette property. Under overrides category, change the angle offset to 90
degrees.

This will override the stretch action, it will stretch the door panel vertically even
the parameter is stretch horizontally.
Ok, we are done! Save block, and close block editor.

If you have difficulties with the tutorial, you can watch this video. But sorry, this
video dont use WIPEOUT. But shouldnt be a problem, because we are
emphasizing on parameters and actions.

One more thing. We still can see our wipeout frame. Lets turn it off. Activate
wipeout, then type F [ENTER] to activate frame option. Type OFF [ENTER] to
turn it off.
Command: WIPEOUT
Specify first point or [Frames/Polyline] <Polyline>: F
Enter mode [ON/OFF] <ON>: OFF
Regenerating model.
Try to stretch your door and dont forget to try placing your door at walls!

*Notes:
1. If you cant see the wipeout covering your wall, select your wall and change the
drawing order: send it to back.
2. You might want to add flip actions so you dont need to mirror it.