Inserting Blocks (Symbols) from External Files using Part Library (CAXA)

[Malcolm Crowe]

Within CAXA there are 3 ways of inserting "Blocks" from External Files.

1. Creating the Blocks as "Paratables" and then inserting using "Insert Paratable".

2. Using "Design Center" to drag-and-drop "Blocks" (and "Styles") from other drawings into the current current. This is a very useful tool.

3. Creating "Symbols" from existing "Blocks" (or creating as new), and inserting via the "Part Library". This offers the quickest drag-and-drop option.

In the past we had resisted using "Symbols" because we didn't like the Block Name that CAXA assigned to the Block. However, during recent testing we discovered that when dropping a "Symbol" into a drawing there is the option to either "Explode" or "Unexplode" the Symbol. This allowed us to create a Symbol based on an existing Block (with our naming), and to have the external Symbol (Block) explode on drop, leaving behind the original Block.

Attached is a video demonstrating the 3 ways of inserting "Blocks" from External Files. It also includes creating "Symbols" within the "Part Library" starting with existing "Blocks". If you like the Catalog capabilities of IRONCAD, then the Part Library capabilities of CAXA may be of interest also. For ourselves, because we share "Blocks" between different software, being able to create Symbols easily from existing Blocks is really useful.

Malcolm

Edited March 11, 2023 by Malcolm Crowe

[Malcolm Crowe]

When CAXA is installed, by default it installs a large library of predefined 2D symbols that you may never use (like us). If you don't use CAXA's library of predefined symbols, you can uninstall these, or simply choose not to install in the first place. However, you can still make use of the Part Library with your own Symbols. And these Symbols can even start off as existing Blocks, without the need to create anything new.

In the attached video I demonstrate defining 3 Symbols (for use in the Part Library) from the same original Block. Each of the defined Symbols is at a different scale and placed on a different layer; for inserting on different sized sheets. Because I am defining these from existing Blocks, when dragging from the Part Library I have selected the option (in the bottom left hand corner) to "Explode" the Symbol, leaving the original Block that was inside it.

From a productivity perspective, the drag-and-drop capability of the Part Library and Symbols, is one of the best kept secrets within CAXA.

Malcolm

Edited May 13, 2021 by Malcolm Crowe

[tlehnhaeuser]

Great Tips Malcolm!!!