784 AutoCAD and Its Applications—Basics Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. NOTE NOTE Double-click on a block to display the Edit Block Definition dialog box with the block selected. You can open a block directly in the Block Editor by selecting the block, right- clicking, and selecting Block Editor. Another option is to open a block directly in the Block Editor during block creation by selecting the Open in block editor check box in the Block Definition dialog box. The Block Editor ribbon tab and Block Authoring Palettes palette provide easy access to commands and options for assigning dynamic block properties and creating attributes. The Block Authoring Palettes palette contains parameter, action, and constraint commands. Although you can type BPARAMETER or BACTION to activate the BPARAMETER or BACTION command and then select a parameter or action as an option, it is easier to use the Block Editor ribbon tab or Block Authoring Palettes palette. You can also assign actions to certain parameters, such as point parameters, by double-clicking on the parameter and selecting an action option. You can assign only specifi c actions to a given parameter. The process of assigning an action varies, depending on the method used to access the action. If you type BACTION, you must fi rst select the parameter and then specify the action type. If you pick the action from the Action Parameters panel in the Block Editor ribbon tab or the Block Authoring Palettes palette, the specifi c action is active and a prompt asks you to select the param- eter. If you double-click on the parameter, the parameter becomes selected, but you must select the action type. Saving a Block with Dynamic Properties Once you add one or more parameters to a block and assign actions to the parameters, you are ready to save and use the dynamic block. Use the BSAVE command to save the block, or use the BSAVEAS command to save the block using a different name. Remember that saving changes to a block updates all blocks of the same name in the drawing. Use the BCLOSE command to exit the Block Editor when you are fi nished. NOTE NOTE Dynamic blocks can become very complex with the addition of many dynamic prop- erties. A single dynamic block can potentially take the place of a very large symbol library. This chapter focuses on basic dynamic block applications, the use of param- eters, and the process of assigning a single action to a parameter. Point Parameters Point P a r a meter s A point parameter creates a position property to which you can assign move and stretch actions. For example, assign a point parameter with a move action to a door tag that is part of a door block so you can move the tag independently of the door. Point parameters also provide multiple insertion point options. For example, you can add point parameters to the ends of a welding symbol reference line to create two possible insertion point options. BSAVE Ribbon Block Editor Open/Save Save Block Type BSAVE BSAVEAS Ribbon Block Editor Open/Save Save Block As Type BSAVEAS point parameter: A parameter that defines an XY coordinate location in the drawing.