730 AutoCAD and Its Applications—Basics Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. A second method is to create block objects using one or more layers other than layer 0. If you originally create block objects on a layer other than layer 0, the block belongs to the layer you assign to the block, but the objects retain the properties of the layers you use to create the objects. The difference is only noticeable if you place the block on a layer other than the layer you use to draw the block objects. A third technique is to create block objects using the ByBlock color, linetype, lineweight, and transparency. If you originally create block objects using ByBlock properties, the block belongs to the layer you assign to the block, but the objects take on the color, linetype, lineweight, and transparency you assign to the block, regardless of the layer on which you place the block. Using the ByBlock setting is only noticeable if you assign absolute values to the block using the properties in the Properties panel of the Home ribbon tab, the Quick Properties palette, or the Properties palette. Another option is to create block objects using an absolute color, linetype, line- weight, and transparency. If you originally create block objects using absolute values, such as a Blue color, a Continuous linetype, a 0.05 mm lineweight, and a transparency value of 50, the block belongs to the layer you assign to the block. However, the objects display the specifi ed absolute values regardless of the properties assigned to the drawing or the layer on which you place the block. CAUTION CA U TION Drawing block objects on a layer other than layer 0, or using ByBlock or absolute prop- erties, can cause signifi cant confusion. The result is often a situation in which a block belongs to a layer, but the block objects display properties of a different layer, or abso- lute values. In most cases, draw block objects on layer 0, and then assign a specifi c layer to each block. Drawing Block Elements Draw the elements of a block as you would any other geometry. If you plan to defi ne a block as annotative, to scale the block according to the drawing scale, you can include annotative or non-annotative objects, such as text, with the block. As long as you specify the block as annotative, all objects act annotative, even if some objects are non-annotative. However, you must use non-annotative objects when preparing a non-annotative block. When you fi nish drawing the objects, determine the best location for the insertion base point. When you insert the block into a drawing, the insertion base point posi- tions the block. Figure 24-1 shows examples of common blocks and a possible inser- tion base point for each. PROFESSIONAL TIP P R OFESSIONAL TIP A single block allows you to create multiple features that are identical except for scale. In these cases, draw the base block to fi t inside a one-unit square. This makes it easy to scale the block when you insert it into a drawing to create variations of the block. Drawing a block in this manner is explained in more detail later in this chapter. Creating Blocks Once you draw objects and identify an appropriate insertion base point, you are ready to defi ne the objects as a block. Use the BLOCK command and the corresponding Block Definition dialog box to create a block. See Figure 24-2. insertion base point: The point on a block that defines where the block is positioned during insertion. BLOCK Ribbon Home Block Insert Block Definition Create Block Type BLOCK BMAKE B