Chapter 26 Introduction to Dynamic Blocks 803 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Figure 26-27 provides an example of inserting an XY parameter. Access the XY parameter option and pick the base point, which is the origin of the X and Y distances. Next, pick a point to specify the XY point, which is the corner opposite the base point. Finally, enter the number of grips to associate with the parameter. The default 1 option assigns a grip at the XY point that allows you to use grip editing to carry out the assigned action. Select the 4 option, as shown in Figure 26-27, to assign a grip at each XY corner to maximize fl exibility, or select a smaller number to limit dynamic options. If you select the 0 option, you can only adjust the block using the Properties palette. NOTE NOTE Name, Label, Chain, Description, Palette, and Value set options are available before you specify the parameter. Most of these options are also available from the Properties palette if you have already created the parameter. Assigning an Array Action Figure 26-28 illustrates using an array action assigned to an XY parameter. This example shows dynamically arraying the block of an architectural glass block to create an architectural feature of glass blocks, such as a wall, without using a separate array operation. Access the Array action option and pick the XY parameter. Then select the objects to be included in the array, and press [Enter] to accept the selection. At the Enter the distance between rows or specify unit cell: prompt, enter a value for the distance between rows or pick two points to set the row and column values. At the Enter the distance between columns: prompt, specify a value for the distance between columns. The second prompt does not appear if you select two points to defi ne the row and column values. In the glass block example, be sure to allow for a mortar joint when setting the row and column distance. Before assigning the action, you may want to draw a construction point offset from the block by the width of the mortar joint. Then you can pick two points to defi ne the row and column values. Be sure to erase the construction point before saving the block. Test and save the block, and exit the Block Editor. The dynamic block is now ready to use. Using an Array Action Dynamically Figure 26-28 illustrates using the upper-right grip or dynamic input to array a reference of the architectural glass block. You can use any available grip to apply an array, depending on where you want the array to occur. You can also use the Properties palette to defi ne the array. Notice that proper action defi nition produces mortar joints. The resulting array remains a single block. Ribbon Block Editor Action Parameters XY Type BPARAMETER XY Ribbon Block Editor Action Parameters Array Type BACTIONTOOL Array array action: An action used to array objects within the block based on preset specifications. Figure 26-27. Adding an XY parameter to a block of an architectural glass block. The XY parameter consists of X and Y distance properties and four grips. X grip Base point Y grip Endpoint (XY grip)