Preparing a DWG seed file

This workflow demonstrates how to prepare an AutoCAD seed file for use with the Export To CAD tool when exporting point features and attributes as block references.

Using the AutoCAD application, you define a block definition with attributes that correspond to the attribute fields in the ArcGIS point feature class. The insertion base point you define for the block defines the center of the ArcGIS point feature and its symbology.

This example requires the AutoCAD application and uses the following commands:

• ATTDEF creates an attribute definition.
• BLOCK creates a block definition from a collection of entities that are selected interactively.
• INSERT inserts a block reference in the current drawing.
• ATTEDIT edits attribute values for the selected block reference.

These commands can also be called from the AutoCAD ribbon or pull-down menus.

Define the attributes

As you define an attribute, you work with it as a visible textual entity. Display modes and other visual characteristics are enabled when you create the block definition.

Steps:

1. Start AutoCAD.
2. Type ATTEDIT at the command prompt to open the Edit Attribute dialog box.
   • Or click the Block and References tab on the ribbon and click Define Attributes.
3. Type the ArcGIS attribute field name in the Tag text box located in the Attribute group box.
4. Check the Invisible check box located in the Mode group box.

   This setting prevents the attribute from displaying graphically when the block is inserted in the drawing.

5. Click OK to close the dialog box.
6. Click the screen to place the attribute text entity in the drawing.
   • Repeat steps 2 through 6 for each ArcGIS feature attribute you intend to export to your block.

Tip:

You can copy an attribute definition similar to text and use the Properties panel to change the tag name, visibility mode, and other properties.

Create the block definition

When you create a block, you are creating a block definition that is not a visible entity.

Steps:

1. Type BLOCK at the command prompt to open the Block Definition dialog box.
   • Or click the Block and References tab on the ribbon and click Create Block.
2. Type the block name in the Name text box.
   You specify this name in the ArcGIS attribute table with the reserved CAD field RefName.
3. Click the Select Object button located in the Objects group box.
4. Choose the attribute definitions and other entities you want as members of the block definition.
   The order in which you select the attributes determines their order of appearance in the Edit Attributes dialog box.
5. Press ENTER when you are finished making your selections to return to the Block Definition dialog box.
6. Check the Specify On-screen check box located in the Base point group box.
7. Click OK to close the dialog box.
8. Click a coordinate location in the drawing to specify the insertion base point for the block definition.

   The insertion base point defines the center of the ArcGIS point feature and its symbology.

Tip:

If you need to edit an attribute definition after creating the block, type BATTMAN at the command prompt to open the Block Attribute Manager.

Verify the block definition

When you insert a block, AutoCAD looks up the block definition and creates a block reference. You can verify your block definition by inserting a block reference and using the Edit Attributes dialog box.

Steps:

1. Type INSERT at the command prompt to open the Insert dialog box.
2. Click the down arrow in the Name text box and choose your block name.
3. Click OK to close the dialog box.
4. Click a coordinate location in the drawing to insert the block.
5. Type ATTEDIT at the command prompt.
6. Choose the block reference you have just inserted.

   This opens the Edit Attributes dialog box for the selected block.

7. Confirm that your attributes are displayed in the dialog box as editable attributes.
8. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Tip:

To visually account for your attributes, type ATTDISP at the command prompt and set it to ON. The ATTDISP setting overrides the attribute visibility modes and displays the attributes for all block references inserted in the drawing.

Save and close the file

Before using the file with the Export To CAD tool, erase all block references you inserted during the verification steps.

Steps:

1. Type ERASE at the command prompt, select all block references, and press ENTER.
   • Or type All, and press ENTER.
2. Save and close the drawing.

You can now use this drawing as a seed file with the Export To CAD tool to export point features and attributes as block references.

Tip:

To remove unwanted block definitions and decrease the drawing size, use PURGE at any time in your drawing session after all block references have been erased.