BACTIONTOOL (Command)

Adds an action to a dynamic block definition.

Find

Actions define how the geometry of a dynamic block reference moves or changes when the custom properties of a block reference are manipulated in a drawing. You associate actions with parameters. The BACTIONTOOL command is used in the Block Editor either on the ribbon or by action tools on the Actions tab of the Block Authoring palettes.

The following prompts are displayed.

Array

Block Editor contextual tab Action Parameters panel Actions drop-down Array

Specifies that the selection set of objects arrays when the action is triggered in a dynamic block reference. An array action can be associated with a linear, polar, or XY parameter.

Select Parameter

Select a parameter to associate with the action.

Select Objects

Defines the objects that will be included in the action when modified.

Enter Distance Between Columns

When a linear or polar parameter is selected, specifies the distance between the selected objects when the array action is modified. To specify the distance, you can use the mouse pointer.

Enter Distance Between Rows or Specify Unit Cell

When an XY parameter is selected, specifies the distance between the selected objects when the array action is modified. To specify the distance, use the mouse pointer. To specify unit cell, enter two values separated by a comma for each of the two points.

Specify Action Location

When BACTIONBARMODE is set to 0, determines where the action is placed within the Block Editor.

Lookup

Block Editor contextual tab Action Parameters panel Actions drop-down Lookup

The lookup action displays the Property Lookup Table dialog box where you can create a lookup table for the block reference.

Flip

Block Editor contextual tab Action Parameters panel Actions drop-down Flip

A set of objects is flipped around the reflection line of the flip parameter when the action is triggered in the block reference. A flip action can only be associated with a flip parameter.

Specify Selection Set

Determines the objects that will be mirrored about the flip parameter reflection line.

Move

Block Editor contextual tab Action Parameters panel Actions drop-down Move

Specifies that the selection set of objects moves when the action is triggered in a dynamic block reference. A move action can be associated with a point, linear, polar, or XY parameter.

Select Parameter
Select the parameter to associate with the action.
Select Objects
Defines which objects to include in the action.
Specify Action Location
When BACTIONBARMODE is set to 0, determines where the action is placed within the Block Editor.
Specify Parameter Point

When a linear or polar parameter is selected, determines whether the start or end point of the parameter is used to determine the base point of the action.

When an XY parameter is selected, determines which corner of the parameter will be associated with the action. The objects selected for the action will be moved relative to this point.

Multiplier

When BACTIONBARMODE is set to 0 and the action is triggered, changes the associated parameter value by the specified distance.

Offset

When BACTIONBARMODE is set to 0 and the action is triggered, increases or decreases the angle of the selected parameter by the specified value.

XY

When an XY parameter is selected, specifies whether the distance applied to the action is the parameter's X distance, Y distance, or XY distance from the parameter's base point.

Rotate

Block Editor contextual tab Action Parameters panel Actions drop-down Rotate

Specifies that the selection set of objects rotates when the action is triggered in a dynamic block reference. A rotate action can only be associated with a rotation parameter.

Select Parameter
Select the parameter to associate with the action.
Select Objects
Defines which objects to include in the action.
Specify Action Location
When BACTIONBARMODE is set to 0, determines where the action is placed within the Block Editor.
Base Type

Specifies whether the base point for the action is dependent or independent of the associated parameter’s base point.

Dependent

Scales or moves selected objects relative to the base point of the associated parameter.

Independent

Scales or moves selected objects relative to a base point defined separately from that of the associated parameter.

Scale

Block Editor contextual tab Action Parameters panel Actions drop-down Scale

Specifies that the selection set of objects scales relative to the defined base point when the action is triggered in a dynamic block reference. A scale action can only be associated with a linear, polar, or XY parameter.

Select Parameter
Select the parameter to associate with the action.
Select Objects
Defines which objects to include in the action.
Specify Action Location
When BACTIONBARMODE is set to 0, determines where the action is placed within the Block Editor.
Base Type
Specifies whether the base point for the action is dependent or independent.
XY

When an XY parameter is selected, sets the Scale Type custom property.

  • X. Scales the selected object only along the X-axis of the XY parameter.
  • Y. Scales the selected object only along the Y-axis of the XY parameter.
  • XY. Scales the selected object along both the X- and Y-axes of the XY parameter.

Stretch

Block Editor contextual tab Action Parameters panel Actions drop-down Stretch

Specifies that the selection set of objects will stretch or move when the action is triggered in a dynamic block reference. A stretch action can be associated with a point, linear, polar, or XY parameter.

Select Parameter
Select the parameter to associate with the action.
Specify Parameter Point

When a linear or polar parameter is selected, determines whether the start or end point of the parameter is used to determine the base point of the action.

When an XY parameter is selected, determines which corner of the parameter will be associated with the action. The objects selected for the action will be stretched relative to this point.

Specify Stretch Frame

Creates a box that represents the boundary area for the action when modified.

CPolygon

Creates a polygon that represents the boundary area for the action when modified.

Specify Action Location

When BACTIONBARMODE is set to 0, determines where the action is placed within the Block Editor.

  • Multiplier
  • Offset
  • XY
Select Objects
Defines which objects to include in the action.

Polar Stretch

Block Editor contextual tab Action Parameters panel Actions drop-down Polar Stretch

Specifies that the selection set of objects stretches or moves when the action is triggered in a dynamic block reference. A polar stretch action can only be associated with a polar parameter.

Select Parameter
Select the parameter to associate with the action.
Specify Parameter Point

Determines whether the start or end point of the parameter is used to determine the base point of the action.

Specify Parameter Point

Determines whether the start or end point of the parameter is used to determine the base point of the action.

Specify Stretch Frame
Creates a box that represents the boundary area for the action when modified.
CPolygon

Creates a polygon that represents the boundary area for the action when modified.

Specify Objects to Rotate Only

Determines the objects in the selection that will rotate and not stretch.

Specify Action Location

When BACTIONBARMODE is set to 0, determines where the action is placed within the Block Editor.

  • Multiplier
  • Offset

Related Concepts

Related Reference