Blocks can contain special objects called attribute definitions, also known as block attributes. Attributes can be added to a block to store values such as part numbers, product names, ratings, descriptions, item cost, and so on. Some block attributes can contain static information such as a part number, while other block attributes can include information that varies from one block to the next such as its finish, cost or location. All block attribute values can later be extracted into a table object or CSV file that can be imported into another application.
Some of the common uses for attributes are:
- Title blocks which can contain different Project and Client information from drawing to drawing or even layout to layout
- Room, door, and window labels
- Blocks that represent physical objects or locations which need to be tracked in the real-world; screws, office furniture, and land plats
Extracted attribute values can be used to populate the cells of a table to create a bill of materials, or a schedule of doors, windows or room finishes in a floor plan.
Bill of materials containing office furniture located in two conference rooms
Title block containing attributes with fields
To learn more, try the following exercises: