Note: This smart block functionality is available in Tech Preview.
What is a Tech Preview?
AutoCAD 2025 includes a technology preview that uses machine learning to scan your drawing and identify objects that can be converted into blocks.
When you start Object Detection, the drawing's geometry is sent to the AutoCAD machine learning service for recognition. Once the service has analyzed the drawing, the palette will notify you if any objects have been detected that can be converted to blocks. To further inspect and assess the identified instances, click Review Objects.
In review mode, the Detection toolbar is displayed at the top of the drawing window. This toolbar provides various options for navigating and managing detection results. The detection results are grouped into sets of similar objects. A set represents a group of similar detected objects that can be converted into instances of a single block.
Within each set, the
primary instance (outlined by a blue border) serves as the block definition when converting into a new block. Alternatively, if you choose to convert into an existing block, the primary instance is used to define the insertion scale and rotation for the block.
While reviewing the detection results, you may encounter incorrect sets or instances. In the following example, a similar object is not detected and included in the set. You can report this error using the Detection toolbar. By reporting errors, you contribute to improving the overall performance and accuracy of the machine learning service.
Key Considerations
Object Detection is a Tech Preview feature. This means that continuous efforts are being made to improve its functionality and capabilities. Here are some important points to consider:
- Object Detection is designed to work on plan-view drawings. Currently, detection is best at identifying architectural objects, although, not all architectural objects may be detected accurately in this release.
- To enhance detection accuracy as we continue to improve the machine learning algorithm, it's recommended to set your drawing to real-world units before you start the detection.
Additionally, the following commands are blocked while in review mode:
- BEDIT
- COMPARE
- COUNT
- COUNTLIST
- PLOT
- PUBLISH
- REFEDIT
- TRACE
- XCOMPARE
Analyzing drawings and quickly identifying objects that can be converted to blocks provides benefits such as saving time, increasing productivity, and reducing errors in the block conversion process. As the feature continues to evolve, your feedback and reporting of any errors encountered are important in enhancing its performance and accuracy.