Detect and Convert analyzes drawings to quickly identify objects that can be converted to blocks. This feature saves time, increases productivity, and reduces errors in the block conversion process.
Note: Detect and Convert is currently in Tech Preview, which means that the detection capability is constantly improving.
What is a Tech Preview?
AutoCAD Detect and Convert uses machine learning to scan your drawing and identify objects that can be converted into blocks.
When you start Detect, 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 of sets of detected objects that can be converted to blocks. A set represents a group of similar detected objects that can be converted into a single block.
By clicking the vertical ellipsis next to each numbered set, you have the option to convert each set to a new or existing block or edit the
primary instance, which is the main block definition when converting to 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.
In review mode, the Detect toolbar is displayed at the top of the drawing window.
From the toolbar, you can:
- See the total number of found instances in a set
- Navigate to the previous or next instance in the drawing
- Change or edit the primary instance, which is outlined by a blue border
- Convert to 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 Detect toolbar. By reporting errors, you contribute to improving the overall performance and accuracy of the machine learning service.
Key Considerations
Detect and Convert 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:
- Detect and Convert is designed to work on plan-view drawings. Currently, detection is best at identifying architectural objects such as doors, bathtubs, and toilets, although not all architectural objects may be detected accurately yet.
- 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.
While in review mode, the following commands are temporarily blocked:
- BCONVERT
- -BCONVERT
- BEDIT
- -BEDIT
- BSEARCH
- -BSEARCH
- COMPARE
- -COMPARE
- COUNT
- COUNTLIST
- MARKUPIMPORT
- -MARKUPIMPORT
- REFEDIT
- -REFEDIT
- TRACE
- VERSIONCOMPARE
- XATTACH
- XCLIP
- XCOMPARE
Analyzing drawings and quickly identifying objects that can be converted to blocks saves time, increases productivity, and reduces errors in the block conversion process. As the feature continues to evolve, your feedback and error reporting are important in enhancing its performance and accuracy.