AutoCAD

How to Call Block in AutoCAD?

Understanding Callouts in AutoCAD

Introduction to Callouts

Callouts in AutoCAD serve as essential tools for referencing specific details within a drawing. They provide clarity by linking to other sheets or views, indicating where additional information can be found.

Steps to Place a Callout Block in AutoCAD

  1. Accessing the Sheet Set Manager:

    • Open the View tab from the main menu.
    • Locate the Palettes panel and select Sheet Set Manager. This panel manages various sheets in your project.
  2. Opening a Sheet Set:

    • Within the Sheet Set Manager, find and double-click the sheet set you wish to work on. This action will expand the available sheets.
  3. Selecting a View for the Callout:

    • Navigate to the Sheet Views tab within the Sheet Set Manager.
    • Identify and right-click on the view you want to associate with a callout. From the context menu, select the option labeled Place Callout Block.
  4. Specifying the Insertion Point:
    • Once you choose to place a callout block, you will be prompted to define the insertion point. Click on your drawing where you want the callout block to appear. This action places the callout block in the specified location on the current sheet.

Viewing Callouts in AutoCAD

To check or manage your callouts within AutoCAD:

  • Use the Insert Command to list all available blocks, including callouts, within the current drawing. This can be found in the Home tab under the Block panel.

  • Alternatively, utilize the BEdit command which allows for the editing and viewing of blocks in your drawing. By entering this command, a box will open displaying all blocks, including callout blocks, for you to select and modify as needed.

Creating a Callout Block

If you need to create a custom callout block, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to Block Creation:

    • In the Insert tab, locate and click the Create Block option. This opens the block creation dialog.
  2. Naming the Block:

    • Assign a unique name to your new callout block to ensure easy identification later.
  3. Selecting Objects:

    • Use the Select Objects button to choose all graphical elements and attributes you intend to include within the block.
  4. Set Insert Units:

    • Opt for Unitless for the Insert Units option to ensure flexibility when placing the block.
  5. Finalizing the Block:
    • Follow the prompts provided in the Block Definition Dialog Box. This will allow you to configure additional settings and finalize the creation of your callout block.

Managing Callout Information

When working with callouts, it’s important to know they comprise various types:

  • Placeholder Callouts: These are simplistic representations without dynamic linking but useful as placeholders in drafts.

  • Detail Callouts: These link to specific details and provide more information, improving your drawing’s navigation and clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I modify an existing callout in AutoCAD?
To modify a callout, select the callout block and enter the BEdit command. This will allow you to make changes to its graphical elements and properties.

2. Are there different types of callout blocks in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD includes various callout types, including detail callouts and reference tags, each serving different functions depending on the drawing needs.

3. Can I create custom symbols for callouts?
Absolutely. Custom symbols can be created by following the same block creation steps outlined earlier, allowing you to tailor callouts to meet specific project requirements.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.