Express Tools AutoCAD Burst? | TutoCAD

Introduction to Express Tools in AutoCAD

AutoCAD provides a suite of productivity-enhancing features known as Express Tools. These tools streamline processes and facilitate more efficient design workflows. A significant function within this toolkit is the Burst command, which plays a vital role in managing blocks with attributes.

Understanding the Burst Command

The Burst command is specifically used to manipulate blocks that contain attributes. When a block is “burst,” it breaks down the block into its individual components while preserving the attribute values as text objects. This action differs from the traditional Explode command, which alters the attribute text to its tag value instead of retaining the original text.

Steps to Use the Burst Command

1. Open Your Drawing: Ensure that the drawing containing the block you wish to burst is open in AutoCAD.
2. Access Express Tools: If the Express Tools are not visible, you can enable them by typing EXPRESSMENU into the command line and hitting Enter.
3. Initiate Burst:
   • Go to the Modify panel or right-click to bring up a context menu.
   • Select the Burst command.
4. Select the Block: Click on the block you want to burst. The command will process the block and explode it while retaining attribute text values.

Difference Between Burst and Explode Commands

Understanding the differences between the Burst and Explode commands in AutoCAD is crucial:

• Burst:
  • Converts attributes to text while preserving their values.
  • Suitable for retaining information when manipulating blocks with attributes.
• Explode:
  • Breaks down a block into its parts but transforms attribute text to default tag values, losing the assigned text.
  • Appropriate for altering the structural composition of various compound objects like blocks and polylines without preserving attribute data.

Displaying Express Tools

To access the Express Tools in AutoCAD:

1. Command Line Access: Simply type EXPRESSMENU in the command line and press Enter.
2. Toolbar Display:
   • Right-click next to any existing toolbar to bring up the customization options.
   • Find the EXPRESS menu and select the toolbars you wish to display.
   • Repeat as necessary for additional toolbars.

Using Attributes Effectively

When working with attributes in AutoCAD, it’s important to understand how to explode them properly to retain their values.

Exploding Attributes with Burst

1. Ensure Block is Editable: Right-click on the block and select Edit Block In Place if needed.
2. Use Burst Command: Execute the Burst command to break the block down into its components while keeping the attribute values intact.
3. Verify Results: Check the resulting text to confirm that the attribute values have been retained successfully.

Limitations of the Explode Command

Not all blocks can be exploded effortlessly. Some blocks may have restrictions set in the Block Editor that prevent them from being exploded.

Steps to Enable Exploding in Block Editor

1. Open Block in Editor: Access the block for editing.
2. Properties Palette: Press Ctrl + 1 to open the Properties palette.
3. Allow Exploding Option: In the properties, look for the “Allow Exploding” option and set it to Yes.

Express Tools Support in AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT does not include Express Tools. These features are exclusive to the full version of AutoCAD, which contains advanced functionalities not available in the LT version.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use Burst on any block?
Yes, as long as the block does not have restrictions applied. Ensure the block allows exploding by checking its properties.

2. Will using Burst affect the layer of the block?
No, components resulting from a burst will stay on the same layer as the original block, preserving the drawing’s organization.

3. What if I accidentally used the Explode command?
If you’ve used the Explode command and lost the attribute values, you may need to redo the block attributes or restore from a previous version of the drawing, as the original text will not be recoverable after this action.