### Understanding the Burst Command in AutoCAD
The Burst command in AutoCAD serves a unique purpose compared to the more commonly known Explode command. When dealing with blocks that contain attributes, Burst allows you to maintain the integrity of the text. While both commands break down elements into their individual components, Burst specifically preserves attribute values, keeping the text intact. This feature is incredibly useful when you need to break down complex blocks without losing vital information.
### Step-by-Step Guide: How to Burst a Block in AutoCAD
#### 1. Open Your Drawing
Start by opening the AutoCAD file that contains the block you wish to burst. Ensure that you have the correct block selected.
#### 2. Select the Block
Click on the block you want to burst. Make sure it is highlighted, indicating that it is selected for the next steps.
#### 3. Access the Burst Command
There are several ways to access the Burst command:
– Type `BURST` into the command line and press Enter.
– Alternatively, go to the **Express Tools** menu, find **Tools**, and look for **Burst** within relevant options.
#### 4. Confirm the Selection
Once you invoke the Burst command, confirm that you want to apply it to the selected block. This will break the block down into its components while retaining the existing attribute values as regular text.
#### 5. Verify the Outcome
After using the Burst command, inspect the area where the block was located. The components should now be individual entities, while the text should reflect the values originally set for the attributes.
### Key Differences Between Burst and Explode
When using the Burst command, it’s crucial to know how it differs from the Explode command:
– **Burst**: Retains attribute values as text.
– **Explode**: Converts attributes into tag values, losing the original text formatting.
### Exploding a Block in Safe Steps
If, at any point, you choose to use the Explode command instead, follow these steps:
#### 1. Open the Block
Edit the block by opening it in the Block Editor.
#### 2. Activate the Explode Command
Start the Explode command by typing `EXPLODE` in the command line or selecting the Explode tool from the Modify toolbar.
#### 3. Select the Block
Click on the block you wish to explode, confirming the action in the command line.
#### 4. Check Your Details
Inspect the result of the Explode command. Be mindful that any attributes in the original block will have been converted to tag values, altering the text previously shown.
### FAQs
**Q1: Can I explode an associative array in AutoCAD?**
Yes, you can use the Explode command to separate an associative array into individual elements.
**Q2: How can I retain attribute values when working with blocks?**
Utilize the Burst command to break down blocks while keeping the attribute values as text without altering their formatting.
**Q3: What happens when a block contains nested blocks or polylines?**
Using the Explode command on a block containing nested elements will first expose those nested blocks or polylines, prompting further action to break them down into more individual components.
