Super Secret: Edit Those Un-editable Blocks

Posted on December 15, 2011 by AutoCAD Tips

http://wp.me/p1aURt-jT

This one’s for you Eric.

Intead of knocking over your cubicle because you can’t edit a block, there is an AutoCAD system variable that lets you lock your blocks from being able to edit them in the Block Editor. So if you cannot explode a block or edit in the block editor, this tip is for you.

  • The system variable is BLOCKEDITLOCK and can be set to either 1 or 0 (zero)
  • <0> = Off – Block Editor can be opened
  • <1> = On – Block Editor cannot be opened

~enjoy

Below shows how this variable affects “Dynamic Blocks” Usually you double click a dynamic block in order to select the block from a list and then that block will open in the block editor. But with this System Variable turned on, a double-click will only bring up the properties box.

About AutoCAD Tips

This blog serves as a knowledge base for myself (and anyone else) so that I can reference tips & tricks that I have learned and also refer others to it as well. I hope that this blog helps you learn at least one tip to make your drafting/design experience better.
This entry was posted in Blocks, Customization, Modifying. Bookmark the permalink.

8 Responses to Super Secret: Edit Those Un-editable Blocks

  1. m Dev says:
    March 28, 2013 at 6:05 AM

    Hello, very nice tip. Thanks. I am having a strange block related problem from one of my clients. The block name is A$C42957A01. It was inserted in Floor-Basement. i.e when you pick it the layer Floor-Basement will show up in quick properties. But if you switch off another layer, RW, automatically the block is not visible. It means, the client, has drawn it in RW layer, messed it up and it appears in Floor-Basement. Can u help me solve this problem, by transferring to either one of the layers, Floor-Basement or RW

    Reply
  2. HBS62 says:
    June 27, 2014 at 1:38 PM

    Hi,

    I would like lock my block with password, is it possible?

    Thx for your answer!

    Reply
  3. HBS62 says:
    June 27, 2014 at 1:40 PM

    Ha another term, it’s parametrable 3D blocks!

    So i don’t want to lock parametrable terms but only i don’t want than many people touch my block cause i past a lot of time on them.

    Reply

  4. Pingback: Add Objects to Block Using Edit Block In Place | AutoCAD Tips

  5. Nalla says:
    October 1, 2016 at 6:19 AM

    everytime i try the edit block in place this show in command prompt Application reference missing: ACAD, to AcDbLinetypeTableRecord. thats why i cant edit a block with reference…
    *Cancel*

    Reply
  6. Cass Ramirez. says:
    February 1, 2018 at 9:59 AM

    Hey, so i guess is a common situation trying to protect your blocks from someone else to edit them.
    I tried this option but there is the option of “edit in place” still available, is there a chance that can be locked too?

    Reply

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