Chief Architect Help Database - Article Number:  499

How to Edit Architectural Blocks

The information in this article applies to:
  • Chief Architect X5
  • Chief Architect X4
  • Chief Architect X3
  • Chief Architect X2
  • Chief Architect X1
QUESTION

I have been working with architectural blocks from the Chief Architect Library Browser and these are not exactly what I need. How I can change these to meet my needs?

ANSWER

The architectural blocks included in the Library Browser are intended for inspiration and dissection. If you find one that is useful but requires a number of changes, feel free to explode the block and make changes to it.


To edit architectural blocks

  1. First, open a Chief Architect plan in which you would like to modify an architectural block.


  2. To place an architectural block, select Library> Library Browser  from the menu to open the Library Browser window and navigate to the architectural block you wish to modify.


  3. When you move your cursor into the drawing area, it will display the Architectural Blocks  icon.  Click once in your plan to add the architectural block at that location. 


  4. Click on the Select Objects  tool to select it, then click on the architectural block to select it and display its edit toolbar.


  5. With the architectural block selected, click the Explode Architectural Block  edit button. 

     

    • Explode Architectural Block changes the architectural block from a single, unmodifiable unit to a group of individual objects which can be selected independently.


  6. After you have made any needed changes, you can reblock the objects:

    • Click on the Select Objects  tool.

    • Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard and click and drag a rectangular selection marquee around the objects.  When you release the mouse button, the objects will be selected as a group.

    • Click the Make Architectural Block  edit button to merge the objects into a single architectural block again.


  7. You can also add this block to your library by selecting it, then click the Add to Library  edit button.


  8. Give the block a descriptive name, and save it into an unlocked library.

Last updated on: Mar 29, 2013


The Chief Architect support team has compiled a list of articles with common questions and answers.


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