What is a Dynamic Block & Why Should I Use Them?

What is a Dynamic Block?

A dynamic block in AutoCAD adds flexibility and efficiency to your drawings. Unlike traditional static blocks, where each variation of an object requires a separate block, dynamic blocks allow you to create a single block with multiple configurations. With the use of dynamic parameters such as size, shape, and orientation, you can easily adapt one block to meet various design requirements without cluttering your file with duplicates.

Why should I use Dynamic Blocks?

Why use dynamic blocks is an easy answer, file size! As the file size of drawings increases the slower your PC becomes. Take a simple woodscrew, you may have separate blocks for each size of screw on a drawing therefore the simple screws you add to your drawings can amount to over 1MB in file size. Add to this individual blocks for machine screws, panel pins and hardware and your drawing becomes unnecessarily large. Using a dynamic block reduces the file size by adding only one block to the drawing, you simply change the properties of the block as required in each position.

In addition to reducing the file size of your drawings, dynamic blocks promote consistency throughout your company. When using traditional blocks, a small variation in the name of the block will add an additional, unneccesary block to your drawing. With dynamic blocks, the properties remain consistent, ensuring all variations stem from the same source and are modified uniformly.