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Mask Block Definitions
Mask blocks are symbol-based style definitions that consist of a shape definition
to serve as a masking object along with optional additional graphics.
NOTE Mask blocks only affect AEC Objects and cannot mask generic AutoCAD
objects such as lines, arcs, circles, etc.
Mask Block Definition Naming Conventions:
Because Mask Block Definitions are symbolic objects, naming conventions
are similar to those used for standard block definitions. Since mask block
definitions are best stored as AEC Content, you may also want the name to
indicate the category of AEC Content in which the mask block definition
belongs:
Descriptive field>_<Optional descriptive field>_...<Optional size indication>
Example Mask Block Definition Names:
Example NameMask Block Definition Description
I_Elec_Lighting_Fluor_2x22’x2’ fluorescent lighting fixture for use in
an imperial Architectural project.
Company X_I_Furn_Table_ConfCustom conference table created by/for
“Company X” for use in imperial projects.
Best Practices for Mask Block Definitions:
■ When creating geometry to serve as additional graphics for the mask block
definition, create it on the layer “0” with color, line weight, line type and
plot style set to “BYBLOCK”, unless you have a specific reason to override
any of these values with an explicit value.
NOTE Only the objects selected as “Additional Graphics” can be assigned a
unique property for color, line weight, line type and plot style prior to being
defined as a mask block. The objects that make up the masking shape will
ignore any of those overrides once made part of a mask block definition,
following the assignments given to their display representations instead.
■ Store mask blocks as AEC Content. This way they can be easily accessed
through the Design Center. Additionally, a palette-based tool can be used
to allow users to find them without navigating the AEC Content folder
structure.
Multi-Purpose Objects | 971
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