Problem with blocks in a drawing

[knud160]

I have just recently started using blocks in drawing sheets and I'm having a problem I just can't figure out myself.
I have a block, consisting of some simple text, inserted onto the sheet format of a drawing. The block is linked to a file. When I edit the original file, then open the drawing, the block does not change. If I click the block, the property manager page shows the correct path to the block. If I click Browse, and select the same file, the block updates.
Shouldn't the block update automatically whenever I open a drawing? Or am I misunderstanding something about how blocks are supposed to work?

 

[SnowCrash]

Perhaps you need to load a view of a part and do a regen before it shows up? I know some of my fields in my custom sheet formats are like that.

--
Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2005 SP 4.0 (changing soon)
Nvidia Quadro FX 1000
AMD Athalon 1.8 GHz 2 Gig RAM

 

[knud160]

I don't have any problem with custom properties, this is just a block consisting of some plain text and a border. I've tried rebuilding, but the only thing that works is to browse to the file again.

Forgot to mention in my first post, SW2007 SP2.1

 

[ctopher]

Go to TOOLS/OPTIONS/SYSTEM OPTIONS tab/File Locations/Link to the block locations.

Chris
SolidWorks 07 4.0/PDMWorks 07
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 04-21-07)

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

It seems strange, but when opening a new drawing you will not see the updated block. All you have really done at that stage is open a template. A drawing has to first be created by saving the template as a .slddrw document. At least that's how it works on my machine.

 

[knud160]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. However, my file locations are all set correctly, and these are not new drawings. I have several hundred drawings that I just need to print with the new version of the block in place.
I've been using SolidWorks every day for the past 7 years, and I've never had trouble learning features that were new to me, but these blocks are driving me crazy!

 

[SBaugh]

I tested this in SW08 and it does work, but you must open the Drawing the block resides on.

My test was:

1) Make a block.
2) Place the block on a drawing
3) Go back to the original block and make a change.
4) Re-save the block (RMB the block and select "Save block")
5) Go back to the other drawing and the block updates as intended.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[cculp]

I have had similar issues with blocks..

Also, the same thing will happen with hatch patterns, a rebuild will not update the pattern, even after a reload of SW; you have to re-select it.

Charles Culp
Design Engineer
Essex Industries
Aerospace & Defense Div.

 

[EEnd]

In SW2007, when inserting a block there is a checkbox for “Link to File:” Did you select that when you originally inserted the block?

As a side note, I would think that having the block linked to the file may make things sticky when it comes to revision management.

Eric

 

[knud160]

The Link to File box is checked, and the path shown is correct. The block file itself is correct, it just doesn't update in the drawing unless I browse to the file.

We don't need to worry about revision control, these are just internal shop notes that need to be changed before we send the deliverables to the customer.

 

[SBaugh]

Since yours is not updating, remove the block and add a new one that has been saved and updated. If the block shows up the same then you can bet it was not saved as first thought... if it comes with the change then there is probably a bug there, but I know it has been fixed for SW08.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376