On which layer should I create blocks?
When you create blocks to insert into a drawing, you need to consider what layer to use for the components that make up the blocks. Your choice depends on the results you want. The last option listed below is what should be used the majority of the time. This techique gives to block the most flexibilty. Please use this method when creating blocks.
"When creating blocks for inserting into a drawing when the same block may be inserted on more than one layer, create the block on the zero (0) layer and have color, linetype and set to ByLayer. This will allow the symbol to take on the characteristics of the layer on which it will be inserted."
Component Properties | Insertion Results |
On any layer (except 0); color & linetype set to ByLayer | Block keeps properties of that layer. AutoCAD creates the layer if necessary when you insert it into another drawing. If the layer exists in the drawing but has other properties, the block takes on the properties of the layer in that drawing. If you insert the block on a different layer, it keeps its original properties, but is reported (in Properties window) as being on the insertion layer. |
On any layer (including 0); color & linetype set explicitly | Block keeps color & linetype that were set. AutoCAD creates the layer is necessary when you insert it into another drawing. |
On any layer (except 0); color & linetype set to ByBlock | Block takes on the layer and properties of current layer. AutoCAD creates the layer as necessary when you insert it into another drawing. |
On layer 0; color & linetype set to ByLayer or ByBlock | Block takes on the layer and properties of the current layer. |