In Chapter 6, you used the Properties palette to change the individual linetype
scale for the roof objects. It can also be a tool for investigating objects in your
drawing. When the Properties palette is open and only one object is selected,
the palette displays data specific to the selected object. If multiple objects are
selected, it shows only the data shared by those objects.
Given the contextual nature of the Properties palette, it’s important to note
this behavior. As an example, information such as the name of a block will display
only when one or more of that same block is selected. In contrast, selecting
both a block and a line will display only the properties both objects share (such
as a layer), omitting differences (such as a block name). Follow these steps to use
the Properties palette to query information about blocks:
1. Continue using I07-03-InteriorDoor.dwg (M07-03-InteriorDoor
.dwg), or open it if it’s not already open.
2. Select one of the door blocks.
3. Click the Properties button on the View tab ➢ Palettes panel of the
Ribbon. Alternatively, you can right-click and choose Properties from
the context menu, or press Ctrl+1.
The Properties palette opens. The data displayed on the palette is
similar to that displayed when you used the LIST command, but it’s in
a slightly different form (see Figure 7.21). At the top of the dialog box,
a drop-down list displays the type of object selected—in this case, a
block reference. The fields that are white signify items that you can
change directly in the palette, and items that are grayed out cannot
be changed. You can’t change any values in the AutoCAD text window
F igu re 7 . 2 1 : The Properties palette with a door block selected
4. Close the Properties palette by clicking the X in the upper-left or
upper-right corner. Then press Esc to deselect the door block.
If you’re ever working on a drawing that someone else created, these tools for
finding out about objects will be invaluable. The next exercise on working with
blocks involves placing windows in the walls of the cabin.
