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AutoCAD INSERT Command: How to Insert Blocks into a Drawing

Places a block definition or a DWG file into the drawing as a block.

Command
INSERT
Aliases
I
English name
Insert

The AutoCAD INSERT command places a block definition, or another DWG file, into the drawing as a block. In AutoCAD 2020 and later it opens the Blocks palette, which shows previews of blocks in the current drawing, recently used blocks and blocks from other drawings on separate tabs.

Options at the bottom of the palette decide whether the insertion point, scale and rotation are specified on screen or entered as values. With Repeat Placement on, you can place the same block many times in a row; with Explode on, the block is broken into separate objects after insertion.

If you prefer the old Insert dialog, use CLASSICINSERT. The command-line version is -INSERT, which is used in scripts.

How to use it

  1. Type INSERT or I and press Enter to open the Blocks palette.
  2. Pick a block from the current drawing, or browse to a file on the relevant tab for a block from another drawing.
  3. Set the Insertion Point, Scale and Rotation options at the bottom of the palette.
  4. Drag the block into the drawing, or click it and then pick the insertion point.
  5. With Repeat Placement on, pick more points and press Esc to finish.

Options

Insertion Point
When checked, the point is picked on screen; otherwise enter X, Y and Z values.
Scale
X, Y and Z scale factors for the block; Uniform Scale is also available.
Rotation
The insertion angle, picked on screen or entered as a value.
Repeat Placement
Keeps placing the same block until you press Esc.
Explode
Breaks the block into separate objects after it is placed.
Basepoint
At the command line, temporarily changes the base point during placement.

Notes and tips

  • When you insert a DWG file, the whole file becomes one block definition, with its base point taken from INSBASE in that file.
  • If you are not prompted for attribute values, check that ATTREQ is set to 1.
  • If you closed the Blocks palette, reopen it with the BLOCKSPALETTE command.