Navigating blocks - a picture worth a thousand words

You will agree - if you search a specific block it is quite difficult to pick the right one in large block catalogs displaying only the block titles and descriptions.

A picture says all (almost). This is true especially for 3D blocks, entourage and non-technical blocks and symbols. Of course if you know you need an ANSI or DIN standard ball bearing with 2" diameter, you don't need a picture of it.

The good news is that most CAD formats already contain a small thumbnail view of the contents of a file. This preview image is generated automatically by the CAD application while saving the file. Most file formats use a standard method for such raster thumbnails and so your Windows Explorer (and other file managers) is able to display the thumbnails along the file names. Automatically. Without the original native application.

Many online CAD block libraries use the same way - they can display block thumbnails making the navigation easier for the user (visitor). E.g. the CAD Forum CAD Block Catalog automatically generates the thumbnail image when you upload your CAD block (DWG, IPT, or RFA).

This is the reason why it is important to save your block while you are in a comprehensive, clear view orientation (zoomed, 3D isometric, etc.) - the automatic thumbnail image will look the same way.

Free web resources of CAD blocks

There are many sites on the Internet which offer free download of CAD blocks and symbols. Some of them are well organized, some are just a heap of DWG files, some have only simple 2D symbols, some are specialized on 3D models, paramtric libraries or AutoCAD dynamic blocks. Some are specialized to architecture, HVAC or electrical, some have mapping symbols, some have only mechanical libraries and standard parts. Even more and more manufacturers offer free CAD blocks of their products on their web sites.

Such web libraries can help CAD users to add quickly the required product, entourage or symbol to their drawings and 3D CAD models.

If you know or run a usefull free site containing blocks and families in DWG, DXF, RFA, IPT or SAT format, let me know - so I can add the link to your site.