What Is the Difference Between Burst and Explode AutoCAD?
When working with AutoCAD, it’s important to understand the differences between certain commands to ensure accuracy and efficiency in your designs. Two such commands that often cause confusion are Burst and Explode.
While both commands can be used to break down complex objects into their individual components, they have distinct functionalities. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between Burst and Explode in AutoCAD.
Burst Command
The Burst command in AutoCAD is primarily used to convert blocks or external references (Xrefs) into editable content within the current drawing file. When you burst a block or Xref, it breaks down the object into its constituent parts, essentially exploding it without losing any data associated with it. This command is particularly useful when you need to modify specific elements within a block or Xref without affecting other instances of that block or Xref in your drawing.
To use the Burst command:
- Type ‘BURST’ on the command line or select ‘Burst’ from the Modify menu.
- Select the block or Xref you want to burst.
- AutoCAD will prompt you to specify an insertion point for each exploded entity.
- All exploded entities will retain their original properties and can be individually modified.
Explode Command
The Explode command, on the other hand, is used to break down complex objects into separate entities. When you explode an object in AutoCAD, it disassembles any blocks, polylines, or other compound objects into their individual components.
However, unlike the Burst command, Explode permanently removes the association and properties of the exploded object. This means that any attributes, block references, or other information linked to the exploded object will be lost.
To use the Explode command:
- Type ‘EXPLODE’ on the command line or select ‘Explode’ from the Modify menu.
- Select the object you want to explode.
- AutoCAD will break down the object into its individual components.
- All exploded entities will lose their original properties and become independent entities.
Choosing Between Burst and Explode
When deciding whether to use Burst or Explode in AutoCAD, consider your specific needs and the consequences of each command. If you want to modify a block or Xref without affecting other instances of it in your drawing, Burst is the appropriate choice. On the other hand, if you need to completely disassemble an object into separate entities and don’t require any linkages or associations, Explode is more suitable.
Summary
In summary, Burst and Explode are two distinct commands in AutoCAD with different functionalities. Burst allows you to convert blocks or Xrefs into editable content while retaining their properties, making it ideal for modifying specific elements within those objects.
Explode breaks down complex objects into separate entities but permanently removes their associations and properties. Choosing between Burst and Explode depends on your specific requirements for editing or disassembling objects in your AutoCAD drawings.
By understanding these differences and utilizing these commands effectively, you can enhance your productivity and precision when working with AutoCAD.