Commands

ATTEDIT command in AutoCAD : Changes attribute information in a block

What is the attedit command?

The ATTEDIT command in AutoCAD lets you change attribute information in a block instance (a block reference) — for example, updating an item number, part code, or text value stored as an attribute inside a block. Use ATTEDIT when you want to modify the attribute value of an existing block instance without editing the block definition itself.

Explanations — key concepts you should know

  • Attribute vs. Attribute definition: An attribute definition (created when you make the block) defines the attribute’s tag, prompt, default value, and properties (like Invisible or Constant). An attribute value is the instance-specific text stored in a block reference. ATTEDIT edits the value in a block reference, not the definition inside the block.
  • ATTDIA system variable: controls whether the Attribute Editor dialog appears (dialog mode) or whether ATTEDIT uses command‑line prompts. If you prefer a dialog, set ATTDIA = 1; if you want command‑line prompts, set ATTDIA = 0.
  • ATTDISP system variable: controls whether attributes are displayed in the drawing (can affect visibility).
  • Constant / Invisible attributes: If an attribute is flagged Constant, it won’t be editable per instance with ATTEDIT; you must change the block definition. If an attribute is Invisible, it may not be visible in the drawing but can still be edited if allowed.
  • Related commands you should know: AE (alias for ATTEDIT), BATTMAN (Block Attribute Manager — edit definitions), ATTSYNC (synchronize instances after changing block definition), ATTOUT/ATTIN (export/import attribute data), EATTEDIT (Enhanced Attribute Editor in some toolsets), and B / REFEDIT or Block Editor to change definitions.

How to use attedit — step by step

Below are the common methods to edit attribute values. Use whichever fits your workflow.

Method A — Using the Attribute Editor dialog (recommended for beginners)

  1. Type AE or ATTEDIT in the command line and press Enter.
  2. If the Attribute Editor dialog does not appear, set ATTDIA = 1 and retry.
  3. The dialog lists attributes for the selected block instance. Select the block reference you want to edit (click it in the drawing or select from the list).
  4. In the dialog, click the attribute you want to change, type the new Value, and press OK (or click Apply) to update the block instance.

Example: change attribute “PART_NO” from “A100” to “A105” — select the block, choose PART_NO in the dialog, type A105, press OK.

Method B — Command-line ATTEDIT (ATTDIA = 0)

  1. Type ATTEDIT and press Enter.
  2. Follow the prompts: select the block reference, then select the attribute (or enter options) and type the new value at the command line prompts.
  3. Repeat as needed for other attributes or blocks.

Quick alternative — using the Properties palette

  1. Select the block reference in the drawing.
  2. Open the Properties palette (CTRL+1).
  3. In the Properties list you’ll find the attributes section; change the attribute Value directly there. Press Enter to apply.

Bulk edits — multiple blocks

  • ATTEDIT supports editing multiple selected blocks in a single pass (depends on options and prompts).
  • For exporting, editing in a spreadsheet, and re-importing, use ATTOUT to export attribute values to a CSV, edit values in Excel, then use ATTIN to import changes back.

Alternative methods and related commands

  • BATTMAN (Block Attribute Manager): Edit attribute definitions inside block definitions (tag names, prompts, default values, settings like Invisible or Constant). Use when you need to change the attribute behavior globally.
  • Block Editor (B / BE): Open block definition to edit attribute definitions directly (change default text or property flags).
  • ATTSYNC: After you change a block definition (for example, add or rename attributes), use ATTSYNC to synchronize existing block instances so they reflect the new definition.
  • ATTOUT / ATTIN: Export attribute values to a text/CSV file, edit values externally, then import them back.
  • EATTEDIT: If you have Express Tools or enhanced attribute utilities, EATTEDIT provides a more advanced interface for batch editing (availability depends on your AutoCAD installation).

Common problems and fixes

  • Problem: ATTEDIT doesn’t open the dialog or only uses the command line.
    Fix: set ATTDIA = 1 to enable the Attribute Editor dialog.

  • Problem: Attributes are not visible or cannot be selected.
    Fix: check ATTDISP (attribute display), check the block’s layer isn’t frozen/off/locked, and make sure attributes aren’t set to Invisible. Turn on layers and thaw/unlock as needed.

  • Problem: You cannot change an attribute value — ATTEDIT won’t let you edit it.
    Fix: the attribute may be flagged Constant or the value is part of the block definition. Open the Block Editor or use BATTMAN to change the attribute definition. Use ATTSYNC after redefining attributes to update instances.

  • Problem: After editing definitions, existing blocks don’t update.
    Fix: use ATTSYNC (select the block name or entire drawing) to synchronize instances with the updated definition.

  • Problem: Need to change the attribute tag or prompt for many blocks.
    Fix: edit the attribute definition in BATTMAN or Block Editor, then run ATTSYNC to update all instances.

  • Problem: You need to edit attributes in many blocks quickly.
    Fix: export attributes with ATTOUT, edit in a spreadsheet, then ATTIN to reapply. Alternatively use BATTMAN or EATTEDIT for batch edits if available.

Tips and best practices

  • Use AE as a quick alias for ATTEDIT.
  • Keep a consistent naming convention for attribute tags (e.g., PART_NO, REV, DWG_NO) to simplify exports and searches.
  • Before making bulk changes, make a backup or save a copy of the drawing.
  • If you need to change whether an attribute can be edited per-instance, change its Constant flag in the block definition rather than trying to force ATTEDIT.
  • Use ATTOUT and ATTIN for precise, spreadsheet-based bulk edits (great for BOMs and tag lists).
  • When scripting or automating, remember ATTDIA controls dialog vs command-line mode — set ATTDIA to 0 for scriptable, silent editing.

FAQ

Why can’t I edit an attribute value even though I used ATTEDIT?

The attribute may be set as Constant (fixed at definition level) or you’re editing the block definition rather than the instance. Check the attribute’s definition in BATTMAN or the Block Editor, and change the property if you need instance-level editability. Also ensure the block’s layer and attribute display aren’t preventing selection.

How do I edit attribute definitions (tag, prompt, default) for many blocks?

Use BATTMAN (Block Attribute Manager) or open the Block Editor. After modifying definitions, run ATTSYNC to update all existing block instances.

How can I edit attributes for many blocks at once?

Options: use ATTEDIT with multiple selection, export attributes with ATTOUT, edit in Excel, and re-import with ATTIN, or use batch tools like EATTEDIT (if installed) or scripts/APIs.

My attributes are invisible in the drawing — how do I edit them?

Check the attribute Invisible flag in the block definition (BATTMAN/Block Editor). Also ensure ATTDISP allows attribute display and that the block’s layer is thawed and turned on. You can still edit invisible attributes via BATTMAN, ATTOUT/ATTIN, or by selecting the block and using the Properties palette.

What’s the fastest way to change a single attribute value on a block in-place?

Select the block and open the Properties palette (CTRL+1) — under attributes you can directly change the Value. Alternatively use AE (ATTEDIT) to open the Attribute Editor.

Will changing attribute values affect exported BOMs or schedules?

Yes — attribute values are what export to BOMs and schedules. If you change values, re-export or update your attribute export (ATTOUT) before creating reports.

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