Commands

BCLOSE command in AutoCAD : Closes the Block Editor

If you need a clear, step-by-step guide to using the BCLOSE command in AutoCAD — what it does, how to run it, why it may fail, and practical alternatives — this article explains everything a beginner needs to know.

What is the BCLOSE command?

BCLOSE is the AutoCAD command used to close the Block Editor and return to the main drawing environment. When you finish editing a block definition inside the Block Editor, BCLOSE ends that editing session. If you made changes, AutoCAD will typically prompt you to save or discard those changes before closing.

When and why you use BCLOSE

  • To finish editing a block after using BEDIT (Block Editor).
  • To exit the block editing environment and resume normal drawing or layout work.
  • To ensure the updated block definition is applied to all block instances in the drawing (if you save changes).

How to use BCLOSE (step by step)

Follow these exact steps to use BCLOSE safely and predictably.

  1. Open the Block Editor:

    • Select a block and choose Edit Block In-Place or use BEDIT and pick the block name.
    • The Block Editor (a special workspace/tab) opens and shows the block definition.

  2. Edit the block as needed:

    • Add or remove geometry, edit attributes, adjust grips, or modify parameters for dynamic blocks.

  3. Save your changes (optional but recommended):

    • Click the Save Block (green checkmark) on the Block Editor ribbon, or type BSAVE to save the block definition explicitly.
    • If you skip this, AutoCAD will prompt when you close whether you want to save changes.

  4. Close the Block Editor:

    • Type BCLOSE on the command line and press Enter.
    • Or click Close Block Editor on the Block Editor ribbon/tab.
    • When prompted “Save changes to block?” select Yes to commit changes, No to discard them, or Cancel to stay in the Block Editor.

  5. Confirm return to model or paper space:

    • After closing, you return to the drawing. Check block instances to verify saved changes took effect.

Quick command/shortcut tips

  • Default method: type BCLOSE and press Enter.
  • There is no built-in single-key shortcut for BCLOSE by default — you can create a command alias in the acad.pgp file (for example add a custom alias like BCL = BCLOSE) if you use it frequently.
  • Use the Block Editor ribbon buttons (green checkmark = Save Block; Close Block Editor button) for a graphical workflow.

Alternatives to BCLOSE (other ways to exit or manage block edits)

  • Use the Block Editor ribbon:
    • Click Save Block then Close Block Editor.
  • Use BSAVE to explicitly save a block definition, then close using the ribbon or the X on the editor tab.
  • Edit instances in-place with REFEDIT and finalize with REFCLOSE (useful for editing a specific block reference without entering the full Block Editor).
  • Use BEDIT to open multiple block definitions in separate tabs, then use their Close buttons or BCLOSE for each.
  • To export a block definition for reuse, use WBLOCK (write block to a separate DWG).

Common reasons BCLOSE doesn’t work — and how to fix them

  • Error: “No block currently being edited”
    Fix: You are not inside the Block Editor. Open the block with BEDIT or double-click a block to edit it in-place, then run BCLOSE.

  • BCLOSE ignored or grayed out in the ribbon
    Fix: The Block Editor is not active. Check the top tabs — the Block Editor tab appears only while editing a block. Activate the Block Editor first.

  • Changes are not applied after closing
    Fixes:

    • When prompted, choose Yes to save changes.
    • Ensure the DWG file is not read-only and you have write permission to save changes.
    • If the block is part of an Xref (external reference), you cannot modify its definition in the host drawing — edit the source DWG instead.

  • BCLOSE seems to hang or you can’t return to drawing
    Fix: A modal dialog (e.g., properties or another prompt) is open. Close any dialogs or press Esc until the command line is free, then try BCLOSE again.

  • Unsaved changes warning appears repeatedly
    Fix: Use BSAVE before closing to explicitly save the block definition; save the drawing file afterward. Confirm that automatic save or backup settings are not interfering.

  • Want to close without saving but avoid prompts
    Fix: Choose No when the save prompt appears. To automate behavior you could create scripts but be cautious: automated discards can cause data loss.

Practical tips and best practices

  • Always save the drawing after saving block definitions to ensure changes are permanently recorded.
  • Use BSAVE before BCLOSE when you want to make sure the block definition is stored without relying on the close prompt.
  • For frequent use, create a command alias for BCLOSE in acad.pgp (e.g., BCL, BCX) to speed workflow.
  • When working with Xrefs, edit the block in the referenced DWG and reload the Xref rather than trying to edit it in the host file.
  • Use Test Block (in Block Editor) to preview actions for dynamic blocks before closing.
  • Keep track of which blocks are open in the Block Editor — AutoCAD may allow multiple block tabs open simultaneously; close them individually with BCLOSE or use the editor tab close button.

FAQ

Does BCLOSE automatically save the block edits?

No. BCLOSE will prompt you to save changes if you made edits. If you choose Yes, the changes are saved to the block definition; choose No to discard them. To explicitly save before closing, use BSAVE.

Can I close multiple block editor tabs at once?

AutoCAD does not provide a dedicated “close all blocks” command in the standard interface. You must close each open block editor tab individually (via BCLOSE, tab close button, or ribbon). You can use scripting or a custom macro to automate closing multiple tabs if needed.

What’s the difference between BCLOSE, BSAVE and BEDIT?

  • BEDIT opens the Block Editor for a block definition.
  • BSAVE explicitly saves the current block definition while still in the Block Editor.
  • BCLOSE closes the Block Editor and will prompt you to save changes if you haven’t already.

Can I close the Block Editor without saving changes?

Yes — when BCLOSE asks “Save changes to block?”, select No to discard changes. Be careful: discarded edits cannot be recovered.

Why can’t I edit a block that lives inside an Xref?

Blocks inside an Xref (external reference) are managed by the referenced DWG. To change those blocks, open the referenced DWG, edit the block there, save, then reload the Xref in the host drawing.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut for BCLOSE?

Yes. Edit your acad.pgp file to add a custom alias (for example: BCL, = BCLOSE). After saving and reloading the profile or restarting AutoCAD, your alias will run BCLOSE when typed.

I closed the Block Editor but changes didn’t appear on instances — what happened?

Possible causes:

  • You chose No at the save prompt or cancelled the save.
  • The block instances are part of an Xref and thus are not updated from your host file.
  • The drawing file is read-only, preventing a save. Check file permissions and try saving the DWG, then reopen.

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