BACTIONBAR command in AutoCAD : Displays or hides action bars for a selection set of parameter objects

If you need a clear, beginner-friendly guide to using the bsactionbar command in AutoCAD, this article explains what the command does, how to run it step by step, why it might fail, alternatives to achieve the same result, practical tips, and a helpful FAQ.

What is the BSACTIONBAR command?

The bsactionbar (often entered as BSACTIONBAR) command in AutoCAD displays or hides action bars associated with a selection of parameter objects. Action bars are part of the Dynamic block authoring environment and provide quick grips/buttons next to parameters so you can interact with actions (move, rotate, stretch, etc.) more easily during block editing.

Key points:

• It is primarily used inside the block editor (BEDIT) when working with dynamic blocks.
• It affects the visual display of action bars for selected parameter objects (show/hide), making block authoring and testing easier.
• If you cannot see action bars, this command is one way to toggle their visibility for selected parameters.

How to use bsactionbar (Step by step)

Quick command

Type BSACTIONBAR at the command line (case does not matter), then follow the prompts.

Detailed steps

1. Open your drawing in AutoCAD.
2. Open the block you want to edit in the Block Editor:
   • Run the BEDIT command and choose the block, or right-click a block and choose edit block In-Place / Block Editor depending on your workflow.
3. Ensure the object you want to affect is a parameter (part of a dynamic block). Action bars only apply to parameter objects.
4. At the command line type BSACTIONBAR and press Enter.
5. When prompted, select the parameter object(s) whose action bars you want to show or hide. You can select one or several parameters.
6. Follow any on-screen options (for many versions the command toggles visibility or offers explicit On/Off choices). Press Enter to confirm.
7. Observe the action bars appear or disappear next to the selected parameters.
8. When finished, save changes and close the Block Editor (use save block or BCLOSE).

Example (before/after):

• Before: parameter grips visible, no action bars shown → actions are harder to pick directly.
• After: action bars displayed next to parameters → quick access to action buttons and easier manipulation.

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

• You are not in the Block Editor
  Fix: Open the block with BEDIT. bsactionbar operates on block-authoring parameter objects; it usually won’t work in Model space unless you are editing a block.

• Selected objects are not parameter objects
  Fix: Make sure you select actual parameters (e.g., linear, polar, lookup parameters) inside a dynamic block. Regular geometry (lines, polylines) does not have action bars.

• Using AutoCAD LT or a version without block authoring features
  Fix: AutoCAD LT has limited block authoring capabilities and may not support all block authoring commands. Use full AutoCAD for advanced dynamic block authoring.

• Layer or visibility settings hide action bars
  Fix: Check that the layer(s) containing parameters or authoring elements are not frozen, off, or locked. Thaw/turn on layers and try again.

• UI or system variables hide grips/visual helpers
  Fix: Verify settings that control grip/display in your workspace (grip visibility, contextual UI). If grips or authoring helpers are globally disabled, enable them in Options or the corresponding system variables.

• Corrupt block or drawing issues
  Fix: Try AUDIT, RECOVER, or -PURGE on the drawing. Save a copy and reopen. If the block is corrupted, recreate the block or reinsert from a working copy.

• Command name/version differences
  Fix: Some AutoCAD releases or localized versions may use slightly different names or require the command from within the Block Editor interface (ribbon/palette). Check your version’s help if the command is not found.

Alternative methods to manage or display action-like tools

• Use the Block Editor (BEDIT) interface and the Block Authoring panels on the ribbon (Parameters / Actions). The ribbon gives graphical access to parameter and action controls without the command line.
• Use the Properties palette while editing a block to access and modify parameter and action properties directly.
• Use in-place editing (REFEDIT) if you need to edit a specific block instance without opening the full Block Editor.
• If the goal is to control visibility or access to block functionality rather than showing UI helpers, consider using visibility states or Lookup Parameters within the dynamic block to provide user-friendly controls.
• For automation, consider using AutoLISP or script files to run the command across multiple blocks (in full AutoCAD, not LT).

Tips and best practices

• Always work on a copy of your block when experimenting with parameters and action bars.
• Keep parameters and actions organized on named layers so you can easily control visibility during authoring.
• Use the Block Authoring Palettes for structured control over parameters and actions — they provide a visual way to add, link, and test behaviors.
• Test blocks in a simple drawing before using them in complex projects to confirm action bar behavior and parameter responses.
• Save incremental versions of dynamic blocks (versioning) so you can revert if changing visibility or actions introduces unintended results.
• If something stops working after a workspace change, try resetting the workspace or switching to a workspace with the Block Editor ribbon visible.

FAQ: Is bsactionbar available in AutoCAD LT?

No. AutoCAD LT has limited block authoring features. Advanced block authoring commands like BSACTIONBAR typically require the full AutoCAD (not LT). In LT you can use pre-existing dynamic blocks but creating or fully authoring dynamic behaviors is limited.

FAQ: Will showing action bars affect printed drawings?

No. Action bars are a visual authoring aid only; they do not print and are not part of the plotted output. They are intended for block editing and authoring.

FAQ: Can I run bsactionbar on multiple blocks at once?

You can select multiple parameter objects within the Block Editor to toggle their action bars in a single operation. To affect multiple different blocks, edit each block in the Block Editor or use automation (scripting/LISP) with care.

FAQ: Why do I still not see action bars after running the command?

Common reasons: you are not in the Block Editor, you did not select parameter objects, the layer containing authoring elements is turned off/frozen, or your workspace/UI settings hide grips. Verify those and try again.

FAQ: Can I automate bsactionbar with a script or LISP?

Yes — in full AutoCAD you can call the command from scripts or AutoLISP routines. Automation requires knowledge of selection sets and ensuring the script runs inside the proper editing context (Block Editor if required).

FAQ: Do action bars work on block references (instances) or only inside block definitions?

Action bars are part of the block authoring environment and primarily appear while editing the block definition in the Block Editor. Some interactive handles/grips are available on block instances, but BSACTIONBAR is used to control authoring UI for parameters.