Rs Replace Points With Blocks
Last changed: dale@mcneel.com-204.177.179.125
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DeveloperRhinoScript
SummaryDemonstrates how to replace point objects with block objects using RhinoScript.

Question

I have a number of point objects in my model. I would like to replace them with a block so they appear as markers. How can I do this without running the Insert command a bunch of times?

Answer

The following sample code demonstrates how to replace point objects with block objects using RhinoScript. To use this script:

  1. Save the attached script to a text file with a .RVB extension.
  2. Load the file into RhinoScript using the LoadScript command.
  3. Run the script over and over using the RunScript command.

See the introduction section of the RhinoScript help file for more details on loading and running scripts.

  ' Replaces points with blocks
  Sub ReplacePointsWithBlocks


    ' Select points to replace with a block
    Dim arrObjects
    arrObjects = Rhino.GetObjects("Select points to replace with a block", 1, True, True)
    If Not IsArray(arrObjects) Then Exit Sub


    ' Get the names of all block definitions in the document    
    Dim arrBlocks
    arrBlocks = Rhino.BlockNames(True)
    If Not IsArray(arrBlocks) Then
      Rhino.Print "No block definitions found in the document."
      Exit Sub
    End If


    ' Select a block name from a list
    Dim strBlock
    strBlock = Rhino.ListBox(arrBlocks, "Select block", "Replace Points")
    If IsNull(strBlock) Then Exit Sub


    ' Turn off redrawing (faster)
    Rhino.EnableRedraw True      


    ' Process each selected point object
    Dim strObject, arrPoint
    For Each strObject In arrObjects
      ' Get the point object's coordinates
      arrPoint = Rhino.PointCoordinates(strObject)
      ' Insert the block at that location
      Rhino.InsertBlock strBlock, arrPoint
    Next


    ' Delete all of the point objects
    Rhino.DeleteObjects arrObjects   


    ' Turn redrawing back on     
    Rhino.EnableRedraw True      


  End Sub

Also, the following script will do just the opposite - it will replace block objects with point objects.

  ' Replaces blocks with points
  Sub ReplaceBlocksWithPoints


    ' Select blocks to replace with points
    Dim arrObjects
    arrObjects = Rhino.GetObjects("Select blocks to replace with points", 4096, True, True)
    If Not IsArray(arrObjects) Then Exit Sub


    ' Turn off redrawing (faster)
    Rhino.EnableRedraw True      


    ' Process each selected block object
    Dim strObject, arrPoint
    For Each strObject In arrObjects
      ' Get the block's insertion point
      arrPoint = Rhino.BlockInstanceInsertPoint(strObject)
      ' Add a point object at that location
      Rhino.AddPoint arrPoint
    Next


    ' Delete all of the block objects
    Rhino.DeleteObjects arrObjects   


    ' Turn redrawing back on     
    Rhino.EnableRedraw True      


  End Sub