Frequent tipster Danny Korem gives us a tip about managing blocks and other AutoCAD objects without exploding them.

"For a few years now, I haven't been exploding blocks and polylines — there's really no need to. I make all my blocks non-explodeable when I create them. They are editable through the Block Editor, which is a better, more comfortable environment that is totally isolated, with a bunch of features that can be added to make life easier. For example, one can add an Alignment Parameter to the block and make it alignable with a vector, no sweat. Or one can add points to the block that can be used later for easier maneuvers in the drawing context.

"What about polylines? Well, when selected, you can make a specific grip 'hot,' right-click, and you'll get quick access to the Edit Vertex. You'll be able to AddRemove vertices as well. This is as easy as it gets. Since linear polyline segments can be now turned to arcs (click on the mid-segment long grip, right-click, and opt for Convert to Arc), I find no reason whatsoever to explode anything, and I would rarely opt for the Explode feature. I find it much more productive than in the old days. Other objects, such as dimensions and attributes, don't need to be exploded for any reason, so I won't expect to find the Explode icon in the next versions unless users convince Autodesk to keep it."

Notes from Cadalyst Tip Reviewer Brian Benton: It is typically a bad idea to explode a block or polyline; however, there are times when you may want to. If you need to explode a block that has attributed text objects, I recommend the Burst command instead. It is an Express Tool that works similarly to Explode, except that it will retain the entered text values.

Exploding objects will revert them to their basic object types. Keep in mind that an exploded block can’t be rebuilt (unless you use the Undo command back far enough). When you make a block there is an option to make a block explodeable or not. If you don't select the Allow Exploding option, you will help protect blocks from accidental explosion. The only way that I know of to tell whether a block can be exploded (besides trying to explode it) is to look at the Explode option of the Insert Dialog window when inserting a block. If it is grayed out, then you cannot explode the block. If the Explode option is clickable, then the block can be exploded.