Libraries & Blocks

What is a Block?

• Let’s say you want to use the same element multiple times across your drawings (a chair, a desk, or a door, for instance)!

• For the sake of time and consistency, you might want to ensure that, in the future, you would be able to change all the instances of this element at once by only changing one of them. Well, blocks do precisely that!

In Rayon, blocks can be found in the left-side panel:

Block Libraries

• Libraries are collections of blocks that can be imported or created to be used across your models and by the rest of your team

• You can use pre-existing libraries of blocks (at Rayon, we have built extensive libraries for you to use) or create your own library to share with your team

Using a Library 🪑

Let’s start by using pre-existing libraries:

• Click on the Blocks icon on the upper left toolbar

• Then click on the Library button that opens up on the sidebar

• In the “Block Libraries” window that opened up, you will find a list of all existing libraries

• The libraries are divided into your libraries, other libraries that were shared with you, and Rayon libraries

• Click on one of the libraries and select a few blocks, then click on Import Blocks

• You can now drag and drop these blocks from the library onto the canvas

Simple, right?

Creating a Library 🛠️

Now let’s create your own block library and share it with teammates in your organization:

• Let’s start from a model where you have blocks you want to share

• From within your model editor, select the Share button

• Then, select the Publish Library, and enable the share button

• This model will now be listed as a Library. It will be accessible to you and your colleagues from any models in that workspace

Creating a Custom Block

Nothing is simpler than creating a new block in Rayon:

• Select one or a collection of elements you want to save as a block

• Click on the Block button (shortcut CTRL + B) in the command line, and press Enter

• Your new block was added to the block library on the left-side sider

• Simply drag and drop this block on the canvas to add new instances to your model

• ...and now, a bit of magic: editing any of the blocks will change all other instances present on the canvas!

Adding Properties Onto a Block

Blocks can contain custom-made properties that give information about things like their brand, cost, and more.

• Click on the block thumbnail in the library on the left side panel.

• Then, a right sider will appear. Click on the + button and then on + Add property. Give the property a name and a type, and click on Save.

• Click on the property you just made to add it onto the block and fill in its value.

• That's it! The block now has an embedded property. For more about properties and how to use them, check out our Tables documentation.

Creating a Custom Opening Block

You might want to create your own opening block rather than use the rayon doors and windows. Here is how it's done:

• Select the elements you want to save as a block

• Click on the Block button (shortcut CTRL + B) in the command line, and press Enter

• Drag and drop the block from left-side library on the canvas

• Click on the block and then on the Edit (E) button; now, you will notice a white dot in the middle of the block (this dot is its insertion point to the model).

• Swap the dot with a line on the top right panel, and click on Exit

• Thats it! Your opening block will now punch through a Rayon wall.

Where to Find New Blocks?

Rayon’s library might not be enough for you. You might have specific needs or be looking for particular items.

That’s why Rayon has created a 1400+ library of blocks. Everything from kitchen blocks to sports facilities, housing or office space items, or even public transportation is available on KITS, our free block website, here.

Any item found on this website can be downloaded freely and uploaded to Rayon to be used! 🚀

Congratulations, You Completed The Design Section! 🥳

• You now master Rayon’s advanced design features. Feel free to look into the next section!

• Still missing something? 🤔 → We are here to help; just leave a message in the chat 👉