Exploding objects converts single objects to their constituent parts but has no visible effect. For example, exploding forms simple lines and arcs from polylines, rectangles, donuts, and polygons. It replaces a block reference or associative dimension with copies of the simple objects that compose the block or dimension. Groups explode into their member objects or into other groups.
To explode an object
- From the Modify menu, choose Explode.
- Select the objects to be exploded.
An exploded object doesn’t look any different, but the colors, linetypes, and lineweights of objects can change. Component objects of a block assume their original properties.
When you explode a polyline, AutoCAD discards the associated width information. The resulting lines and arcs follow the polyline’s centerline. If you explode a block that contains a polyline, you need to explode the polyline separately. However, a nonuniformly scaled block can be exploded during an insert. If you explode a donut, its width becomes 0.
Blocks inserted with unequal X, Y, and Z scale factors may explode into unexpected objects. You cannot explode xrefs and their dependent blocks. If you explode a block with attributes, the attributes are deleted, but the attribute definitions from which they were created remain. The attribute values and any modifications made by the ATTEDIT command are lost.