# Sample Block Preparation

Before working with Dynamic Legend, a sample block must be created in a Legend view. 

{% hint style="info" %}
There's a [**video guide**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65ael5rM95o) for sample block preparation as well
{% endhint %}

### Lines and Text Notes

You can create a sample block to your liking using lines and text notes. Place the text note where you would like to have a parameter name. This block will be copied multiple times with relevant parameter names and values filled in automatically.

<figure><img src="/files/FbGpv0qJAP5Lk2ecD8ug" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Generic Annotation for Parameter Values

Also, a sample block must contain a generic annotation **M\_SM\_Legend Parameter Text.rfa**. This text annotation will be filled with parameter values. You can load this family into the project by clicking “**Load Sample Annotations**”.

{% hint style="info" %}
For imperial projects, the **I\_SM\_Legend Parameter Text.rfa** is used
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/VZuZArOqN6wH5KW2yIlY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/0AuukFD6YVT849vlIxam" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/mLDhxYavcyejHVkbJErG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Legend Component

A sample block must also have a Legend Component.

These Legend Components can act as a graphical representation of elements in the table and are automatically updated for different families.

{% hint style="info" %}
Images can be used instead of Legend Components as well. And these images will also be updated automatically for different families.

To do that, images must have identical names to families and all images must be stored in one location.

For a detailed guide, watch this [**video**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0JZnryPw2o).
{% endhint %}

### Detail Item of Resizable Frame (optional)

**"Load Sample Annotations"** also loads in the **M\_SM\_Legend Component Dimension.rfa** family. It can also be used in the sample block. It will size itself accordingly to the **Width** and **Height** instance parameters of families.

These frames are often placed above the Legend Components and are dimensioned to graphically represent the sizes of elements (see examples below).

<figure><img src="/files/yea2yMUynSIUyte6e71v" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Example designs of sample blocks

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="372"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><img src="/files/dHjH8MdiEIUXvMlHSlWm" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><strong>Horizontal sample block</strong>. A block includes a <strong>Legend Component</strong> with the Detail Item <strong>Frame</strong> family with <strong>dimensions</strong> and a parameter name and value below. More rows of parameters (e.g. Width, Height, material, count, etc.) will be created later below the block.</td></tr><tr><td><img src="/files/2lJrv962xzC0hETJpB2B" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><strong>Horizontal sample block</strong> with an <strong>image</strong> instead of a Legend Component.</td></tr><tr><td><img src="/files/8461wIgSGsODhvctaFo9" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><strong>Horizontal sample block</strong> with <strong>multiple Legend Components</strong> with different View Directions and a <strong>dimensioned Frame</strong>.</td></tr><tr><td><img src="/files/DdlCl3sj2PysswH0cxyR" alt="" data-size="original"></td><td><strong>Vertical sample block</strong> with a <strong>Legend Component</strong> and <strong>row numbers</strong>. More columns for parameters (e.g. Width, Height, material, count, etc.) will later be created on the right side of the block.</td></tr></tbody></table>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.besmart.software/2d-drafting-and-documentation/smart-documentation/dynamic-legend/sample-block-preparation.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.