topic Re: Updating Excel file in autocad 2016 in AutoCAD Forum

Updating Excel file in autocad 2016

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 23:14:53 GMT

Hello all,

I am just playing around with excel table in autocad 2016. I created an excel file called SheetList.xls with mock information and imported that table into autocad using the "insert data link" option. The table got inserted the way I wanted. Then I went on to update the excel file a message bubble popped up asking if I wanted to update the table. I proceeded on to update the table. However when I did that the updated field came though with larger text and the table got all distorted.

How can I update the table without it getting all distorted.

Thank you.

Deavi

Re: Updating Excel file in autocad 2016

john.vellek — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 23:48:20 GMT

HI @Anonymous,

I have the best luck when I let Excel do ALL the formatting. How did you configure this when you inserted your table with your datalink?

Re: Updating Excel file in autocad 2016

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 00:15:37 GMT

Hello @john.vellek,

I followed the instructions listed below:

To create a Data Link I’ve found the easiest way is to simply just start creating a table using the Table button on the Annotate tab of the Ribbon. Selecting this button opens the Insert Table dialog box we need to first tick the From a Data Link radio button and then click the Launch Data Link Manager button as shown in the red box on fig. 2 below.

Fig. 2

At the Data Link Manager dialog box we will place a click on the text that says ‘Create a new Excel Data Link’, we are then prompted to enter a name for this link and select OK. Having done this we will be provided with the New Excel Data Link: <NAME> dialog box where we need to select the file we would like to link to using the three dot button as highlighted in the red box on fig. 3 below.

Fig. 3

Selecting your Excel file will expand the dialog box to that shown in fig. 3 above giving access to the Link options panel. Here you can choose wether to link to an entire Sheet, named range or a specified range of cells. Choosing OK will generate an entry for the newly created data link in the Select a Data Link dialog box where we will select it and choose OK. We will be returned to the Insert Table dialog box where we will select OK and then specify a location in the drawing for the table to be inserted. We are now able to use familiar AutoCAD processes to control the display options for the table. If the Excel data is updated while you are in the drawing you will be provided with a balloon notification in the lower right hand corner of the application as seen in fig. 4 below.

Re: Updating Excel file in autocad 2016

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 00:44:40 GMT

I have actually figured out how to amend the distorted fields so that they look the same as other fields. I just used the function "match cell" and once the text was changed to suit the rest of the text I had to unlock the cells. Once they were unlocked I was able to adjust the rows and align the text to suit.

Not sure if there is another easier way to do this.

Deavi

Re: Updating Excel file in autocad 2016

john.vellek — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 17:25:07 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

These are the settings I like to use in my datalink so the formatting remains consistent.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

Re: Updating Excel file in autocad 2016

Anonymous — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 23:58:59 GMT

Hello @john.vellek,

The solution you provided worked like magic. I didn't realise that "Modify Excel Link" popup could be extended.

Sorry can I ask you another question relating to the table function. I updated the autocad drawing with a new line of information(line 10: see image below) and I want it to update the Source file (excel file). When I selected "Upload to Source" option I get the following message.

How do I get autocad to update the excel file.

Kind Regards,

Deavi

Re: Updating Excel file in autocad 2016

Anonymous — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 17:58:23 GMT

Hey Deavi,

is there any chance you figured out how to update the excel sheet in Autocad? I'm trying to figure this out to no avail.

Please let me know if you have! Thanks!

- Christian