topic Re: Adjusting Table/Cells To Suit Schedule Requirements in AutoCAD Forum

Adjusting Table/Cells To Suit Schedule Requirements

danielhodson — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 14:48:33 GMT

Hi everyone, I am looking for some advice on a DWG material schedule I am trying to create. I am sort of getting there with it but need some advanced knowledge I think.

I have attached the DWG for reference.

So my aim is to automate this schedule so I can have multiple materials & gauges (possibly a drop down menu) that link to their own individual weight parameters (Weight of material is currently located in E2). I can currently only figure out how to have 1 material per sheet, I would have to do multiple sheets for each different material we use (We use a lot).

I also need the safety information box to be automated so that if the total unit weight exceeds 25kg then the relevant warning appears without having to select it manually from the drop down list currently shown which I made using a block.

I know this would be a lot easier to do in Excel but I am trying to avoid using Excel and keep the scheduling solely in Autocad.

Any help with this would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you

Re: Adjusting Table/Cells To Suit Schedule Requirements

Ed__Jobe — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:10:11 GMT

AutoCAD tables aren't that sophisticated, at least not without custom programming. I would set it up in Excel using lookups and functions, then use the DATALINK command to link your spreadsheet to a table.

Re: Adjusting Table/Cells To Suit Schedule Requirements

danielhodson — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:18:43 GMT

Thank you for your response!

I already have it set up in Excel I was just trying to avoid using 2 programmes and keep everything in Autocad. As we currently do it we have to screen grab the drawing part of the schedule and paste into Excel.

I have tried using the Datalink function but could not figure out any way that would replicate what the attached excel file can do using look ups and conditional formatting.

Do you think the only way to get it to work as required is custom programming? I wouldn't know where to start with something like this but keen to learn!

Re: Adjusting Table/Cells To Suit Schedule Requirements

Ed__Jobe — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:28:39 GMT

Once you link the spreadsheet, you don't edit it in AutoCAD, you edit it in xl and it will update the dwg. xl has the dropdowns, lookups and functions you need. Create a named range in xl for the section you want to be the table in AutoCAD. Save the xls as an xlt template for new projects.

Re: Adjusting Table/Cells To Suit Schedule Requirements

pendean — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:30:56 GMT

@danielhodson wrote:

Do you think the only way to get it to work as required is custom programming? I wouldn't know where to start with something like this but keen to learn!

Lots of developers hit these forums, like these https://jtbworld.com/contact , ask them for a feasibility review and a fee quote.

Re: Adjusting Table/Cells To Suit Schedule Requirements

danielhodson — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:34:58 GMT

Thanks for the info much appreciated!

Re: Adjusting Table/Cells To Suit Schedule Requirements

danielhodson — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:35:32 GMT

Thank you, I will be sure to contact them.

Re: Adjusting Table/Cells To Suit Schedule Requirements

Ed__Jobe — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 16:41:22 GMT

I did a test dwg with your spreadsheet and it worked fine. Here are the steps:

1. Use DATALINK to create a link to your spreadsheet. It helps to specify a named range to link to.

2. Use the TABLE command. Under Insert Options, specify the data link you just created.

3. When you need to update the table, select it, then right click on it ans select Data Links>Open data link file.