topic Re: Automated Layout Generation from Block reference in AutoCAD Map 3D Forum

Generation from Block reference

manyamjyotsna — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:53:18 GMT

Dear All,

I am new to this platform and am currently facing a challenge involving the automated generation of layouts from model space GRID blocks.

Specifically, I need to create over 100 layouts, each corresponding to a unique GRID block. Manually generating these layouts is proving to be quite time-consuming, and I am exploring automation solutions.

I have attached a sample DWG file containing five GRID blocks with GeoIMAGE, along with a sample layout for reference.

My goal is to automate the generation of layouts for all GRID blocks. Each layout should be named according to the SHTNUM attribute value associated with its respective GRID block, and the viewport properties (scale, etc.) should match those of the provided sample layout.

I would be immensely grateful for any guidance or assistance you could provide in achieving this automation.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Re: Automated Layout Generation from Block reference

O_Eckmann — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:52:04 GMT

Hi @manyamjyotsna ,

You could try something like that

(defun C:AutoLayout ( / ssBlk oBlk sShtNum I PT) (if (setq ssBlk (ssget "x" (list (cons 0 "INSERT") (cons 2 "GRID") (cons 66 1)))) (progn (setq I 0) (repeat (sslength ssBlk) (setq oBlk (ssname ssBlk I)) (setq I (1+ I)) (setq sShtNum (cdr (assoc 1 (entget (entnext oBlk))))) ; Delta X = 177.0000, Delta Y = 124.8318 (setq PT (cdr (assoc 10 (entget oBlk)))) (setq PT (polar PT 0.0 (* 0.5 177.0000))) (setq PT (polar PT (* 0.5 PI) (* 0.5 124.8318))) (command "_-layout" "_c" "Sample" sShtNum) (setvar "CTAB" sShtNum) (command "_-VPORTS" "_l" "_off" "_all" "") (command "_MSPACE") (command "_zoom" "_c" PT "") (command "_PSPACE") (command "_-VPORTS" "_l" "_on" "_all" "") (setvar "CTAB" "Sample") ) ) ) )

Re: Automated Layout Generation from Block reference

baksconstructor — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:25:15 GMT

No problem.
If you can't create your own Lisp, then you'd better use a ready-made solution.
For example - "AutoViewport"
I recommend using the Internet search, there's a lot of information there.

Re: Automated Layout Generation from Block reference

manyamjyotsna — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 08:49:19 GMT

Thanks for your time and effort, Olivier.

This is working perfectly; however, the only adjustment needed is that the generated layouts are not being added in sequential order and are following a random pattern.

I would like the layouts to be arranged in ascending order (1, 2, 3, 4, ...).

Re: Automated Layout Generation from Block reference

O_Eckmann — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:11:46 GMT

Hi,

You could use TabSort from LeeMac to reorder your layouts : https://www.lee-mac.com/tabsort.html

Re: Automated Layout Generation from Block reference

manyamjyotsna — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:40:44 GMT

This works, Many thanks 😊