Linking a FIELD to a Block Count

[seedstudiolandscapedesign]

Is it possible to display an autoupdating block count by using a FIELD in a TABLE?  

I've looked but I can't seem to find the information, any input is appreciated.

[maxim_k]

Welcome to Autodesk Forums!

Hi Moin,
>>>>>Use data extraction method to update block count after updating blocks update data table
I'm afraid it is not possible in AutoCAD for Mac, only on PC side you can link extracted data to a table in the drawing.

[prousseauCQJ6U]

I know it's already been 3 years, but is there a way to make this work with dynamic blocks?

[jimmykta]

This is awesome, thank you. Is there a way to do the same but count the blocks from an xref file instead from a live file? Thanks!

[maxim_k]

Welcome to Autodesk Forums!

Hi Jimmy,
>>>>Is there a way to do the same but count the blocks from an xref file instead from a live file?
Just open externaly referenced drawing and count blocks in it.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am using Audodesk Civil 3D 2019. I've been using the recount.lsp to link a field to a block count for a while and it works great with one exception that the field value resets to zero at some unknown time. For example, I have a block as a legend item and saved as an xref. Let's say I have 10 blocks and the field correctly counts 10 blocks; great it works. However, the field then somehow resets by itself to a zero value. Even though I haven't added or subtracted any blocks from that drawing, the only way to get the count is to type recount as regen doesn't update the count either. This lisp works great in counting my specified blocks but the issue is that I can't seem to keep the field value as it resets to zero. Is there a way to prevent autocad from resetting the value to zero and to keep the current count of the blocks running? I would really appreciate a solution. Thank you. 

[maxim_k]

Welcome to Autodesk Forums!

Hi @Anonymous,

You are posting in AutoCAD for Mac Forum, but ask about Civil 3D.
Civil 3D Forum is here:
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/civil-3d-forum/bd-p/66

[Anonymous]

Hey,

Is there a way to edit this to work with dynamic blocks? I am a total noob at lisp? Much thanks 🙂

[Anonymous]

That’s a great question. It doesn’t seem to work for me. Anyone else?

[pendean]

It depends on what the FIELD is counting... Most likely not.

FYI the dedicated dynamic blocks forum is here, why don't you start your own topic there for help https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/dynamic-blocks-forum/bd-p/154

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your fast reply. Is there a solution for my question as I also work with this lisp on my AutoCAD for Mac? I understand that a solution for this platform may not work elsewhere. So I would be asking the same question specific to AutoCAD for Mac. Is there a solution so that the field does not reset itself to zero? Thank you

[yael.vsh]

Hi Maxim,

Your answers in this thread were very helpful.

I was able to successfully implement the solution in the thread you provided and created a table that counts the number of block instances in a drawing and is able to update it via field with a diesel expression.

I also have the need to apply the solution to a file that has multiple XREFs in it.

I would like my table to have fields with sum of amount of instances of blocks across all those XREFs.

Your solution of opening each XREF is not a good fit for me since I'd like to get a sum. (And not sum it up manually).

Any ideas on LISP modification?

[prousseauCQJ6U]

Hi Yael,

AutoCAD 2022 now has this feature built-in, you should look into it!

[yael.vsh]

Hi

Wow, cool, thanks so much!

Unfortunately my workplace works with 2013 😑

[maxim_k]

Hi @prousseauCQJ6U ,

>>>>>AutoCAD 2022 now has this feature built-in, you should look into it!

Not AutoCAD for Mac. Only PC version has this new feature.

[yael.vsh]

I have regular Autocad. Happened to reply in this thread because this was the topic I was looking for 🙂

But still 2013.

[akhtar4223]

Hi Maxim,

The RECOUNT lsp is working very fine for me, thanks for the same.

Please refer attached drawing in which i am using RECOUNT. I have a table on layout space which shows the total count of block in Quantity column. 

My request is that can i get the total count value in text where i have currently mentioned "--"

Thanks & Regards

[maxim_k]

Hi @akhtar4223 ,

You have to place FIELDs with DIESEL expressions instead of MTEXT in these columns.

Plus you need to modify Recount lsp so that it contains the names of all the blocks you want to count and assign these names to separate environment variables which are read by the Diesel expressions in the FIELDs.

[akhtar4223]

Thank you very much...added expression so now it works as i want.

[akhtar4223]

Hi Maxim,

I have dynamic blocks in my drawing. RECOUNT is not counting those blocks. I have attached my drawing and the LSP. Request you to help on the same.

Block with name "LC" has visibility and block with name "LL" has dynamic parameter.

[maxim_k]

Hi Akhtar,

As I wrote before: this LISP doesn't support Dynamic blocks.

And because AutoCAD for Mac doesn't support Visual lisp functions the code for counting Dynamic blocks in "vanilla LISP" would be very complex.

I believe it is possible to add such code based on, for example, these code examples:

http://www.lee-mac.com/effectivename.html