ACAD 2025 Linking Excel Data to .dwg File

[BillAllenSE]

I've tried two methods in linking Excel data to an AutoCAD drawing:
1. Copy the Excel data then use Paste Special/Paste Link

2. Use Annotate/Link Data

While the method 2 gives me much more control on what the table looks like, it's incredibly slow updating the table when the data changes. Using method 1, the update is instantaneous.

Could there be something wrong in the way I use Annotate/Link Data?
Thank you

[TheCADnoob]

How slow is slow?

Is the linked file on the local machine or on a network?

[BillAllenSE]

Local. In the same directory.

38 Mississippis.

[VincentSheehan]

I attached a 213k Excel file into a blank 2025 DWG file. Made a few number adjustments to the Excel file then updated the data link. It took about 30 seconds to update. I did the same in 2023 and it took about 33 seconds. I also played with the settings but it did not speed up the sync.

[BillAllenSE]

Thanks for doing that.

Even when I go to edit the link (Annotate/Tables/Link Data and right mouse click on the link), it takes about the same time. There should be no issue with my machine. If in fact this is "normal" for this operation, I believe it should be looked at by the developers. 30 seconds in this day and age for a single change of data in a table is not practical.

[pendean]

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@BillAllenSE wrote:

I've tried two methods in linking Excel data to an AutoCAD drawing:
1. Copy the Excel data then use Paste Special/Paste Link

2. Use Annotate/Link Data

...

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Nothing new, see historical posts on the matter

https://www.google.com/search?q=autocad+connected+to+excel+is+slow  

Unverified solutions posted by those wanting to solve it: purchase and use a 3rd party add-on.

[BillAllenSE]

OLE paste link works pretty fast. The only downside is that you can't do much with the table graphics, but, for me, that's of little consequence.