Create an editable layout within application

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I am trying to see if we can load the CAD file into a web/ desktop application and be able to edit it through the application? Below image is a example, where we created a excel version of the layout in order to change color based on values etc... Is there a way to do that?

[TheCADnoob]

Im not certain a DWG file would be the best solution for a interactive form... and im not certain what it is that you are trying to achieve. 

There is a web based AutoCAD (https://web.autocad.com/login) if you are just looking to edit drawing without install. 

If you are outfitted to handle some semi serious development you can look at the tools available in forge (https://forge.autodesk.com/) that will allow you to use a web based solution integrated into other elements. 

Ther may also be a solution Through VBA to do something like this but i dont think it would be the best one to chase down. 

Have you considered using a linked spreadsheet? (https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/ENU/AutoC...) You may have better luck editing a spread sheet that in turn makes changes to your dwg. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for the reply.  So, let me try to explain what I am trying to achieve. If I could take an autocad layout and put in an application, in which based on the current inventory at the location, I can change the color ( red, green etc..) and also get the XYZ coordinates to calculate the distance needed to travel from the door to the location. And use  that distance information to do further analysis. 

Forge looks interesting. Are there any tutorials? And same with the linked Excel, are there any tutorials? 

Do you think we can do what I want to achieve is doable?

Thank you

[TheCADnoob]

..

Forge looks interesting. Are there any tutorials? And same with the linked Excel, are there any tutorials? 

Forge - https://learnforge.autodesk.io/#/

AU class concerning Excel - https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Excel-ing-AutoCADR-No-Programming-Required-2012

Do you think we can do what I want to achieve is doable?

...

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Doable is a loaded question. Yes i believe its doable, but what it would take in regards to expertise time and money i could not guess. 

You have mentioned putting the layout into an application. Which application are you looking at putting it into?

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the tutorials. We are creating a proprietary software either desktop/ web ( depending on what I learn from forge) for our customers to visualize their warehouse and then build some other functionality not directly related to the layout. I can not go into greater detail about the workings of the application itself. But, visualizing the warehouse and then having each location(s) color and units in it change based on current status is a important piece of the application.

And any questions while learning forge or going the linked Excel route, would this be the best forum to ask?

You have super helpful. Will come back if I have any more questions.

Stay safe.

[TheCADnoob · Accepted solution]

If all you need is a simple UI interface Forge may be overkill, but Forge looks to have quite a bit of potential for expansion. in other words if you are looking to expand your solution in the future it might be worth starting there even if it offers more than you need. There are also a data management API in Forge so it may work well with the other things you are trying to achieve. 

As far as coming back here for forge i would say no. This (particular forum) is for AutoCAD. I would check out forges community page and see if you can find contact there. https://forge.autodesk.com/blog

As far as with excel you might be able to get help here but this is more for general use of autocad and not necessarily the use of AutoCAD APIs. If you go here (https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad/ct-p/8?_ga=2.23838522.1817659864.1594653073-518401760.1525708...) there are a couple development roiented places including those for lisp, VB, and .NET.

[Anonymous]

You are such a nice person. Thank you for taking time to help me out here. When you say forge is an overkill, what in your expertise would be a better option for the UI aspect? 

Noted on the other points about forums to check out. 

[TheCADnoob · Accepted solution]

Development is out of my wheel house so i cant say for certain any one way would be better than another. I know if i were looking at a web based solution i would pursue forge if it had what i needed. 

Another thing to consider would be using a DXF drawing file type. (i have never done this) Theoretically you can edit the file using a text editor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AutoCAD_DXF) You could read and write to the dxf file to make the changes you would need, but displaying it and making it interactive would still require some sort of viewer.  DXF file types though dont have some of the capabilities and intelligence of DWG files. 

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Noted. Thank you. I have good information now. Let me explore. Thank you for being patient. 

[TheCADnoob]

No problem. Good luck!