Customizable Count Table Template

[TRhodesTBT76]

I am trying to make a template for my coworkers that saves time, creates a consistent look to company documents, and can be used by people with limited AutoCAD experience. So simplicity for the user and reliability are the priorities.

Included in this template, I want a table that gives the quantities of a block tagged with different attributes. The objects to be counted are all the same dynamic block, but they are given different attributes and tagged with a label. I want the table to include the label of the object, the number of instances with that label, a short description of that object, and a symbol of the object (that last one might just need to be manual). And I would prefer if the user could simply input the labels they are looking for in each row and the table automatically displays the respective counts. The specific number and labels of the objects changes for each new document, but usually it is around 5-10 different types.

I know AutoCAD has a built in count table feature, which I found very helpful, and I would not mind using for my own purposes. However, since I want the table to look a particular way, I do not want my coworkers spending time with every new document reformatting the tables. I also know of table styles, which would help in maintaining a consistent style, but I could not find a way to connect the aesthetic of the table styles with the functionality of the count table. I considered using data extraction or LISP to try to do what I want, but I want to avoid using supplementary files for the sake of simplicity for the user, and I am worried that the use of LISP will make file handling more complicated when sharing the template, and may be more prone to breaking if not used how I expect. And finally, I considered using a dynamic block with user parameters, field expressions, and possibly different visibility states, but I could not figure out how to reference the given label user parameter and perform the count calculation with it.

Am I missing something? Or is what I am trying to do not really possible, and I should reevaluate my goals?

Thank you for your help

[nesosimic98]

CTABLESTYLE → defines the default counttable's style 
COUNTTABLE → enter the desired blocs and outputs the table

Could be a low budget solution of what you're looking for

[TRhodesTBT76]

I am not able to change the layout of the table, such as a header row and reordering and adding more columns with CTABLESTYLE, which is what I am trying to do. I mainly just changes the text and cell styles inside the table, but not the table itself.

Thank you for the suggestion anyways.

[nesosimic98]

CTABLESTYLE is to set the default count table style. This command should solve this part of your post
<<I also know of table styles, which would help in maintaining a consistent style, but I could not find a way to connect the aesthetic of the table styles with the functionality of the count table >>

Creat the desired table style trought TABLESTYLE. There You can more in depth change text orientation and row whith (and more)
Enter that new table style in CTABLESTYLE

Then indeed, with COUNTABLE, the created  table will only have the two basic columns for block names and their count.


For a more ''user friendly'' table creation. And by user friendly I mean on that involves more of the mentionned features,
- Dynamiquc blocks could be solution (not a Dynamic block expert yet, I can't unsure it my self). For confirmation, you should redirect your post un the dedicated forum → Dynamic Blocks Forum - Autodesk Community

- LISP definitly can solve that (LISP alows everything) But I'm neither yet good at that. Redirect your post to the dedicated forum → Visual LISP, AutoLISP and General Customization Forum - Autodesk Community