Edit Cell Range in Excel Data Link Table

[Anonymous]

Is there anyway to edit the cell range of an excel data link table after it's been inserted?

Fyi, the only way I could get the table in correctly (in order to have the header repeat) was to create a standard blank table first, select the first cell and import data link through there (I read how to do this on the forums, since that is not an intuitive task).

It'd be really nice if I could just recall the dialogue box "Modify Excel Link: "...", and just simply update the cell range (image attached).

From what I can tell my only option is to delete the table and reinsert.  This is very combersume, since I have to modify the table height and width everytime after it's reinserted.

The table is just a simple drawing list, so there are no formulas or special formating.

Thanks,

Rebecca

AutoCAD 2014

Windows 7

[wispoxy]

Look into the following:

Command DATALINKUPDATE, and to delete a link DATALINK

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/getting-started/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/Aut...

And the obvious, make sure that range exists. My favorite tool is DATAEXTRACTION

[Anonymous]

When intially inserting the data link table I entered a cell range, as highlighted in the attached image above.

That cell range needed to change, I tried using the data link and data link update commands but that did not update it.

I was hoping to avoid deleting the link and having to reinsert it, which is what I ended up doing.

Thanks for your reply though.

[Anonymous]

In Excel, house your data in a named range. When you create the Excel link in AutoCAD, select the "Link to a named range" option and apply the name of your Excel range. Now, as you insert or delete rows/columns within your Excel range, AutoCAD will find the correct data when you update.

[MattKich]

The easiest way to manipulate \ expand or decrease ranges I've found is type in Table (as if you are starting a new one). In the table box select "From a data link" and click the little box next to it. That will open the "Select a Data Link" box showing all the tables in use (See table.jpg). Right click on your table name and click "Edit" (see Table_1.jpg). In this box you can reset the range, etc. like starting a new table. Works well. For the main header i simply insert a table for just the header, example from excel would be A1:F1 & name it header. Then simply use the copy command to put on top of all tables. You can also grip and resize the header individually if needed. 

Hope this helps

[Anonymous]

I'd like to add to this excellent answer by mentioning that you can reach the Datalink Manager more easily by typing in DATALINK at the command prompt. Then follow the same steps as above to edit the range of your Excel table.  

[Anonymous]

Hi Bennerebe,

Did you ever find a solution to this? I don't feel anyone in this post got the question . .  how to edit the cell range in an existing datalink . ..

So far, I've only been able to do this by just setting up a new link.

Regards,

Peter

[Anonymous]

Hey Peter,

Re-inserting a revised link was the only solution I could muster while using windows 10.
Which doesn't seem like a solution to me, because what is the point of embedding information that won't link when updated?

However, if I use windows 7 the cells will update, but at an inconsistent rate.  Sometimes I can get it to update after two or three "tries", which includes shutting everything down.

Sorry I'm not more help, my plan is to avoid tables until further software updates have been established.

Thanks,

Rebecca

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous & @Anonymous,

I am able to adjust the cell range with an existing table in AutoCAD 2017.1 Update.  I do this by bringing up the DATALINK, rt-clicking the link associated with the table, and then adjusting the range value. My table is automatically reset to show the new range.  I am doing this in Windows 7 with Excel (64-bit) 2016.  I see exactly the same behavior with the same version of AutoCAD and Windows 10.

If your configuration does not behave the same way, please confirm the version of Office that you are using.

I show these steps in the Screencast included in this post. Please let me know if this resolves your issue or if you had something else in mind.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous & @Anonymous,

I am checking back to see if my post helped you with your problem or if you need additional assistance or information. Please add a post with how you decide to proceed and your results so other Community members may benefit.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if my post fully solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the video John.  I can't speak for Rebecca, but when I follow the procedure from the video, nothing happens after clicking the last OK in the datalink dialog.  The table stays the same as it was before.  Autocad MEP 2016 on windows 7 pro.

Eric

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Can you attach some sample files?  What version of Office/Excel are you using? Is it 32 bit or 64 bit?

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much John. it worked perfectly!

[cwtwong]

hello everybody,

Have any fast way to edit the "Entire sheet" (in command line or script)?

For example, I want to link up the excel sheet from 001 to 002.

Thanks.

Terry

[Anonymous]

Now, I am struggling edit the range to skip a row. 

Exemple: instead of A1:B4, I would like to link A1:B1+A3:B4 to skip row 2, is it possible?

If not, how is the easier way to do it? So far I am creating different sheets to edit the information I need, but it doesn't seem a clever solution.

[TerryDotson]

... struggling edit the range to skip a row ...

If you hide the row in the source spreadsheet, it should skip it in the table.  I haven't tried it, I'm just saying it should.

[Anonymous]

It didn't work...

However, even if it did, it is not exactly what I need. 

I want to use different ranges from the same spreadsheet, sometimes for different drawings as well... If I hide the rows, it will keep updating the external link as I have other tables from the same source...

Example: I have a spreadsheet A1:F12, then I have drawing #1 to use data from A1:F3+A8:F9, then drawing #2 I need information from A1:F1+A4:F7+A10:F12. I am afraid I'm complicating it, but it should be a simple feature in Autocad... 

[peter_rijs1]

Sorry for the late response - but I switched to Briscad  . . .

[bnorman]

Hi, I am having this same issue. Were you able to solve it? I need a table to be A1:T1 + A4:T4

[jnietfeld4V9G2]

Thank you, John! Still helpful six years later!