Fields and data links

[ym.56789]

Hi, I would like to insert a field into a drawing that is linked to an external file - preferably a cell in a spreadsheet table. I am aware that I can insert a table as a data link, but that's not the ideal solution for me - I don't want a table (even a single-cell table with transparent borders), I need a field which can be inserted into mtexts, attributes, etc. I also would be inserting multiple fields into each drawing and it would be inconvenient to create a whole new data link for each field. Does anyone know of any way to accomplish this?

Thanks.

[pendean]

The need for a FIELD implies you need data/information to show: what is that external file providing exactly as data or information that needs to be reflected in text form in your DWG file?

And what is this "external file" exactly?

[JTBWorld]

Try our JTB Excel2TextField app. 

[ym.56789]

When working in large projects, I will have many fields; both standard titleblock info, as well as various other pertinent data, such as page numbers, titles, descriptions, etc.

I know I can use the sheet set manager to automate some of this, but it is really not designed for an environment where large amounts of fields are present, or data may change. For example, in a recent 84 page project, the need arose to renumber the sheets, clicking through all 84 sheets, removing the old number and putting in a new one takes an inordinate amount of time and kills my workflow - the same would occur if I had to update other fields. In excel, I can update all the sheet numbers in seconds (and not worry about errors). Furthermore other contributors to the project can work edit the data with having/knowing autocad, and without running into problems like the sheet-set  being locked.

[JTBWorld]

If you want to reconsider the Sheet Set Manager we have several apps like JTB SSMPropEditor simplifying the work. 

[ym.56789]

Thanks, I'll look in to your solution, it does seem that it would be helpful.

I have found a number of apps on the Autocad marketplace that offer different sorts of data linking (search "excel data"), hopefully one of them will serve my needs.