Layer Properties Manager - Layer State -Export

[Anonymous]

I spent the time to add a Description to each layer in the correct field of the Layer Properties Manager. The expectation was that those descriptions would be exported to the *.las file when using the Export option of the Layer States dialog box. WRONG!

I am now looking for a way to save/import those descriptions using an Excel file or some other type of file.

Any suggestions?

[vinodkl]

Hi,

open up the layer manager, select all layers (Ctrl+A), copy all layers (Ctrl+C) and paste them in Excel (Ctrl+V). 
you can delete things which are not necessary.

[Anonymous]

Vinod, thanks for the reply. I guess I wasn’t exactly clear in what I was asking for in my original post. Exporting the layers to Excel isn’t the problem. Getting the layers with their Descriptions back into the drawing is what I’m looking for. The Export option in the Layer States dialog box doesn’t write the layer Description field to the *.LAS file. It seems to me that should be a no-brainer default or at the very least a clickable option for the settings to include in the *.LAS file. Just sayin’.

[imadHabash]

Hi,

>> Getting the layers with their Descriptions back into the drawing is what I’m looking for.

you can get them back from ADCENTER ( Ctrl+2 ) command , active the command from the drawing where you want to import the layers then go to the drawing where you save those layers with description , expand the options under the drawing and select Layers . from he right pane select all the layers and drop them in your current opening drawing to get them back with the description . 

[Anonymous]

Imad, thanks for your reply.

Yes, that solution does work. However, there is a problem I see with it.

I work in the Architectural/Engineering fields. Therefore, on a regular basis I deal with five divisions of files: Architectural, HVAC, Plumbing, Lighting, and Power. (Occasionally I also deal with Structural and Site drawings.) Each division would have three layer states for the layer configuration: New, Existing, and Demolition plus a common Detail/Schedule sheet for each division. The Detail/Schedule layer confuguration does not include Existing or Demolition.

That comes to a total of just under thirty different layer configurations. Having a DWG or DWT file just to act as a place holder for each layer configuration that includes the Layer Description field seems a bit extreme.

I think an Excel, ASCII, or LISP routine file to import the layer configuration with the Layer Description field would work better for me.

As stated in my original post, I find it hard to believe Auotdesk saw fit not to include the Description field when exporting the layer configuration from the Layer State dialog box to the LAS file. Either by default, or as an option in the "Layer properties to restore" settings.

Any other thoughts, ideas or work arounds on this subject?

Again, Thanks Imad.

DS

[pendean]

Do you already have a DWG (or other format) template file with all the layers and descriptions in place? No one else is going to do it for you around here if you are wondering.

If you do have that DWG template file, what is the challenge of starting with this one template all the time (or just INSERT other source files into your template file then SAVEAS)?

Otherwise... post your already typed out and ready to go file that contains all "layer configuration with the Layer Description" that you need, in Excel and ASCII if you want someone to truly help, since no one over here wants to tackle that part.

BTW the dedicated LISP forum is over here along with the other customization languages https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-customization/ct-p/AutoCADTopic1

[Anonymous]

Pendean, thank you for your reply.

Heavens no! I wouldn't expect anyone else to have to add the Layer Description for these files. Since I use the 1990 AIA CAD Layer Guidelines - Short Format for my layer naming, the names can seem pretty cryptic to those not at least familiar with the US-NCS Version 6 guidelines. Hence, the need I feel for adding the Layer Description field.

The challenge of using a single file? Well, with just under thirty layer configurations, forty five layers in a single Architectural configuration alone, times three layers states... I think you can see where this is going. Now the other trades (HVAC, Plumbing, Lighting, Power, Structural, and Site) aren't nearly as layer heavy as the Architectural configurations, but still probably fifteen to twenty layers in each configuration.

I do have the LAS files for all of my layer configurations, sans the Layer Description. I need to import these to a new DWG, maybe tweak the colors in the Existing configurations, add the description, then export them to my Excel file. (I do have the Architectural portion completed in Excel.) It's going to take me awhile to complete though. Maybe a day or two.

You stated you would like both Excel and ASCII files of each, would one or the other be preferred? The Excel files are laid out to be printed and are on multiple Tabs. They also include Titles, Borders, and Foot notes, do these need to be stripped out?

In the meantime, I'll checkout the LISP forum. 

Thanks again for your reply.

DS