Way to search a text string within a folder of multiple .DWG files?

[Anonymous]

I have a folder of multiple .DWG files and I’d like a way to search within the multiple .DWG files for a particular part number. I see there’s the CONTENTEXPLORER. And I got that working. But I see no way to export that data. Is there a way to export the data (to an Excel spreadsheet) the CONTENTEXPLORER finds? Or is there another solution? Thank you!

[dgladfelter · Accepted solution]

I'm not sure what version of AutoCAD you're using, but Content Explorer was depreciated as a feature starting with the 2017 release.

Nonetheless, you can generate an AutoCAD table or Excel export of the text across multiple drawings using the Data Extraction feature. See the attached Screencast for a preview of what this might look like for you.

[TerryDotson]

If you were to consider third party software, ToolPac does this (and a whole lot more).  Select individual drawings or simply pick a starting folder and optional subfolders.  Specify what you want to search including text, mtext, attributes or less obvious things like layer names, drawing properties, etc.

Demo Video Example

[Anonymous]

It does not tell where the text was found... is there any other way of searching for a text string within a folder of multiple .DWG files and actually KNOW in what drawing the text was found?

[INGOKUENZEL2159]

You probably found the answer to this.  I had the same question. To get the file name, I simply also selected "File Name" under Properties in Step 4 of 8; in addition to "Contents" and "Value" that was suggested.

[TANSCAD]

Way to search a text string within a folder of multiple .DWG files? This is not been answered here

[TerryDotson]

Autodesk AppStore: DwgSearch Freeware

[INGOKUENZEL2159]

This works fine for me. Thanks! I do have one possible future enhancement: Instead of a list of resulting files, would it be possible to also show the thumbnail in the list, as opposed to having to click on details to see the individual thumbnails?

[Anonymous]

So there's no native way to do this? Nothing to replace CONTENTEXPLORER?  Great there's freeware available, but unfortunately I have no access to install ANYTHING, even AutoCAD plugins on my work computer... 

[lucas.percy]

This is it! no need to export anything! two thumbs up!  Thanks.