ATTEXT Returns 0 records in extract file

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

I've spoiled by many years in full AutoCAD and its Data Extraction but now I'm learning to appreciate the less expensive LT's version, ATTEXT. However, I'm having trouble getting it to include any data in the extraction file. I've attached the drawing file and the extraction template file for anyone to help troubleshoot this for me.

TIA,

Sal

[pendean]

Where is your template file?

[Anonymous]

My bad. I thought it was attached. Let me try again.

[steven-g · Accepted solution]

Just a couple of points your extraction file (txt) there is no need for the colon after attribute names,

which brings up the second point ATTEXT only works with attributes not custom properties of dynamic blocks so the only details you will be able to read are, block name, x, and y insert points and the value of IDNUM.

For the other information, you need to collect those values into attributes and that's a whole different procedure.

I have a attached a reworked block with the MullLocation added, and how you do that isn't straight forward. Create a new attribute definition and in the default value you need to place a field, this field should read the value of the parameter you want from the blockplaceholder list, but this can be a bit tricky to get at. Watch the screencast in this forum post for details, you should select the blockplaceholder first and go back and select the object (watch the video again). You also need to set the attribute properties to be preset or it will prompt you for a new value on insert and that will destroy the field. Try it and see how far you get, if you get stuck post back.

[Anonymous]

Wow, that's some pretty cool stuff. I'm really starting to like this LT.

Thanks so much for the link to Libbya's screencasts that were very helpful.

Sal

[Anonymous]

Hmmm, why does "BL: NAME C020000" in the template return *U' in the extraction file instead of the actual name of the block, "Window - 3"?

[steven-g]

Because those are anonymous blocks. It is something that Autocad creates?

[Anonymous]

Hi Steven,

Thanks for your reply. Ok, I understand anonymous blocks but if I select one of the blocks and look at the Property palette, I can see the name of the block. So these don’t “appear” to be anonymous!?!?

What am I missing?

Sal

[steven-g]

There are various "flavours" of anonymous blocks, in this case, it is because it is a dynamic block and they each have different dynamic values so they do have their original names but are also anonymous, try the list command and you will see both versions. It's just one of those things Autocad does.

[pendean]

A side effect of using dynamic blocks: all the variations are anonymous bocks.

[Anonymous]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the explanation. That makes sense now.

Sal

[kasabe]

Hi Steven,

I have a similar problem.  Keep getting "0 records in extract file" .  I have a simple block with attributes and simply wan to extract data to create a table showing the count of those blocks and their attibutes.  Essentially I have a spk block that I want to spread around a floor plan, then run a command to count them all up and their attributes.  Attached is the dwg file with the block and my template file.  Have NO IDEA what I am doing wrong.

[cadffm]

>" Attached is the dwg file with the block and my template file. Have NO IDEA what I am doing wrong."

1. No dwg attached

    Login forum and attach your dwg in your next answer.

2. Whats going wrong:

    -Wrong attext mask definition or typo (we don't have your Attext & DWG template for checking)

    - forbidden special characters or L O W E R case chars in your attribut-Tag