Best Practice for Storing Metadata with Objects in AutoCAD (Source and Modification Info)

[Marcell_Szanto]

I manage an operational DWG file for a large facility. When I update it with as-built documentation , and I need to store metadata for each object (lines, points, text, etc.) to track:

• Source: Where the object came from ("Project XZ" or "SomeFile.dwg").
• Modification Date: When it was added/updated in the DWG

Requirements:

• Works for all object types.
• Compatible with AutoCAD LT but at least with "plain" AutoCAD.
• No layer-based metadata (We have a strict layer structure).
• I don't mind writing AutoLISP, but it must be user-friendly for non-programmers.

The solutions I considered:

• XData: Seems ideal for storing metadata, but I need advice on how to make it accessible and editable for users.
• Block Attributes: Works well but requires converting objects into blocks, which is not ideal.
• External File: Feasible, but I prefer embedding metadata directly in the DWG.
• Fields: Cannot store arbitrary data.

So my question is: What’s the best way to store and manage metadata (source and modification date) with objects in AutoCAD while ensuring users can easily view and edit it?

[O_Eckmann · Accepted solution]

Hi @Marcell_Szanto ,

You post in Map 3D forum, so a solution could be ObjectData, but it isn't avilable for AutoCAD LT and Vanilla.

XData is a solution but require programming to add, show, modify datat to objects, and programming (lisp) is available to LT only until 2024. So you need to deploy LSP & DCL to all people who want to interact with these XData.

Another solution is to hijack Hyperlink for their original goal to store data on object. It's native, so no need of program, but less contrôle of what people can do with it.

[Marcell_Szanto]

Hi @O_Eckmann ,

Thank you for your answer! I was prepared that it cannot be done with ObjectDta or XData, just wanted to make sure (I am coming from the GIS domain).

Using hyperlink is a brilliant idea and it is perfect for what I would like to do! Thank you!