Title block automation and common attributes across multiple layout sheets sans Sheet Sets

[joseph.whiteleyHQUNF]

I can't figure out why this seems to be so difficult.  I have drawing templates, one for the title sheet and another for continuation sheets.   If the drawing spans more than one sheet a new layout is created in the drawing file from the template for continuation sheets.   Now all I want to do is automate the Sheet X of Y in my titleblocks, where X is the current layout number (not layout name, ie CTAB) and Y is the total number of layouts.

1) Why is there no system variable that can be accessed to have these auto populated as a field in the titleblocks?

2) I have a TITLE BLOCK block name for the first sheet title block, and a CONTINUATION SHEET TITLE BLOCK block name for sheets 2+.  Within each of these blocks I have an attribute with the same name/tag, lets say DWG-NO.   Is there a global way to edit this attribute so that it updates in both blocks?    Even though the tag is the same, I have to update it in each block individually, or if I use the GATTE command, it only updates in all the continuation sheet blocks and I still have to edit it in the first sheet title block even through the attribute tag name is the same.  

I know that sheet sets have some functionality that helps with this but we don't have multiple collaborators for different sections of the sheet sets and we can't have the added burden of keeping track of multiple dwg files and a dst file to release in our document management system.  Thank you in advance for any helpful tips.

[cheryl.buck]

Hi @joseph.whiteleyHQUNF,

I see that you are visiting as a new member to the AutoCAD forum. Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

A common way to do this is with fields, see Becoming a Master of Sheet Sets: Automate Title Block Data in AutoCAD for more information. 

If a post answered your question or resolved the issue, please click the Accept Solution button.

Likes are always welcome.

All the best,

[joseph.whiteleyHQUNF]

Yes, with Sheet Sets.    How do you do it without using Sheet Sets?   We don't have multiple users collaborating on a drawing package and only want one dwg file to release.  We don't want multiple dwg files or an addition dst file required for the sheet set. 

[cheryl.buck]

Hi @joseph.whiteleyHQUNF,

Thank you for the clarification. Fields are the standard way to do this, by naming your layouts for the page number, and using CTAB as you mentioned.  

I have seen some companies use attributes or LISP routines as well. The following post discusses this as well: 

How to add number of sheets

All the best,