Help with exporting data from AutoCAD drawings into excel spreadsheet

[SemperLibre]

The problem:

I have an AutoLISP routine that I use to compile data created and embedded in drawings that are electrical cable block diagrams. The data that is extracted is information of the pinning of and the type of cable connectors of both ends of the cable. The AutoLISP routine can extract the data from cables on one drawing sheet or many drawing sheets that are xreferenced in a temporary drawing. This AutoLISP routine outputs the data as 8 ½” x 11” cable connection sheets in AutoCAD drawing format.

What I need this AutoLISP routine to do now is output the same data in the same format into one (1) Excel file with all of the cable connection sheets tabbed.

Can anyone help me and or lead me in the right direction?

I can provide copies of the cable block drawing(s), the AutoLISP routine and the 8 ½” x 11” cable connection sheets.

Thank you for your time, it is most appreciated,

Chris

c_l_maiden@yahoo.com

[tyshofner]

One way that I have exported info before is to create a comma delimited ".csv" file. This is the easiest (and probably simplest) way to do it. I'm pretty sure you won't be able to get the "tabs" but I know you could at least get all the info. To do this just use LISP (look at the open, write-line, close functions) to create a comma delimited (info1,info2,info3,info4) text file with the extension of ".csv". A ".csv" file is usually automatically registered to open in Excel (just double-click). When the ".csv" is opened in Excel each comma represents a new cell, each line a new row.

The information is not formated, so it's not pretty and needs to be manipulated. So, in Excel create a VBA macro that will format the data. When I did this myself I got it down to a three step process:

1. In ACAD hit the button to export the data to a ".csv"
2. Open ".csv" in Excel, hit button to format data
3. Save to ".xls"
DONE!!

Like I said this is probably the easiest and simplest way. You could also look into using ObjectDBX (I think that's what it's called) but I'm not to familiar with it myself and from what I do know it can get complicated.

Also, just an idea, but with 2008 and the new Excel linking functionality, you might be able to accomplish this. I know that you can link a spreadsheet to an ACAD table but I'm not sure if the link works both ways. Just a thought.

Ty

[SemperLibre]

just read this.Thanks for the info.I will dig into it deeper ans let you know.