Table with entries linked to Text entities

[Metalloy]

Hi Guys,

Anyone has a clue / guidance for creating a table which has entries that are linked to some text entities elsewhere in the same drawing ? Such that the entries in the table update automatically upon changes made in the text entries ... I am talking about "hundreds" of entries ...

P.S. Never mind a table, just a plain text field would do.

The typical usage : when creating schedules for items on a drawing (like lighting fixtures, doors, circuit breakers in a panel etc.). You normally attach a number to each entity as it appears in the drawing, then I have a small LISP routine that collects the numbers into a table (schedule) and we add extra info for each item. Thus far so good, BUT if (or WHEN !) we make a change in the numbers for one reason or the other, we have to update the schedules ... having that done automatically would be great.

Thanks in advance ...

[ccowgill]

Is there anyway you can change your procedure to use the built in AutoCAD schedule creator. It creates a table based on entities in the drawing and automatically updates it when something changes. maybe someone with more experience with data extraction will be able to help you. I believe the command is EATTEXT and from what I learned at CAD camp, I believe this will do exactly what you are looking for.

[cadtag]

Use a field in the table, and for field properties use Object properties, select the text, and choose "Contents". You can use the format options to force case changes, so the text in the drawing could be UPPER CASE, and the text in the field could be Title Case automagically

since the File is in a Mtext entity, it can also use a separate text style or size.

[jpaulsen]

If you make the text in the table a field it will work. The field will be defined as an object field see below. I was going to post the drawing but I only have the beta at home.

I don't know how to create the field using lisp but at least this will get you started in the right direction.

[Metalloy]

Thanks to all y'guys,

FIELDS worked like a breeze !!! Just finished trying it out.
Only snag - is that they update only after regens, but no problem ... still AWsome. Thanks again.