1. Sacramento City College Engineering Design Technology
Using Attributes
Sacramento City College
Engineering Design Technology
Using Attributes

2. Objectives Assign attributes to blocks.
Edit attributes defined for existing blocks.
Create a template file for the storage of block attribute data.
Extract attribute values to create a bill of materials.
Using Attributes

3. Attributes Blocks Even more useful if
become more useful when written information is provided with them.
Even more useful if
assigned information can be either
visible (for display) or
hidden.
From this data, a list very similar to a bill of materials can be requested and printed.
Using Attributes

4. Attributes Attributes are That are Written values or Numerical values
assigned to blocks
by AutoCAD.
Using Attributes

5. Attributes Attribute information Can be used as text
Can be extracted from a drawing.
A block can have as many attributes as desired.
Using Attributes

6. Attributes
Using Attributes

7. Attributes
Attributes are created using the Attribute Definition dialog box.
Inserted attribute values can be modified using the Enhanced Attribute Editor.
Attribute definitions are modified using the Block Attribute Manager.
Finally, block and attribute text data can be exported into other applications using the Attribute Extraction wizard.
Using Attributes

8. Attributes
Using Attributes

9. Attributes Attributes are created during block development
Typical steps
1. Draw object graphics
2. Add attributes using Attribute definitions
3. Create block by selecting the objects and attributes together.
4. Insert block and adjust attributes.
Using Attributes

10. Attributes Attribute values can be modified
Use Enhanced Attributes Editor to edit
Attribute definitions can be adjusted
Use Block Attribute Manager
Block and attribute text data can be exported.
Using Attributes

11. Assigning Attributes to Blocks
First, determine text info needed for block.
Name of block usually is first attribute
Manufacturer
Type
Size
Price
Weight
Using Attributes

12. ATTDEF Command ATTDEF Attribute Define command
Is used to assign attributes.
Draw > Block > Define Attributes
Using Attributes

13. ATTDEF Command Has four main areas 1. Mode 2. Attribute
3. Text Settings
4. Insertion Point
Using Attributes

14. ATTDEF Command
Using Attributes

15. ATTDEF Command – Mode Area
Use this area to specify any of the attribute modes you wish to set.
Invisible.
Controls display of attribute
If activated, the attribute will not be displayed when the block is inserted.
Using Attributes

16. Using Attributes

17. ATTDEF Command – Mode Area
Constant.
If the value of the attribute should always be the same, activate the Constant check box.
All future uses of the block will display the same attribute value, and you will not be prompted for a new value.
If you wish to use different attribute values for inserted blocks, leave this check box inactive.
Verify.
Use for a verification prompt to ask you whether the specified attribute value is correct when you insert the block.
Using Attributes

18. Using Attributes

19. ATTDEF Command – Mode Area
Preset.
Use to cause the attribute to assume preset values during insertion.
This option disables the attribute prompt.
Leave this check box inactive if you wish to display the normal prompt.
If you do not activate any of the attribute modes, you will be prompted to enter values for all attributes, and they will be visible when inserted with a block.
Using Attributes

20. Using Attributes

21. ATTDEF Command – Mode Area
Lock
Select if you do not want to have the option of moving the attribute independently of the block when inserted.
This is also used for an attribute that will be part of a dynamic block.
Multiple Lines
Single line or multiple line attributes can be created.
Using Attributes

22. Using Attributes

23. ATTDEF Command – Attribute Area
Assign a
tag,
prompt, and
value
to the attribute in the corresponding text boxes.
The entries in these text boxes can contain up to 256 characters.
Using Attributes

24. Using Attributes

25. ATTDEF Command – Attribute Area
If the first character in an entry is a space,
start the string with a backslash (\).
If the first character is a backslash,
begin the entry with two backslashes (\\).
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26. Using Attributes

27. ATTDEF Command – Attribute Area
Tag:
Is a text box.
Enter the name, or tag, of the attribute.
You must enter a name or number.
Any characters can be used except spaces.
All text is displayed in UPPERCASE.
Using Attributes

28. Using Attributes

29. ATTDEF Command – Attribute Area
Prompt:
Is a text box.
Enter a statement for AutoCAD to prompt with when the block is inserted.
For example,
if Size is specified as the attribute tag, you might enter
What is the valve size? or
Enter valve size: as the prompt.
If the Constant attribute mode is set, this option is inactive.
Using Attributes

30. Using Attributes

31. ATTDEF Command – Attribute Area
Value: text box.
Is the default attribute value when the block is inserted.
Entry is NOT required for this textbox.
You do not have to enter ANYTHING in this text box.
You might decide to enter a message regarding the type of information needed, such as:
10 SPACES MAX or NUMBERS ONLY.
The default value is displayed in chevrons (< >) when you are prompted for the attribute value.
Use the Insert field button to include a field in the default value.
Using Attributes

32. Using Attributes

33. ATTDEF Command – Text Options
Text Options area.
Specify the justification, style, height, and rotation angle for attribute text.
Justification.
Select justification of attribute text.
The default option is Left.
Text Style.
Select drop-down list to select one of the text styles in the current drawing.
The default style is Standard.
Use TEXT STYLES for attribute text (!)
Using Attributes

34. Using Attributes

35. ATTDEF Command – Text Options
Height.
Specify the height of the attribute text.
You can pick two points on screen for text height.
Once the points are picked, the dialog box returns and the corresponding height is shown in the text box.
Rotation.
Enter an angular rotation value in the text box next to the Rotation button.
This button and the text box work in the same manner as the Height button and text box.
Using Attributes

36. Using Attributes

37. ATTDEF Command – Insertion
Insertion Point area.
Use to select the location for the attribute.
Selecting the Pick Point button temporarily returns you to the drawing area and allows you to pick a point on screen.
You can also enter coordinates in the text boxes.
Using Attributes

38. Using Attributes

39. ATTDEF Command – Insertion
Align below previous attribute definition check box.
When you first access the Attribute Definition dialog box, this check box is grayed out.
After you create a block attribute, press [Enter] to reissue the ATTDEF command and create another attribute.
If you want the next attribute to be placed below the first with the same justification, pick this check box.
When you do this, the Text Options and Insertion Point areas become inactive.
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40. Using Attributes

41. ATTDEF Command When finished, pick OK.
The attribute tag is then placed on screen.
If you set the attribute mode to Invisible, do not be dismayed; this is the only time the tag appears.
When the block is inserted, you are prompted for information based on the attribute definition.
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42. Using Attributes

43. Placing the Attribute
Using Attributes

44. Editing Attribute Properties
Using Attributes

45. Editing Attribute Properties
Use Properties palette.
Modify > Properties
Tools > Palettes > Properties
Can also type
CH, MO, PROPS, PROPERTIES OR
[Cntrl] + [2]
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46. Using Attributes

47. Editing Attribute Properties
Can change
General Section
Color, linetype or layer of selected attribute
Text Section
Attribute tag, prompt, and default value entries
Geometry section
the insertion point of the text attribute
Use Position options
Using Attributes

48. Editing Attribute Properties
Most powerful feature is the ability to change the attribute modes that were originally defined.
Misc Section
Invisible, Constant, Verify, Preset
Using Attributes

49. Creating Blocks with Attributes
Using Attributes

50. Creating Blocks with Attributes
After attributes are defined
Use BLOCK or WBLOCK to define the block.
The order in which you select attribute definitions is the order in which you are prompted.
If attributes are selected using the Window or Crossing Window option, the attribute value prompts will be in reverse order.
Using Attributes

51. Creating Blocks with Attributes
Block creation
The “Delete” option is a good choice.
Removes objects and attributes after block has been created.
Using Attributes

52. Inserting Blocks With Attributes
You are prompted for additional information after
Insertion point
Scale factor
Rotation angle
Block attributes
Can enter default value with [Enter] or type new value.
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53. Inserting Blocks With Attributes
Fields
If attribute value includes a field, the default must be accepted to maintain the field.
Otherwise, if the value is changed, the field is lost.
If ATTDIA is set to “1”, the attribute prompts are answered in a dialog box.
Otherwise they are entered at the Command: prompt.
Using Attributes

54. Using Attributes

55. Inserting Blocks With Attributes
Enter Attributes dialog box
Can list up to eight attributes.
Use Next to display next page.
Pick OK to close dialog box.
Dialog box is easier to use
Can see values
Can easily change them.
If value includes a field , you can
Right-click field to edit it OR
Convert it to text.
Use [Tab] / [Shift] [Tab] to move through values
Using Attributes

56. Attribute Prompt Suppression
Some drawings may use blocks with attributes that always retain their default values.
In this case, there is no need to be prompted for the attribute values when inserting a block.
You can turn off the attribute prompts by setting the ATTREQ system variable to 0.
Using Attributes

57. Controlling the Display of Attributes
Attributes are intended to contain valuable information about the blocks in your drawings.
This information is normally not displayed on screen or during plotting.
The principal function of attributes is to generate materials lists and to speed accounting.
Using Attributes

58. Controlling the Display of Attributes
In most cases, you can use the TEXT and MTEXT commands to create specific labels or other types of text.
To control the display of attributes onscreen, use the ATTDISP (attribute display) command.
Accessed by picking Attribute Display from the Display cascading menu in the View pull-down menu, or by entering ATTDISP at the Command: prompt.
Using Attributes

59. Controlling the Display of Attributes
There are three options:
Normal.
This option displays attributes exactly as you created them.
This is the default setting.
ON.
This option displays all attributes, including those defined with the Invisible mode.
OFF.
This option suppresses the display of all attributes.
Using Attributes

60. Changing Attribute Values
Using Attributes

61. Changing Attribute Values
You can edit attributes before they are included in a block using the Properties window.
Once a block with attributes is inserted in a drawing, different commands are used to edit the inserted attributes.
Inserted attribute values can be modified using the Enhanced Attribute Editor.
Using Attributes

62. Changing Attribute Values
The Enhanced Attribute Editor is used to modify attributes within a single block.
Pick the Edit Attribute button on the Modify II toolbar
Select Attribute and
then Single... from the Object cascading menu in the Modify pull-down menu, or
Enter EATTEDIT at the Command: prompt.
Using Attributes

63. Changing Attribute Values
Pick the block
containing the attributes you wish to modify, and
the Enhanced Attribute Editor is displayed. OR
From pull-down menu
Modify > Object > Attribute > Single
Type EATTEDIT
Using Attributes

64. Changing Attribute Values
Enhanced Attributes Editor
Three Tabs
Attribute
Change values of attributes here
Text Options
Modify text properties of the attribute
Properties
Modify the object properties of the attribute.
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65. Using Attributes

66. Using Attributes

67. Using Attributes

68. Using Attributes

69. Using the FIND Command The FIND command
Can be used to quickly locate attributes.
Right-click in the drawing area when no command is active.
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70. Editing Attribute Values and Properties Globally
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71. Editing Attributes Globally
You can edit attribute values by
selecting blocks one at a time Or
Edit several block attributes at once
Edit attributes individually
Use –ATTEDIT Or -ATE
Modify > Object > Attribute > Global
Using Attributes

72. Editing Attributes Globally
Prompt asks if you want to edit attributes individually.
Press [Enter] for default (yes)
Allows you to select any number of different block attributes for individual editing.
AutoCAD lets you edit them all, one at a time without leaving the command.
Using Attributes

73. Editing Attributes Globally
You also can
Change the same attribute on several insertions of the same block.
Enter – ATTEDIT
Respond with NO
You can change specific letters, words, and values of a single attribute.
Global attribute editing lets you change all other instances of the same block.
Using Attributes

74. Editing Attributes Globally
Example:
Suppose you misspelled RESISTOR as RESISTER, and you have
12 insertions of the same block on drawing.
Enter –ATTEDIT
Specify NO (don’t edit attributes individually)
You can then edit the attribute globally.
Using Attributes

75. Editing Attributes Globally
Each –ATTEDIT editing technique
Allows you to determine the exact block and attribute specifications to edit.
Prompt: Edit attributes one at a time? [Yes/No] <Y>: y
Enter block name specification <*>:
Enter attribute tag specification <*>:
Enter attribute value specification <*>:
Select Attributes: 1 found
Select Attributes: 1 attributes selected.
Enter an option [Value/Position/Height/Angle/Style/Layer/Color/Next] <N>:
Using Attributes

76. Editing Attributes Globally
To selectively edit attribute values,
respond to each prompt with the correct name or value.
You are prompted to select one or more attributes.
Suppose you receive the following message after entering an attribute value and selecting an attribute:
0 found
You picked an attribute that was not specified correctly.
It is often quicker to press [Enter] at each of the three specification prompts and then pick the attribute you need to edit.
Using Attributes

77. Editing Attributes Globally
Example:
VALVE block was inserted three times
Manufacturer's name specified as CRANE.
Supposed to be POWELL.
To change the attribute for each insertion,
enter the -ATTEDIT command and specify global editing.
Then, press [Enter] at each of the three specification prompts and respond to the prompts that follow.
Using Attributes

78. Using Attributes

79. Editing Attributes Globally
Command: -ATE or -ATTEDIT
Edit attributes one at a time? [Yes/No] <Y>: N
Performing global editing of attribute values.
Edit only attributes visible on screen? [Yes/No] <Y>:
Enter block name specification <*>:
Enter attribute tag specification <*>:
Enter attribute value specification <*>:
Select Attributes: (pick CRANE on each of the VALVE blocks and press [Enter] when completed)
3 attributes selected.
Enter string to change: CRANE
Enter new string: POWELL
Using Attributes

80. Editing Attributes Globally
Professional Tip:
Use care when assigning the Constant mode to attribute definitions.
The -ATTEDIT command displays 0 found if you attempt to edit a block attribute with a Constant mode setting.
Assign the Constant mode only to attributes you know will not change.
Using Attributes

81. Editing Attributes Globally
Professional Tip:
The -ATTEDIT command can also be used to edit individual attribute values and properties.
However, it is more efficient to use the Enhanced Attribute Editor for changing individual attributes
Using Attributes

82. Changing Attribute Definitions
Before saving an attribute within a block, you can modify the
Tag
Prompt
Default value
using the DDEDIT command.
Once an attribute is saved in a block definition, you must use the Block Attribute Manager to change the attribute definition.
Using Attributes

83. Changing Attribute Definitions
Block Attribute Manager is accessed by
picking the Block Attribute Manager…button from the Modify II toolbar or
the Block Attributes control panel of the Dashboard,
selecting Modify >Object >Attribute > Block Attribute Manager... from the pull-down menu, or
typing BATTMAN.
Using Attributes

84. Changing Attribute Definitions
Block Attribute Manager
lists the attributes for the selected block.
To select a block,
choose it from the Block: drop-down list or
pick the Select block button to return to the drawing area and pick the block.
By default, the tag, prompt, default value, and modes for each attribute are listed.
Using Attributes

85. Block Attribute Manager
Using Attributes

86. Block Attribute Manager
The attribute list
reflects the order in which prompts appear when a block is inserted.
To change the order,
use the Move Up and Move Down buttons
To delete an attribute,
pick the Remove button.
Using Attributes

87. Block Attribute Manager
Select the attribute properties to be listed in the Block Attribute Manager by picking the Settings... button to open the Settings dialog box.
See Figure
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88. Using Attributes

89. Changing Attribute Definitions
Select the properties to list in the
Display in list area.
Emphasize duplicate tags check box
at the bottom of the dialog box
When checked, attributes with identical tags are highlighted in red.
Using Attributes

90. Changing Attribute Definitions
Apply changes to existing references check box
If you want the changes you make in the Block Attribute Manager applied to existing blocks,
To modify an attribute definition,
select the attribute in the Block Attribute Manager and
pick the Edit... button.
The Edit Attribute dialog box is displayed.
Using Attributes

91. Changing Attribute Definitions
Using Attributes

92. Changing Attribute Definitions
The Attribute tab allows you to modify the
modes,
tag,
prompt,
and default value.
Using Attributes

93. Changing Attribute Definitions
The Text Options and Properties tabs
are identical to the tabs found in the Enhanced Attribute Editor.
allow you to modify the object properties of the attributes.
Auto preview changes check box
If checked,
changes to attributes are displayed in the drawing area immediately.
Using Attributes

94. Changing Attribute Definitions
When attributes within a block are modified,
all future insertions of the block will reflect the changes.
Apply changes to existing references check box
If checked, existing blocks are updated
If not checked, existing blocks retain the original attribute definitions.
Using Attributes

95. Changing Attribute Definitions
Professional tip:
The Block Attribute Manager modifies
attribute definitions, NOT attribute values.
Modify Attribute values with the Enhanced Attribute Editor.
Using Attributes

96. Redefining a Block and Its Attributes
Using Attributes

97. Redefining a Block and Its Attributes
To revise an existing block
Use the ATTREDEF command.
Select the attribute to be redefined.
The existing block must first be exploded.
If you attempt to select the existing block, this error message is displayed:
New block has no attributes.
Using Attributes

98. Redefining a Block and Its Attributes
Explode the block
use the ATTREDEF command:
Command: AT or ATTREDEFJ
Enter name of the block you wish to redefine: (enter the block name and press [Enter])
Select objects for new Block...
Select objects: (select the block geometry and all new and existing attributes; then press [Enter])
Specify insertion base point of new Block: (pick the insertion base point)
When you pick the insertion point, all existing instances of the block and attributes are immediately updated. If any of the attributes were omitted from the redefined block, they are not included in the new version.
Using Attributes

99. Automating Drafting Documentation
Using Attributes

100. Automating Drafting Documentation
Attributes can also be used to automate any detailing or documentation task that requires a great deal of text.
Title block information
Revision block data,
Parts list or list of materials.
Using Attributes

101. Creating Title Blocks Title Block Time-consuming task
it can be efficiently automated by assigning attributes.
Using Attributes

102. Creating Title Blocks The following guidelines are suggested:
First draw the title block format in accordance with industry or company standards.
Use the correct layer(s), typically the 0 layer, and be sure to include your company or school logo in the title block.
If you work in an industry that produces items for the federal government, also include the applicable Federal Supply Code for Manufacturers (FSCM) in the title block.
Using Attributes

103. Creating Title Blocks
Define attributes for each area of the title block.
Determine the appropriate text height and justification for each definition.
Attributes should be defined for
the drawing title, drawing number, drafter, checker, dates, drawing scale, sheet size, material, finish, revision letter, and tolerance information.
Assign default values to the attributes wherever possible.
For example, if your organization consistently specifies the same overall tolerances on drawing dimensions, the tolerance attributes can be assigned default values.
Using Attributes

104. Creating Title Blocks Use WBLOCK command
Save the drawing as a file to disk so it can be inserted into a new drawing.
You can also use the BLOCK command to create a block of the defined attributes within the current file,
which can then be saved as a template or wblockfile.
Both methods are acceptable
Using Attributes

105. Creating Revision Blocks
Tracks revisions to a drawing
Revisions are identified by letters
Revision letter A.
Revision letters continue with B through Y,
Letters I, O, Q, S, X, and Z are not used
because they might be confused with numbers.
Using Attributes

106. Creating Revision Blocks
An area specifically designated to record all drawing changes.
Is normally located at the upper-right corner of the drawing sheet
provides space for the revision letter, a description of the change, the date, and approvals.
These items are entered in columns.
Using Attributes

107. Creating Revision Blocks
A column for the zone is only included if applicable.
Zones
are intended for larger drawings and
help direct the print reader's attention to the correction location on the drawing.
are identified in the margins of a title block sheet by letters and numbers.
are used for reference purposes in the same way reference letters and numbers are used to identify a street or feature on a road map.
Although A-size and B-size title blocks may include zones, they are rarely needed.
Using Attributes

108. Creating Parts Lists Assembly drawings require a parts list, or
list of materials,
provides information about each component of the assembly or subassembly.
This information includes
the quantity, FSCM (when necessary), part number, description, and item number for each component.
Using Attributes

109. Creating Parts Lists Parts list
Might be generated as a separate document, usually in an 8-1/2" x 11" format.
In other companies, it is common practice to include the parts list on the face of the assembly drawing.
If the parts list is added to the assembly drawing, it is usually placed directly above the title block, depending on industry and company standards.
Using Attributes

110. Creating Parts Lists Parts lists
provide another example of how attributes can be used to automate the documentation process.
Usually, the most effective way to create a parts list is to use a table.
Table data can even be linked to existing spreadsheet content, or it can be extracted from the drawing to create a separate document.
Blocks and attributes can be used as an alternative to creating parts lists.
Using Attributes

111. Using Fields to Reference Attributes
Can list attributes
Allows you to display the value of an attribute in a location away from the block.
Using Attributes

112. Using Fields to Reference Attributes
To display an attribute value in a field,
access the Field dialog box from within the MTEXT or TEXT command or
by picking Insert > Field... from the pull-down menu.
In the Field dialog box,
pick Objects from the Field category: drop-down list and
Then pick Object in the Field names: list box.
Pick the Select object button to return to the drawing window and select the block containing the attribute.
Using Attributes

113. Using Fields to Reference Attributes
When you select the block, the Field dialog box reappears with the available properties listed.
Pick the desired attribute tag
to display the corresponding value in the Preview: box.
Select the format and
pick OK
The field is inserted in the text object
Using Attributes

114. Data Extraction
Using Attributes

115. Collecting Attribute Information
Existing AutoCAD drawing information such as
Attributes
can be used to create a table in the drawing or
exported to an external file.
Data Extraction
involves the process of extracting drawing content.
You can extract the data from most AutoCAD objects.
Attribute data
Graphics information
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116. Collecting Attribute Information
Attribute values and definitions
can be extracted from a drawing and
Can be organized in a table, spreadsheet or text file.
Data extraction
Is useful for creating bills of materials, schedules, and parts lists.
Using existing drawing data automates the process of drawing tables and listing information.
Data is already available and can be added to a table or external file, without typing the information.
Using Attributes

117. Collecting Attribute Information
Associated data
Extracted data is also associated with the drawing.
When changes are made to the drawing data, the information in the table or text file can be updated.
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118. Collecting Attribute Information
Data Extraction wizard.
Accessed by
Data Extraction... button from the Block Attributes control panel in the Dashboard or
From the Modify II toolbar
Picking Tools>Data Extraction...
From the pull-down menu, or
Typing DATAEXTRACTION, DX, or EATTEXT.
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119. Collecting Attribute Information
In most cases, only certain types of data are extracted from the drawing.
The Data Extraction wizard is used to select exactly what information is extracted.
Data extraction has many applications, and multiple data extraction tools and options are available for data extraction.
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120. Collecting Attribute Information
The following information focuses on a basic example of using data extraction to develop a bill of materials.
This information can be applied to a variety of similar and more advanced data extraction requirements.
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121. Collecting Attribute Information
Example:
A basic landscape plan.
Trees, shrubs, and plants are drawn as blocks
Include attributes that specify species, height, diameter, and cost.
The blocks were inserted on the appropriate TREE, SHRUB, or PLANT layer.
Using Attributes

122. Collecting Attribute Information
Data extraction
Is used in this example to extract the
species, height, diameter, cost, and quantity of each different tree, shrub, and plant to create a landscape bill of materials.
Using Attributes

123. Data Extraction
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124. Using Attributes

125. Data Extraction Data Extraction Page
This page is used to begin the data extraction process by creating, editing, or referencing a data extraction file.
To create a new data extraction file (DXE), select the Create a new data extraction radio button and pick the Next> button.
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126. Using Attributes

127. Data Extraction
Selecting the <Next> button launches the Save Data Extraction As button dialog box, which allows you to create a DXE file.
A “.DXE file” is an AutoCAD Data Extraction format file.
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128. Data Extraction Using a previously created .dxe format file.
If you want to use an existing DXE file to form a new data extraction
pick the Use previous extraction as a template (.dxe or .blk) check box, available when the Create a new data extraction radio button is selected.
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129. Using Attributes

130. Data Extraction Using a previously created .dxe format file.
Pick the ellipsis button to open the Open Template dialog box and
Select the existing data extraction template (DXE) or
An attribute extraction template (BLK) file.
Then pick the <Next> button to display the next page of the wizard.
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131. Using Attributes

132. Using Attributes

133. Data Extraction Using a previously created .dxe format file.
You can modify an existing data extraction file by picking the Edit existing data extraction radio button.
Pick the ellipsis button to open the Select Existing Data Extraction File dialog box and
Choose the DXE file to modify.
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134. Using Attributes

135. Using Attributes

136. Collecting Attribute Information
Define Data Source Page
Data Source can be:
The drawings
Sheet set or
Individual objects
The selected drawing files or objects are known as the data source.
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137. Using Attributes

138. Data Extraction Data Source: specific objects in the current drawing.
Pick the Select objects radio button
Select the objects to be included in the data source.
Objects can only be selected from the current drawing.
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139. Using Attributes

140. Data Extraction Settings... button Options
Extract objects from blocks.
Includes block information in the extraction.
Extract objects from xrefs.
Includes objects in xrefs in the extraction.
Otherwise, xref content is not included.
Include xrefs in block count.
Causes xrefs to be counted as blocks.
Objects in model space.
Extracts only the objects in model space. Objects in paper space are ignored.
All objects in drawing.
Includes all objects in the drawing in the extraction.
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141. Using Attributes

142. Data Extraction Professional Tip
Add multiple files or a sheet set to the data source to compile file properties such as Tile, Comments, Drawing Revision, and File Name.
This data can be used to draw a parts list or similar type of table.
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143. Using Attributes

144. Using Attributes

145. Data Extraction Objects page Lists all the data source objects.
In this context, an object is any item added to the data source, such as
drawing geometry, text, blocks, hatch patterns, dimensions, and tables.
The landscape plan drawing contains
lines, splines, polylines, single-line and multiline text, blocks, and attribute definitions.
Using Attributes

146. Data Extraction
Choose the objects that contain the data you want in your table.
Only blocks are selected to create the landscape bill of materials, because the blocks contain all attribute information.
Right-click – opens shortcut menu that allows you to select all objects, deselect all objects, or invert the selection.
Using Attributes

147. Data Extraction Changing the object display name
can be a critical step when extracting certain types of data.
Using the same display name for different objects
is effective for grouping data into a single item.
Changing the display name
provides a more descriptive name for the object.
For the landscape plan example, the display name is set according to the block name, which does not require modification in this example.
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148. Using Attributes

149. Using Attributes

150. Using Attributes

151. Using Attributes

152. Data Extraction Select Properties Page
Lists all the properties found in the selected objects and the data source files.
Every object and file contains certain properties, or data.
Line: length, color, linetype, and position.
Choose the object properties that you want to be in your table or external file.
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153. Using Attributes

154. Data Extraction
The selected properties correspond to the table columns.
For this example
COST, DIAMETER, HEIGHT, and SPECIES attribute properties are selected to create the landscape bill of materials columns.
All of the attributes that were created using the ATTDEF command are listed.
Pick the check box corresponding to the properties you want to reference to create the table or list.
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155. Using Attributes

156. Using Attributes

157. Data Extraction Right-clicking a property in the list
provides a shortcut menu that
allows you to
select all objects,
deselect all objects, or
invert the selection.
Using Attributes

158. Data Extraction The display name of a property
can be changed by
right-clicking and
selecting the Edit Display Name menu option.
The property display name is used as
the table or list column header.
Using Attributes

159. Data Extraction Column headers If an attribute contains a field
can be adjusted during the next phase of data extraction.
If an attribute contains a field
the field is automatically converted to text during the extraction process.
Using Attributes

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165. Data Extraction Refine Data Page
Allows you to adjust table or list content and display characteristics before inserting the table or creating the external file.
The results of the extraction are shown in a table, with the selected properties displayed in columns and each object placed in a row.
Using Attributes

166. Data Extraction Options – right click menu. Sort Ascending.
Sort Descending.
Sort Columns Options.
Rename Column.
Hide Column.
Hidden columns are not included in the extraction.
The Count and Name columns are provided in addition to the selected property columns. You can use these columns in your table or hide them if not needed.
For the landscape bill of materials example, the Name column is not needed and is hidden.
Using Attributes

167. Data Extraction Options – right click menu. Show Hidden Columns.
Pick to Show All Columns to redisplay all hidden columns.
Set Column Data Format.
Pick to access the Set Cell Format dialog box.
The Data Types: Angle, Currency, Date, Decimal Number, General, Percentage, Point, Text, and Whole Number.
Using Attributes

168. Data Extraction Options – right click menu. Insert Formula Column...
You can add a column that uses a formula to calculate cell data.
For example, the landscape bill of materials example contains a QUANTITY column and COST column.
A formula column named TOTAL COST is added that uses a <QUANTITY>*<COST> formula to calculate the cost for the total number of same items.
Pick Edit Formula Column...
to edit the formula used in the column.
Select Remove Formula Column...
to delete the selected formula column.
Using Attributes

169. Data Extraction Options – right click menu. Combine Record Mode.
This cascading submenu is only available when the Combine identical rows check box is selected.
Pick the Separate Values option to display a row for each unique data value.
Select the Sum Values option to add the data values of equal items together.
This option is used in the landscape bill of materials example to total the total quantity of each type of tree, shrub, and plant.
Using Attributes

170. Data Extraction Options – right click menu Insert Totals Footer.
Adds a cell at the bottom of the selected column that calculates and displays column data cell values.
Choose the Sum option to calculate the sum of all values in the column data cells.
Pick the Max option to show the largest single value displayed in the column, or
Select Min to show the lowest single value.
Another option is to choose Average to calculate the average value of the column data cells.
Select Remove Totals Footer to delete the cell.
Using Attributes

171. Data Extraction Options – right click menu Filter Options.
Opens the Filter dialog box.
Any rows unchecked in this dialog box are not included in the extraction.
Reset Filter.
Resets any filters for the column that was right-clicked.
Reset All Filters.
Resets all filters in all columns.
Copy to Clipboard.
The information is copied to the Windows Clipboard in the same format as displayed in the table.
Using Attributes

172. Data Extraction Options – right click menu Full Preview
Displays a preview of the data.
The window that opens displays the data as it will appear when extracted.
Close the preview window with [Esc] key or Windows control button (X).
Using Attributes

173. Data Extraction Options – right click menu
Existing data entered in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet or a CSV file can be added to the table by picking the Link External Data... buttonto access the Link External Data dialog box.
Using Attributes

174. Data Extraction Choose Output Page To create a table
Pick the destination of the extracted data.
To create a table
Check the Insert data extraction table into drawing check box.
Using Attributes

175. Data Extraction To save the data to an external file
Check the Output data to external file
(.xls .csv .mbt .txt) check box.
Pick the ellipsis (...) button to display the Save As dialog box.
Specify a file name and folder for the file.
Select the type of file to be saved in the File of type: drop-down list.
The default file formats are
comma-separated (CSV) and
tab-separated (TXT).
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Access
Using Attributes

176. Data Extraction
Using Attributes

177. Data Extraction
Using Attributes

178. Data Extraction Output page. Table Style Page
The folder location and file name are displayed in the text box below the External file check box.
Table Style Page
Select a table style to create or modify a style.
Similar to Text Styles
Enter a title for the table
A unique title, header, or data cell style can be selected from the drop-down lists if necessary.
Using Attributes

179. Data Extraction
Using Attributes

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182. Data Extraction Finish Page
Is the last page
Pick the Finish button to finish the data extraction.
Pick an insertion point for the table
if the Insert data extraction table into drawing check box was checked on the Choose Output page.
Pick a point or enter coordinates to complete the extraction process.
Using Attributes

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184. Data Extraction
Using Attributes

185. Data Extraction
Using Attributes