Using Attributes
Sacramento City College
Engineering Design Technology
Using Attributes
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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.
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Using Attributes
Attributes
 Blocks
 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.
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Using Attributes
Attributes
 Attributes
are
 Written
values or
 Numerical values
 That
are
 assigned
to blocks
 by AutoCAD.
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Using Attributes
Attributes
 Attribute
information
 Can
be used as text
 Can be extracted from a drawing.
A
block can have as many attributes as
desired.
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Using Attributes
Attributes
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
Attributes
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
Attributes
 Once
inserted, attribute values can be
modified
 Use
Enhanced Attributes Editor.
 Attribute
 Use
Block Attribute Manager
 Block
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definitions can be adjusted
and attribute text data can be exported.
Using Attributes
Assigning Attributes to Blocks
 First,
determine text info needed for block.
 Name
of block usually is first attribute
 Manufacturer
 Type
 Size
 Price
 Weight
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Using Attributes
ATTDEF Command
 ATTDEF
 Attribute
Define command
 Is used to assign attributes.
 Draw > Block > Define Attributes
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Using Attributes
ATTDEF Command
 Has
four main areas
 1.
Mode
 2. Attribute
 3. Text Settings
 4. Insertion Point
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Using Attributes
ATTDEF Command
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Using Attributes
ATTDEF Command – Mode Area
 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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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
 Single
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Lines
line or multiple line attributes can be created.
Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
ATTDEF Command – Attribute Area
 Attribute
area.
 This
area lets you 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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
ATTDEF Command – Attribute Area
 If
the first character in an entry is a space,
 start
 If
the string with a backslash (\).
the first character is a backslash,
 begin
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the entry with two backslashes (\\).
Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
ATTDEF Command – Attribute Area
 Tag:
 Is
a text box.
 Use this text box to 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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
ATTDEF Command – Text Options
 Text
Options area.
 Specify
the justification, style, height, and
rotation angle for attribute text.
 Justification.
 You
can use the Justification: drop-down list to
select a justification option for the 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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
ATTDEF Command – Text Options
 Height.
 Specify
the height of the attribute text.
 Selecting the Height button temporarily returns you
to the drawing area and allows you to indicate the
text height by picking points on screen.
 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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
ATTDEF Command – Insertion
 Insertion
Point area.
 Used
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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
Placing the Attribute
Using Attributes
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Editing Attribute Properties
Using Attributes
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Editing Attribute Properties
 Use
Properties palette.
 Modify > Properties
 Tools > Palettes > Properties
 Can
also type
 CH,
MO, PROPS, PROPERTIES
 OR
 [Cntrl]
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+ [2]
Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
Editing Attribute Properties
 Can
change
 General
 Color,
 Text
Section
linetype or layer of selected attribute
Section
 Attribute
 Geometry
tag, prompt, and default value entries
section
 the
insertion point of the text attribute
 Use Position options
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Using Attributes
Editing Attribute Properties

Most powerful feature is the ability to change the
attribute modes that were originally defined.

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Misc Section
 Invisible, Constant, Verify, Preset
Using Attributes
Creating Blocks with Attributes
Using Attributes
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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.
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Using Attributes
Creating Blocks with Attributes
 Block
 The
creation
“Delete” option is a good choice.
 Removes
objects and attributes after block has been
created.
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Using Attributes
Inserting Blocks With Attributes
 Insert
 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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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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
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[Tab] / [Shift] [Tab] to move through values
Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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
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option suppresses the display of all attributes.
Using Attributes
Changing Attribute Values
Using Attributes
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Changing Attribute Values
can edit attributes before they are
included in a block using the Properties
window.
 You
 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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
Changing Attribute Values
 Pick
the block
 containing
 the
the attributes you wish to modify, and
Enhanced Attribute Editor is displayed.
 OR
 From
pull-down menu
 Modify > Object > Attribute > Single
 OR
 Type
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EATTEDIT
Using Attributes
Changing Attribute Values
 Enhanced
 Three
Attributes Editor
Tabs
 Attribute

Change values of attributes here
 Text

Options
Modify text properties of the attribute
 Properties

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Modify the object properties of the attribute.
Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
Editing Attribute Values and
Properties Globally
Using Attributes
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Editing Attributes Globally
 You
can edit attribute values by
 selecting
blocks one at a time
 Or
 Edit
several block attributes at once
 Or
 Edit
 Use
attributes individually
–ATTEDIT Or -ATE
 Modify
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> Object > Attribute > Global
Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
Editing Attributes Globally
 Example:
 Suppose
you misspelled RESISTOR as
RESISTER, and you have
 12 insertions of the same block on drawing.
 Enter
–ATTEDIT
NO (don’t edit attributes individually)
 You can then edit the attribute globally.
 Specify
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Using Attributes
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>:
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Using Attributes
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.

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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
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.
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Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
Editing Attributes Globally
 Command:
 Edit

-ATE or -ATTEDIT
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
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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
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Using Attributes
Changing Attribute Definitions
 Before
saving an attribute within a block,
you can modify the
 Tag
 Prompt
 Default
 using
value
the DDEDIT command.
 Once
an attribute is saved in a block definition,
you must use the Block Attribute Manager to
change the attribute definition.
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Using Attributes
Changing Attribute Definitions
 Block
Attribute Manager is accessed by
the Block Attribute Manager…button from
the Modify II toolbar or
 picking
 the
Block Attributes control panel of the Dashboard,
 selecting
Modify >Object >Attribute > Block Attribute
Manager... from the pull-down menu, or
 typing
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BATTMAN.
Using Attributes
Changing Attribute Definitions
 Block
 lists
 To
Attribute Manager
the attributes for the selected block.
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.
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Using Attributes
Block Attribute Manager
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Using Attributes
Block Attribute Manager
 The
attribute list
 reflects
the order in which prompts appear
when a block is inserted.
 To
change the order,
 use
 To
delete an attribute,
 pick
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the Move Up and Move Down buttons
the Remove button.
Using Attributes
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
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Figure 26-11.
Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
Changing Attribute Definitions
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Using Attributes
Changing Attribute Definitions
 The
Attribute tab allows you to modify the
 modes,
 tag,
 prompt,
 and
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default value.
Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
Changing Attribute Definitions
 Professional
 The
tip:
Block Attribute Manager modifies
 attribute
definitions, NOT attribute values.
 Modify
Attribute values with the Enhanced
Attribute Editor.
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Using Attributes
Redefining a Block and Its Attributes
Using Attributes
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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.
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Using Attributes
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)

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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
Automating Drafting Documentation
Using Attributes
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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.
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Using Attributes
Creating Title Blocks
 Title
Block
 Time-consuming
task
 it can be efficiently automated by assigning
attributes.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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.

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For example, if your organization consistently specifies the
same overall tolerances on drawing dimensions, the
tolerance attributes can be assigned default values.
Using Attributes
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
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Using Attributes
Creating Revision Blocks
 Revision
block
 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

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because they might be confused with numbers.
Using Attributes
Creating Revision Blocks
 Revision
Block
 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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
Using Fields to Reference Attributes
 Fields
 Can
list attributes
 Allows you to display the value of an attribute in a
location away from the block.
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Using Attributes
Using Fields to Reference Attributes
 Fields
 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.
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Using Attributes
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
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field is inserted in the text object
Using Attributes
Data Extraction
Using Attributes
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Collecting Attribute Information
 Existing
AutoCAD drawing information such as
 Attributes
 can

be used to create a table in the drawing
or
 exported
 Data
to an external file.
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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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
Collecting Attribute Information
 Data
 Is
extraction
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.
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Data Extraction
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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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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
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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Collecting Attribute Information
 Define
 Data
Data Source Page
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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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
Data Extraction
 Settings...
button
 Options
 Extract

Includes block information in the extraction.
 Extract

objects from blocks.
objects from xrefs.
Includes objects in xrefs in the extraction.
 Otherwise, xref content is not included.
 Include

Causes xrefs to be counted as blocks.
 Objects

 All

140
xrefs in block count.
in model space.
Extracts only the objects in model space. Objects in paper
space are ignored.
objects in drawing.
Includes all objects in the drawing in the extraction.
Using Attributes
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Using Attributes
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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Using Attributes
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

145
landscape plan drawing contains
lines, splines, polylines, single-line and multiline text,
blocks, and attribute definitions.
Using Attributes
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.

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Right-click – opens shortcut menu that allows you to select
all objects, deselect all objects, or invert the selection.
Using Attributes
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
 provides

147
the display name
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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Using Attributes
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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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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Using Attributes
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.

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Using Attributes
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
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table or list column header.
Using Attributes
Data Extraction
 Column
headers
 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.
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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
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.

166
Using Attributes
Data Extraction
 Options
 Show

 Set

167
– right click menu.
Hidden Columns.
Pick to Show All Columns to redisplay all hidden columns.
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
Data Extraction
 Options
 Insert

Edit Formula Column...
to edit the formula used in the column.
 Select

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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

– right click menu.
Remove Formula Column...
to delete the selected formula column.
Using Attributes
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.

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Using Attributes
Data Extraction
 Options
 Insert
– right click menu
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.

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Using Attributes
Data Extraction
 Options
 Filter
– right click menu
Options.
Opens the Filter dialog box.
 Any rows unchecked in this dialog box are not included in
the extraction.

 Reset

Resets any filters for the column that was right-clicked.
 Reset

171
All Filters.
Resets all filters in all columns.
 Copy

Filter.
to Clipboard.
The information is copied to the Windows Clipboard in the
same format as displayed in the table.
Using Attributes
Data Extraction
 Options
 Full
– right click menu
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).

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Using Attributes
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.
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Using Attributes
Data Extraction
 Choose
 Pick
 To
Output Page
the destination of the extracted data.
create a table
 Check
the Insert data extraction table into drawing
check box.
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Using Attributes
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

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Data Extraction
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Data Extraction
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Using Attributes
Data Extraction
 Output
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.
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Data Extraction
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Data Extraction
 Finish
 Is
Page
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.
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Data Extraction
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Data Extraction
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Using Attributes