2012

Extract Data from
Drawings and Spreadsheets
You can extract property data from objects in drawings and export the output to a table or
to an external file.
Overview of Data Extraction
You can extract information from objects, such as block attributes and drawing
properties, to create a schedule, a parts list, or a bill of materials.
For example, let’s say you have a residential construction project and you need
to create a door installation schedule to place in the drawing. By using the Data
Extraction wizard, you can select only those objects that are doors (blocks in
this case), and extract the attribute data. Because the Data Extraction wizard
also extracts property information from objects, you have more flexibility.
After you select the properties of the doors, the extracted data is displayed in
the wizard in columns. You can organize and refine the information in these
columns. Once the data is organized, you can format it by specifying a table
style or using an existing table as a template.
When you’re satisfied with how the table looks, the extraction is complete when
you insert the table into the drawing. If you need to share the extracted
information with others on the project, you can output the same extracted data
to an external file.
Information stored in an Excel spreadsheet can be linked and combined with
the extracted drawing data (object property data). Expanding on the same
example, you have some additional information about the doors in the your
drawing in an Excel spreadsheet (supplier and cost). You select these columns
38
1969