Using a table to create multiple instances 2

[Hayden]

I have a colleague who has to make up about 50 product labels in AutoCAD. These labels all have exactly the same layout but differ in terms of numbers and text having different values.

Is it possible to automatically create all these labels given a template and a table of driving parameters using excel or such like? They would all need new filenames as well.

Cheers

Hayden

 

[borgunit]

There are a few ways you can go with this.
1. You could create a "template drawing" that you xref into each drawing.
-An advantage is if the "template" changes, all drawings change.
-Disadvantage is that all of the drawings must be able to "find" the template (they must stay together or in the same paths).

2. You could create a template drawing and start each drawing with it and then add the features you want. Advantages/disadvantages are somewhat opposite those of XREFing.

3. Write program to create the whole drawing, using either method above.

With either way above you go, you could write a program to do the rest. It just depends how much you will find yourself doing this in the future, whether it is justified in writing a program or not.

"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right "
.. Henry Ford

 

[CADSTUDENT]

A different approach is assigning attributes to your symbol by using ATTDEF (attributes define)and saving it as a block. To access this command, pick Define Attributes... form the BLOCK cascading menu in the DRAW pull-down menu, or enter ATT or ATTDEF at the command prompt. More information can be found on page 874 on AUTOCAD AND ITS APPLICATIONS. Let me know if this helps. John