Expert: Bill DeShawn - 7/30/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have to import data from one spreadsheet to multiple block attributes in a bunch of different drawings. To work, each block has to have a handle (or identifier). AutoCAD can provide the handles for you automatically by exporting.
The problem: Unique handles can be obtain in the current drawing only.  
Question: Is there any way to get around with it, like instead of having AutoCAD to provide me the handles for the blocks, can I just assign it myself?

ANSWER: Lyn:
Handles are identifiers for all objects.  Each object has its own handle.  Objects within blocks have handles, too.  They are not assignable by users.  They are automatically assigned by AutoCAD as new objects are created in the drawing.  No way to get around it.

Good luck.

Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I see. Well in that case, can you suggest a thing or two I can do aside from this to import/link data from an Excel file to blocks as attributes?

I use AutoCAD 2007. I only had 2 years of basic training from highschool, and kind of teaching myself with all the other stuff there is in CAD.

Thank you.


Answer
Well, if you're teaching yourself CAD, you're supposed to start at the beginning.  You're not supposed start at "importing data from excel".  Sheesh!  For that, most people go to third-party programs like this one:

How to link block attributes with an Excel sheet?
Try the Excellink add-on application, available on www.xanadu.cz/excellink - it can dynamically link your block attributes and block properties with values in an Excel sheet.
Excellink is a part of the "CAD Studio Tools Pro" productivity package.

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn