AutoCAD

How To Convert Text In AutoCAD To Excel?

Steps to Convert Text from AutoCAD to Excel

Transferring text data from AutoCAD to Excel can seem daunting, but it is a straightforward process. Follow the detailed steps outlined below to simplify the procedure.

Using the COPY Command for Text

  1. Initiate the COPY Command: Start by typing the command COPY in the AutoCAD command line. This allows you to select the text objects you intend to move to Excel.

  2. Select the Text Objects: Click on the text or objects you want to copy. After selecting, hit the Enter key.

  3. Confirm the Selection: If you’re confident about your selection, hit Enter again. You will typically need to do this twice – once to confirm the objects you wish to copy and a second time to finalize.

  4. Paste into Excel: Open Microsoft Excel and click on the cell where you want to paste the text. Press Ctrl+V or right-click and select "Paste." Your copied text will appear in the selected cell.

Exporting Text Using the Clipboard

  1. Open Text Editor: In AutoCAD, access the text editor by double-clicking the text object you wish to copy.

  2. Select and Copy the Text: Highlight the text you want to export. Right-click on the highlighted area and select "Copy" or simply press Ctrl+C.

  3. Open Excel Document: Launch Excel, and create a new workbook or open an existing one.

  4. Paste the Text: Click on the desired cell in Excel and paste the copied text by using Ctrl+V or right-clicking and choosing "Paste."

Exporting Tables from AutoCAD to Excel

  1. Enter the TABLEEXPORT Command: Type TABLEEXPORT in the command line to initiate the table export process.

  2. Choose the Table: When prompted, select the specific table you want to export to Excel.

  3. Specify the Filename: Enter a name for your exported file and ensure it is saved in CSV format.

  4. Open the CSV in Excel: Once you save the file, navigate to Excel and open the CSV file. The data will be formatted in a way that resembles a table.

  5. Format the Data: After opening the CSV file in Excel, you may want to adjust the formatting to fit your needs. Select any columns or rows to format the text or apply functions as required.

Converting AutoCAD Text Directly to Excel

  1. Prepare your Data: Ensure the text or table in AutoCAD is correctly formatted and ready for export.

  2. Select Objects: Use the selection tool to highlight the text you intend to export.

  3. Copy the Selected Objects: Like before, hit Ctrl+C or use the right-click option to copy.

  4. Import into Excel: Navigate to your Excel workbook, select the cell where you want the data, and paste it using Ctrl+V. You might need to adjust the column width after pasting for better readability.

FAQs

Can I export layers from AutoCAD to Excel?

No, AutoCAD does not allow direct exporting of layers to Excel, but you can copy layer properties as text and paste them into Excel.

Is there a way to automate the transfer of text between AutoCAD and Excel?

Yes, using AutoLISP programs or VBA scripts can automate the transferring of data between AutoCAD and Excel, making the process more efficient.

What formats can I save my AutoCAD files in for use with Excel?

You can save AutoCAD files in formats like CSV or TXT, which Excel can easily open and manipulate. These formats are suitable for text and simple tabular data.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.