Block DataLinks

A system of tools to link block attributes with data stored in databases or spreadsheets. Various tools exist, each described below.

Keyboard Command: BlkDatLnk

Warning: The software has the ability to make numerous irreversible changes to multiple datasources without prompting. As such, it is highly recommended that you experiment with a copy of drawings and data files before implementing on actual drawings/data.

• Manager: Block data link manager for adding, editing and removing data block links.

  Linking Existing File:

  1. Open the drawing to establish (or edit) the links in.
  2. Initiate the Link Manager dialog.
  3. Choose the + button to select a data file.
  4. Optionally change the link name (first column).
  5. Select the Block cell for the record.
  6. Choose the ... button to select the block to use.
  7. Repeat at Step 5 for the Tag and Table cells.

  Export & Link (Create) File:

  1. Open the drawing to establish (or edit) the links in.
  2. Initiate the Link Manager dialog.
  3. Specify the link name (first column).
  4. Select the Block cell for the record.
  5. Choose the ... button to select the block to use.
  6. Select the Tag cell for the record.
  7. Choose the ... button to select the tag to use.
  8. Specify a Table name to create.
  9. Choose the ! button to specify the file and complete the export.
• Update Blocks: Update linked block attributes from content stored in data sources.
• Update Source: Update data sources from content stored in linked block attributes.

Block data link manager for adding, editing and removing data block links.

Notes:

• Attribute Tag and Data Source column names cannot contain spaces!
• For data access purposes, sheet names in Excel spreadsheets must end in a $ dollar sign.
• There are toggles in the Reactors section of the Configuration dialog that allows data to be automatically updated on drawing open and/or save.

Additional:

• More connection strings for databases can be found at connectionstrings.com.
• AutoCAD 64-bit does not support the use of Microsoft Jet 4.0 OLE DB Provider.