AutoCAD

How to Insert Excel Table in AutoCAD 2020?

Preparing Your Excel File

Before incorporating an Excel table into AutoCAD, ensure your Excel file is properly organized and saved. Make sure that the data you want to import is clearly laid out in rows and columns. Close the Excel file once you have confirmed that everything is correct.

Inserting an Excel Table into AutoCAD 2025

  1. Open AutoCAD: Launch the AutoCAD 2025 application on your computer and open the drawing where you want to insert the table.

  2. Access the Command Line: Type TABLE into the command line at the bottom of the AutoCAD interface and press Enter. This triggers the table insertion process.

  3. Choose Data Link: In the various options presented, look for "From a data link." Tick this option to link your table with Excel data.

  4. Open the Data Link Manager: This action will open the Data Link Manager window. Here, select the option to create a new Excel data link.

  5. Name Your Data Link: Enter a name for your data link that is descriptive enough for future reference. Click OK to proceed.

  6. Select Your Excel File: A dialog box will prompt you to select the Excel file you wish to link. Navigate to the location of your Excel file and choose it.

  7. Configure Data Link Settings: You will see a series of settings that you can customize. Adjust these according to your preferences, ensuring that the data from your Excel table is formatted as desired in the AutoCAD table.

  8. Insert the Table: Once settings are adjusted, click OK. You will then need to specify a point in your drawing where the table will be placed. You can click anywhere in the drawing area to insert it or enter specific coordinates if required.

  9. Adjust Table Properties: After insertion, right-click on the table to access properties and make any necessary adjustments such as scale and format, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with your existing drawing.

Additional Ways to Insert a Table in AutoCAD

  1. Creating a Table Directly:

    • Set an active layer where the table will reside.
    • On the Home tab, navigate to the Annotation panel and click on Table.
    • Choose a table style from the drop-down menu that fits your project.
    • Specify how many rows and columns you need and confirm your selections by clicking OK.
    • Click to place the table in your drawing, and don’t forget to give it a title.
  2. Copying and Pasting from Excel:
    • In your prepared Excel file, select the data you want to import and copy it (Ctrl + C).
    • In AutoCAD, select the Edit menu, and then choose Paste Special.
    • In the dialog that appears, select AutoCAD Entities, which will format the copied content as a table within your drawing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I update the Excel table in AutoCAD after insertion?
Yes, you can update the linked Excel table in AutoCAD. Any changes made to the Excel file will be reflected in the AutoCAD table upon refreshing the data link.

2. What formats can I use for the Excel data link?
The most commonly used format is the standard .xlsx or .xls, which are compatible with AutoCAD’s data linking feature.

3. Is it possible to insert multiple Excel tables into a single AutoCAD drawing?
Absolutely! You can insert multiple Excel tables into the same drawing by repeating the process for each table you wish to add. Just make sure to manage data links appropriately to avoid confusion.

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.