Apps to Count Blocks in AutoCAD – AutoCAD Blog

Finding and Counting Blocks in AutoCAD

Counting blocks within AutoCAD drawings can be a vital part of managing project data, especially for material take-off or creating a bill of materials (BOM). Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to efficiently find and count blocks using available tools and applications.

Using the Built-in BCOUNT Command

1. Access the Command: Start by opening your AutoCAD drawing. Type BCOUNT in the command line and hit Enter.

2. Review Options: The command will prompt you to specify the parameters for counting. You can choose to count blocks in the entire drawing or limit the search to specific layout spaces or selected objects.

3. Generate the Report: Once you select your options, AutoCAD will generate a list of the blocks present in the specified area. This provides a detailed report of the blocks, including their names and counts, which you can then export or copy for further use.

Leveraging Third-Party Applications

In addition to the built-in capabilities of AutoCAD, several third-party applications are designed to enhance the counting process, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

CountBlocks 2025 by WJK CAD Solutions

• Overview: This application is tailored specifically for AutoCAD 2025, offering a seamless user experience.

• Functionality: CountBlocks 2025 can identify both dynamic and anonymous blocks within your drawings. It captures essential data such as the block description (if available) and allows you to copy this information to the clipboard.

• Usage Steps:

  1. Install the App: Purchase and install CountBlocks 2025 from the Autodesk App Store.
  2. Open Your Drawing: Navigate to the drawing where you want to count the blocks.
  3. Select Counting Options: Decide whether you’d like to count all blocks, focus on a specific layout, or restrict it to selected elements.
  4. Copy Data: Once the count is complete, you can easily copy the data to be pasted into AutoCAD as MText or into external applications like Excel to facilitate further analysis.

• Cost: The app is priced at $4.99.

comsCountIt! by Massimo Cicognani

• Overview: Another effective option for block management, comsCountIt! simplifies the counting and grouping of blocks across multiple drawings.

• Functionality: This plug-in allows users to search for both blocks and text across various drawings. It organizes the results based on specific attributes, making it easy to generate sortable reports.

• Usage Steps:

  1. Download the Plugin: Access comsCountIt! for free from the Autodesk App Store.
  2. Run a Search: Use the tool to search either a single drawing or multiple files for blocks or text.
  3. Group and Count: Review and customize your results, utilizing the grouping feature based on attributes.
  4. Export Results: Once satisfied, you can insert a table directly into your drawing or export the data as an XLS workbook, which does not require Microsoft Excel.

• Compatibility: This tool is designed to work with various AutoCAD specialized toolsets, including Architecture, Electrical, Mechanical, and MEP.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of using apps to count blocks in AutoCAD?

Utilizing apps to count blocks can save significant time and enhance accuracy compared to manual counting. These tools often provide additional features such as data export capabilities and customizable reporting.

2. Are the third-party applications compatible with all AutoCAD versions?

Not all applications are universally compatible. It’s essential to verify that the app you intend to use is specifically designed for your version of AutoCAD, such as 2025.

3. How do I install a third-party application in AutoCAD?

Installation typically involves downloading the application from the Autodesk App Store or the developer’s website, then following the specific installation instructions provided. After installation, you can access the app through the AutoCAD command line or the tools menu.