How Do I Export Text From AutoCAD to Excel?

Step-by-Step Guide to Export Text from AutoCAD to Excel

Exporting text data from AutoCAD to Excel can streamline your workflow, especially when dealing with tables or multiline text. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.

1. Preparing the Text for Export

Before beginning the export, ensure that your text is organized, either in a table format or as multiline text. If your data is already in a table, you’ll have a more straightforward time exporting.

2. Exporting Text from a Table

If your text data is contained within a table, follow these steps:

• Select the table by clicking on it.
• Right-click to bring up the contextual menu.
• Choose “Export Table” from the options available.
• Select the desired file format (CSV is generally suitable for Excel).

3. Exporting Multiline Text to Excel

For multiline text (mtext) that is not part of a table, the procedure is slightly different:

1. Open the Mtext Editor: Double-click on the multiline text to activate the mtext editor.
2. Select All Text: Use CTRL+A to select all content within the mtext editor.
3. Copy the Selected Text: Once selected, press CTRL+C to copy the text.
4. Open Excel: Switch to Excel and select the cell where you want to paste the copied text.
5. Paste the Text: Press CTRL+V to paste the text into the selected cell. You can further format it as per your requirements.

4. Formatting in Excel

When importing text, you might find that it requires some formatting:

1. Use Text to Columns Feature: If the text appears in a single column but needs to be separated, use the “Text to Columns” feature in Excel.
   • Select the text range that needs formatting.
   • Go to the Data tab and select “Text to Columns.”
   • Choose whether the data is delimited or fixed width and follow the prompts to configure the format.

5. Exporting Directly with Data Extraction

If you’re looking to export a large amount of data, utilizing the Data Extraction command may be beneficial:

1. Initiate Data Extraction: Type DATAEXTRACTION in the command line and hit Enter.
2. Follow the Wizard: The Data Extraction wizard will guide you through the process, allowing you to select objects and filter the data you wish to extract.
3. Select Output Format: Choose to export directly to an Excel-compatible format (CSV or XLS).

6. Linking Data Directly to Excel

To maintain a live connection between AutoCAD and Excel, you can create links:

1. Copy the Data: After selecting your data in AutoCAD, right-click and select “Copy.”
2. Paste Special in Excel: Open Excel, click on the desired cell, go to the Home tab, and choose “Paste Special.”
3. Select Paste Link: Choose “Paste Link” to create a dynamic link that updates in Excel when changes occur in AutoCAD.

FAQ

How can I export multiple text objects from AutoCAD to Excel?

To export multiple text objects, use the mtext editor as outlined previously. Select all relevant text, copy it, and then use Excel’s “Text to Columns” feature to separate data as necessary.

Is there a way to convert AutoCAD tables directly into Excel without manual steps?

Yes, by using the TABLEEXPORT command, you can export the specific table directly to a CSV file, which can then easily be opened in Excel.

What file format should I choose for seamless Excel import?

The CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format is highly recommended, as it is easily read by Excel and preserves data structure effectively during import.