Extract Data Using the Data Extraction Wizard

You use the Data Extraction wizard to choose the data source (drawings) to extract property data from selected objects. You can output the data to a table or external file.

The Data Extraction wizard guides you through the process of

Selecting the data source, which can be a drawing, set of drawings, or folders.
Filtering objects (non-blocks and blocks) are extracted and selecting properties from which data is extracted.
Organizing and refining the extracted data.
Merging information from an Excel spreadsheet with the extracted data.
Choosing an output format for the data (a table and/or an external file).
Formatting the extracted data in a table by specifying a table style or selecting an existing pre-formatted table.

The first time you extract data, you are prompted to save the data extraction settings in a data extraction (DXE) file. Later, if you need to edit the data extraction, you select the DXE file, which contains all the settings (data source, selected objects and their properties, output format and table style) that you used to create the extraction. For example, if you wanted to remove some property data from the extraction, you would select the DXE file that was used to create the extraction and made the desired changes.

A data extraction file can also be used as a template to perform the same type of extraction in a different drawing. The DXE file stores drawing and folder selections, object and property selections, and formatting choices. If you need to extract the same type of information repeatedly, using a DXE file is time-saving and convenient.

You can also edit a DXE file. You can add or remove drawings, add or remove objects, or select different properties from which to extract data. Tables that reference the same DXE file, even if those tables are in other drawings, display the changes when those tables are updated.

NoteYou can use an attribute extraction (BLK) file as a template for extracting data from blocks and attributes. When using a BLK file for extracting data or editing an existing extraction, you are prompted to save the data extraction to a DXE file in order to proceed with the extraction.

See Also

For information on identifying data extraction objects, see Highlight External References in a Drawing in Attach and Detach Referenced Drawings.

Procedure

To create a new data extraction table

It is recommended you save the current drawing before using the Data Extraction wizard. If the current drawing is not saved, you are prompted to save the drawing before proceeding with the data extraction.

Click Annotate tabTables panelExtract Data. At the command prompt, enter dataextraction.
On the Data Extraction wizard on the Begin page, click Create a New Data Extraction. If you want to use a template (DXE or BLK) file, click Use Previous Extraction as a Template. Click Next.
On the Save Data Extraction As dialog box, specify a file name for the data extraction file. Click Save.
On the Define Data Source page, specify the drawings or folders from which to extract data. Click Next.
On the Select Objects page, select the objects from which to extract data. Click Next.
On the Select Properties page, select the properties from which to extract data. Click Next.
On the Refine Data page, organize the columns if necessary. Click Next.
On the Choose Output page, click Insert Data Extraction Table into Drawing to create a data extraction table. Click Next.
On the Table Styles page, choose a table style. Enter a title for the table if necessary. Click Next.
On the Finish page, click Finish.
In the drawing, click an insertion point when prompted to create the table.

To link to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, see Link an Excel Spreadsheet to Access Data.

To edit a data extraction for a table

To detach a data extraction (DXE) file from a table

Quick Reference

Commands

System Variables

Start the Data Extraction
Select the Source for a Data Extraction

You can extract data from individual objects in a drawing, and all objects in a single drawing, multiple drawings, or folders.
Select Objects for Data Extraction

You can select objects, including blocks and their attributes and drawing property information, from which to extract data.
Organize and Refine the Extracted Data

Extracted data can be organized, refined, and formatted before it is output to a table or external file.
Use Table Styles for Data Extraction Tables

A table style or existing table can be used to format a data extraction table.

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