AutoCAD Lisp Problem: Transfer Titles from Excel to DWG

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on automating the transfer of title information from Excel to AutoCAD DWG files using Lisp programming. Users need to create a Lisp routine that can read data from an Excel spreadsheet or CSV file and update the title blocks in the corresponding DWG files. Key questions include the feasibility of this task with minimal Lisp knowledge and whether it is possible to manipulate AutoCAD files without opening the GUI. Additionally, the potential for using Python or other languages with a CAD API is explored.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of AutoCAD and its file formats (DWG)
  • Familiarity with Lisp programming language
  • Knowledge of Excel file formats (XLSX, CSV)
  • Understanding of CAD APIs and their functionalities
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to read Excel files in Lisp using libraries like "CL-Excel"
  • Learn about AutoCAD's ObjectARX API for manipulating DWG files programmatically
  • Explore Python libraries such as "pyautocad" for interfacing with AutoCAD
  • Investigate the use of AutoLISP for batch processing of multiple DWG files
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for AutoCAD users, Lisp programmers, and software developers looking to automate CAD file management and improve workflow efficiency.

OffTheRecord
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Hey folks. Question. Mostly about input/output in Lisp.

At work, we have thousands of old AutoCAD files that were never named properly, and thus can't be searched properly by AutoCAD Vault. The title information (drawing headers, authors, dates, etc) of all these files are currently stored in an excel file, rather than in their respective dwg files. I want to figure out some way to have a program (presumably written in Lisp, since that's the language CAD uses) take input from an excel spreadsheet (or CSV file), open up CAD dwg files, and transfer each title block into its respective CAD file.

First question: is this easy enough that I could accomplish it with minimal working knowledge of lisp?

Second question: can a lisp routine read an AutoCAD file without actually opening up the GUI? If so, how?

Third question: can the same task be accomplished using Python, or some other language?
 
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I don't have a ready answer, but I would start by searching for some kind of CAD API...it may have to be commercial, since CAD is not open source, but who knows, maybe there is something you can download for free for one time use.
 

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