Skip to main content

Batch export/import block info to/from worksheet

NTCL Soft

Batch export/import block info to/from worksheet

NTCL Soft

Batch export/ import Block refs. position, attributes, dynamic properties to/from Microsoft® Excel® worksheet

Free

With this app, block reference information can be quickly batch exported to/re-imported from Microsoft® Excel® worksheet.

The typical workflow is Export - Edit - Reimport
Information including:

  • Block insertion point (X, Y, Z) & rotation angle (in radian)
  • Block attributes
  • Dynamic Properties

Unlike classic commands (ATTIN, ATTOUT), this app can extract coordinates, and layout names which are useful for sorting block refs.

Unlike the new powerful DATAEXTRACTION command, this app can re-import values from worksheets to update existing drawing block refs. Also, exporting/importing procedures are minimized to save time.

Typical working scenarios are:

  • Batch numbering, naming .... sheet layout frame: By using attribute blocks as frames, the user can export them to Excel, and edit drawing number/ name/ title... with the help of Excel Autofill feature to finish the attribute values. Re-import those update values and the manual work of adding incrementally is done;
  • Rebuild drawing list from existing attribute block (used as drawing frames);
  • Update coordinate attributes of crosshair block: Export block info, copy new coordinate values X Cad, Y Cad columns to attribute column; re-import from Excel to update;
  • Exported block coordinates can be used for inquiry Station- offset, use Station offset for further sorting/editing;

Notes:

  1. This app cannot create new block references, just export - edit - reimport to update objects. Block reference objects are recognized by their Handle property (some kind of object ID in a specific drawing);
  2. Users don't have to do anything with license registration;
  3. An enhanced version of this App, which performs much faster & can process multi-drawing files is published Here (Paid App, perpetual license)

Details

Operating system

win64-platform-icon

Release date

Apr 5, 2022


Last updated

Apr 9, 2026


Version

1.0.8.0


Language

English

Compatible with

ACD-icon

ACD

2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027

MAP-icon

MAP

2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027

CIV3D-icon

CIV3D

2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027

ACAD_E-icon

ACAD_E

2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027

ADSTPR-icon

ADSTPR

2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027

BLDSYS-icon

BLDSYS

2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027

Capabilities

Blocks

Data extraction

Interoperability

Tags

Reporting

Import and export

Scheduling

Road design

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  1. Be aware that unsaved values that are overwritten in the Excel worksheet by this app cannot be undone in Excel. It is recommended to save an Excel worksheet & reserve enough blank columns/ or check the "Auto insert blank columns before exporting" before running this app.
  2. If no results are returned to Excel, please check: (a) Input values are correct, sometimes a block is defined but no block reference placed in drawing (b) App is being tied to an invisible running Excel.exe process. In such cases, please close all Excel instances, including those invisible Excel.exe process.
  3. If no Excel worksheet is opened before, this app will try to open a blank worksheet.
  4. In case the export to Excel action consumes too much time, you can try to terminate Excel to cancel. It is recommended to close/re-open this app after terminating Excel.
  5. This app only works with desktop versions of Microsoft® Excel®. In case multiple Microsoft® Excel® versions are installed, this app may work with the default version.

1. In some cases, this App cannot connect Excel® in Microsoft® 365 (Office® 365). The NTCL Error message: "Cannot open Microsoft® Excel®" appears right after the App is called.

This error can be fixed by running "Quick Repair" on Microsoft® 365 (Office® 365). For more information, please refer to: https://www.NTCLSoft.com/home/troubleshooting

2. Since version 1.0.3, App is installed to %AppData%\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins folder  instead of  %ProgramData%\Autodesk\ApplicationPlugins folder.  The first session of AutoCAD and/or verticals after updating will have to update some registry keys due to path change, the App will NOT work in this session. Please close and re-open AutoCAD and/or verticals. The app will work properly from the second session onwards.

For questions/comments/suggestions/bug reports etc please send an email to NTCLApp1@gmail.com

Found an issue?

Report a problem