π Lesson 2-18: Tables and Fields
Automate tabular data entry and link field values to drawing objects
π What Youβll Learn
By the end of this lesson, youβll be able to:
- Insert and format tables in your drawing
- Use fields to automate and link drawing data
- Reference object properties like area, length, or layer name in a table
- Update field values dynamically when drawing changes
- Create smart title blocks, schedules, and data-driven annotations
π§° Tools Youβll Use
Tool / Command | Description |
---|---|
TABLE | Inserts a customizable table object |
FIELD | Adds dynamic text linked to object properties or drawing metadata |
TABLESTYLE | Manages table formatting options (headers, text size, borders, etc) |
MTEXT | Used in combination with fields for standalone dynamic text |
Right-click | Used to insert fields or update existing table content |
β Why It Matters
Tables and fields eliminate repetitive data entry and help maintain consistency. Instead of manually typing data (and risking errors), you can link text to actual drawing objects or project metadata, saving time and ensuring accuracy.
Typical use cases include:
- Bills of materials (BOMs)
- Door and window schedules
- Drawing title blocks
- Revision tables
- Automatic area and length reports
π§Ύ Working with Tables
AutoCADβs TABLE command lets you create editable grid structures for tabular data.
How To Insert a Table:
- Type
TABLE
or click Table on the Annotate ribbon - Choose a table style (or create one)
- Set the number of rows and columns
- Click to place the table in your drawing
Table Features:
- Merge cells like in Excel
- Adjust row height and column width
- Insert formulas (sum, average)
- Format fonts, alignments, and borders
π¨ Tip: Use TABLESTYLE to define consistent table formatting for your company or project.
π Using Fields to Automate Text
A field is dynamic text that updates automatically. You can insert fields in:
- Table cells
- MTEXT blocks
- Attribute definitions
- Leaders and notes
Common Field Types:
Field Category | Sample Use Case |
---|---|
Object | Insert object properties (e.g., area of a hatch) |
Date & Time | Automatically show date drawn or updated |
SheetSet | Link to sheet info in a set |
Drawing Properties | Pull from DWG metadata (e.g., Author, Title) |
βοΈ How To Insert a Field in a Table Cell
- Double-click a table cell
- Right-click > Insert Field
- Choose the field category (e.g., Object)
- Select the object to extract data from
- Pick the property (e.g., Area) and insert
- The value will now update automatically when the object changes
π Example: Insert a field that links to the area of a polyline and have it display in your schedule table.
π Editing and Updating Fields
Fields are dynamic, but they need to be updated:
- Use
REGEN
orUPDATEFIELD
to refresh field values - Save and reopen a drawing to automatically update most fields
- Right-click a field and select Update Field manually
π§ Tip: Use MTEXT fields outside of tables for dynamic notes like “Drawing Updated On [Date]”.
π οΈ Best Practices
Best Practice | Benefit |
---|---|
Use fields for quantities and dates | Avoid manual entry errors |
Define standard table styles | Maintain visual consistency across drawings |
Link object data to fields | Keep annotations in sync with the model |
Add fields to title blocks | Automatically update drawing names and dates |
β Practice Exercise
Objective: Create a simple table that includes dynamic fields linked to drawing objects.
Instructions:
- Draw two closed polylines (rooms or lots)
- Use the
TABLE
command to create a table with two rows and three columns - In the first column, enter room names (e.g., Room A, Room B)
- In the second column, insert fields linked to each polyline’s area
- Format the third column with manually entered notes
- Change one polyline and update the table using
UPDATEFIELD
Bonus: Add a field to your title block that displays the current drawing name or author.
π Quick Review
Feature | Description |
---|---|
TABLE | Inserts tabular data with editable cells |
FIELD | Adds dynamic text that links to properties or metadata |
TABLESTYLE | Controls formatting, fonts, and layout of tables |
UPDATEFIELD | Refreshes all field data based on drawing changes |