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Lesson 2-18 – Tables and Fields

πŸŽ“ Lesson 2-18: Tables and Fields

Automate tabular data entry and link field values to drawing objects


πŸ“š What You’ll Learn

By the end of this lesson, you’ll 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

🧰 Tools You’ll Use

Tool / CommandDescription
TABLEInserts a customizable table object
FIELDAdds dynamic text linked to object properties or drawing metadata
TABLESTYLEManages table formatting options (headers, text size, borders, etc)
MTEXTUsed in combination with fields for standalone dynamic text
Right-clickUsed to insert fields or update existing table content

❗ 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

🧾 Working with Tables

AutoCAD’s TABLE command lets you create editable grid structures for tabular data.

How To Insert a Table:

  1. Type TABLE or click Table on the Annotate ribbon
  2. Choose a table style (or create one)
  3. Set the number of rows and columns
  4. 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

🎨 Tip: Use TABLESTYLE to define consistent table formatting for your company or project.


πŸ”— 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 CategorySample Use Case
ObjectInsert object properties (e.g., area of a hatch)
Date & TimeAutomatically show date drawn or updated
SheetSetLink to sheet info in a set
Drawing PropertiesPull from DWG metadata (e.g., Author, Title)

✍️ How To Insert a Field in a Table Cell

  1. Double-click a table cell
  2. Right-click > Insert Field
  3. Choose the field category (e.g., Object)
  4. Select the object to extract data from
  5. Pick the property (e.g., Area) and insert
  6. The value will now update automatically when the object changes

πŸ“ Example: Insert a field that links to the area of a polyline and have it display in your schedule table.


πŸ” Editing and Updating Fields

Fields are dynamic, but they need to be updated:

  • Use REGEN or UPDATEFIELD to refresh field values
  • Save and reopen a drawing to automatically update most fields
  • Right-click a field and select Update Field manually

πŸ”§ Tip: Use MTEXT fields outside of tables for dynamic notes like “Drawing Updated On [Date]”.


πŸ› οΈ Best Practices

Best PracticeBenefit
Use fields for quantities and datesAvoid manual entry errors
Define standard table stylesMaintain visual consistency across drawings
Link object data to fieldsKeep annotations in sync with the model
Add fields to title blocksAutomatically update drawing names and dates

βœ… Practice Exercise

Objective: Create a simple table that includes dynamic fields linked to drawing objects.

Instructions:

  1. Draw two closed polylines (rooms or lots)
  2. Use the TABLE command to create a table with two rows and three columns
  3. In the first column, enter room names (e.g., Room A, Room B)
  4. In the second column, insert fields linked to each polyline’s area
  5. Format the third column with manually entered notes
  6. 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.


πŸ“Œ Quick Review

FeatureDescription
TABLEInserts tabular data with editable cells
FIELDAdds dynamic text that links to properties or metadata
TABLESTYLEControls formatting, fonts, and layout of tables
UPDATEFIELDRefreshes all field data based on drawing changes