How to import and export a table from AutoCAD to Excel

In this article, I will explain methods by which you can import and export a table from AutoCAD to Excel. Let’s first start with importing a table.

Importing the table in AutoCAD:

In AutoCAD, you can import excel table as OLE object which is linked to its original source or as an independent AutoCAD table where it is not linked to its parent table. In this article, I will use this sample table made in MS- Excel to demonstrate how this process works.

Importing as a data link:

Open excel file downloaded from the link above and select table completely then right click and select copy from the contextual menu, you can also use CTRL+C to copy table. Now open AutoCAD and click on paste special from clipboard panel of the home tab as shown in the image below.

Paste special window will pop up, in this window select Paste Link radio button and click on the Microsoft Excel Worksheet option and click OK. Now specify a location in the drawing area to paste this table.

The table will now appear in drawing area just like any other Excel table.This table will retain its formatting like line width and cell merges and it will also remain linked with its parent table from where it is copied.

Now open MS-Excel table and make any change in it and save it then go to AutoCAD window and type REA to regenerate your drawing and you will see that table is updated in AutoCAD too with changed value.

Importing as AutoCAD entity:

You can also import table in AutoCAD as a standalone entity so that it remains completely isolated from excel table.

Repeat the whole process of copying table from MS-Excel and select paste special again from clipboard panel of the home tab but this time select AutoCAD entities option from the Paste Special window and click OK.

Now specify a location to paste your table in the drawing area. The table will be inserted as an AutoCAD entity and it will retain its formatting too.

In this case, you will observe that table has no relation to its parent MS-Excel table and any change made to that parent table will no longer be reflected in the AutoCAD table.

Exporting table from AutoCAD:

You can export a table from AutoCAD in a format like CSV which can be read by the MS office application.

Table exported from AutoCAD does not retain its formatting which means cell color, cell merging, and border styles are not retained in CSV format and after exporting you need to again add formatting to the table if required.

To export a table select it completely then right click and select Export from the contextual menu, Export data window will pop up. Now name your table and provide a location where you want to save it and click save.

A new table in CSV format will be saved at the specified location, this table can now be opened with MS-office and other CSV compatible applications.

Do you have questions related to this tip? let us know in the comments below.