Batch block insertion code

Is it possible to write a VBA/LISP/whatever routine that would take a list of blocks from an Excel file and provide them to the user for insertion into a drawing?

I'm working in the security industry, and we get floor plans from an outside source. We also get a list of "stuff" that is to be added to each room in the building: a secure door, an alarm push button, an intercom, a card reader.... So if AutoCAD could read the list of stuff to be put in and "give it" to the user to place it on the appropriate door/room location with a mouse click, it would simplify things. Especially if the attributes for each block could be populated from the file.

Just looking for information - How complex would this be? Lee wrote a LISP for me to take an Excell file and run a command (eattedit) on each one. Could that be easily modified?

Thanks.

Glen

I think this could be done.

As I understand it, you want the user to be prompted to place each block in turn and the name of the block and attribute values are extracted from the Excel file, am I correct?

Lee

Yes, that is what I have in mind. A couple of potential problems that I think I see:

1) can the routine import the blocks from the library or would they need to be placed into the drawing via design center or some other means.

2) The spreadsheet would have columns for every possible attribute for every possible block - even if that block did not have that attribute. Express tools export/import attributes handles this transparently so it may not be an issue.

3) The user would need to be able to pan around/zoom in/out in the drawing to find the correct loaction to place the block.

4) The list of blocks could be large (1500) being able to save the drawing every now and then would be important.

5) Can insertion be suspended and restarted from where you left off? Or would it be a marathon session - finish them all or you have to restart from the begining of the list of blocks.

Lee, I want to make clear that I have no expectation that you write this. If you have no other projects and think this would be an interesting challenge - that would be great. I would love to write it myself, but I am still digesting the block find that you so quickly put together for me a couple weeks ago.

Right now, I'm just wondering if such a thing could be done.

Hello. I kinda need the same thing. But i'm thinking in put the coords in the excell file so the user doesn't have to do anything.