Need Data links to update automatically

[Samr1979]

We use Excel for our schedules in AutoCAD using the Data Link and I was wondering if there is a way to have the schedules update automatically in AutoCAD after making changes in excel and saving them, without having AutoCAD open?

[SLW210]

It can be done most likely, but not with inbuilt tools from AutoCAD AFAIK.

 

It's been a while, but doesn't AutoCAD prompt to update when you open a drawing with changed Excel files that are linked?

 

Should be able to run a batch script on a folder of drawings, the opening, updating, saving and closing should be fairly fast.

 

 

 

 

[SLW210]

I moved your thread to the AutoLISP, Visual LISP & DCL Forum.

 

You can have the update automatic as you open a drawing by adding it to acaddoc.lsp (you may need to make one). Every one would need this in their own acaddoc.lsp or a network version could be used. Type at the commandline  (findfile "acaddoc.lsp") to see if there already is one.

 

Just add this...

(command "DATALINKUPDATE" "_U" "_K")

 

Per this article How to automatically update data links in AutoCAD (autodesk.com)

 

You might prefer to use Excel and a VBA macro to update them - Update a table data link in AutoCAD using VBA - Stack Overflow

 

Untested.

 

 

[Samr1979]

Thank you I will give this a try.