Setting the Data Extraction Output

The Choose Output page of the Data Extraction wizard lets you output the extracted data to a table within your drawing, to an external file, or both.

The following options are available:

• Insert data extraction table into drawing

  When the data extraction is complete, the software prompts you to insert the table into the current drawing.

  By default, the cells of the data extraction table are locked. To enable editing, unlock individual cells or the entire table. To display the locking and unlocking options right click the cell to unlock.

  Note: After placing the data extraction table on the drawing you can use the ExportTable command to export the data into .csv format

• Output data to external file

  You can export the data from the data extraction table to the following file formats:

  • Comma-separated file (.csv format). CSV (Comma-separated Values) is an ASCII file format that stores tabular data for spreadsheet or database software. Commas separate cell values. Strings are enclosed by single quotation marks.
  • Text file. A .txt file is a standard text document in which the fields of the data extraction table are separated by tab characters. The .txt file does not include formatting information.

  Optionally, you can include the column names in the external file.

To export a data extraction table to an external file:

1. Type ExtractData at the command prompt.
2. In the Data Extraction wizard, click Next repeatedly until you reach the Choose Output page.
3. Select Output data to external file and click Browse.
4. In the dialog box, specify the following:
   • Save in. Navigate to the folder where you want to store the file.
   • File name. Type a name for the file.
   • Save as type. Specify .csv or .txt type.
5. Optionally, select Add column headers to include the top row of data in the data link as the column name for the linked data in the external file.
6. Click Save.
7. On the Finish page, click Finish.

   The command generates the external file of the specified type.

To insert a data extraction table in the current drawing:

1. Type ExtractData at the command prompt.
2. In the Data Extraction wizard, click Next repeatedly until you reach the Choose Output page.
3. Select Insert data extraction table into drawing and click Next.
4. On the Table Style page, do the necessary settings and click Next.
5. On the Finish page, click Finish.