Create a data link to a spreadsheet

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You can create tables that combine data extracted from properties

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in a drawing with data in an Excel spreadsheet.

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This can be a powerful way to combine pricing information in a spreadsheet

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with quantities derived from a drawing.

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The exercise file shows a large site plan.

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The host drawing includes a border and title block

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in paper space as well as two external references.

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The site plan

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and a drawing containing lines,

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arcs and poly lines representing various utilities such as gas, water and sewer,

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each of which has been drawn on its own layer.

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You can create a table that extracts those pipelines and then combine that data

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with cost data maintained in an Excel spreadsheet

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to create a data link to the spreadsheet

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on the insert ribbon

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in the linking and extraction panel. Click data link to open the data link manager

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in the links list, click create a new Excel data link to open the enter data link,

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name, dialogue

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in the name field type cost underscore data

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and then click OK.

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In the new Excel data link dialog,

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click the button adjacent to the browse for a file field.

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Navigate to the folder containing the spreadsheet to which you want to link

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cost underscore data dot XL S

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select it

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and click open

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back in the new Excel data link dialogue.

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Make sure link entire sheet is selected

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so you can use data from any page in the spreadsheet

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and then click OK.

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In the data link manager dialogue,

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verify that the link cost underscore data is selected.

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You should see a preview of the data in the Excel spreadsheet

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click OK? To close the dialogue.