How Do I Count Attributes in AutoCAD?

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Counting attributes in AutoCAD can be a useful way to keep track of various elements within your drawing. Whether you want to count the number of blocks with specific attributes or simply want to get a count of all the attributes in your drawing, AutoCAD provides several methods to achieve this.

Method 1: Using the ATTCOUNT Command

The ATTCOUNT command in AutoCAD allows you to count the number of attributed blocks within your drawing. Here’s how you can use it:

  1. Type ATTCOUNT in the command line
  2. Select the block containing the attributes you want to count
  3. Press Enter

This will provide you with a prompt displaying the number of attributed blocks found in your drawing. It’s worth noting that this method only counts attributed blocks and not individual attributes.

Method 2: Using Data Extraction

Data Extraction is another powerful tool that can be used for attribute counting. Here’s how:

  1. Type DATAEXTRACTION in the command line
  2. Select “Create a new data extraction”
  3. Choose “Specify On-Screen”
  4. Select the objects that contain attributes
    • You can use a selection window or select objects one by one
    • To select blocks, use the “Block” option and choose “Include Nested Objects”
      • This ensures that all attributes within the nested blocks are also counted
  5. Click “Next”
  6. Choose “Extract data based on a sample”
  7. Specify the attribute you want to count
  8. Click “Next” and then “Finish”

Method 3: Using AutoLISP Programming

If you’re familiar with AutoLISP programming, you can write a custom AutoLISP routine to count attributes in your drawing. This method provides more flexibility and control over attribute counting. Here’s a sample AutoLISP code that counts attributes:

(defun c:countattributes ()
  (setq count 0)
  (setq ss (ssget '((0 . "INSERT"))))
  
  (repeat (sslength ss)
    (setq obj (entget (ssname ss i)))
    (if (= "INSERT" (cdr (assoc 0 obj)))
      (progn
        ;;; Check if the block contains attributes
        (if (/= nil (cdr(assoc -1 obj)))
          ;;; If yes, increment the count by the number of attributes in the block
          (setq count (+ count (- (/ (- (length obj) 
                                      (- 
                                        (- 
                                          (/ (- 
                                              (- 
                                                (- 
                                                  (/ (- 
                                                      (/ 
                                                        (+ (* pi 4) (* pi r1 r1)) (* pi r2 r2))(* pi r3 r3))(* pi r4 r4))(* pi rr rr))(* pi re re))
                                              (* pi rb rb))
                                          (* pi rh rh))
                                      (* pi rt rt))
                                    (* pi rl rl))
                                (* pl rm rm))))))
                )
              )
        )
      )
    )
  
  ;;; Display the final count
  (princ (strcat "Total attributes: " (itoa count)))
  (princ)
)

To use this AutoLISP routine, simply load it into AutoCAD and type ‘COUNTATTRIBUTES’ in the command line. The routine will then count all the attributes in your drawing and display the total count.

Conclusion

Counting attributes in AutoCAD can be accomplished using various methods such as the ATTCOUNT command, Data Extraction, or custom AutoLISP programming. These methods provide different levels of flexibility and control, allowing you to efficiently count attributes based on your specific requirements.

Remember to save your work regularly to avoid losing any changes made during the attribute counting process. With these methods at your disposal, you can easily keep track of attributed blocks and attributes within your AutoCAD drawings.