Chapter 14: Getting and Exchanging Data from Drawings

Overview

AutoCAD drawings contain a wealth of data. In them, you can find graphic information such as distances and angles between objects, as well as precise areas and the properties of objects. But as you become more experienced with AutoCAD, you will also need data of a different nature. For example, as you begin to work in groups, the various settings in a drawing become important. You will need statistics on the amount of time you spend on a drawing when you are billing computer time. As your projects become more complex, file maintenance requires a greater degree of attention. To take full advantage of AutoCAD, you will want to exchange much of this data with other people and other programs.

In this chapter, you will explore the ways in which all types of data can be extracted from AutoCAD and made available to you, your coworkers, and other programs. First, you will discover how to obtain specific data about your drawings. Then you will look at ways to exchange data with other programs ”such as word processors, desktop-publishing software, and even other CAD programs.