Commands

ATTEXT command in AutoCAD : Extracts attribute data, informational text associated with a block, into a file

If you need to extract attribute values from blocks in AutoCAD, this guide explains in plain English how to use the ATTEXT command, why it sometimes fails, practical alternatives, troubleshooting, and useful tips. The steps are beginner-friendly and optimized to help readers and search engines find the content they need.

What is the ATTEXT command?

ATTEXT is a legacy AutoCAD command (often part of Express Tools) that extracts attribute data — the informational text stored with block references — and writes it to an external text file. The exported file can be used for reporting, editing in a spreadsheet, or for further processing.

Key points:

  • Extracts attribute tags and values from block references.
  • Produces a text file (common delimiters: comma, tab, or space) you can open in Notepad, Excel, etc.
  • Useful for creating schedules, lists, or CSV exports of block attributes.

When to use ATTEXT

Use ATTEXT when you want a quick, lightweight export of attribute values from blocks, for example:

  • Extracting room numbers, part IDs or tag values from blocks to create a schedule.
  • Creating a simple CSV or text list of attributes for outside processing.
  • When a quick one-off export is needed and installing a more advanced tool is not desirable.

If you need a structured, repeatable data export with more control (field mapping, formatting, Excel output), consider using the Data Extraction wizard (DATAEXTRACTION) or other alternatives listed below.

How to use ATTEXT — Step by step

The exact prompts can vary slightly by AutoCAD version, but the typical workflow is:

  1. Open your drawing and ensure the blocks you want to export contain attributes (check with BATTMAN or select a block and inspect its properties).
  2. Type ATTEXT at the command line and press Enter. (AutoCAD is case-insensitive.)
  3. When prompted, enter an output file name (for example, attributes.txt or attributes.csv) and choose where to save it.
  4. Choose a delimiter if prompted (commonly comma or tab). This determines how values are separated in the text file.
  5. Select the blocks you want to extract from. You can:
    • Select specific blocks manually, or
    • Drag a crossing window to capture many, or
    • Use “All” if prompted to process every block with attributes.
  6. Confirm any additional options (for example whether to include block name, insertion point, or other properties — available options depend on version).
  7. After the command finishes, open the output file in Notepad or Excel to verify the extracted data.

Notes:

  • If your version does not prompt for delimiter or shows different options, follow the on-screen prompts — the core idea is the same: choose output file, choose what to extract, and confirm.
  • The file created is plain text; if you used commas, import into Excel as CSV for spreadsheet view.

Shortcut

  • Run ATTEXT quickly by typing ATTEXT in the command line or adding it to a custom shortcut/menu if you use it frequently.

Example (Before and After)

Before:

  • Drawing contains block references named “DOOR_TAG” with attributes: TAG, TYPE, WIDTH.
  • Attributes are visible only inside the drawing and not easily compiled.

After running ATTEXT:

  • A file attributes.csv is created with lines such as:
    DOOR_TAG, TAG001, WOOD, 900
    DOOR_TAG, TAG002, METAL, 1000

You can open that CSV in Excel to produce a schedule or import the data elsewhere.

Alternatives to ATTEXT

If ATTEXT is missing or limited, consider these options:

  • Data Extraction (DATAEXTRACTION) — Built-in wizard that creates structured tables or an external file (CSV/Excel), supports filtering, grouping, and field mapping. Ideal for more robust exports and reports.
  • EATTEXT (Express Tools) — An enhanced attribute extraction tool found in Express Tools; offers more formatting choices, and can create tables in the drawing or text files.
  • ATTOUT / ATTIN — Use ATTOUT to export attribute information for editing and ATTIN to re-import updates. Useful for batch editing attribute values.
  • Table + Data Linking — Use DATAEXTRACTION to create a table inside the drawing or link external Excel data to a drawing table.
  • BATTMAN / ATTEDIT — Manage attribute definitions and edit values in-place before exporting.
  • Third-party plug-ins or scripts — Many CAD management systems or scripts can extract attributes into databases, Excel, or BIM workflows.

Common reasons ATTEXT doesn’t work and fixes

  1. ATTEXT command is not available

    • Cause: Express Tools not installed or you are using AutoCAD LT (LT lacks Express Tools).
    • Fix: Install Express Tools on full AutoCAD, or use DATAEXTRACTION which is available in full AutoCAD. On AutoCAD LT, use Data Extraction features if available or third-party tools.

  2. Blocks have no attributes

    • Cause: The block is a plain block without attribute definitions.
    • Fix: Use ATTDEF to add attributes to the block definition, or use other properties (like block name) in a Data Extraction.

  3. Attribute values are blank

    • Cause: Attributes were never populated or were set to default/constant values.
    • Fix: Edit attribute values with BATTMAN or select block and use Properties/ATTEDIT to fill values.

  4. Permission or file errors when writing output file

    • Cause: Output folder is read-only or file is open elsewhere.
    • Fix: Choose a writable folder, close the file if open, or run AutoCAD with appropriate permissions.

  5. Output format not compatible with Excel or other tools

    • Cause: Wrong delimiter or unexpected formatting.
    • Fix: Re-run ATTEXT and choose comma or tab delimiter, or open the file in Excel using the Text Import Wizard and specify delimiter.

  6. Dynamic blocks or nested blocks not extracting expected values

    • Cause: Attributes might be nested or controlled by dynamic properties.
    • Fix: Explode carefully only if acceptable (explode may remove attribute metadata), or use DATAEXTRACTION which can better handle nested data. Test on a copy of the drawing.

  7. AutoCAD version differences

    • Cause: Command behavior varies across versions.
    • Fix: Consult version-specific help or use DATAEXTRACTION for a more consistent, GUI-driven approach.

Tips and best practices

  • Always work on a copy of your drawing before performing bulk edits or extractions.
  • Use BATTMAN to inspect and standardize attribute tags before export; consistent tags make exports cleaner.
  • Prefer DATAEXTRACTION when you need structured output, mapping, or to generate a drawing table.
  • If you need to edit attribute values in bulk, ATTOUT/ATTIN provides a workflow to export values to a text file, edit them, then re-import.
  • For automated or repeated tasks, consider writing a simple script or LISP routine that uses data extraction APIs.
  • Use meaningful attribute tags (e.g., ROOM_NO, PART_ID) so exported columns are understandable.
  • If exporting to Excel, save the file as CSV (comma-separated) or TAB-delimited for easy import.

FAQ

How do I know if a block has attributes?

Select the block and open Properties or use BATTMAN (Block Attribute Manager). If the block has attributes, you will see attribute tags (e.g., TAG, DESCRIPTION). Blocks without attributes cannot be exported via ATTEXT.

Can I export attributes directly to Excel?

ATTEXT writes a text file (CSV or tab-delimited) that Excel can open. For a more direct, structured export with mapping and tables, use DATAEXTRACTION, which supports exporting to Excel-compatible formats and can insert a table into your drawing.

What if ATTEXT creates an empty file?

Common causes: no selected blocks have attributes, wrong selection set, or attribute values are blank. Verify the selection, ensure attributes exist, and test by selecting a known block with values.

My AutoCAD LT doesn’t recognize ATTEXT — why?

AutoCAD LT does not include Express Tools (where ATTEXT often resides). Use Data Extraction (if available) or a third-party utility to export attributes.

Will exploding blocks help if attributes aren’t exported?

Exploding may remove attribute metadata and is generally not recommended for this purpose. Instead, use BATTMAN to check attributes or use DATAEXTRACTION which handles nested content better.

Is ATTEXT safe to use on production drawings?

Yes, ATTEXT only reads attribute data and writes an external file — it does not modify the drawing. Still, follow best practices: work on a copy if you plan subsequent automated edits.

What is the difference between ATTEXT and EATTEXT?

ATTEXT is the classic attribute extraction tool. EATTEXT (part of Express Tools in some versions) provides enhanced extraction options and formatting. Behavior and availability vary by AutoCAD version.

Can I customize which attribute tags are exported?

DATAEXTRACTION provides stronger control for selecting which fields/tags to include. With ATTEXT, options are more limited; you can post-process the generated text file or use DATAEXTRACTION for selective export.

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