AutoCAD's TABLE command inserts a table object into a drawing — like a spreadsheet embedded in your DWG. Tables can contain text, formulas, and even live data links to Excel files.
Creating a Table
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Type TABLE at the command line | Or: Annotate tab → Tables panel → Table |
| 2 | Choose a table style and set columns/rows | Insert Table dialog box appears |
| 3 | Pick an insertion point or window | Choose "Specify insertion point" or "Specify window" |
| 4 | Type content in cells | Tab moves to next cell; Enter moves down. Formatting toolbar appears in cell. |
| 5 | Click outside to finish | Or press Esc to exit cell editing |
Navigating Cells
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
Tab | Move to next cell (right) |
Shift+Tab | Move to previous cell (left) |
Enter | Move to next cell (down) |
Arrow keys | Move between cells |
F2 | Start editing the current cell |
Esc | Exit cell editing without saving changes |
Formula Cells
Cells can contain formulas like a spreadsheet. All AutoCAD formulas start with =.
| Formula | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
=SUM(A1:A5) | Sum of cells A1 through A5 | Add column of quantities |
=AVERAGE(B2:B10) | Average of a range | Average unit price |
=A2*B2 | Multiply two cells | Quantity × unit cost = total |
=MAX(C1:C8) | Maximum value in range | Find largest value |
=MIN(C1:C8) | Minimum value in range | Find smallest value |
=COUNT(A1:A20) | Count non-empty cells | Count number of items |
="Width: "&A1&" mm" | Concatenate text and cell value | Create custom label |
💡 Cell addresses use column letters and row numbers (like Excel): A1, B3, C5. Rows number from the top (row 1 = header or first data row). Columns letter from left: A, B, C...
Table Styles (TABLESTYLE)
Table styles control the visual appearance of tables. Create styles per project or standard.
| Property | What It Controls |
|---|---|
| Title row style | Font, color, background, height, alignment for the table title |
| Header row style | Column heading appearance — bold, color, etc. |
| Data row style | Appearance of regular data cells |
| Grid lines | Visibility and lineweight of horizontal and vertical grid lines |
| Direction | Down (header at top) or Up (header at bottom) |
Access via: TABLESTYLE command, or Annotate → Tables → Table Style dialog launcher.
Editing Tables
| Task | How To |
|---|---|
| Edit a cell | Double-click the cell |
| Resize column width | Click table to select → drag column grip |
| Resize row height | Click table to select → drag row grip |
| Add a row | Right-click a cell → Rows → Insert Above/Below |
| Delete a row | Right-click a cell → Rows → Delete |
| Add a column | Right-click a cell → Columns → Insert Left/Right |
| Merge cells | Select multiple cells (Shift+click) → right-click → Merge |
| Change cell style | Double-click cell → use formatting toolbar at top |
Data Links (Link to Excel)
Use DATALINK to connect a table to an Excel file. The table data updates when the Excel file changes.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Type DATALINK → click "Create a new Excel Data Link" |
| 2 | Browse to the Excel file and pick the sheet/range |
| 3 | In the TABLE command, pick the data link instead of empty cells |
| 4 | To update: type DATALINKUPDATE or right-click → Data Links → Update |
Exporting Tables
| Command | What it Does |
|---|---|
TABLEEXPORT | Export selected table to a CSV file. Open with Excel for further editing. |
Quick Tips
📌 Lock cells: Right-click selected cells → Cell Locking to prevent accidental edits to formula cells or headers.
📌 Field codes in cells: You can insert fields (date, drawing name, sheet number, etc.) into table cells via Insert → Field from the cell editor.
⚠ Formula limits: AutoCAD table formulas are simpler than Excel. No IF(), VLOOKUP(), or complex logical functions. Use Data Links if you need complex spreadsheet logic.