Creating fields that update automatically (for 2000-2004)

The new fields in AutoCAD 2005 make it easy to add text that updates automatically. For example, you can put today’s date, the sheet number, and Drawn By initials in your title block. However, if you don’t have 2005 but have Express Tools (they come with 2004 and you can purchase them for $149 if you have 2000, 2000i, or 2002), you can create fields using the Express Tools RTEXT command and some simple DIESEL expressions. Don’t let the DIESEL scare you; these expressions are easy to use. Here’s how:

1. Start the RTEXT command or choose Express>Text>Remote Text. (RTEXT is often used to display text coming from an outside, or remote, file.)
2. Choose the DIESEL option.
3. In the Edit Rtext dialog box, enter one of the following expressions:
   • Drawing file: $(getvar, “dwgname”)
   • Drawing name with path: $(getvar, “dwgprefix”)$(getvar, “dwgname”)
   • Tab (model or layout): $(getvar, ctab)
   • Date: $(EDTIME,0, M/DD/YY)
   • Drawing property: $(getprop, property name) The standard property names are Title, Subject, Author, Comments, Keywords, LastSavedBy, and Revno. You can even use a custom property, with the format $(getprop, %custompropertyname). For example, if you have a custom property named Customer, you would use $(getprop, %customer).
4. Click OK and follow the prompts to place the text.

Tip: To add the drawing name without the “.dwg” use the following expression:

$(substr,$(getvar, dwgname), 1[, $(-, $(strlen,$(getvar,dwgname)),4 )])

Thanks to Curtis Waguespack for this tip and the idea for this entire topic.

As you may have guessed, the “getvar” part of the code gets the value of system variables. You may find other system variables that you would like to display in your title blocks. Experiment!

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Ellen Finkelstein

Ellen Finkelstein is the author of the best-selling AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT Bible, which started with R14. Ellen has written extensively on AutoCAD, including articles for Autodesk’s website and features for AutoCAD’s Help system. Ellen’s first book was AutoCAD For Dummies Quick Reference.

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