How to Create a BOM from AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

To create a BOM (Bill of Materials) from AutoCAD, use the DATAEXTRACTION command to extract block attributes or object data into a table or external file. This lets you compile part lists directly from your drawing components.

Syntax

The main command to create a BOM in AutoCAD is DATAEXTRACTION. It guides you through selecting objects and choosing which properties to extract.

• DATAEXTRACTION: Starts the data extraction wizard.
• Select Objects: Choose blocks or objects with attributes to include.
• Choose Properties: Pick attributes like part number, quantity, description.
• Output: Create a table in AutoCAD or export to Excel/CSV.

autocad

DATAEXTRACTION

Output

Launches the Data Extraction wizard for BOM creation.

Example

This example shows how to create a BOM table from blocks with attributes in your drawing.

autocad

1. Type <code>DATAEXTRACTION</code> in the command line and press Enter.
2. Choose to create a new data extraction file (.dxe).
3. Select the drawing or specific objects containing blocks with attributes.
4. In the wizard, select the block attributes you want (e.g., Part Number, Description, Quantity).
5. Filter and sort data as needed.
6. Choose to insert the data as a table in the drawing or export to Excel.
7. Finish the wizard to generate the BOM.

Output

A table listing parts with their attributes appears in the drawing or an Excel file is created with the BOM data.

Common Pitfalls

• Not using blocks with attributes: BOM extraction works best when parts are blocks with defined attributes.
• Forgetting to update the data extraction file after changes in the drawing.
• Including unwanted objects can clutter the BOM.
• Not sorting or grouping data can make the BOM hard to read.

Always verify block attributes are correctly filled before extraction.

plaintext

Wrong: Selecting all objects including lines and text without attributes.
Right: Select only blocks with attributes for clean BOM data.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Description
1	DATAEXTRACTION	Start the data extraction wizard.
2	Select Objects	Pick blocks with attributes for BOM.
3	Choose Properties	Select attributes like part number, quantity.
4	Filter & Sort	Organize data for clarity.
5	Output	Insert table in drawing or export to Excel.

Key Takeaways

Use the DATAEXTRACTION command to create BOMs from block attributes in AutoCAD.

Ensure your parts are blocks with properly filled attributes for accurate BOM data.

Filter and sort extracted data to make the BOM clear and useful.

Update the data extraction file if your drawing changes to keep the BOM current.

Export BOM tables to Excel for easy sharing and further processing.