Super Strong Table Functions, All in ZWCAD 2022

In architecture, mechanical, and other industries, designers often need to put tables in their works. Normally, tables are created in CAD software or inserted from external files, and eventually plotted along with the drawing. Naturally, the strength of the table functions can affect the design efficiency.

As a product dedicated to improving users’ productivity, ZWCAD 2022 comes with remarkably stronger table functions. Let’s explore them!

Break Tables Freely, Fill Them Automatically

If you have ever been annoyed by long tables that can’t fit in the plot area, Table Break will put a smile on your face. This function can help you split a long table into individual shorter tables so that all of them can be arranged in the same plot area and plotted successfully. Besides, with the broken tables aligned horizontally, it is easier to check the data.

Figure 1. Break the table flexibly

Plus, with the AutoFill feature, you could fill cells with the information of another cell by dragging the grips (fill handles) to quickly complete the table. The filled contents are decided by the original cell. For example, if the original cell contains a number, the filled contents will be a number in an ascending (dragging from top to bottom or left to right) or descending order (vice versa), while if the original cells are text format ones, the filled cells will be identical to them. Familiar, right? If you know Excel®, you can handle tables in ZWCAD with ease.

Figure 2. AutoFill

Formulas Elevate the Efficiency of Calculation

Just like using formulas in spreadsheet software like Excel®, you could insert a formula into a cell by choosing one from the Table toolbar first, and then select a range of data or manually input mathematical expressions to calculate in ZWCAD. As you can see from the figure below, you could use formulas such as Sum, Average, and Count. Also, cells with formulas will be displayed on a grey background.

Figure 3. Formulas such as Sum, Average, and Count can be inserted

Moreover, when the numbers involved in a formula are modified, all relevant results will be automatically updated, sparing you the manual adjustments. With formulas, you could create sophisticated tables directly in ZWCAD, which can greatly improve your productivity.

Sync Table Data Inside and Outside ZWCAD with Data Links

In ZWCAD 2022, there is another powerful new function called Data Link.

After watching the video, you can tell that creating data links is a piece of cake: input DATALINK to invoke the Data Link Manager, click “Create a new Excel data link”, name the link, and select an Excel file. As for inserting it into a table and linking with a specific external table, all you need to do is to open the Insert Table dialog using the TABLE command, and select the “From a data link” option, then the previously created link.

In addition, when you finish editing the table in ZWCAD, you can use the DATALINKUPDATE command and then the “Write data link” option to directly update the external table. And once the data of the external table is changed, you will receive a pop-up notification at the bottom right corner of the screen. Click the blue hyperlink and the table in ZWCAD will be updated.

Figure 4. Synchronize internal and external table data with Data Link

Such links build a bridge between ZWCAD and external tables, which allows you to update tables on both ends conveniently no matter which one is modified. This function comes in handy when CAD-related tables like BOMs need frequent modifications.

If you find these table-related functions interesting or useful, don’t hesitate to try ZWCAD 2022 for free and share your experience in the Facebook ZWCAD User Group!