CSVTABLE-bgol (Import CSV as Native CAD Table)

Command Type: AutoLISP routine (works in AutoCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD and most AutoLISP-compatible CAD platforms with ACAD_TABLE support)
Developed by: BGol Community, bgol.in

Inspired by the general concept of Excel-to-CAD table conversion tools (traditionally distributed as standalone `.exe` applications). This is an original, independently written, entirely AutoLISP-native routine, new file name, new command name, new source code, created so the CAD community has a free, editable, in-drawing alternative that needs no separate installer.

Overview

XTBL reads a CSV file (the kind Excel exports natively) and builds a real, native ACAD_TABLE entity directly in your drawing at a point you pick, first row treated as the header, remaining rows as data, with user-controlled column width and row height. The result is a fully editable CAD table object, not a block of exploded text or lines.

How to Use

1. Load CSVTABLE-bgol.lsp into your CAD session (drag-and-drop the file onto the drawing window, or use the APPLOAD command).
2. Type XTBL at the command line and press Enter.
3. Select your source CSV file (first row is used as the table header).
4. Pick the table's insertion point in the drawing.
5. Enter the column width (defaults to 25.0) and row height (defaults to 8.0) when prompted.
6. A native TABLE entity is created on layer BGOL-XTBL, sized to the CSV's row/column count and populated with its data.

Why Use It

• Real CAD table, not text blocks, produces an actual ACAD_TABLE entity you can format, resize, and edit using standard CAD table tools, not a grid of disconnected TEXT entities.
• No separate installer, the entire conversion happens inside your CAD session via one AutoLISP command; no standalone application needed.
• Fast, converts an entire CSV (however many rows and columns) into a drawing table in a single command run.

Where to Use It

• Converting survey point data (point number, easting, northing, elevation, remark) from a CSV export directly into a CAD table.
• Bringing any spreadsheet-originated tabular data (schedules, quantity take-offs, material lists) into a drawing as a native, editable table.
• Any workflow needing a quick CSV-to-CAD-table conversion without installing extra software.

Notes

• Column count is taken from the header row (first CSV row); rows with fewer fields than the header are padded with blank cells, and any extra fields beyond the header's column count are ignored.
• Requires a CAD platform whose AutoLISP/ActiveX layer supports the AddTable table-creation method (AutoCAD 2005+, BricsCAD, ZWCAD, and most modern AutoLISP-compatible platforms qualify).
• Table regeneration is suppressed while cells are being filled in, then re-enabled at the end, for smoother performance on larger tables.
• Source code is fully open, feel free to study, modify, and redistribute it under the same open, free-for-all spirit.

Credits

Developed and shared for the CAD community by BGol Community. Website: https://bgol.in/ Free and open-source, use it, modify it, share it, for personal or commercial work alike.