Worksheet Rows

Worksheets can obtain data from the drawing based on specified criteria, and then list the data and allow calculations to be performed on the data. Use a database row to specify the criteria for obtaining drawing data. See Specifying the Worksheet Row Type to select the type of worksheet row. For information on entering data in spreadsheet cells and database rows, see Entering Data.

Spreadsheet Cells

Spreadsheet cells contain text, formulas, or numbers. Text helps to identify the purpose of a worksheet and labels the columns in a worksheet. Numbers represent drawing data or the results of a formula. Insert formulas to perform calculations based on drawing data; VectorWorks includes more than 30 built-in operation functions (see Additional Worksheet Operations).

Database Rows

Worksheets with defined database rows display drawing object database information, which is represented by a database header row and its sub-rows. The sub-rows of a database row are tied to specific objects in the drawing. The database header row, identified by the diamond shape next to the row number, contains the criteria, while the database sub-rows beneath the header are generated for every object that meets the set criteria. Criteria and formulas specified in the database row determine what is displayed and calculated from the sub-rows. If no object meets the set criteria, no database sub-rows are created.

Many criteria combinations can be specified, including an object’s name, record information, line weight, fill pattern, layer, or class. For example, create a list of all the rooms in a resort, or list only the green wing-backed chairs from all the two-room suites that are scattered throughout the resort.

Selecting Database Objects

Database objects that meet the criteria of the row can be selected from a worksheet.

To select database objects:

1.	Either all database objects or a single database object can be selected.

If selecting all database objects that meet database row criteria, right-click on the database header row to open the context menu.

If selecting an individual database object, right-click on the specific database object to open the context menu.

2.	From the context menu, select either Select Data Items or Select Item.

All database objects which meet the header row, or the individual row object, are selected. If an individual object was selected with Select Item, the view changes to display the selected object.

Specifying the Worksheet Row Type

The row pulldown menu specifies whether a worksheet row is a database row.

To define a database row:

1.	Click and hold the mouse on the row to change.

The worksheet row menu opens.

2.	Select Database.

The Criteria dialog box opens for the selection of criteria for the database header row.

More criteria can be specified by clicking More Choices; the number of objects that meet the criteria displays. Click OK. Database functionality is now enabled for the row; beneath it, the sub-rows list the objects that meet the criteria specified.

Undefining a Database Row

To undefine a row as a database row:

1.	Click and hold the mouse on the row to change.

2.	Select Spreadsheet.

Undefining a database row removes the database row criteria and all sub-rows.