Manipulating Shapes

I didn't know AutoCAD supported VBA ... huh.

One advantage of using Visio is that it has a macro recorder. I've never automated Visio (and never used AutoCAD), and so can't make an informed recommendation, but I suspect Visio would be easier if the problem is more drawing-oriented, and AutoCAD if the problem is more CAD-oriented.

As of Release 14 AutoCAD supports use of VBA and there are code snippets available via a web search as well as tutorials. However, though VBA is supported, they are moving toward support of .NET.

I agree with Marcol - skip Excel and work directly within AutoCAD.

Strictly speaking, Visio doesn't support layers like CAD, but (sort of) simulates layers by allowing a background sheet for common page elements and each sheet is, like Excel, independent from other sheets.

AutoCAD VBA Support

Visio doesn't support layers like CAD

Visio does support named layers, and independent control (e.g., visibility) for each.

Visio does support named layers, and independent control (e.g., visibility) for each.

I may have misspoken on that point, but the PC I'm on now doesn't have Visio and I don't typically need layers. Does the layer features exist in pre-2007 versions?

I only have 2007 now, P, but recollect it existed at least back to 2002.