Manipulating Shapes

Hi folks,
i have been thinking for several days how to implement a VBA program that can generate shapes from data entered on a worsksheet.
Basically, it is to analyse the filling of cable trays with cables.
The user will enter cable diameters, and the tray width ( e.g 300mm).
Depending on the diameter the program will generate circles with according diameter on a tray .
All should be to scale.
Circles has to be side by side ( which to me is the most difficult part), and can be on 1,2 or 3 layers ( slectable by the user on a form).
I am at the evaluation stage, and thinking if it will not be easier using VISIO, but i never tried vba on visio, or , from an excel WS, generate a script that can be exported in Autocad ???
I am working on the excel solution only, but any ideas are welcome. I just started in VBA with shapes, so not sure if it is the correct way to go for my project.
Thanks for your feedback.

I would suggest that if you have access to AutoCAD, tackle the problem from there.

AutoCAD can scale blocks, position them, and put them on layers of your choice. That's what it's for.
AutoCAD uses VBa and can be programmed to read an Excel file but it is easier to read a CSV.

Shapes in Excel are not, in my opinion, the easiest thing in the world to control so if you don't need the Excel Sheet to show graphic, go the AutoCAD route.

You can always use the AutoCAD result for a display in Excel.

Just an opinion.

AutoCAD has supported VBa since R14 (1997) prior to that the language was AutoLisp & with great difficulty DIESEL.

It is not unlike VBa in MSoffice but with obviously many specialised commands. It has an annoying ability to use commands very similar to office in slightly different ways and can cause great frustration when working on the two systems at the same time.

AutoCAD is possibly the most versitle drawing system commonly available. The ability to programme it with VBa means it is extremely flexible.

The scaling aspect is not easily done in Visio nor is the drawing when compared to AutoCAD.
Layers are not inherent in Visio although they can be simulated with VBa

I do all of my more complicated drawings for Visio in AutoCAD then import them and tweak to suit.

If it was me, I'd go the AutoCAD route.

Thanks All for your advices.
However i may miss explained the "layers " i am talking about.
I mean layers on the Tray itself, so all shapes will be on the same plane area. I should have said "rows" instead.
As for my project i will limit the rows to 3 maximum per tray.
AutoCAD is surely the best way to go when you are comfortable with scripts. I also not sure how to arrange the circles side by side, of different diameter .
Another pb i think, is that it requires to have two programs to make it work,not very " professionnal", but if there is no other way, i will work on it.
Thanks again for your critcial advices.

Hi,
Not sure if this will help your cause.. but the attached is something I use to draw proportinate venn diagrams.
You may be able to pull apart and tweak for your needs.
It draws circles and positions them correctly.

Thanks very much Marcol for your work.
I were not expecting so much !!!
I will give a try this evening, and surely it will inspire me to go further in my project.
Thanks again.

Thanks JBentley,
your code gives me plenty idea how to implement this shape draw automation.
I am working in fact on both solution ( Autocad + Excel AND Excel with Autoshape).
I will try to post my results within the few days, if i reach the end !