Bumblebee is a set of user objects which connect Microsoft Excel and Grasshopper.
The component set allows for not just the transfer of data back and forth between GH and XL but gives the Grasshopper user access to many of excels analytic tools and graphic elements. The goal of Bumblebee is to create a series of components which allow for variable levels of engagement with Excel, from simply transferring a large set of data between the programs at high speeds, to creating a highly graphically coordinated charts and data sets.
These components fall under several categories and each component is designed to perform a single type of operation, allowing them to be interchanged as a projects workflow demands, or used in combination with other plugins which access excel.
Analytics
- Visualization of Data though charting, graphing, and formatting
App
- Access application level or non cell specific options
Data
- Transferring data and formatting between excel and grasshopper
Graphics
- Stand alone graphic elements which do not relate to cell content
Interface
- Creates graphic user interface based objects
Styles
- Sets formatting for graphic elements in excel
Types
- Preset lists of excel parameters
This project is still under development, so please report any bugs, discrepencies, or suggestions for improvements.
To install:
- In Grasshopper, choose File > Special Folders > User Object folder.
- Copy User Objects into folder
- Alternately, drag user objects onto Grasshopper canvas
Thanks to the following for help and inspiration
Introducing the Interop Service: Damian Alomar
Introducing range transfer: Xiaoming
Introducing event listeners: Ben Howes
Conditional Formatting: Rick Rothstein
General Excel VBA: Chip Pearson
The components are built on the Microsoft Excel Interop method and are written in VB nodes, available as a series of user objects that can easily be modified and loaded back into the larger user object collection. Users can feel free to modify, improve and re-upload any components back to the Bumblebee group.
Bumblebee Project Page
Bumblebee Grasshopper Page
Bumblebee Documentation
- David Mans
- Category:
