Autodesk AutoCAD AutoCAD - 2012 Customization Guide

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AutoCAD 2012

Customization Guide

February 2011

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THIS PUBLICATION AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS MADE AVAILABLE BY AUTODESK, INC. "AS IS." AUTODESK, INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE REGARDING THESE MATERIALS.

Published by: Autodesk, Inc. 111 McInnis Parkway San Rafael, CA 94903, USA

Chapter 1 Basic Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Overview of Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Organize Program and Support Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Overview of File Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Multiple Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Multiple Drawing Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Locate Customized Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Locate Data Link Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Locate Plot Style Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Locate Plotter Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Locate the PMP File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Locate Support Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Locate Drawing Template Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Locate Texture Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Customize a Publish to Web Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Define Custom Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Define External Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Create Command Aliases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Record and Modify Action Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Overview of Action Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Work with the Action Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Record an Action Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Record an Action Macro with the Action Recorder . . . . . . 29

Action Node Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

iii

Work with User Interface Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Manage and Modify Action Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Manage Action Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Insert User Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Pause for User Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Work with Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Insert Base Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Work with Object Selections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Tips for Using the Action Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Examples of Action Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Create a New Layer and Draw Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Insert a Block and Change a Dynamic Property

Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Modify Circles with the Properties Palette . . . . . . . . . . 60

Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Overview of Linetype Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Simple Custom Linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Text in Custom Linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Shapes in Custom Linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Overview of Hatch Pattern Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Hatch Patterns with Dashed Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Hatch Patterns with Multiple Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Chapter 4 User Interface Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Understand User Interface Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Overview of the Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Use the Customization Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Overview of the Customize User Interface (CUI)

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Work with the Customizations In Pane . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Work with the Command List Pane . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Work with the Dynamic Display Pane . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

How Customization Has Changed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Customization Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Work with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor . . . . . . . . . 106

Create a Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Create User Interface Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Create a Quick Access Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Customize the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Create a Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Create a Pull-Down Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

iv | Contents

Create a Shortcut Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Customize Shortcut Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Create a Double Click Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Create a Mouse Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Create and Modify Workspaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Create a Workspace from the User Interface . . . . . . . . 119

Create a Workspace with the CUI Editor . . . . . . . . . . 120

Create and Manage Customization Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Basics of Customization Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Create and Load a Partial CUIx File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Create an Enterprise CUIx File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Find and Replace Commands and Text in a CUIx File . . . . . . 135

Customize Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Overview of Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Create, Edit, and Reuse Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Create Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Overview of Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Use Special Control Characters in Macros . . . . . . . . . . 154

Pause for User Input in Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Provide International Support in Macros . . . . . . . . . . 158

Use Built-in Commands in Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Repeat Commands in Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Use Single Object Selection Mode in Macros . . . . . . . . 160

Use Macros to Swap User Interface Elements . . . . . . . . 160

Use Conditional Expressions in Macros . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Use AutoLISP in Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Control the Display of Command Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Assign Search Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Create Tooltips and Extended Help for Commands . . . . . . . . 174

Create Status Line Help Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Create and Manage Images for Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Assign Images to a Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Create Custom Images for Commands . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Manage, Import, and Export Custom Images . . . . . . . . 186

Customize User Interface Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Quick Access Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Ribbon Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

Ribbon Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

Ribbon Contextual Tab States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245

Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

Create and Edit Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

Add Flyouts to a Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260

Add, Remove or Switch Toolbar Controls . . . . . . . . . . 265

Pull-down and Shortcut Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270

Overview of Pull-Down and Shortcut Menus . . . . . . . . 270

Contents | v

Create a Pull-Down Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

Create a Shortcut Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

Create Submenus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

Reference Pull-Down or Shortcut Menus . . . . . . . . . . 288

Swap and Insert Pull-Down Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290

Quick Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293

Rollover Tooltips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

Shortcut Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

Temporary Override Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317

Double Click Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324

Overview of Double Click Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324

Double Click Action Object Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327

Examples of Double Click Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330

Mouse Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332

Overview of Mouse Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332

Accept Coordinate Entry in Button Menus . . . . . . . . . 334

Legacy Interface Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334

Create Tablet Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334

Customize Tablet Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

Create Image Tile Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

Load an AutoLISP File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342

Customize Workspaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

Overview of Workspace Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

Control User Interface Elements Outside the CUI Editor . . . . . 357

Control User Interface Elements in the CUI Editor . . . . . . . . 360

Control the Appearance of Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375

Transfer and Migrate Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382

Chapter 5 DIESEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

Customize the Status Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387

Overview of the MODEMACRO System Variable . . . . . . . . . 387

Set MODEMACRO Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388

Set MODEMACRO with AutoLISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

DIESEL Expressions in Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

Catalog of DIESEL Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396

+ (addition) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396

- (subtraction) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

* (multiplication) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

/ (division) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

= (equal to) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398

< (less than) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398

> (greater than) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398

!= (not equal to) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

<= (less than or equal to) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399

vi | Contents

>= (greater than or equal to) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400

and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400

angtos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400

edtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401

eq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403

eval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403

fix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404

getenv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404

getvar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404

if . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405

index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405

nth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406

or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406

rtos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407

strlen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407

substr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407

upper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408

xor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408

DIESEL Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409

Chapter 6 Slides and Command Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411

Create Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411

Overview of Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411

View Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413

Create and View Slide Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414

Create Command Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416

Overview of Command Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416

Run Scripts at Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418

Run Slide Shows from Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420

Chapter 7 Introduction to Programming Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . 425

ActiveX Automation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425

Overview of ActiveX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425

Define a Command to Start Your Application . . . . . . . . . . 427

Start an Application from a Menu or Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . 427

AutoCAD VBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428

Overview of AutoCAD VBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428

Use AutoCAD VBA Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430

Automatically Load and Execute VBA Projects . . . . . . . . . . 431

AutoLISP and Visual LISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433

Overview of AutoLISP and Visual LISP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433

Use AutoLISP Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 435

Automatically Load and Run AutoLISP Routines . . . . . . . . . 436

Overview of AutoLISP Automatic Loading . . . . . . . . . 436

The ACAD.LSP File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438

Contents | vii

The ACADDOC.LSP File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439

The MNL File for an AutoLISP Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 440

Prevent AutoLISP Errors When Loading Startup Files . . . . 441

S::STARTUP Function: Postinitialization Execution . . . . . 442

ObjectARX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444

Overview of ObjectARX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444

Use ObjectARX Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444

Automatically Load ObjectARX Applications . . . . . . . . . . . 446

.NET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447

Overview of .NET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 447

Loading Managed Applications in AutoCAD . . . . . . . . . . . 447

Install and Uninstall Plug-In Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448

PackageContents.xml Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

ApplicationPackage Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452

CompanyDetails Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454

Components Element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455

Supported Locale Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 461

Example of Basic .bundle Folder Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . 462

Example of Using Folders to Organize Components . . . . . . . 464

Chapter 8 Shapes and Shape Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467

Overview of Shape Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 467

Create Shape Definition Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469

Shape Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469

Vector Length and Direction Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 470

Special Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472

Use Special Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472

Codes 0, 1, and 2: End of Shape and Draw Mode

Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 473

Codes 3 and 4: Size Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 474

Codes 5 and 6: Location Save/Restore . . . . . . . . . . . . 474

Code 7: Subshape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475

Codes 8 and 9: X-Y Displacements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 475

Code 00A: Octant Arc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476

Code 00B: Fractional Arc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478

Codes 00C and 00D: Bulge-Specified Arcs . . . . . . . . . . 479

Code 00E: Flag Vertical Text Command . . . . . . . . . . . 480

Text Font Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 481

Sample Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 483

Extended Simplex Roman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 484

Extended Standard Font for UNICODE . . . . . . . . . . . 512

Big Font Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532

Define a Big Font . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532

Define an Extended Big Font File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533

Use Big Font Text in a Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539

Use a Big Font to Extend a Font . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540

viii | Contents

Unicode Font Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542

Superscripts and Subscripts in SHX Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543

Chapter 9 Migrate and Transfer Custom Settings and Files . . . . . . . . 547

Migrate Custom Settings and Files from Previous Releases . . . . . . . 547

Migration Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 548

Determine How to Migrate Custom Settings . . . . . . . . . . . 549

Migrate Custom Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551

View the Migration Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557

Restore Profiles After Migrating Files from an Earlier

Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 558

Reset Settings to Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 558

Export and Import Custom Settings from the Same Release . . . . . . 560

Export Custom Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 563

Import Custom Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 564

Migration and Customization FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565

What are the benefits of selecting task-based tools? . . . . . . . 565

What is a workspace? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566

How do I make changes to a workspace at a later time? . . . . . 566

What is a drawing template file? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566

How do I modify drawing templates at a later time? . . . . . . . 566

What are the benefits of customizing AutoCAD? . . . . . . . . . 567

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569

Contents | ix

Basic Customization

Your dealer can offer you independently developed applications that can further tailor AutoCAD to your needs.

Overview of Customization

AutoCAD can be customized in simple ways. For example, you can change the directory structure or create a custom title block to use on a layout. If you want to change the interface further, you can edit the CUIx file and use DIESEL statements to create custom commands.

You can also use a number of powerful application programming interfaces (APIs) to add to and modify AutoCAD to suit your needs.

The list that follows is arranged from least to most complex:

■ Organize files. You can organize program, support, and drawing files. For

example, you can make a separate folder for each project that includes only the support files that project needs.

■ Customize Tool Palettes. You can create a tool by dragging objects from

your drawing onto a tool palette. You can create a tool palette by right-clicking on the Tool Palettes title bar and selecting New Palette. For information about customizing tool palettes, see “Customize Tool Palettes” in the User's Guide.

■ Create custom drawing templates (DWTs). You can create custom drawing

templates to use when creating a new drawing. Drawing templates are used to store the layers, blocks, and styles that you might use across all your drawings.

■ Create custom publishing templates. Use templates to define common

parameters when you publish a drawing using the Publish to Web wizard.

■ Run external programs and utilities from within AutoCAD. You can, for

example, copy a disk or delete a file from within AutoCAD by adding the appropriate external command to the program parameters (PGP) file, acad.pgp.

■ Define command aliases. You can define simple abbreviations, or aliases,

for frequently used commands from within AutoCAD by adding the command to the PGP file acad.pgp. For example, you might want to start the BLOCK command by entering b.

■ Create custom linetypes, hatch patterns, shapes, and text fonts. You can

create linetypes, hatch patterns, shapes, and text fonts that conform to your company standards and working methods.

■ Customize the user interface. The CUIx file controls many aspects of the

user interface, including the behavior of your pointing device buttons and the functionality and appearance of pull-down, tablet, and image tile menus, toolbars, and accelerator keys. You can edit or create a CUIx file to add commands or combine commands and assign them to a menu, toolbar, or other location.

■ Customize the status line. You can use the DIESEL string expression

language and the MODEMACRO system variable to provide additional information at the status line, such as the date and time, system variable settings, or retrievable information using AutoLISP®.

■ Automate repetitive tasks by writing scripts. A script is an ASCII text file

containing commands that are processed like a batch file when you run the script. For example, if a set of drawings needs to be plotted a certain way, you can write a script that opens each drawing, hides and displays various layers, and issues PLOT commands. You can use scripts with slides to create automated presentations like those used at trade shows. A slide is a “snapshot” of the drawing area that cannot be edited. Slides can also be used in image tile menus and dialog boxes.

■ Record action macros. Action macros are files that contain a series of

commands and command options that allow you to perform repetitive tasks. Action macros are created using the Action recorder and are similar in concept to script files. Unlike some of the other methods of customizing AutoCAD, you do not need to learn a special syntax or programming language to record action macros.

In addition to the methods described in the Customization Guide, there are application programming interfaces (APIs) available for customizing AutoCAD.

2 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

Introduction to Programming Interfaces on page 425 briefly describes these

APIs and provides cross-references to more information.

See also:

■ “Organize Program and Support Files”

■ “Toolbars”

■ “Customize a Publish to Web Template”

■ “Create Command Aliases”

■ “Custom Linetypes”

■ “Custom Hatch Patterns”

■ “User Interface Customization”

■ “DIESEL”

■ “Customize the Status Line”

■ “Introduction to Programming Interfaces”

■ “Slides and Command ScriptsCommand Scripts”

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

CUSTOMIZE

Customizes tool palettes and tool palette groups.

REDEFINE

Restores AutoCAD internal commands overridden by UNDEFINE.

UNDEFINE

Allows an application-defined command to override an internal command.

Overview of Customization | 3

System Variables

TOOLTIPS

Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements.

Organize Program and Support Files

You can change the default directory structure for the program and support files to suit your needs.

Overview of File Organization

See also:

■ Overview of AutoLISP Automatic Loading on page 436

■ “Specify Search Paths and File Locations” in the User's Guide

AutoCAD uses support files for purposes such as storing customization definitions, loading AutoLISP and ObjectARX applications, and describing text fonts.

AutoCAD® uses support files for purposes such as storing customization definitions and describing text fonts.

The default directory structure for the AutoCAD program and support files is designed to efficiently organize those files into logical groups. If this organization does not suit your needs, you can change it. However, some applications look for certain files in specific locations, and you should verify that your modifications do not conflict with the requirements of those applications. Without the full path, including drive and directory, AutoCAD can locate only those files that are found in the library search path.

NOTE The location of the support folder changed in AutoCAD 2004.

The location of local customizable files is stored in the LOCALROOTPREFIX system variable. The location of roamable customizable files is stored in the ROAMABLEROOTPREFIX system variable. If a network supports roaming, customizable files in the user's roaming profile are available on the machine the user is logged onto.

4 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

The following LISP script creates the CUSTFILES command, which launches Windows® Explorer in the correct folder.

(defun c:custfiles ()

(command "shell"

(strcat "explorer \"" (getvar "roamablerootprefix") "\"") ) (princ)

)

Library Search Path

The library search path specifies where the program searches for files when you do not specify a full path name, as follows:

■ Current directory. (This is typically determined by the “Start In” setting

in your shortcut icon.)

■ Directory that contains the current drawing file.

■ Directories listed in the search path specified on the Files tab in OPTIONS.

(See Specify Search Paths and File Locations in the User's Guide.)

■ Directory that contains the AutoCAD program files.

Depending on the current environment, two or more directories may be the same.

If a file is not in this search path, you must specify both its path name and file name before AutoCAD can find it. For example, if you want to insert the part5.dwg drawing into your current drawing and it is not in the library search path, you must specify its full path name, as shown here:

Command: insert Enter block name or [?]: /files2/olddwgs/part5

If the drawing exists in that location, AutoCAD prompts you to finish the INSERT command in the usual manner.

Directory Structure

AutoCAD uses tree-structured directories and subdirectories. It is recommended that you keep supplemental files (such as AutoLISP applications and customization files) separate from the AutoCAD program and support files. This makes it easier to track possible conflicts and to upgrade each application without affecting the others.

Overview of File Organization | 5

The default location for AutoCAD is in the Program Files folder. You can create a new directory on the same level (for example, /AcadApps) and store your custom AutoLISP and VBA macros, customization files, and other third-party applications in subdirectories on the next level. If you want to maintain multiple drawing directories (for separate job files), you can create a directory such as /AcadJobs with subdirectories for each job.

Command Search Procedure

When you enter a command, AutoCAD goes through a series of steps to evaluate the validity of the command name. A command can be a built-in command or system variable, an external command or alias defined in the acad.pgp file, or a user-defined AutoLISP command. Commands can also be defined by ObjectARX applications or a device driver command. You can enter a command on the command prompt or choose a command from the appropriate menu. Commands can also be entered from a script file or by an AutoLISP or ObjectARX application.

The following list describes the search order AutoCAD uses to validate a command name.

1 If the input is a null response (Spacebar or Enter), AutoCAD uses the

name of the last command issued.

HELP is the default.

2 AutoCAD checks the command name against the list of built-in

commands. If the command is in the list and is not preceded by a period (.), AutoCAD then checks the command against a list of undefined commands. If the command is undefined, the search continues. Otherwise, the command is run, unless another reason prevents it from doing so. Running it transparently or in Perspective mode might be impossible.

3 AutoCAD checks the command name against the names of commands

defined by a device driver, and then by those defined by the display driver.

4 AutoCAD checks the command name against the external commands

defined in the program parameters file (acad.pgp). If the command name corresponds to a defined external command, that command runs, and the search is complete.

5 AutoCAD checks the command name against the list of commands

defined by AutoLISP or ObjectARX applications. At this point, an autoloaded command is loaded.

6 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

6 AutoCAD checks the command name against the list of system variables.

If the command name is in the list, AutoCAD executes the SETVAR command, using the input as the variable name.

7 If the command name corresponds to a command alias defined in the

program parameters file, AutoCAD uses the expanded command name and continues the search, starting a new search against the list of built-in commands.

8 If all the preceding steps fail, the search terminates with a warning

message about illegal command names.

Quick Reference

Commands

OPTIONS

Customizes the program settings.

System Variables

LOCALROOTPREFIX

Stores the full path to the root folder where local customizable files were installed.

ROAMABLEROOTPREFIX

Stores the full path to the root folder where roamable customizable files were installed.

Multiple Configurations

See also:

■ “Customize Startup” in the User's Guide

If you use more than one pointing device or use different plotters, you can set up more than one configuration file to make it easy to switch between devices.

When you configure AutoCAD for a pointing device and plotter drivers, the information you supply is recorded in a configuration file.

Multiple Configurations | 7

The default location of the acad2012.cfg configuration file is listed in the Options dialog box, Files tab, under Help and Miscellaneous File Names, but you can specify an alternative path or file name.

Typically, only a single configuration is necessary, but you may need multiple configurations. For example, if you use a mouse for most of your work but occasionally require a large digitizing tablet, you can set up your system to handle multiple configurations rather than reconfiguring each time you change a device.

The configuration file stores the values of many AutoCAD system variables and the configuration options defined in the Options dialog box. If you want different settings for these system variables and operating parameters, you can save those values to different configuration files. For a list of the system variables and where they are stored, see System Variables in the Command Reference.

To take advantage of multiple configurations, you must set up AutoCAD to use different configuration files. Use the /c switch to specify alternative configuration files at startup.

Quick Reference

Commands

OPTIONS

Customizes the program settings.

Multiple Drawing Folders

Keeping your drawing and other associated files in separate directories makes it easier to perform basic file maintenance.

Keeping your drawing files and other associated files in separate directories makes it easier to perform basic file maintenance. The scenario described in this topic is based on the sample directory structure described in Overview of

File Organization on page 4, but you can expand or alter it to meet your

needs.

You can set up the /AcadJobs directory to contain your drawing subdirectories. The drawing subdirectories can contain other subdirectories that hold related support files for a particular drawing type or job. The /AcadJobs/Job1/Support directory can contain blocks and AutoLISP files specific to the drawing files

8 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

in /AcadJobs/Job1. Specifying support (with no path prefix) in the Support path adds the support directory within the current directory to the Support path.

Notice that if you use the Options dialog box to specify a directory, AutoCAD creates a hard-coded path to that directory. To use the relative naming convention previously described, you must specify the Support path with the /s switch on the command line. See “Customize Startup” in the User's Guide.

To make sure that the required drawing directory is the current directory when you start AutoCAD, and that all files and subdirectories in that directory are easily accessible, you can create a program icon or a Start menu item that specifies the correct working directory for each job. This functionality works only if you set the AutoCAD system variable REMEMBERFOLDERS to 0.

You can use a batch program to create new job directories automatically. The following batch program verifies that a specified directory exists, sets that directory to be current, and then runs AutoCAD.

@echo off C: if exist \AcadJobs\Jobs\%1 goto RUNACAD echo. echo *** Creating \AcadJobs\Jobs\%1 echo *** Press Ctrl+C to cancel. echo. pause mkdir \AcadJobs\Jobs\%1 :RUNACAD cd \AcadJobs\Jobs\%1 start “C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2012\acad.exe”

Using an ASCII text editor (such as Notepad), save the batch program to a file named acad.bat. Be sure to change the drive and directory names to match those on your system.

Place this file in a directory that is on your system search path (for example, C:\winnt). You can run this batch program using the Run command on the Start menu or by double-clicking the file in Explorer. If you saved the file as acad.bat, use the following syntax:

acad jobname

where jobname is the name of the job directory to make current.

Multiple Drawing Folders | 9

Quick Reference

System Variables

CMDECHO

Controls whether prompts and input are echoed during the AutoLISP command function.

Locate Customized Files

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the location of some of your customized files has changed. The reasons for the file location changes include the following:

■ Limited user rights on a workstation. You can run AutoCAD as a limited

user. This means that you no longer need power user or Administrator permissions to run AutoCAD once it is installed.

■ Local profiles. Local profiles are used to log on a computer and they store

settings and files that are not available when roaming. Some files, such as materials and drawing templates are stored under your local profile because of their size, they do not follow you from computer to computer.

■ Roaming profiles. Roaming profiles allow you to log on to any computer

within a network and retain your user settings. Some files, such as your personal settings and documents, follow you from computer to computer. If roaming profiles are allowed on your network, your “roamable” files are located in the \Application Data\Autodesk\<Product Version> folder, and your “nonroamable” files are located in the \Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\<Product Version> folder.

NOTE In some operating systems, the folders that are located under your profile are hidden by default. To display these files, you may need to change your display settings. On the Start menu, click Control Panel ➤ Folder Options. In the Folder Options dialog box, on the View tab, click Show Hidden Files and Folders.

Locate Data Link Files

Beginning with the 2004 products, the default location of your data link files has changed. For information about the default location of these files, see

Locate Customized Files on page 10.

10 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

To locate your data link files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Data Sources Location.

4 Under Data Sources Location, click the path name to view the location

of your data link files.

NOTE The changes you make do not take effect until you restart the program.

Locate Plot Style Files

Beginning with the AutoCAD 2004, the default location of your plot style files has changed. For information about the default location of these files, see

Locate Customized Files on page 10.

To locate your plot style files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Printer Support File Path.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of the Plot Style Table Search Path file.

5 Under Plot Style Table Search Path, click the path name to view the

location of your plot style files.

Locate Customized Files | 11

NOTE You can also locate your plot style files by entering stylesmanager on the AutoCAD command line.

Locate Plotter Files

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the default location of your plotter files has changed. For information about the default location of these files, see Locate

Customized Files on page 10.

To locate your plotter files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Printer Support File Path.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Printer Configuration Search Path.

5 Under Printer Configuration Search Path, click the path name to view

the location of your plotter files.

NOTE You can also locate your plotter files by entering plottermanager on the AutoCAD command line.

Locate the PMP File

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the default location of your PMP file has changed. For information about the default location of this file, see Locate

Customized Files on page 10.

To locate your PMP file

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

12 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Printer Support File Path.

4 Under Printer Description File Search Path, click the path name to view

the location of your PMP file.

Locate Support Files

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the default location for some of your support files has changed. For information about the default location of these files, see Locate Customized Files on page 10.

Support files include the following:

■ Configuration file (acad*.cfg)

■ Customization file (acad.cuix)

■ Custom icon files

■ Help and miscellaneous files

■ Font mapping file (acad.fmp)

■ Alternate font file (simplex.shx)

■ Support path files (acad.dcl, acad.lin, acad.mnl, acad.pat, acad.pgp, acad.psf,

acad.unt, acadiso.lin, acadiso.pat, ase.dcl, base.dcl, doshelp.dcl, gdt.shx, inches.pss, and mm.pss)

To find the default location of the configuration file

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

Locate Customized Files | 13

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Help and Miscellaneous File Names.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Configuration File.

5 Under Configuration File, click the path name to view the location of

your configuration file.

To find the default location of the customization files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Customization Files.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Main Customization File.

5 Under Main Customization File, click the path name to view the location

of your main customization file.

6 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Enterprise Customization File.

7 Under Enterprise Customization File, click the path name to view the

location of your enterprise customization files.

NOTE By default, the path to an enterprise customization file is empty until you define the file. For more information about defining a customization file, see “Customize the User Interface” in the Customization Guide.

To find the default location of the custom icon files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

14 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Customization Files.

4 Under Custom Icon Location, click the path name to view the location

for the custom button image files used with your customization files.

To find the default location of the Help and miscellaneous files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Help and Miscellaneous File Names to expand the list.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of the file you want to locate, and then

click the path name to view the location of the files.

To find the default location of the font mapping file

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Text Editor, Dictionary, and Font File Names.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Font Mapping File.

5 Under Font Mapping File, click the path name to view the location of

your font mapping file.

Locate Customized Files | 15

To find the default location of the alternate font file

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Text Editor, Dictionary, and Font File Names.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Alternate Font File.

5 Under Alternate Font File, click the path name to view the location of

your alternate font file.

To find the default location of the support path files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Support File Search Path.

4 Under Support File Search Path, click a path name to view the location

of your support files.

Locate Drawing Template Files

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the default location of your drawing template files has changed. For information about the default location of these files, see Locate Customized Files on page 10.

16 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

To locate your drawing template files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Template Settings.

4 Under Template Settings, click the plus sign (+) to the left of Drawing

Template File Location.

5 Under Drawing Template File Location, click the path name to view the

location of your drawing template files.

Locate Texture Files

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the default location of your texture files has changed. For information about the default location of these files, see Locate

Customized Files on page 10.

To locate your texture files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD> ➤ <AutoCAD>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Texture Maps Search Path.

4 Under Texture Maps Search Path, click the path name to view the location

of your texture files.

Locate Customized Files | 17

Customize a Publish to Web Template

You can create customized templates to use in the Publish to Web wizard by modifying one of the Publish to Web template (PWT) files provided. Use any HTML editor or text editor.

To create a custom template, add or modify any of the following elements:

■ Images

■ Text

■ Hyperlinks

■ Color

■ Title

■ Video, animation, and so on

There are four default Publish to Web templates that you can customize:

■ Array of Thumbnails. Creates a web page containing an array of thumbnail

images.

■ Array Plus Summary. Creates a web page containing an array of thumbnail

images and summary information about each image.

■ List of Drawings. Creates a web page containing a list of drawings and an

image frame.

■ List Plus Summary. Creates a web page containing a list of drawings, an

image frame, and summary information about a selected image.

NOTE You must be familiar with HTML syntax to customize the Publish to Web templates.

You can make changes or additions to the look and feel of a template, but you cannot change the arrangement of images within it. For example, in the Array of Thumbnails template, the images are presented across the page in rows. You cannot alter the presentation of the images, but you can wrap text and graphics around the table of images.

WARNING To ensure that you do not overwrite the default Publish to Web template files, back up those files before you make any changes to them.

18 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

To create quick access to the Publish to Web templates

1 Click Tools menu ➤ Options.

2 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) next to

Template Settings. Then click the plus sign next to Drawing Template File Location.

3 Move the cursor to the path name that is displayed and click inside it,

and press F2, and press CTRL+C to copy it.

4 Click OK or Cancel to close the Options dialog box.

5 Click File menu ➤ Open.

6 In the Select File dialog box, right-click an empty area in the vertical

panel on the left side, and click Add on the shortcut menu.

7 Enter a name in the Item name box (for example, Templates).

8 Press CTRL+V to paste the path into the Item Path box, and click OK.

You can now access the Template folders by clicking the button in the left panel of the Select File dialog box.

To customize a Publish to Web template

1 Browse to the Publish to Web template folder, click File menu ➤ Open.

See To create quick access to the Publish to Web templates on page 19.

2 Double-click the PTWTemplates folder to open it. The following folders

are displayed. Each contains a Publish to Web template and preview images (BMP) that you see when you run the Publish to Web wizard.

■ Template1. Contains the Array of Thumbnails template and a preview

image

■ Template2. Contains the Array Plus Summary template, a preview image,

and HTML frames

■ Template3. Contains the List of Drawings template, a preview image,

and HTML frames

■ Template4. Contains the List Plus Summary template, a preview image,

and HTML frames

3 Right-click the folder you want to use, and click Copy.

4 Press ALT+2, right-click the PTWTemplates folder, and click Paste.

Customize a Publish to Web Template | 19

5 Reopen the PTWTemplates folder, and right-click the new folder and

rename it.

6 Right-click the new folder and click Open to display its contents.

7 Rename the Publish to Web template (PWT) file with an .htm or .html file

extension.

8 Open the template file in an HTML editor or a text editor.

The template file contains comments that help you determine which areas of the code you can modify to create your new web page.

9 Review the comments and make changes to the parts of the template

you want to customize.

10 Save the template with a .pwt file extension. Make sure you save the file

to the template folder you created in step 3.

NOTE Each template folder can contain only one PWT file. If you create a new PWT file, make sure you delete any other PWT files that exist in the same folder.

When you run the Publish to Web wizard, the new template is displayed in the list of templates.

Quick Reference

Commands

PUBLISHTOWEB

Creates HTML pages that include images of selected drawings.

Define Custom Commands

You can define external commands that run from within AutoCAD. You can also create command aliases for AutoCAD commands in the acad.pgp file, an ASCII text file that stores command definitions.

Define External Commands

External commands start other programs or utilities while AutoCAD is running.

20 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

While AutoCAD is running, you can invoke other programs or utilities, such as the following:

■ Windows system commands and utilities, such as start, type, dir, or copy

■ Applications such as text editors or word processors

■ Database managers, spreadsheets, and communications programs

■ User-supplied programs, such as batch files or VBA macros

When you enter an external command, AutoCAD looks for the command in acad.pgp. The first section of acad.pgp defines external commands. You can add command definitions by editing acad.pgp in an ASCII text editor. In addition to command aliases in acad.pgp, you will also find comment lines which are preceded by a semicolon (;). Comment lines allow you to add textual information to acad.pgp, such as when or who revised the file last.

NOTE Before you edit acad.pgp, create a backup file so that you can restore it later, if necessary.

When you define an external command, you specify a command name to be used at the command prompt and an executable command string that is passed to the operating system. Each line in the external commands section has five comma-delimited fields, as follows:

command,[executable/shell request],bit flag[,[*]prompt[,re turn_code]]

command The command that is entered at the command prompt. If the name is an internal AutoCAD command name, it is ignored. The name is not case-sensitive.

executable/shell request The constant string sent to the operating system when you enter a command name. It can be any command that you can execute at the operating-system prompt. The string can include switches or parameters. The case-sensitivity of this string depends on the application you are running.

bit flags A required bitcoded parameter. Add these integer values in any combination to achieve the result you want.

0 Start the application and wait for it to finish.

1 Don't wait for the application to finish.

2 Run the application in Minimized mode.

4 Run the application “hidden.”

Define External Commands | 21

8 Put the argument string in quotes.

Bit values 2 and 4 are mutually exclusive; if both are specified only the 2 bit is used. Using value 2 or 4 without value 1 should be avoided, because AutoCAD becomes unavailable until the application has completed.

Bit value 8 allows commands like del to work properly with file names that have embedded spaces. This eliminates the possibility of passing a space-delimited list of file names to these commands. If you prefer multiple file support, do not use the bit value 8.

prompt An optional field. It specifies the prompt to display on the AutoCAD command line or for the dynamic input tooltip. The response to this prompt is appended to the string supplied in the executable field. If the first character of the prompt field is an asterisk (*), the response can contain spaces and the user must press Enter to terminate it. Otherwise, the response is terminated by either Spacebar or Enter. If no prompt is specified, no input is requested; however, you must add a comma if a return code is to be supplied or if you want the prompt to have a trailing space.

return_code An optional bitcoded parameter. You can add these integer values together in any combination to achieve the result you want. For example, if values 1 and 2 are required, you use 3 as the return code. The values are defined as follows (codes 0 and 4 are meaningless in a windowed environment and are therefore not included):

1 Loads a DXB file. AutoCAD loads the DXB file named $cmd.dxb into the

drawing after the command is terminated. After the DXB file is loaded, the $cmd.dxb file is deleted. This action produces the same result as the DXBIN command.

2 Constructs a block definition from a DXB file. AutoCAD creates a block

definition from the DXB file named $cmd.dxb. The response to the prompt field is used as the block name. This name must be a valid block name that does not currently exist in the drawing; therefore, this mode cannot redefine a previously defined block. After AutoCAD loads the DXB file, the $cmd.dxb file is deleted. The default name for the INSERT command is set to the newly defined block.

The file can also contain comment lines preceded by a semicolon (;).

Windows System Commands

The start and cmd Windows system commands are very useful when defining external commands. If you specify an executable string that does not use the start or cmd command, AutoCAD is unavailable until that window is closed.

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The start command starts a separate window and runs a specified program or command. If start is used without any parameters, it opens a new command prompt window. The start command has many command line switches that affect the display of the new window. To launch a Windows application, use start without any switches. The start command is also very useful for starting a document that is associated with an application. For example, you can use start to directly open a document created with a word processor or an HTML file.

The cmd command opens a command prompt window that acts as a shell of AutoCAD. This window must be closed before control returns to the AutoCAD command prompt. Two command line switches, /c and /k, are useful for external commands. The /c switch carries out the specified command and then stops (the window closes). The /k switch carries out the specified command and then continues (the window remains open). When using the /k switch, you must close the command window (with the exit command).

In general, use start to start a new window or application that is to be a separate process from AutoCAD. Use cmd to run a batch file or command script that does not create a separate window, or to create a window that must be closed before control is passed back to AutoCAD. For more information about these commands and switches, see your Windows system command documentation.

Custom-Defined Commands

The following example defines three new commands: RUN, LISTSET, and DXB2BLK.

RUN, cmd /c,0,*Batch file to run: , LISTSET,cmd /k SET,0 DXB2BLK,cmd /c DXBCOPY,0,DXB file: ,2

The RUN command runs a batch file or command script. The cmd command followed by the /c switch opens a command window, runs the batch file, and then closes.

The LISTSET command displays the current DOS environment variable settings. Because this example uses cmd /k rather than start, the command window must be closed before returning to AutoCAD. If you want this window to remain active, use start /realtime. For more information about these commands and switches, see your Windows system command documentation.

The DXB2BLK command creates a block definition from the specified DXB file. The DXB file converts all objects into lines. One beneficial by-product of this procedure is that it provides a simple method for exploding text objects into lines.

Define External Commands | 23

DXB2BLK passes the specified DXB file name to the dxbcopy batch file, which copies that file name to the file name $cmd.dxb. AutoCAD then creates a block from the specified DXB file. The name provided to the DXB file prompt is used as the new block name. To create the dxbcopy.cmd file, enter the following at the Windows Command Prompt:

echo copy %1.dxb $cmd.dxb > dxbcopy.cmd

This creates the dxbcopy.cmd file in the current directory. Move this file to a directory that is in your DOS path, or explicitly specify the file's location in the acad.pgp file. For example, if the dxbcopy.cmd file is in D:\cad, enter the following in the external commands section of your acad.pgp file.

DXB2BLK, cmd /c D:\CAD\DXBCOPY,0,DXB file: ,2

To create a DXB file, choose AutoCAD DXB File Format as the current printer, and then plot to a file. For more information about configuring printers, see Set Up Plotters and Printers in the Driver & Peripheral Guide.

To open the program parameters file (acad.pgp)

■ Click Tools ➤ Customize ➤ Edit Program Parameters (acad.pgp).

Quick Reference

Commands

REINIT

Reinitializes the digitizer, digitizer input/output port, and program parameters file.

System Variables

RE-INIT

Reinitializes the digitizer, digitizer port, and acad.pgp file.

Create Command Aliases

A command alias is an abbreviation that you enter at the command prompt instead of entering the entire command name.

For example, you can enter c instead of circle to start the CIRCLE command. An alias is not the same as a keyboard shortcut, which is a combination of keystrokes, such as CTRL+S for SAVE.

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An alias can be defined for any AutoCAD command, device driver command, or external command. The second section of the acad.pgp file defines command aliases. You can change existing aliases or add new ones by editing acad.pgp in an ASCII text editor (such as Notepad). In addition to command aliases in acad.pgp, you will also find comment lines which are preceded by a semicolon (;). Comment lines allow you to add textual information to acad.pgp, such as when or who revised the file last.

NOTE Before you edit acad.pgp, create a backup so that you can restore it later, if necessary.

To define a command alias, add a line to the command alias section of the acad.pgp file using the following syntax:

abbreviation,*command

where abbreviation is the command alias that you enter at the command prompt and command is the command being abbreviated. You must enter an asterisk (*) before the command name to identify the line as a command alias definition.

If you can enter a command transparently, you can also enter its alias transparently. When you enter the command alias, the full command name is displayed at the command prompt and the command is executed.

You can create command aliases that include the special hyphen (-) prefix, such as those listed here, that accesses the version of a command that displays command prompts instead of a dialog box.

BH, *-BHATCH BD, *-BOUNDARY

NOTE You cannot use command aliases in command scripts. Using command aliases in customization files is not recommended.

If you edit acad.pgp while AutoCAD is running, enter reinit to use the revised file. You can also restart AutoCAD to automatically reload the file.

Quick Reference

Commands

REINIT

Reinitializes the digitizer, digitizer input/output port, and program parameters file.

Create Command Aliases | 25

System Variables

RE-INIT

Reinitializes the digitizer, digitizer port, and acad.pgp file.

Record and Modify Action Macros

Action macros can be used to automate repetitive tasks by recording a series of commands and any values entered.

Overview of Action Macros

You use the Action Recorder to record an action macro. After an action macro is recorded, you save the recorded commands and input to an action macro, which has the file extension ACTM.

The Action Recorder is a panel on the ribbon and contains the tools to record, play back, and modify an action macro. You can also set the preferences for the Action Recorder from the Action Recorder Preferences dialog box. During the playback, editing, or recording of an action macro, you can expand the Action Recorder panel to access the individual actions of the current action macro from the Action tree.

In the Action tree, you can modify and delete the action nodes of an action macro. Action nodes represent the recorded commands or input values of an action macro. You can also specify base points, insert user messages, and pause for user input for a value node during playback. A value node in an action macro represents the input that was provided at a sub-prompt of a command during recording. Value nodes can contain acquired points, text strings, numbers, keywords, or other values that might be entered when recording a command.

See also:

■ Play Back an Action Macro

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To change the preferences for the Action Recorder

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel ➤ Preference.

2 In the Action Recorder Preferences dialog box, do the following:

■ Select Expand on Playback to have the Action Recorder panel expand

when an action macro is played back.

■ Select Expand on Recording to have the Action Recorder panel expand

when an action macro is being recorded.

■ Select Prompt for Action Macro Name to have the Action Macro dialog

box displayed when the recording of an action macro is stopped. If not checked, the default name is used to save the recorded action macro.

3 Click OK.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

ACTSTOP

Stops the Action Recorder and provides the option of saving the recorded actions to an action macro file.

ACTUSERINPUT

Pauses for user input in an action macro.

ACTUSERMESSAGE

Inserts a user message into an action macro.

ACTBASEPOINT

Inserts a base point in an action macro.

OPTIONS

Customizes the program settings.

Overview of Action Macros | 27

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

System Variables

ACTPATH

Specifies the additional paths to use when locating available action macros for playback.

ACTRECORDERSTATE

Specifies the current state of the Action Recorder.

ACTRECPATH

Specifies the path used to store new action macros.

ACTUI

Controls the behavior of the Action Recorder panel when recording and playing back macros.

Work with the Action Recorder

With the Action Recorder, you can create action macros that can be used to automate repetitive tasks.

While recording actions, commands and input values are captured and displayed in the Action tree. After recording is stopped, you can save the captured commands and input to an action macro file which can later be played back. Once an action macro is saved, you can specify base points, insert user messages, or change the behavior of the recorded input values to pause for a new input value during playback. You can also manage the recorded action files with Manage Action Macros.

Record an action macro on page

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Use the Action Recorder to record commands

----and input values.

Insert a user message to display information about

-----Insert a user message on page 42

an action macro during playback.

Insert a user request for input on

page 43

Change a recorded value to request input when

-----

an action macro is played back.

Play back the recorded actions that are in an

-----Play back an action macro

action macro.

Record an Action Macro

The Action Recorder can record most of the commands that can be used from the command line and from the user interface elements that you are already familiar with.

Record an Action Macro with the Action Recorder

You use the Action Recorder to record commands and input values for an action macro.

While recording an action macro, the Red Recording Circle icon is displayed near the crosshairs to indicate that the Action Recorder is active and that commands and input are being recorded.

While recording, commands and input that is entered at the command line are recorded with the exception of commands that open or close drawing files. If a dialog box is displayed while recording an action macro, only the display of the dialog box is recorded and not the changes made to the dialog box. It is recommended that you do not use dialog boxes when recording an action macro. Use the command line version of the command instead. For example, use the -HATCH command instead of the HATCH command, which displays the Hatch and Gradient dialog box.

Record an Action Macro | 29

Once you are done recording an action macro, you then have the option to save or discard the recorded action macro. If you save the action macro, you must specify a name and optionally, a description and the playback settings for the action macro. The playback settings control if the view prior to the playback of the action macro is restored when a request for user input is made or when playback is complete.

When the Action Recorder is set to check for inconsistencies, it compares the settings of the drawing environment when the action macro was recorded against the current settings of the drawing environment. For example, the Action Recorder checks the value of the INSUNITS system variable in the current drawing against the value that was used when the action macro was recorded. If an inconsistency is found, you are given the option to continue playing back the action macro or to stop playback. If you continue playing back the action macro, the action macro might produce unexpected results.

Use Action Macros while Recording

You can play back an action macro while you are recording an action macro; you can combine multiple action macros together to create a new action macro. To use an existing action macro while recording another action macro, the action macro that you want to play back needs to be present in one of the paths defined by the system variables ACTPATH or ACTRECPATH. If the action macro is in one of the defined paths, enter the name of the action macro at the Command prompt to play it back.

Use Custom Commands and Routines with Action Macros

When recording commands and input, you can use the standard commands that come with AutoCAD and other custom commands that you might already use. The custom commands that you can use is not limited to just commands defined with AutoLISP or ObjectARX, but also includes commands defined with .NET and macros defined with VBA.

Before playing back an action macro that contains references to custom commands and macros, the original programs that define the commands and macros must be loaded into AutoCAD in order for the action macro to be played back correctly. To make sure the custom commands are available when an action macro is played back, you can use one or more of the following.

■ Startup Suite - The Start Up Suite in the Load/Unload Applications dialog

box can be used to load files that contain custom commands.

■ ACAD.lsp or ACADDOC.lsp File - The acad.lsp or acaddoc.lsp file can be used

to automatically load files that contain custom commands.

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■ Menu AutoLISP (MNL) File - A MNL file can be used to load files that

contain custom commands specific to a CUIx file.

■ Customization User Interface (CUIx) File - AutoLISP files that define custom

commands can be associated to a CUIx file by adding them to the LISP node in the CUI Editor.

■ Script Files - A script file can be used to load AutoLISP, ObjectARX, VBA,

or .NET files. To record the running of a script file, set FILEDIA to 0 before using the SCRIPT command.

Store Recorded Action Macros

When you stop the recording of an action macro, you have the option to save the recorded action macro. If you save the recorded action macro, the command name specified for the action macro is also used as the file name of the action macro. The saved action macro is stored in the folder defined by the ACTRECPATH system variable. You can access the folder in the Options dialog box.

To start recording an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel ➤ Record.

2 Use the commands and provide the input that is needed to complete the

task that you want to automate.

To stop the recording of an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel ➤ Stop.

2 In the Action Macro dialog box, enter a name in the Action Macro

Command Name text box.

3 Optionally, do the following:

■ Enter a description for the action macro in the Description text box.

■ Under Restore Pre-playback View, select When Pausing for User Input

to restore the view prior to the playback of the action macro.

Record an Action Macro | 31

■ Under Restore Pre-playback View, select Once Playback Finishes to

restore the view prior to the playback of the action macro.

■ Select Check for Inconsistencies when Playback Begins to have the

Action Recorder validate the action macro before playback.

4 Click OK.

To cancel the recording of an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel ➤ Stop.

2 In the Action Macro dialog box, click Cancel.

To copy an action macro to create a new action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro you want to copy.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the top node and click Copy.

5 In the Action Macro dialog box, enter a name in the Action Macro Name

text box.

6 Optionally, do the following:

■ Enter a command name for the action macro in the Action Macro

Command Name text box.

■ Enter a description for the action macro in the Description text box.

■ Under Restore Pre-playback View, select When Pausing for User Input

to restore the view prior to the playback of the action macro.

■ Under Restore Pre-playback View, select Once Playback Finishes to

restore the view prior to the playback of the action macro.

■ Select Check for Inconsistencies when Playback Begins to have the

Action Recorder validate the action macro before playback.

7 Click OK.

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To change the location used to save a recorded action macro

1 On the application menu, click Options.

2 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, in the list of nodes, click the plus

sign (+) next to Action Recorder Settings.

3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Actions Recording File Locations, and

specify a folder path.

4 Click OK.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

ACTSTOP

Stops the Action Recorder and provides the option of saving the recorded actions to an action macro file.

OPTIONS

Customizes the program settings.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

System Variables

ACTPATH

Specifies the additional paths to use when locating available action macros for playback.

ACTRECORDERSTATE

Specifies the current state of the Action Recorder.

ACTRECPATH

Specifies the path used to store new action macros.

Record an Action Macro | 33

Action Node Icons

When an action macro is being recorded or is current, each action in the action macro file is represented by a node in the Action tree.

To help determine the type of action or input used during the recording of an action macro, icons are displayed next to each one of the nodes on the Action tree. The following table explains what each of the different action nodes represent and the icon that is displayed next to them in the Action tree.

DescriptionAction Node NameIcon

Pause for User Input

User Text Message

Insert Base Point

Command

Action Macro

Absolute Coordinate Point

Relative Coordinate Point

Prompt Interaction/Keyword

Designates that a pause for input will be made for the action during playback.

A user message will be displayed for this action during playback.

A request to specify a base point will be made for the action during playback.

Node that contains all recorded input for a command.

Top level node that contains all the actions associated with the current action macro.

An absolute coordinate value based on the point acquired during recording.

A relative coordinate value based on the previous coordinate value in the action macro.

A prompt/keyword interaction. This action node cannot be changed to request user input.

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An angle value.Angle

A distance value.Distance

DescriptionAction Node NameIcon

A real or double number value.Real (Double)

An integer number value.Integer

A text string value.String

A scaling percentage value.Scale Factor

A color value.Color

Selection Results

Macro-created object Selection

Use Pick First Selection

tion)

Properties Palettes

Property

Object Filtering

The final selection set that is used by a command. It contains a node for each sub-selection.

A selection that contains only the objects that have been created within the current action macro.

The existing selection will be replaced by the objects selected before the start of the playback for the action macro.

A request for a new selection.Request User Input (Selec-

Indicates that a change was made with the Properties palette or Quick Properties panel.

Property change made with the Properties palette or Quick Properties panel.

A selection with an object filter applied via either the Properties palette or the Quick

Record an Action Macro | 35

DescriptionAction Node NameIcon

Properties panel. Indicates which object filter type was used.

Modal Dialog

View Change (Observation Change)

UCS Change

A node that contains the recorded dialog box that will be displayed during playback.

A view change occurred that was not explicitly made by a command or coordinate change.

UCS change that was not explicitly made by a command or coordinate change.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

Work with User Interface Elements

Many of the common user interface elements can be used when recording an action macro.

There are some elements that you cannot use. The following user interface elements can be used when recording an action macro:

■ Toolbars and Quick Access toolbar

■ Pull-down menus and shortcut menus

■ Ribbon

■ Application menu

■ Legacy user interface elements (image tile and tablet menus)

■ Application and drawing status bars

■ Properties palette and Quick Properties palette

■ Tool Palettes window

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■ DesignCenter

User Interface Elements You Cannot Record

Not all actions preformed with the Properties palette and Quick Properties palette are recorded. The following actions are not recorded:

■ Property changes made from a dialog box in the Properties palette or Quick

Properties palette.

■ Value changes made to the Vertex properties of 3D faces and polylines

with the Properties palette or Quick Properties palette.

■ Actions that do not execute a command from the status bars.

Not all actions preformed with the status bar are recorded. Only controls that execute commands are recorded. The following buttons are recorded from status bar:

■ Quick Properties

■ Model and layout

■ Quick View Layouts (limited to recording when layouts are switched)

■ Pan

■ Zoom

■ SteeringWheels

■ ShowMotion (limited to playing and restoring views)

■ Maximize/Minimize Viewport

■ Annotation/Viewport Scale

■ Synchronize Annotation/Viewport Scale

■ Annotation Visibility

■ Automatically Add Scales

■ Lock UI

■ Clean Screen

Record an Action Macro | 37

Not all actions performed in DesignCenter are recorded. The following actions are not recorded:

■ Inserting blocks from the DC Online tab.

■ All actions from shortcut menus except Attach as Xref and Insert as Block.

■ Dragging named objects (such as layers and linetypes).

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

Manage and Modify Action Macros

There are several methods for modifying and managing an action macro. You can also edit and change the playback behavior of an action macro.

Manage Action Macros

You can rename, copy, modify, and delete an action macro with the Action Macro Manager or from the Action tree.

Modification and management of action macro file can be handled through the Action Macro Manager and the Action tree.

Manage Files with the Action Tree

The Action tree is displayed when the Action Recorder panel is expanded. The following options are available when you right-click the Action Macro in the Action tree.

■ Rename. Renames the command and file name of the action macro.

■ Delete. Removes the action macro file from the Action Macro list and

places the file in the Windows Recycle Bin.

■ Copy. Creates a duplicate copy of the action macro; you specify a new

command and file name for the action macro.

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■ Properties. Changes the command name and playback settings for the

action macro.

Action nodes that represent commands can be deleted and value nodes can be edited. Action nodes in an action macro are modified through the Action tree, which is displayed when the Action Recorder panel is expanded. The following modify options are available when you right-click an action node in the Action tree:

■ Delete. Removes an action node from the current action macro.

■ Edit. Replaces the current value with a new value.

Manage Action Macro Files

The Action Macro Manager dialog box performs basic file management tasks for action macro (ACTM) files. You can modify, rename, delete, and create multiple copies of an action macro file.

TIP You can select and delete a single or multiple copies of action macro files.

To rename an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro you want to rename.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the top node and click Rename.

5 In the Action Macro dialog box, in the Action Macro Command Name

text box, enter a different name.

6 Click OK.

To delete a previously recorded action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro you want to delete.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action Tree, right-click the top node and click Delete.

Manage and Modify Action Macros | 39

5 In the Action Macro - Confirm Deletion dialog box, click Delete.

NOTE When you delete an action macro, the file that the action macro was stored

in is also moved to the Windows Recycle Bin until deleted. If you might need the file later, move the file from the Actions folder to a different folder.

To copy an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro you want to copy.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the top node and click Copy.

5 In the Action Macro dialog box, in the Action Macro Command Name

text box, enter a different name and optionally do the following:

■ Enter a description for the action macro in the Description text box.

■ Under Restore Pre-playback View, select When Pausing For User Input

to restore the view prior to the playback of the action macro.

■ Under Restore Pre-playback View, select Once Playback Finishes to

restore the view prior to the playback of the action macro.

■ Select Check for Inconsistencies when Playback Begins to have the

Action Recorder validate the action macro before playback.

6 Click OK.

To change the properties of an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro for which you want to

change properties.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the top node and click Properties.

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5 In the Action Macro dialog box, change the properties of the action macro

by doing the following:

■ Enter a command name for the action macro in the Action Macro

Command Name text box.

■ Enter a description for the action macro in the Description text box.

■ Under Restore Pre-playback View, select When Pausing For User Input

to restore the view prior to the playback of the action macro.

■ Under Restore Pre-playback View, select Once Playback Finishes to

restore the view prior to the playback of the action macro.

■ Select Check for Inconsistencies when Playback Begins to have the

Action Recorder validate the action macro before playback.

6 Click OK.

To delete an action from an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro from which you want

to delete an action.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click an action node and click Delete.

5 In the Action Macro - Confirm Deletion of Item dialog box, click Delete.

NOTE You cannot delete an action while recording an action macro.

To edit a value node in an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro in which you want to

edit a value node.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click a value node and click Edit.

5 Enter the new value and press ENTER.

Manage and Modify Action Macros | 41

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

ACTMANAGER

Manages action macro files.

Insert User Messages

User messages can be inserted into an action macro to provide information about or specific instructions for playing back an action macro.

While recording an action macro, you can insert a user message into an action macro that is displayed during playback. The message might be an overview of what the action macro does, or settings that are needed before the action macro is played back. You can insert as many user messages in an action macro that you want; they can be inserted before or after any action in an action macro.

When a message is displayed, click Close to continue with the playback of the action macro.

To insert a user message into an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro in which you want to

insert a user message.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click a node and click Insert User Message.

NOTE You can only insert a user message before or after a node located

under the action macro node in the Action tree.

5 In the Insert User Message dialog box, enter the text message that you

want displayed when the action macro is played back.

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6 Click OK.

To edit a user message inserted into an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro whose user message you

want to edit.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the Text Message node and click Edit

Message.

5 In the Insert User Message dialog box, change the text message.

6 Click OK.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

ACTUSERMESSAGE

Pauses for user input in an action macro.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

Pause for User Input

Actions in an action macro can be modified to be played back with the values they were recorded with or to pause for input during playback.

While recording an action macro, you might choose a point or provide input that you do not want to use each time the action macro is played back. You can toggle the behavior of a value node in the current action macro to pause for input during playback. A value node might contain an acquired point, text string, number, command option, or object selection. If an action macro pauses for input, you can provide a new input value during playback.

Manage and Modify Action Macros | 43

To toggle the pause for input of a value during the playback of an action macro.

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro that contains the value

node that you want to pause for input during playback.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the value node and click Pause for User

Input.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

ACTUSERINPUT

Inserts a user message into an action macro.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

Work with Coordinates

You can use absolute or relative coordinates for acquired points in an action macro.

As you record an action macro, recorded coordinate values can be represented as absolute or relative. While a coordinate value can be absolute or relative, the stored value for all recorded coordinate values is absolute. Since all coordinate values are stored as absolute with an action macro, you can toggle between using the absolute or relative to previous point value for a recorded coordinate value during playback. The first recorded coordinate value or coordinate value after a UCS change is always defined as absolute. An absolute coordinate value in an action macro is used as the base point for all later relative coordinate values.

44 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

You can toggle the behavior of a coordinate value from the Action tree on the Action Recorder. You can also change all coordinate values in an action macro to be relative or absolute from the top node in the Action tree.

To toggle a coordinate value to be absolute or relative to the previous point

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro that contains the

coordinate value node you want to modify.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the coordinate value node and click Relative

to Previous.

■ To make a coordinate value absolute, click Relative to Previous if a

check mark is present before it. If no check mark is present, then the coordinate value is already absolute.

■ To make a coordinate value relative to the previous point, click Relative

to Previous if a check mark is not present before it. If a check mark is present, then the coordinate value is already relative to the previous point.

To toggle all coordinate values to be absolute or relative to the previous point

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro that contains the

coordinate value node that you want to be absolute or relative to the previous coordinate.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the top node and click All Points Are

Relative.

■ To make all coordinate values absolute, click All Points Are Relative

if a check mark is present before it. If no check mark is present, then the coordinate values might already be absolute; there might also be a combination of absolute and relative coordinate values in the macro.

Manage and Modify Action Macros | 45

NOTE To be sure all coordinate values are absolute when All Points Are Relative is not checked, select All Points Are Relative twice to avoid some coordinate values being absolute while others are set relative to the previous point.

■ To make all coordinate values relative to the previous point, except

for the first coordinate value, click Relative to Previous if a check mark is not present before it. If a check mark is present, then all coordinate values are already relative to the previous point with the exception of the first coordinate value, which is always absolute.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

Insert Base Points

Inserting a base point establishes an absolute coordinate which is used by the relative coordinate points that follow the base point in the action macro.

During the playback of an action macro, by default, a request to specify a new coordinate point is made for each base point in the action macro.

In the Action tree, base points can be inserted on an action macro or command node. You can insert base points at any time during recording. After recording, you can insert or delete base points from an action macro.

NOTE In the Action tree, you can right-click a base point and disable Pause for User Input. This eliminates the default behavior of the base point from requesting a new coordinate point during playback.

To insert a base point into an action macro

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

46 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro that you want to modify

by inserting a base point.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click a node and click Insert Base Point.

5 Click OK.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

ACTBASEPOINT

Inserts a base point in an action macro.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

Work with Object Selections

Selection nodes are modified through the Action tree to control which objects are used for the commands in an action macro.

When modifying an action macro, you can control the selection method to use when playing back an action macro. You can use one of the following options to alter the behavior of how objects are selected for the selection results node in an action macro:

■ Use Pick First. Uses the objects selected prior to the start of the action

macro.

■ Pause for User Input. Prompts for a new selection set.

■ Use Macro-Created Object Selection. Selects all the objects that have been

created since the start of the action macro.

To pause for user input for a selection during playback

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

Manage and Modify Action Macros | 47

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro that contains the

selection results node that you want to pause for user input during playback.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the selection results to node and click Pause

for User Input.

To toggle the use of macro-created selection during playback

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro that contains the

selection results node that you want to represent a selection of all the objects created during the macro playback.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the selection results node and click

Macro-created Object Selection.

To use Pick First selection during playback

1 On the ribbon, click Manage tab ➤ Action Recorder panel. Click the

down arrow next to the Action Macro list.

2 In the Action Macro list, select the action macro that contains the

selection results node that you want to represent the Pick First selection of all the objects selected before a macro is played back.

3 Expand the Action Recorder panel.

4 In the Action tree, right-click the selection results node and click Use Pick

First Set.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

48 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

Tips for Using the Action Recorder

The Action Recorder is designed to be intuitive and allow you to create custom commands that can reduce the number of actions required to perform a repetitive task. There are some things to consider when recording an action macro.

Recording Action Macros

When recording an action macro, you should be aware of the following:

■ The current drawing settings used when recording an action macro are

not completely retained by an action macro. To make sure that specific drawing settings are used during playback, record them as part of the action macro using the system variable name or the SETVAR command.

■ While many commands are recorded, there are some commands that are

not recorded. The commands that are not recorded are related to drawing file operations, working with the Action Recorder, and grip editing. The following table lists the commands that are not recorded by the Action Recorder.

ACTUSERINPUTACTSTOP

-ACTUSERMESSAGEACTUSERMESSAGE

EXPORTLAYOUTDXFIN

NEWFILEOPEN

PARTIALOPENOPEN

QNEWPRESSPULL

TABLEDITRECOVER

-VBALOADVBAIDE

VBAMANVBALOAD

Tips for Using the Action Recorder | 49

VBAPREFVBANEW

VBARUN-VBARUN

VBAUNLOADVBASTMT

ACTBASEPOINTXOPEN

ACTMANAGER

■ Actions recorded with the Action Recorder are limited to interactions with

the Properties palette, Quick Properties palette, the Layer Modeless dialog box, and any user interface element that starts a command. Some of the user interface elements that start commands are: most tools on tool palettes, some actions in DesignCenter, and some tools on the status bars.

■ When a view change occurs, that is not explicitly made by a command or

coordinate change, (such as with the ViewCube, mouse wheel, or 3D Orbit), a View Change (Observation Change) node is added to the Action tree. You can delete a View Change node when recording is stopped. Upon deletion, during playback, you might be prompted to provide input or continue the playback because the view change did not occur. This might affect the creation of a selection set or the use of a command.

NOTE Before deleting a View Change node, consider creating a copy of the original macro file since you cannot undo the deletion of the node.

■ Changes to a dialog box are not recorded, but the dialog box is displayed

during playback. Instead of using a dialog box during recording, use the command line version of the command to ensure that the action macro behaves consistently each time it is played back.

■ Commands defined with AutoLISP and ObjectARX can be recorded with

an action macro, but the command must be loaded before the action macro is played back. VBA macros and .NET assemblies can also be recorded as part of an action macro, but they must be loaded in order to be played back.

■ Action macros cannot have the same name as a command that is already

defined and loaded into AutoCAD.

50 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

■ The direction of an arc segment created with the Arc option of the PLINE

command is not played back correctly unless the Direction option is used to define the arc segment.

■ While recording an action macro, you can record the current default value

displayed on the command line or use the default value that is current when the action macro is played back. Pressing Enter without entering a specific value during recording, displays a dialog box where you select to use the current value during recording or the default value at playback.

■ While recording the TABLE command, the creation of the table is recorded

but any edits made to the cells of the table are not recorded.

Editing an Action Macro

When editing an action macro, the action macro files that are found in the paths defined by the system variables ACTRECPATH and ACTPATHare loaded. If more than one action macro file has the same name, the first action macro file that is found is loaded into the Action Recorder. The other files with the same names are ignored and not loaded.

To identify the path of a loaded action macro, select the action macro from the Action Macros drop-down list and expand the Action Recorder panel. Right-click the action macro’s node in the Action tree and click Properties. In the Action Macro dialog box, the path to the action macro file is displayed in the Folder Path text box.

Playing Back an Action Macro

When playing back an action macro, you should be aware of the following:

■ When playing back an action macro, the results of an action macro may

vary from those achieved when initially recording the action macro due to differences between the drawing settings in the current drawing and the one open when the action macro was recorded.

■ When playing back an action macro that displays a dialog box, the macro

will pause and wait until the dialog box is dismissed after changes are made. If the dialog box is canceled, the macro will continue to play back but the results may differ from those expected.

■ When playing back an action macro that contains commands defined with

AutoLISP, ObjectARX, or .NET assemblies, playback of the action macro will fail if the files that define the commands are not loaded. If an action macro references a VBA macro, the playback of the action macro will fail if the project file is not loaded.

Tips for Using the Action Recorder | 51

Exchanging Action Macros

When exchanging action macros with others, you should be aware of the following:

■ Action macros recorded with one of the AutoCAD based vertical products

may not play back correctly based on the commands that were used when the action macro was recorded.

■ Action macros may not play back correctly when recorded in one language

of AutoCAD and then played back with a different language of AutoCAD.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

Examples of Action Macros

The following examples show some of the ways that action macros can automate repetitive tasks. The examples shows some of the different ways that you can record actions with the Action Recorder.

Create a New Layer and Draw Objects

In this example, you create an action macro that makes a new layer and then draws objects on the layer to create a two-dimensional top view of a hexagon bolt.

In this example, you learn how to

■ Record and save an action macro

■ Record commands and input values to create and modify a new layer

■ Record commands and input values to create and modify objects

■ Insert a user message

52 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

■ Insert base point

■ Pause for user input

■ Play back an action macro

Start Recording an Action Macro

You start recording actions in the Action Recorder panel. To display the Action Recorder panel and start recording, follow these steps:

1 On the ribbon, click the Manage tab.

2 On the Action Recorder panel, click Record.

Record commands and input values to create and modify a new layer

Once the Action Recorder starts recording, you use the Layer Properties Manager to create a new layer. Follow these steps:

1 At the Command prompt, enter -layer and press Enter.

2 At the prompt, Enter an option

[?/Make/Set/New/Rename/ON/OFF/Color/Ltype/LWeight/TRansparency/MATerial/Plot/Freeze/Thaw/LOck/Unlock/stAte/Description/rEconcile], enter m and press Enter.

3 At the prompt, Enter name for new layer (becomes the current layer) <0>,

enter Bolt and press Enter.

4 At the prompt, Enter an option

[?/Make/Set/New/Rename/ON/OFF/Color/Ltype/LWeight/TRansparency/MATerial/Plot/Freeze/Thaw/LOck/Unlock/stAte/Description/rEconcile], enter c and press Enter.

5 At the prompt, New color [Truecolor/COlorbook], enter 1 and press Enter.

6 At the prompt, Enter name list of layer(s) for color 1 (red) <Bolt>, press

Enter to assign the color Red to the Bolt layer.

If the Action Macro - Value Not Recorded dialog box is displayed, click the Use the Value that is Current at Playback link. This will assign the color specified to the to the recent layer that was created with the Make option.

7 Press Enter again to exit the -LAYER command.

Examples of Action Macros | 53

Record Commands and Input Values Used to Create and Modify Objects

Creating the Bolt layer has been recorded. Next, you create a circle and then a six sided polygon based on the center of the circle for a hexagon bolt. Once the circle and polygon are drawn, you use the SCALE command to control the size of the hexagon bolt when the action macro is played back. Follow these steps:

1 At the Command prompt, enter circle and press Enter.

2 At the prompt, Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan

radius)], click in the drawing window.

3 At the prompt, Specify radius of circle or [Diameter], enter 0.9 and press

ENTER.

4 At the Command prompt, enter polygon and press Enter.

5 At the prompt, Enter number of sides <4>, enter 6 and press Enter.

6 At the prompt, Specify center of polygon or [Edge], use the Center object

snap and select the edge of the circle.

7 At the prompt, Enter an option [Inscribed in circle/Circumscribed about

circle] <C>, enter c and press Enter.

8 At the prompt, Specify radius of circle, enter 1 and press Enter.

9 At the Command prompt, enter scale and press Enter.

10 At the prompt, Select objects, select both the circle and polygon and press

Enter.

11 At the prompt, Specify base point, use the Center object snap and select

the edge of the circle.

12 At the prompt, Specify scale factor or [Copy/Reference] <1.0000>, enter

1 and press Enter.

Stop Recording and Save an Action Macro

After all the actions have been recorded, you stop recording and save the recorded actions to an action macro file. Follow these steps:

1 On the Action Recorder panel, click Stop.

2 In the Action Macro dialog box, do the following:

■ In the Action Macro Command Name box, enter CreateBolt.

54 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

■ In the Description box, enter Creates a hexagon bolt.

3 Click OK.

Insert a User Message

With a user message, you can provide instructions or general information about the action macro to the user before any changes are made to the drawing during playback. To insert a user message in the action macro, follow these steps:

1 On the Action Recorder panel, click the title bar to expand the panel.

2 In the Action tree, select the CreateBolt node and right-click. Click Insert

User Message.

3 In the Insert User Message dialog box, enter Creates a hexagon bolt by

drawing a circle and polygon. During playback you are prompted for the center point of the circle and size of the bolt. Click OK.

Insert a Base Point

With insert a base point, you are prompted to specify a base point when playing back an action macro. In this action macro, you specify a base point used for the center point of the circle during playback. Follow these steps:

1 On the Action Recorder panel, click the title bar to expand the panel.

2 In the Action tree, select the Circle action node and right-click. Click

Insert Base Point.

Pause for User Input

With a pause for user input, you are prompted to enter a value when playing back an action macro. In this action macro, you change the scale factor for the SCALE command to pause for user input during play back. Follow these steps:

1 On the Action Recorder panel, click the title bar to expand the panel.

2 Select the Scale Factor value node under the Scale action node and

right-click. Click Pause for User Input.

Examples of Action Macros | 55

Play Back the Action Macro

When you play back the action macro, you are prompted to specify a base point of a circle and the scale factor for the SCALE command. To see the results of the action macro, follow these steps:

1 On the Action Recorder panel, on the Action Macro list, select CreateBolt.

2 Click Play.

3 In the User Message dialog box, click Close.

4 When prompted to specify a base point, click a coordinate point in the

drawing window.

5 The circle and polygon are drawn.

6 When prompted for a scale factor, enter a numeric value (such as 1 or

0.25) at the Command prompt and press Enter.

The circle and polygon are scaled based on the scale factor entered.

7 In the Action Macro - Playback Complete dialog box, click OK.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

ACTSTOP

Stops the Action Recorder and provides the option of saving the recorded actions to an action macro file.

ACTUSERINPUT

Pauses for user input in an action macro.

ACTUSERMESSAGE

Inserts a user message into an action macro.

ACTBASEPOINT

Inserts a base point in an action macro.

CIRCLE

Creates a circle.

56 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

LAYER

Manages layers and layer properties.

POLYGON

Creates an equilateral closed polyline.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

SCALE

Enlarges or reduces selected objects, keeping the proportions of the object the same after scaling.

Insert a Block and Change a Dynamic Property Value

This example shows how to insert a dynamic block from a tool palette and change its dynamic properties using the Properties palette.

In this example, you learn how to

■ Record and save an action macro

■ Record actions from the Tool Palettes window

■ Modify an object using the Properties palette

■ Remove action nodes from an action macro

■ Insert Base Point

■ Play back an action macro

Start Recording an Action Macro

You start recording actions on the Action Recorder panel. To display the Action Recorder panel and to start recording, follow these steps:

1 On the ribbon, click the Manage tab.

2 On the Action Recorder panel, click Record.

Examples of Action Macros | 57

Record Actions from the Tool Palettes Window

You can use tools from a tool palette and then play back the action that is performed by a tool. From the Tool Palettes window, you will place the I Beam

- Imperial dynamic block from the Structural tool palette. Follow these steps:

1 At the Command prompt, enter toolpalettes to display the Tool Palettes

window.

2 At the Command prompt, enter properties to display the Properties

palette.

3 In the Tool Palettes window, under the All Palettes group, click the

Structural tab.

4 On the Structural tab, click the I Beam - Imperial tool.

5 On the Properties palette, under the Custom category, click the Beam

Sizes field.

6 On the Beam Sizes drop-down list, select IPE A 140.

7 In the drawing window, specify the insertion point for the block.

Stop Recording and Save an Action Macro

After all the actions have been recorded, you stop recording and save the recorded actions to an action macro file. Follow these steps:

1 On the Action Recorder panel, click Stop.

2 In the Action Macro dialog box, do the following

■ In the Action Macro Command Name box, enter InsertIPEA140.

■ In the Description box, enter Inserts an IPE A 140 beam.

3 Click OK.

Remove Action Nodes

When you record an action macro, at times additional actions are recorded that you do not need. For example, while recording the action macro you displayed the Tool Palettes window and the Properties palette. Those action nodes are not needed in order to play back the action macro. To remove action nodes from the action macro, follow these steps:

1 On the Action Recorder panel, click the title bar to expand the panel.

58 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

2 In the Action tree, select the TOOLPALETTES action node under the

Action Macro node and right-click. Click Delete.

3 Select the Properties action node and right-click. Click Delete.

Play Back the Action Macro

When you play back the action macro, you are prompted to specify the insertion point of the block. To see the results of the action macro, follow these steps:

1 On the Action Recorder panel, on the Action Macro list, select

InsertIPEA140.

2 Click Play.

3 When prompted to specify a base point, click a base point in the drawing

window to insert the block.

As the block is inserted, the beam size selected on the Properties palette is reflected on-screen.

4 In the Action Macro - Playback Complete dialog box, click OK.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

ACTSTOP

Stops the Action Recorder and provides the option of saving the recorded actions to an action macro file.

PROPERTIES

Controls properties of existing objects.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

TOOLPALETTES

Opens the Tool Palettes window.

Examples of Action Macros | 59

Modify Circles with the Properties Palette

This example shows how to apply an object filter to select objects and then change the color property of the selected objects.

In this example, you learn how to

■ Record and save an action macro

■ Modify an object using the Properties palette

■ Select objects and use an object selection filter

■ Use Pick First selection

■ Play back an action macro

Start Recording an Action Macro

You start recording actions on the Action Recorder panel. To display the Action Recorder panel and to start recording, follow these steps:

1 On the ribbon, click the Manage tab.

2 On the Action recorder panel, click Record.

Modify Objects Using the Properties Palette and Object Selection Filter

When working with the Properties palette, you can control which objects you modify by applying an object selection filter to the selected objects. Follow these steps:

1 Select the objects in the drawing that you want to modify and right-click.

Click Properties.

2 On the Properties palette, in the Objects drop-down list, select Circles.

3 Under the General category, select the Color field.

4 In the Color drop-down list, select Blue.

Stop Recording and Save an Action Macro

After all the actions have been recorded, you stop recording and save the recorded actions to an action macro file. Follow these steps:

1 On the Action Recorder panel, click Stop.

60 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

2 In the Action Macro dialog box, do the following

■ In the Action Macro Command Name box, enter BlueCircles.

■ In the Description box, enter Changes the color of all selected circles

to blue.

3 Click OK.

Change the Selection Set to Use the Pick First Selection Set

With a request for user input, you are prompted for a value to be entered instead of using a recorded value when playing back an action macro. In this action macro, you change the selection set created to use the Pick First selection. Follow these steps:

1 On the Action Recorder panel, click the title bar to expand the panel.

2 In the Action tree, under the Action Macro node, select the Pickfirst value

node and right-click. Click Use Pick First Set.

Play Back the Action Macro

When you play back the action macro, you are prompted to select objects if no objects are selected. To see the results of the action macro, follow these steps:

1 Draw some circles and other objects in the drawing. Change the colors

of the objects to colors other than blue.

2 On the Action Recorder panel, on the Action Macro list, select BlueCircles.

3 Click Play.

4 In the Action Macro - No Objects Selected dialog box, click Select Objects

and Continue.

5 When prompted to select objects, select the circles and the other objects

in the drawing. Press ENTER to complete object selection.

The circles in the selection set are changed to the color blue.

6 If the Action Macro - Playback Complete dialog box is displayed, click

OK.

Undo the changes made by the action macro by clicking Undo from the Quick Access toolbar. Now select some objects in the drawing and playback the BlueCircles action macro. This time the action macro uses the Pick First

Examples of Action Macros | 61

selection and you are not prompted to select the objects in the drawing when the action macro is played back.

Quick Reference

Commands

ACTRECORD

Starts the Action Recorder.

ACTSTOP

Stops the Action Recorder and provides the option of saving the recorded actions to an action macro file.

PROPERTIES

Controls properties of existing objects.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

System Variables

PICKFIRST

Controls whether you select objects before (noun-verb selection) or after you issue a command.

62 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

Custom Linetypes

AutoCAD® provides a library of standard linetypes in the acad.lin and acadiso.lin files. You can use the linetypes as they are, modify them, or create your own custom linetypes.

Overview of Linetype Definitions

Linetypes are defined in one or more linetype definition files that have a .lin file extension.

The linetype name and definition determine the particular dash-dot sequence, the relative lengths of dashes and blank spaces, and the characteristics of any included text or shapes. You can use any of the standard linetypes that AutoCAD provides, or you can create your own linetypes.

examples of linetypes

A LIN file can contain definitions of many simple and complex linetypes. You can add new linetypes to an existing LIN file, or you can create your own LIN file. To create or modify linetype definitions, edit the LIN file using a text editor or word processor or use LINETYPE at the command prompt.

When you create a linetype, you must load the linetype before you can use it.

The LIN files included in AutoCAD are acad.lin and acadiso.lin. You can display or print these text files to better understand how to construct linetypes.

Quick Reference

Commands

LINETYPE

Loads, sets, and modifies linetypes.

System Variables

MEASUREINIT

Controls whether a drawing you start from scratch uses imperial or metric default settings.

Simple Custom Linetypes

Each linetype is defined on two lines in a linetype definition file. The first line contains the linetype name and an optional description. The second line is the code that defines the actual linetype pattern.

The second line must begin with the letter A (alignment), followed by a list of pattern descriptors that define pen-up lengths (spaces), pen-down lengths (dashes), and dots. You can include comments in an LIN file by beginning the line with a semicolon (;).

Linetype Definition Format

The format of the linetype definition is

*linetype_name,description A,descriptor1,descriptor2, ...

For example, a linetype called DASHDOT is defined as

*DASHDOT,Dash dot __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ A,.5,-.25,0,-.25

This indicates a repeating pattern starting with a dash 0.5 drawing units long, a space 0.25 drawing units long, a dot, and another space 0.25 drawing units long. This pattern continues for the length of the line, ending with a dash 0.5 drawing units long. The linetype would be displayed as shown below.

__ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __

LIN files must be saved in ASCII format and use an .lin file extension. Additional information about each field in a linetype definition follows.

64 | Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes

Linetype Name

The linetype name field begins with an asterisk (*) and should provide a unique, descriptive name for the linetype.

Description

The description of the linetype should help you visualize the linetype when you edit the LIN file. The description is also displayed in the Linetype Manager and in the Load or Reload Linetypes dialog box.

The description is optional and can include

■ A simple representation of the linetype pattern using ASCII text

■ An expanded description of the linetype

■ A comment such as "Use this linetype for hidden lines"

If you omit the description, do not insert a comma after the linetype name. A description cannot exceed 47 characters.

Alignment Field (A)

The alignment field specifies the action for pattern alignment at the ends of individual lines, circles, and arcs. Currently, AutoCAD supports only A-type alignment, which guarantees that the endpoints of lines and arcs start and stop with a dash.

For example, suppose you create a linetype called CENTRAL that displays the repeating dash-dot sequence commonly used as a centerline. AutoCAD adjusts the dash-dot sequence on an individual line so that dashes and line endpoints coincide. The pattern fits the line so that at least half of the first dash begins and ends the line. If necessary, the first and last dashes are lengthened. If a line is too short to hold even one dash-dot sequence, AutoCAD draws a continuous line between the endpoints. For arcs also, the pattern is adjusted so that dashes are drawn at the endpoints. Circles do not have endpoints, but AutoCAD adjusts the dash-dot sequence to provide a reasonable display.

You must specify A-type alignment by entering a in the alignment field.

Simple Custom Linetypes | 65

Pattern Descriptors

Each pattern descriptor field specifies the length of segments making up the linetype, separated by commas (no spaces are allowed):

■ A positive decimal number denotes a pen-down (dash) segment of that

length.

■ A negative decimal number denotes a pen-up (space) segment of that

length.

■ A dash length of 0 draws a dot.

You can enter up to 12 dash-length specifications per linetype, provided they fit on one 80-character line in the LIN file. You need to include only one complete repetition of the linetype pattern defined by pattern descriptors. When the linetype is drawn, AutoCAD uses the first pattern descriptor for the starting and ending dashes. Between the starting and ending dashes, the pattern dash specifications are drawn sequentially, beginning with the second dash specification and restarting the pattern with the first dash specification when required.

A-type alignment requires that the first dash length be 0 or greater (a pen-down segment). The second dash length should be less than 0 if you need a pen-up segment and more than 0 if you are creating a continuous linetype. You must have at least two dash specifications for A-type alignment.

To create a simple linetype from the Command prompt

1 At the command prompt, enter -linetype.

2 Enter c (Create).

3 Enter a name for the linetype and press Enter.

The linetype name can include up to 255 characters. Linetype names can contain letters, digits, and the special characters dollar sign ($), hyphen (-), and underscore (_). Linetype names cannot include blank spaces.

4 In the Create or Append Linetype File dialog box, select an LIN linetype

library file from the File Name box and click Save.

If you select an existing file, the new linetype name is added to the linetype names in the file.

5 Enter text that describes the new linetype (optional).

66 | Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes

6 At the Enter Pattern prompt, specify the pattern of the line. Follow these

guidelines:

■ All linetypes must begin with a dash.

■ Enter zeros for dots.

■ Enter negative real numbers for spaces. The value defines the length

of the space in drawing units.

■ Enter positive real numbers for dashes. The value defines the length

of the dash in drawing units.

■ Separate each dot, dash, or space value from the next with a comma.

■ Use a space between a dot and a dash.

7 Press Enter to end the command.

NOTE When you create a linetype, it is not loaded into your drawing automatically.

Use the Load option of LINETYPE.

To add a simple linetype to a LIN file

1 Open the acad.lin or acadiso.lin file in a text editor that saves in ASCII

format.

2 Create a header line that includes an asterisk and a linetype pattern name.

The name of the linetype pattern is limited to 31 characters.

3 (Optional) To include a description in the header line, follow the linetype

pattern name with a comma and description text.

4 Create a descriptor line that includes:

■ All linetypes must begin with a dash.

■ Enter zeros for dots.

■ Enter negative real numbers for spaces. The value defines the length

of the space in drawing units.

■ Enter positive real numbers for dashes. The value defines the length

of the dash in drawing units.

■ Separate each dot, dash, or space value from the next with a comma.

■ Use a space between a dot and a dash.

Simple Custom Linetypes | 67

Quick Reference

Commands

LINETYPE

Loads, sets, and modifies linetypes.

System Variables

MEASUREINIT

Controls whether a drawing you start from scratch uses imperial or metric default settings.

Text in Custom Linetypes

Characters from text fonts can be included in linetypes.

Characters from text fonts can be included in linetypes. Linetypes with embedded characters can denote utilities, boundaries, contours, and so on. As with simple linetypes, lines are dynamically drawn as you specify the vertices. Characters embedded in lines are always displayed completely; they are never trimmed.

Embedded text characters are associated with a text style in the drawing. Any text styles associated with a linetype must exist in the drawing before you load the linetype.

The format for linetypes that include embedded characters is similar to that for simple linetypes in that it is a list of pattern descriptors separated by commas.

Character Descriptor Format

The format for adding text characters in a linetype description is as follows:

["text",textstylename,scale,rotation,xoffset,yoffset]

This format is added as a descriptor to a simple linetype. For example, a linetype called HOT_WATER_SUPPLY is defined as

*HOT_WATER_SUPPLY,---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ---A,.5,-.2,["HW",STANDARD,S=.1,U=0.0,X=-0.1,Y=-.05],-.2

This indicates a repeating pattern starting with a dash 0.5 drawing units long, a space 0.2 drawing units long, the characters HW with some scale and placement parameters, and another space 0.2 drawing units long. The text

68 | Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes

characters come from the text font assigned to the STANDARD text style at a scale of 0.1, an upright rotation of 0 degrees, an X offset of -0.1, and a Y offset of -0.05. This pattern continues for the length of the line, ending with a dash

0.5 drawing units long. The linetype would be displayed as shown below.

Notice that the total upstroke length is 0.2 + 0.2 = 0.4 and that the text origin is offset -.01 units in the X direction from the end of the first upstroke. An equivalent linetype would be

*HOT_WATER_SUPPLY,---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ---A,.5,-.1,["HW",STANDARD,S=.1,U=0.0,X=0.0,Y=-.05],-.3

The total upstroke is still 0.1 + 0.3 = 0.4, but the text origin is not offset in the X direction.

Additional information about each field in the character descriptor follows. The values to be used are signed decimal numbers such as 1, -17, and 0.01.

text The characters to be used in the linetype.

text style name The name of the text style to be used. If no text style is

specified, AutoCAD uses the currently defined style.

scale S=value. The scale factor to be used for the text style relative to the scale of the linetype. The height of the text style is multiplied by the scale factor. If the height is 0, the value for S=value alone is used as the height.

rotation U=value, R=value, or A=value. U= specifies upright or easy-to-read text. R= specifies relative or tangential rotation with respect to the line. A= specifies absolute rotation of the text with respect to the origin; that is, all text has the same rotation regardless of its position relative to the line. The value can be appended with a d for degrees (degrees is the default value), r for radians, or g for grads. If rotation is omitted, 0 relative rotation is used.

Rotation is centered between the baseline and the nominal cap height.

Text in Custom Linetypes | 69

NOTE Drawings containing legacy linetypes that do not use the U (upright) rotation flag can be updated to the latest linetype definition by reloading the linetype from the LIN files. Custom linetypes can be updated by changing the R (rotation) flag to the U (upright) flag prior to reloading a linetype definition. For information on loading a linetype, see Load Linetypes.

xoffset X=value. The shift of the text on the X axis of the linetype, which is along the line. If xoffset is omitted or is 0, the text is elaborated with no offset. Use this field to control the distance between the text and the previous pen-up or pen-down stroke. This value is not scaled by the scale factor defined by S=value, but it is scaled to the linetype.

yoffset Y=value. The shift of the text in the Y axis of the linetype, which is at a 90-degree angle to the line. If yoffset is omitted or is 0, the text is elaborated with no offset. Use this field to control the vertical alignment of the text with respect to the line. This value is not scaled by the scale factor defined by

S=value, but it is scaled to the linetype.

To include text characters in linetypes

1 Create a simple linetype, as described in To add a simple linetype to a

LIN file on page 67.

2 Add the text character descriptor within the linetype pattern, using the

following format:

["text",textstylename,scale,rotation,xoffset,yoffset]

Quick Reference

Commands

LINETYPE

Loads, sets, and modifies linetypes.

System Variables

MEASUREINIT

Controls whether a drawing you start from scratch uses imperial or metric default settings.

70 | Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes

Shapes in Custom Linetypes

See also:

■ Shapes and Shape Fonts on page 467

A complex linetype can contain embedded shapes that are saved in shape files. Complex linetypes can denote utilities, boundaries, contours, and so on.

As with simple linetypes, complex lines are dynamically drawn as the user specifies vertices. Shapes and text objects embedded in lines are always displayed completely; they are never trimmed.

The syntax for complex linetypes is similar to that of simple linetypes in that it is a comma-delimited list of pattern descriptors. Complex linetypes can include shape and text objects as pattern descriptors, as well as dash-dot descriptors.

The syntax for shape object descriptors in a linetype description is as follows:

[shapename,shxfilename] or [shapename,shxfilename,transform]

where transform is optional and can be any series of the following (each preceded by a comma):

R=## Relative rotation

A=## Absolute rotation

U=## Upright rotation

S=## Scale

X=## X offset

Y=## Y offset

In this syntax, ## is a signed decimal number (1, -17, 0.01, and so on), the rotation is in degrees, and the remaining options are in linetype-scaled drawing units. The preceding transform letters, if they are used, must be followed by an equal sign and a number.

The following linetype definition defines a linetype named CON1LINE that is composed of a repeating pattern of a line segment, a space, and the embedded shape CON1 from the ep.shx file. (Note that the ep.shx file must be in the support path for the following example to work properly.)

*CON1LINE, --- [CON1] --- [CON1] --- [CON1] A,1.0,-0.25,[CON1,ep.shx],-1.0

Shapes in Custom Linetypes | 71

Except for the code enclosed in square brackets, everything is consistent with the definition of a simple linetype.

As previously described, a total of six fields can be used to define a shape as part of a linetype. The first two are mandatory and position-dependent; the next four are optional and can be ordered arbitrarily. The following two examples demonstrate various entries in the shape definition field.

[CAP,ep.shx,S=2,R=10,X=0.5]

The code above draws the CAP shape defined in the ep.shx shape file with a scale of two times the unit scale of the linetype, a tangential rotation of 10 degrees in a counterclockwise direction, and an X offset of 0.5 drawing units before shape elaboration takes place.

[DIP8,pd.shx,X=0.5,Y=1,R=0,S=1]

The code above draws the DIP8 shape defined in the pd.shx shape file with an X offset of 0.5 drawing units before shape drawing takes place, and a Y offset

of one drawing unit above the linetype, with 0 rotation and a scale equal to the unit scale of the linetype.

The following syntax defines a shape as part of a complex linetype.

[shapename,shapefilename,scale,rotate,xoffset,yoffset]

The definitions of the fields in the syntax follow.

shapename The name of the shape to be drawn. This field must be included. If it is omitted, linetype definition fails. If shapename does not exist in the specified shape file, continue drawing the linetype but without the embedded shape.

shapefilename The name of a compiled shape definition file (SHX). If it is omitted, linetype definition fails. If shapefilename is unqualified (that is, no path is specified), search the library path for the file. If shapefilename is fully qualified and not found at that location, remove the prefix and search the library path for the file. If it is not found, continue drawing the linetype but without the embedded shape.

scale S=value. The scale of the shape is used as a scale factor by which the shape's internally defined scale is multiplied. If the shape's internally defined scale is 0, the S=value alone is used as the scale.

rotate U=value, R=value or A=value. R= signifies relative or tangential rotation with respect to the line's elaboration. A= signifies absolute rotation of the shape with respect to the origin; all shapes have the same rotation regardless of their relative position to the line. The value can be appended with a d for

72 | Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes

degrees (if omitted, degree is the default), r for radians, or g for grads. If rotation is omitted, 0 relative rotation is used.

xoffset X=value. The shift of the shape in the X axis of the linetype computed from the end of the linetype definition vertex. If xoffset is omitted or is 0, the shape is elaborated with no offset. Include this field if you want a continuous line with shapes. This value is not scaled by the scale factor defined by S=.

yoffset Y=value. The shift of the shape in the Y axis of the linetype computed from the end of the linetype definition vertex. If yoffset is omitted or 0, the shape is elaborated with no offset. This value is not scaled by the scale factor defined by S=.

Quick Reference

Commands

LINETYPE

Loads, sets, and modifies linetypes.

SHAPE

Inserts a shape from a shape file that has been loaded using LOAD.

System Variables

MEASUREINIT

Controls whether a drawing you start from scratch uses imperial or metric default settings.

Shapes in Custom Linetypes | 73

Custom Hatch Patterns

AutoCAD® provides a library of standard hatch patterns in the acad.pat and acadiso.pat files. You can use the hatch patterns as they are, modify them, or create your own custom hatch patterns.

Overview of Hatch Pattern Definitions

In addition to using the predefined hatch patterns that are supplied, you can design and create your own custom hatch patterns.

In addition to using the predefined hatch patterns that are supplied, you can design and create your own custom hatch patterns. Developing a hatch pattern definition requires knowledge, practice, and patience. Because customizing hatches requires familiarity with hatch patterns, it is not recommended for new users.

The hatch patterns supplied by AutoCAD are stored in the acad.pat and acadiso.pat text files. You can add hatch pattern definitions to this file or create your own files.

Regardless of where the definition is stored, a custom hatch pattern has the same format. It has a header line with a name, which begins with an asterisk and is no more than 31 characters long, and an optional description:

*pattern-name, description

It also has one or more line descriptors of the following form:

angle, x-origin,y-origin, delta-x,delta-y,dash-1,dash-2, …

The default hatch pattern ANSI31 shown in the Boundary Hatch and Fill dialog box looks like this:

and is defined as follows:

*ANSI31, ANSI Iron, Brick, Stone masonry 45, 0,0, 0,.125

The pattern name on the first line, *ANSI31, is followed by a description: ANSI

Iron, Brick, Stone masonry. This simple pattern definition specifies a line

drawn at an angle of 45 degrees, that the first line of the family of hatch lines is to pass through the drawing origin (0,0), and that the spacing between hatch lines of the family is to be 0.125 drawing units.

Hatch pattern definitions follow these rules:

■ Each line in a pattern definition can contain up to 80 characters. You can

include letters, numbers, and the special characters underline (_), hyphen (-), and dollar sign ($). However, you must begin a pattern definition with a letter or number, not a special character.

■ AutoCAD ignores both blank lines and text to the right of a semicolon.

■ Each pattern line is considered to be the first member of a line family,

created by applying the delta offsets in both directions to generate an infinite family of parallel lines.

■ The delta-x value indicates the displacement between members of the

family in the direction of the line. It is used only for dashed lines.

■ The delta-y value indicates the spacing between members of the family;

that is, it is measured perpendicular to the lines.

■ A line is considered to be of infinite length. A dash pattern is superimposed

on the line.

NOTE A blank line must be placed after the last hatch pattern definition in a PAT file. If a blank line is not placed after the last hatch pattern definition, the last hatch pattern definition will not be accessible when creating a hatch fill.

The process of hatching consists of expanding each line in the pattern definition to its infinite family of parallel lines. All selected objects are checked for intersections with any of these lines; any intersections cause the hatch lines to be turned on and off as governed by the hatching style. Each family

76 | Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns

of hatch lines is generated parallel to an initial line with an absolute origin to guarantee proper alignment.

If you create a very dense hatch, AutoCAD may reject the hatch and display a message indicating that the hatch scale is too small or its dash length too short. You can change the maximum number of hatch lines by setting the MaxHatch environment variable using (setenv “MaxHatch” “n”) where n is a number between 100 and 10000000 (ten million).

NOTE When changing the value of MaxHatch, you must enter MaxHatch with the capitalization as shown.

To create a simple hatch pattern

1 Open the acad.pat or acadiso.pat file in a text editor that saves in ASCII

format.

2 Create a header line that includes an asterisk and a pattern name. The

name of the hatch pattern is limited to 31 characters.

3 (Optional) To include a description in the header line, follow the pattern

name with a comma and description text.

4 Create a descriptor line that includes

■ An angle at which the line is drawn

■ An X,Y origin point

■ A delta-x of 0

■ A delta-y of any value

Quick Reference

Commands

ADCENTER

Manages and inserts content such as blocks, xrefs, and hatch patterns.

FILL

Controls the filling of objects such as hatches, 2D solids, and wide polylines.

Overview of Hatch Pattern Definitions | 77

HATCH

Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern, solid fill, or gradient fill.

HATCHEDIT

Modifies an existing hatch or fill.

SOLID

Creates solid-filled triangles and quadrilaterals.

System Variables

FILLMODE

Specifies whether hatches and fills, 2D solids, and wide polylines are filled in.

HPANG

Sets the angle for new hatch patterns.

HPBOUND

Controls the object type created by HATCH and BOUNDARY.

HPDOUBLE

Specifies hatch pattern doubling for user-defined patterns.

HPNAME

Sets the default hatch pattern name.

HPSCALE

Sets the hatch pattern scale factor.

HPSPACE

Sets the hatch pattern line spacing for user-defined patterns.

Hatch Patterns with Dashed Lines

To define dashed-line patterns, you append dash-length items to the end of the line definition item.

To define dashed-line patterns, you append dash-length items to the end of the line definition item. Each dash-length item specifies the length of a segment making up the line. If the length is positive, a pen-down segment is

78 | Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns

drawn. If the length is negative, the segment is pen-up, and it is not drawn. The pattern starts at the origin point with the first segment and cycles through the segments in circular fashion. A dash length of 0 draws a dot. You can specify up to six dash lengths per pattern line.

The hatch pattern ANSI33, shown on the Hatch contextual ribbon tab or in the Hatch and Gradient dialog box, looks like this:

and is defined as follows:

*ANSI33, ANSI Bronze, Brass, Copper 45, .176776695,0, 0,.25, .125,-.0625

For example, to modify a pattern for 45-degree lines to draw dashed lines with a dash length of 0.5 units and a space between dashes of 0.5 units, the line definition would be

*DASH45, Dashed lines at 45 degrees 45, 0,0, 0,.5, .5,-.5

This is the same as the 45-degree pattern shown in Overview of Hatch Pattern

Definitions on page 75, but with a dash specification added to the end. The

pen-down length is 0.5 units, and the pen-up length is 0.5, meeting the stated objectives. If you wanted to draw a 0.5-unit dash, a 0.25-unit space, a dot, and a 0.25-unit space before the next dash, the definition would be

*DDOT45,Dash-dot-dash pattern: 45 degrees 45, 0,0, 0,.5, .5,-.25, 0,-.25

The following example shows the effect of delta-x specifications on dashed-line families. First, consider the following definition:

*GOSTAK 0, 0,0, 0,.5, .5,-.5

This draws a family of lines separated by 0.5, with each line broken equally into dashes and spaces. Because delta-x is zero, the dashes in each family member line up. An area hatched with this pattern would look like this:

Hatch Patterns with Dashed Lines | 79

Now change the pattern to

*SKEWED 0, 0,0, .5,.5, .5,-.5

It is the same, except that you have set delta-x to 0.5. This offsets each successive family member by 0.5 in the direction of the line (in this case, parallel to the X axis). Because the lines are infinite, the dash pattern slides down the specified amount. The hatched area would look like this:

To create a hatch pattern with dashed lines

1 Open the acad.pat or acadiso.pat file in a text editor that saves in ASCII

format.

2 Create a header line that includes an asterisk and a pattern name. The

name of the hatch pattern is limited to 31 characters.

3 (Optional) To include a description in the header line, follow the pattern

name with a comma and description text.

4 Create a descriptor line that includes

■ An angle at which the line is drawn

■ An X,Y origin point

■ A delta-x of any value if you want to offset alternating lines in the

line family

■ A delta-y of any value

■ A value for a dash length

■ A value for a dot length

■ An optional second value for a different dash length

■ An optional second value for a different dot length

80 | Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns

Quick Reference

Commands

ADCENTER

Manages and inserts content such as blocks, xrefs, and hatch patterns.

FILL

Controls the filling of objects such as hatches, 2D solids, and wide polylines.

HATCH

Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern, solid fill, or gradient fill.

HATCHEDIT

Modifies an existing hatch or fill.

SOLID

Creates solid-filled triangles and quadrilaterals.

System Variables

FILLMODE

Specifies whether hatches and fills, 2D solids, and wide polylines are filled in.

HPANG

Sets the angle for new hatch patterns.

HPBOUND

Controls the object type created by HATCH and BOUNDARY.

HPDOUBLE

Specifies hatch pattern doubling for user-defined patterns.

HPNAME

Sets the default hatch pattern name.

HPSCALE

Sets the hatch pattern scale factor.

Hatch Patterns with Dashed Lines | 81

HPSPACE

Sets the hatch pattern line spacing for user-defined patterns.

Hatch Patterns with Multiple Lines

Complex hatch patterns can have an origin that passes through offsets from the origin and can have multiple members in the line family.

Not all hatch patterns use origin points of 0,0. Complex hatch patterns can have an origin that passes through offsets from the origin and can have multiple members in the line family. In composing more complex patterns, you need to carefully specify the starting point, offsets, and dash pattern of each line family to form the hatch pattern correctly.

The hatch pattern AR-B816 shown on the Hatch contextual ribbon tab or in the Hatch and Gradient dialog box looks like this:

and is defined as follows with multiple lines describing the pattern:

*AR-B816, 8x16 Block elevation stretcher bond 0, 0,0, 0,8 90, 0,0, 8,8, 8,-8

The following figure illustrates a squared-off, inverted-U pattern (one line up, one over, and one down). The pattern repeats every one unit, and each unit is 0.5 high and wide.

This pattern would be defined as follows:

*IUS,Inverted U's 90, 0,0, 0,1, .5,-.5 0, 0,.5, 0,1, .5,-.5 270, .5,.5, 0,1, .5,-.5

82 | Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns

The first line (the up bar) is a simple dashed line with 0,0 origin. The second line (the top bar) should begin at the end of the up bar, so its origin is 0,.5. The third line (the down bar) must start at the end of the top bar, which is at .5,.5 for the first instance of the pattern, so its origin is at this point. The third line of the pattern could be the following:

90, .5,0, 0,1, .5,-.5

270, .5,1, 0,1, -.5,.5

The dashed pattern starts at the origin points and continues in the vector direction given by the angle specification. Therefore, two dashed-line families that are opposed 180 degrees are not alike. Two solid-line families are alike.

The following pattern creates six-pointed stars.

This example can help you refine your skills at pattern definition. (Hint: 0.866 is the sine of 60 degrees.)

The following is the AutoCAD definition of this pattern:

*STARS,Star of David 0, 0,0, 0,.866, .5,-.5 60, 0,0, 0,.866, .5,-.5 120, .25,.433, 0,.866, .5,-.5

To create a hatch pattern with multiple lines

1 Open the acad.pat or acadiso.pat file in a text editor that saves in ASCII

format.

2 Create a header line that includes an asterisk and a pattern name. The

name of the hatch pattern is limited to 31 characters.

3 (Optional) To include a description in the header line, follow the pattern

name with a comma and description text.

4 Create a descriptor line that includes

■ An angle at which the line is drawn

Hatch Patterns with Multiple Lines | 83

■ An X,Y origin point

■ A delta-x of any value if you want to offset alternating lines in the line

family

■ A delta-y of any value

■ A value for a dash length

■ A value for a dot length

■ An optional second value for a different dash length

■ An optional second value for a different dot length

5 Create a second line including all the parameters in the previous step.

6 (Optional) Create additional lines to complete the multiple-line hatch

pattern.

Quick Reference

Commands

ADCENTER

Manages and inserts content such as blocks, xrefs, and hatch patterns.

FILL

Controls the filling of objects such as hatches, 2D solids, and wide polylines.

HATCH

Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern, solid fill, or gradient fill.

HATCHEDIT

Modifies an existing hatch or fill.

SOLID

Creates solid-filled triangles and quadrilaterals.

84 | Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns

System Variables

FILLMODE

Specifies whether hatches and fills, 2D solids, and wide polylines are filled in.

HPANG

Sets the angle for new hatch patterns.

HPBOUND

Controls the object type created by HATCH and BOUNDARY.

HPDOUBLE

Specifies hatch pattern doubling for user-defined patterns.

HPNAME

Sets the default hatch pattern name.

HPSCALE

Sets the hatch pattern scale factor.

HPSPACE

Sets the hatch pattern line spacing for user-defined patterns.

Hatch Patterns with Multiple Lines | 85

User Interface Customization

When you work in the program, you use a variety of ribbon panels, menus, toolbars, shortcut keys, and other user interface elements to help you accomplish your tasks efficiently. You can also streamline your environment by customizing these elements.

Understand User Interface Customization

Using the customization tools of AutoCAD, you can tailor your drawing environment to suit your needs. Customization capabilities, including the customize (CUIx) file format and the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, help you to easily create and modify customized content.

Overview of the Customization

Customization of the user interface is done by modifying the XML-based CUIx file with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. The XML-based CUIx file replaces the customization and menu files from releases prior to AutoCAD 2012. Instead of using a text editor to customize menu files (MNU and MNS files) used in release prior to AutoCAD 2006, you customize the user interface from within AutoCAD. You can

■ Add or change toolbars, menus, and ribbon panels (including shortcut

menus, image tile menus, and tablet menus)

■ Add and modify the commands on the Quick Access toolbar

■ Create or change workspaces

■ Assign commands to various user interface elements

■ Create or change macros

■ Define DIESEL strings

■ Create or change aliases

■ Add descriptive text for command tooltips

■ Control the properties displayed when using rollover tooltips

Customizable User Interface Elements

The editor allows you to create and manage commands that are used in the CUIx file in a centralized location. Along with commands, you are able to customize many of the different user interface elements. From the CUI Editor you can customize

■ Double click actions

■ Legacy user interface elements (tablets, tablet buttons, and image tile

menus)

■ Mouse buttons

■ Pull-down menus

■ Quick Access toolbar

■ Quick properties

■ Toolbars

■ Ribbon panels

■ Ribbon tabs

■ Ribbon contextual tab states

■ Rollover tooltips

■ Shortcut keys

■ Shortcut menus

■ Temporary override keys

■ Workspaces

88 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

CUIEXPORT

Exports customized settings from the main CUIx file to an enterprise or partial CUIx file.

CUIIMPORT

Imports customized settings from an enterprise or partial CUIx file to the main CUIx file.

CUILOAD

Loads a CUIx file.

CUIUNLOAD

Unloads a CUIx file.

QUICKCUI

Displays the Customize User Interface Editor in a collapsed state.

System Variables

DBLCLKEDIT

Controls the double click editing behavior in the drawing area.

ENTERPRISEMENU

Stores the enterprise customization file name (if defined), including the path for the file name.

MENUNAME

Stores the customization file name, including the path for the file name.

TOOLTIPS

Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements.

Overview of the Customization | 89

Use the Customization Environment

You customize the XML-based CUIx file with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor to create new commands, user interface elements, and workspaces.

Overview of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor

The Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor is used to customize the user interface of AutoCAD. Before you start customizing your own menus, toolbars, and other user interface elements, you should familiarize yourself with the customization environment.

To open the Customize User Interface Editor, click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. Once the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor is opened, view the contents of the loaded customization files by expanding the elements in the tree structure, and view the properties of the elements by selecting them.

Select the Transfer tab to see how to migrate or transfer customizations; select the Customize tab to see how to create or modify user interface elements.

Once you are familiar with the environment, you can start to take advantage of the capabilities of the tools. For more information about the improved customization capabilities, see How Customization Has Changed on page 96.

Following is an example of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, Customize tab. You use this tab to customize interface elements in CUIx files.

90 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Autodesk AutoCAD AutoCAD - 2012 Customization Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Basic Customization

Overview of Customization

Organize Program and Support Files

Overview of File Organization

Multiple Configurations

Multiple Drawing Folders

Locate Customized Files

Locate Data Link Files

Locate Plot Style Files

Locate Plotter Files

Locate the PMP File

Locate Support Files

Locate Drawing Template Files

Locate Texture Files

Customize a Publish to Web Template

Define Custom Commands

Define External Commands

Create Command Aliases

Record and Modify Action Macros

Overview of Action Macros

Work with the Action Recorder

Record an Action Macro

Record an Action Macro with the Action Recorder

Action Node Icons

Work with User Interface Elements

Manage and Modify Action Macros

Manage Action Macros

Insert User Messages

Pause for User Input

Work with Coordinates

Insert Base Points

Work with Object Selections

Tips for Using the Action Recorder

Examples of Action Macros

Create a New Layer and Draw Objects

Insert a Block and Change a Dynamic Property Value

Modify Circles with the Properties Palette

Custom Linetypes

Overview of Linetype Definitions

Simple Custom Linetypes

Text in Custom Linetypes

Shapes in Custom Linetypes

Custom Hatch Patterns

Overview of Hatch Pattern Definitions

Hatch Patterns with Dashed Lines

Hatch Patterns with Multiple Lines

User Interface Customization

Understand User Interface Customization

Overview of the Customization

Use the Customization Environment

Overview of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor