AutoLISP

Enables the ability to streamline workflows and enforce CAD standards through automation, and use thousands of programs that were previously written for use in AutoCAD-based programs.

Try: AutoLISP through a series of exercises.

AutoLISP is based on the LISP programming language, which is simple to learn and powerful for automating design tasks. No specialized programming tool or editor is required to create or modify AutoLISP programs.

An AutoLISP program can:

• Access built-in AutoCAD commands and system variables directly
• Modify or create objects directly in the drawing database
• Prompt the user for input at the Command prompt or with a dialog box using DCL (Dialog Control Language)

Programs written using AutoLISP can be stored in external files and loaded into the product when needed. These file formats can be used to store AutoLISP programs:

• AutoLISP Source Code (.lsp) file—an ASCII text file that contains AutoLISP program code
• Fast-load AutoLISP (.fas) file—a binary, compiled version of a single LSP program file
• Visual LISP Compiled (.vlx) file—a compiled set of one or more LSP and DCL files

If you are new to AutoLISP programming, check out these tutorials to learn the fundamentals:

• Tutorial: Getting Started
• Tutorial: Creating a New Custom Command and Controlling with System Variables
• Tutorial: Creating, Loading, and Opening an AutoLISP File

For additional information and known limitations with using AutoLISP in AutoCAD LT, see the AutoLISP Developer's Guide.