Changes to the AutoCAD application programming interfaces (APIs) occur with each new release, but might not require you to recompile or change existing custom programs so they work in the latest release.
With each new release, you should retest all your custom and third-party applications. Any programs that utilize commands or system variables should be reviewed to ensure the command string (such as command name, options, and values) is still valid. Also verify that no deprecated commands or system variables are being used.
The following outlines some additional changes that could affect the use of custom programs developed for an AutoCAD-based product prior to AutoCAD 2026:
- User Interface Customization – Custom images stored in BMP files that use the color value 192,192,192 for transparency must be updated to PNG files with a transparent color. If the images are not updated, the pixels assigned the color value 192,192,192 will be displayed as that color instead of being transparent.
- Scripts and Action Macros – No changes should be needed, but verify that no deprecated commands and system variables are being used.
- AutoLISP – Programs that use the
osnap function might need to be updated, and verify that no deprecated commands and system variables are being used.
- ActiveX/VBA – Programs that assign a password to a drawing must be modified and any program that uses the
SendCommand method should be reviewed to see if the
SendCommand method should be changed to use the
PostCommand method that was introduced with AutoCAD 2015-based products. Programs developed for AutoCAD 2014-based products and earlier should also be reviewed and updated for proper 64-bit compatibility. Statements that reference the
IAcadFileDependency and
IAcadFileDependencies objects need to be commented out or removed.
- .NET – Programs that assign a password to a drawing, utilize render presets, or statements that reference the
FileDependencyInfo and
FileDependencyManager objects need to be modified or removed. Programs developed for AutoCAD 2018-based products and earlier need to be recompiled to reference the necessary .NET Framework.
- ObjectARX – Programs that assign a password to a drawing, utilize render presets, or statements that reference the
AcFileDependencyInfo and
AcFileDependencyManager objects need to be modified or removed. Programs developed for AutoCAD 2018-based products and earlier must reference the files of the latest SDK and be recompiled.
- Javascript – No changes should be needed.
Note: Starting with AutoCAD 2014-based products, custom applications must work under secure mode; when the SECURELOAD system variable is set to 1 or 2. When operating under secure mode, the product is restricted to loading and executing files that contain code from trusted locations; trusted locations are specified by the TRUSTEDPATHS system variable. For more information, see About Security and Protecting Against Viruses.