Share
 
 

About Customization and Programming

Existing work flows can be enhanced and new functionality can be added to AutoCAD-based products.

You can introduce small changes to the user interface and custom files that make it easier to complete repetitive tasks without having to learn a programming language. Writing custom programs can make you more efficient and reduce repetitive tasks.

The following tools are available to customize and create custom programs from within the product:

  • Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor – Customizes the user interface and transfers customization between customization (CUI/CUIx) files. (CUI command)
  • Action Recorder – Creates and edits action macros. (ACTRECORD command – Windows only)
  • Visual LISP Editor – Creates and edits AutoLISP (LSP) source files. (VLISP command – Windows only)
    Note: Visual Studio Code with the AutoCAD AutoLISP Extension installed can also be used to create and edit LSP files.
  • VBA Editor – Creates and edits Visual Basic for Application project files. (VBAIDE command – Windows only)

Files used to store hatch pattern (PAT) or linetype (LIN) definitions, program parameter (PGP), or script (SCR) files are in the plain ASCII text file format and can be edited using Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac OS.

Topics in this section
  • About the Location of Customizable Files
    By default, customization files are located under a user’s Local and Roaming profiles, which varies by operating system.
  • About Command Aliases
    Command alias are shortened command names that can be entered at the Command prompt as an alternative to the standard full command name and are stored in a program parameter (PGP) file.
  • About User Interface Customization
    Customization of the user interface can increase the accessibility of company standards and reduce the number of steps required to complete a task.
  • About Action Macro Files
    Action macro files are similar to scripts; except they are created by performing actions directly inside of the application instead of adding commands and command options to an ASCII text file.
  • About Custom Linetypes and Hatch Patterns
    Custom linetype and hatch pattern files are used to store new linetypes and hatch patterns that do not come with the AutoCAD-based product.
  • About Application Compatibility
    With each new AutoCAD-based product release, retest your custom applications to ensure they work correctly before rolling out the latest release to all users.
  • About Scripts
    Script (SCR) files are used to automate repetitive tasks by executing commands and command options in a specific sequence.
  • About Tool Palettes
    Tool palettes are used to organize tools that range from blocks to commands to hatch patterns, and are displayed as part of the Tool Palettes window (TOOLPALETTES command).
Parent topic: About CAD Management Tasks

Related Concepts

Was this information helpful?