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How to use startup switches for AutoCAD

Technical Support

Issue:

How to use startup switches for AutoCAD. Startup switches enable the program to perform additional operations during startup.

Solution:

For a complete list of startup switches, see "Command Line Switch Reference" in the product documentation:

2021:

2022:

2023:

2024:

2025:

2026:

Startup switches are within the AutoCAD program shortcut icon on the desktop. To edit or add switches:
  1. Right-click the AutoCAD desktop icon and choose Properties.
  2. Click the Shortcut tab.
  3. Edit the parameters of the Target field. Add new switches to the end.
  4. Click OK once finished.
Example:

The default Target field for AutoCAD 2021 is:

"C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2021\acad.exe"  /product ACAD /language "en-US"

There are two switches present: /product and /language. Add new switches to the end of this, such as:

"C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2021\acad.exe"  /product ACAD /language "en-US" /t mydwt /b startup /nologo
 

Notes:

  • The path shown in the Target field must be the correct path to the executable file for the installed AutoCAD program.
  • Each switch must be separated by a space.
  • If there is a space anywhere in the parameter of a switch, such as in a file path or name, put quotes around it. Example: /t "C:\Drawing Templates\My Template.dwt".
  • It is not recommended to change the /language switch unless it is certain the desired language pack for AutoCAD is installed (see Download and install a language pack).
  • The /product switch is for designating a specific AutoCAD core or vertical product (toolset). This does not apply to AutoCAD 2012 and earlier. The syntax is /product NAME, where NAME is one of the following:
AutoCAD ACAD
AutoCAD Architecture ACA
AutoCAD Civil 3D C3D
AutoCAD Electrical ACADE
AutoCAD Map 3D MAP
AutoCAD Mechanical ACADM
AutoCAD MEP MEP
AutoCAD P&ID PNID
AutoCAD Plant 3D PLNT3D

Products:

AutoCAD Products;

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