How to Use Script Command in AutoCAD?

Executing Scripts in AutoCAD

To run a script within AutoCAD, follow these detailed steps:

1. Access the Run Command: On a Windows 7 machine, click the Windows Start button and select the Run option. This opens a dialog box where you can input commands.
2. Input the Command: In the Run dialog, type in the following command format: acad drawing_name /b script_name. Replace drawing_name with the name of your drawing file and script_name with the name of your script file (ensure it has the .scr extension).
3. Execute: Click OK to execute the command. AutoCAD will launch the specified drawing and automatically process the commands contained within the script.

Understanding AutoCAD Script Files

An AutoCAD script file is a plain text file saved with a .scr extension. Each line in this file contains a command that can be executed directly in AutoCAD’s command prompt. To run a script, you can access the script file through the Select Script File dialog that appears as part of the execution process.

Creating Commands in AutoCAD

To create custom commands within AutoCAD:

1. Open the Customize Tab: Navigate to the Customize tab in your workspace.
2. Initiate a New Command: In the Command List pane, locate and click the button to create a new command. A new entry, typically labeled Command1, will appear.
3. Name the Command: In the corresponding Properties pane, enter a unique name for your command in the Name box.
4. Apply Changes: Click the Apply button to save the new command settings.

Importing SCR Files into AutoCAD

To successfully import a script (SCR) file into AutoCAD, follow these steps:

1. Download the SCR File: Obtain the script file you wish to import.
2. Edit the File: Open the .scr file using a text editor, such as Notepad, and append the necessary X, Y, Z coordinates after the first line.
3. Save the Changes: Once your modifications are complete, save and close the file.
4. Load AutoCAD: Open a drawing in AutoCAD.
5. Drag and Drop: Simply drag the SCR file from your file explorer into the AutoCAD model view window to execute the script.

Using AutoLISP with AutoCAD

AutoLISP is a specialized variant of the Lisp programming language tailored for use with AutoCAD and its derivatives. This scripting language enables users to automate repetitive tasks and enhance their workflow within AutoCAD.

Automating AutoCAD with Macros

Command Macros provide another method for automation. They consist of a sequence of instructions that AutoCAD will execute from a user interface element such as a toolbar button or menu. By creating macros, users can streamline their operations within the software.

Executing Walkthroughs in AutoCAD

To create a walkthrough path in your AutoCAD model:

1. Select a View: Open the desired view where you would like to establish the walkthrough path.
2. Access the Walkthrough Tool: From the View tab, navigate to the Create panel, and choose the 3D View drop-down to select Walkthrough.
3. Define the Path: Place key frames along your defined path to establish the route for the walkthrough.

Accessing AutoCAD Commands

To access the command line in AutoCAD, simply use the shortcut CTRL + 9 (or CMD + 3 for Mac users). You can also type COMMANDLINE into the command prompt to activate the command line interface.

Modifying AutoCAD Commands

To alter existing commands in AutoCAD:

1. Open the Customize Tab: Navigate to the Customize tab in your AutoCAD environment.
2. Select a Command: In the Command List pane, choose the command you wish to modify. Alternatively, you can locate the command under a user interface element in the Customizations pane.
3. Edit Properties: In the Properties pane, make the necessary changes to the command’s settings.

Common Modify Commands in AutoCAD

The following commands are frequently used to modify elements within AutoCAD:

• ALIGN
• COPY
• ERASE
• EXTEND
• EXPLODE
• FILLET
• MIRROR
• MOVE

Importing Text Files into AutoCAD

To import text files into AutoCAD:

1. Select Multiline Text: On the Home tab, find the Annotation panel and select the Multiline Text option.
2. Define Text Area: Use your cursor to specify the corners of a bounding box that will contain the multiline text.
3. Import the File: Right-click within the text editor that appears. In the Select File dialog, either double-click the desired file or choose it from the list.
4. Edit as Necessary: After importing, modify the text content as needed within the editor.

Opening an AutoCAD SCR File

To open and execute an SCR file:

1. Initiate the 3D Polyline Command: Type 3DP or 3DPOLY into the command line. This will prepare to paste coordinates.
2. Copy and Paste Points: From your ASCII text file, copy all relevant X, Y, Z points in the required order and paste them into the command line within AutoCAD.
3. Drag and Drop SCR File: Alternatively, create a script file (.scr) with your point data and drop this into the AutoCAD model view window to run the script.

Importing XYZ Files into AutoCAD

To import XYZ files into AutoCAD:

1. Change File Format: In Windows Explorer, alter the file extension from .xyz to .txt.
2. Initiate the Import Command: Use the MAPIMPORT command to begin the import process.
3. Select File Type: Choose the ASCII Point File option when prompted.
4. Set Formatting Options: Adjust the formatting settings as necessary according to how your text file is structured (e.g., comma or space delimited).
5. Confirm Import: Press OK to complete the import process.

Using Python with AutoCAD

Python can be utilized alongside AutoCAD through various modules like pyautocad. This module simplifies the automation of drawing tasks and provides functionality to manipulate existing drawings seamlessly.

FAQ

1. What types of commands can be included in an AutoCAD script file?
   Any command that you would normally input at the command prompt in AutoCAD can be scripted. This includes drawing commands, modification commands, and more.
2. Can I automate complex tasks using macros in AutoCAD?
   Yes, macros can streamline both simple and complex series of tasks, enhancing workflow efficiency by executing multiple commands with a single action.
3. Is it necessary to have programming experience to use AutoLISP with AutoCAD?
   While having a programming background helps, there’s plenty of documentation and tutorials available to help beginners understand AutoLISP and its applications within AutoCAD.