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:
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.
By default, customization files are located under a user’s Local and Roaming profiles, which varies by operating system.
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.
Customization of the user interface can increase the accessibility of company standards and reduce the number of steps required to complete a task.
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.
Custom linetype and hatch pattern files are used to store new linetypes and hatch patterns that do not come with the AutoCAD-based product.
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.
Script (SCR) files are used to automate repetitive tasks by executing commands and command options in a specific sequence.
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).