By David Lewis
AutoLisp routines can be used to enhance workflows in AutoCAD applications, however it is worth noting these are not available in the LT versions.
Part 3 of a proposed data extraction and input workflow I have blogged about involves using an AutoLisp routine called Point Manager (sourced externally) to bring positional data into AutoCAD from an external data source.
This blog therefore sets out to explain how to load AutoLisp routines into your AutoCAD application.
1. Navigate to Manage tab on the ribbon and select Load Application. See Fig 1.
2. Having selected Load Application, the Load/Unload Applications dialogue box will appear. Use the Look in options at the top of the dialogue box to navigate to the folder where your Autolisp routines have been saved. See Fig 2.
3. The Unload/Load Applications dialogue box will allow you to load and use AutoLisp routines whilst the program is running by selecting your AutoLisp routine then pressing the Load See Fig 2.
4. After pressing Load a notification will appear in the bottom left of the dialogue box to let you know when the AutoLisp routine has been successfully loaded. See Fig 3.
5. You have now loaded the AutoLisp routine into your program. Press Close on the Load/Unload Application dialogue box to begin using it or read on to find out how to load AutoLisp routines into your Startup Suite for repeated use.
Load AutoLisp routines into your Startup Suite for Repeated Use:
6. AutoLisp routines will load automatically each time the program opens if they have been added to the Startup Suite.
If you intend to use AutoLisp routines repeatedly, consider loading them into the Startup suite by selecting the Contents button in the bottom right of the Load/Unload Application dialogue box. See Fig 4.
7. Having selected the contents button the Startup Suite dialogue box will pop up. Here you will need to select Add to navigate to the AutoLisp routines you wish to load. See Fig 5.
Note: This is also where you would remove AutoLisp routines you do not want loaded into your contents suite by selecting the AutoLisp routine from the list and then selecting Remove.
8. You will now need to navigate to the saved location of your AutoLisp routines. When you have located them select the AutoLisp routine you want to add and press Open on the dialogue box. See Fig 6.
Note: To select all, select the AutoLisp routine at the top of the list, hold the shift key on the keyboard and select the AutoLisp routine at the end of the list.
Alternatively, to add multiple select the desired Autolisp routine and hold the Ctrl key on the keyboard to add more to the selection.
9. You will then be directed back to the Startup Suite which should now be populated with the AutoLisp routines selected in the previous dialogue box (Add File to Startup Suite). Press close to continue. See Fig 7.
10. Having closed the Startup Suite you will be returned to the Load/Unload Applications dialogue box. A notification will appear in the bottom right of the dialogue box letting you know your files have been added to the Startup Suite. See Fig 8.
11. You have now successfully loaded your chosen AutoLisp routine(s) into your Startup Suite. Select close on the Load/Unload Applications dialogue box. The next time you close and reopen your program the AutoLisp routine(s) selected will load also.
Note: When reopening your program may be prompted to either Load once, Always Load or Do not Load your chosen AutoLisp routines.