By Dennis Collin
In a previous post I mentioned how now AutoCAD LT 2024 users can benefit from using external programs and AutoLISP.
Such programs can make for example, the process of numbering of elements and drawing insulation fills much easier and once loaded, perform like any standard AutoCAD command. Whilst LT doesn’t support some of the full AutoCAD's environment and elements like ActiveX, AutoLISP can be employed to reduce time on tedious tasks. Like full AutoCAD these routines can be accessed via the APPLOAD command (application loader).
Typing this command in the command prompt, (or using the Ribbon) reveals a dialogue box with a status message on a successful load.
To access our hachure placement tool, simply type in ‘BANK’. This will run the routine and will offer a range of options. This example routine creates a slope layer and allows users to place hachure symbols between 2 lines indicating an area of sloped ground.
To ensure that this and other useful utilities are available for future AutoCAD sessions, add the routines to a start-up group and they will be automatically loaded.
At time of writing AutoCAD LT doesn’t come with the Express tools suite that is supplied with full AutoCAD. However, many tools that perform the same tasks can be accessed via many AutoLisp resources online. (Links at bottom) However, it should be noted there are some limitations when utilising AutoLISP within the AutoCAD LT environment so certain lisp routines may not work if they invoke unsupported elements that are not supported with LT.