How Do I Create and Use Custom Commands or Scripts in CAD Software?

By | December 2, 2024
0 Comment

Custom commands and scripts can greatly enhance your efficiency in CAD software by automating repetitive tasks, streamlining workflows, and reducing errors. This article provides a detailed guide on creating and using custom commands or scripts in popular CAD programs like AutoCAD and others.

1. Why Use Custom Commands or Scripts?

Custom commands and scripts can:

  • Save time by automating repetitive tasks.
  • Improve accuracy by reducing manual input errors.
  • Adapt CAD software to specific project needs.
  • Increase productivity by simplifying complex processes.

2. Understanding Scripts and Custom Commands

  • Scripts are text-based files containing a series of CAD commands executed sequentially.
  • Custom Commands are personalized shortcuts or macros that trigger specific functions or scripts.

Scripts are typically written in a program's native scripting language, such as AutoLISP (for AutoCAD) or Python (for Fusion 360).

3. How to Create and Use Scripts in AutoCAD

Step 1: Open a Text Editor

Scripts are written in a plain text file. You can use Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) to create them.

Step 2: Write the Commands

  1. Type the commands you want to automate in the text file, one command per line.
    Example for automating a rectangle:

  1. RECTANGLE
    0,0
    100,100
  2. Include pauses or inputs as needed. Use spaces or ENTER to simulate pressing Enter.

Step 3: Save the Script

  • Save the file with a .scr extension (e.g., MyRectangle.scr).

Step 4: Load and Run the Script

  1. Open AutoCAD and go to the Manage Tab.
  2. Click on Run Script or type SCRIPT in the command line.
  3. Browse to your .scr file and select it.
  4. AutoCAD will execute the commands in the script automatically.

4. Creating Custom Commands in AutoCAD

Step 1: Open the Command Alias Editor

  1. Type ALIASEDIT in the command line.
  2. The Command Alias Editor window will open.

Step 2: Define a New Alias

  1. Click Add to create a new alias.
  2. Assign a short alias (e.g., RC for Rectangle Command).
  3. Map it to a specific command or a script.

Step 3: Save and Test the Alias

  • Save your changes and type your new alias in the command line to test it.

5. Using AutoLISP for Advanced Automation

Step 1: Understand AutoLISP Basics

AutoLISP is a powerful programming language for automating tasks in AutoCAD. For example, creating a custom circle command might look like this:

(defun c:MyCircle (/ radius)
(setq radius (getreal "Enter radius: "))
(command "CIRCLE" "0,0" radius)
)

Step 2: Load the AutoLISP File

  1. Save the script as a .lsp file (e.g., MyCircle.lsp).
  2. Use the APpload command in AutoCAD to load it.

Step 3: Run the Command

  • Type the defined command (e.g., MyCircle) in the command line to execute it.

6. Creating Scripts in Fusion 360

Step 1: Open the API or Scripting Environment

Fusion 360 uses Python for scripting. Open the Scripts and Add-Ins menu from the Tools tab.

Step 2: Write a Script

Example of creating a box in Fusion 360:

import adsk.core, adsk.fusion, adsk.cam

def run(context):
app = adsk.core.Application.get()
design = app.activeProduct
rootComp = design.rootComponent
sketches = rootComp.sketches
xyPlane = rootComp.xYConstructionPlane
sketch = sketches.add(xyPlane)
sketch.sketchCurves.sketchLines.addTwoPointRectangle(
adsk.core.Point3D.create(0, 0, 0),
adsk.core.Point3D.create(5, 5, 0))

Step 3: Load and Run

  • Save the script as a .py file.
  • Load it through the Scripts and Add-Ins menu and click Run.

7. Best Practices for Creating Scripts

  1. Start Simple: Begin with small scripts to understand the workflow.
  2. Comment Your Code: Add comments to explain each step, especially for complex scripts.
  3. Test Incrementally: Test your script after adding a few lines to catch errors early.
  4. Back Up Files: Keep backups of your scripts to prevent data loss.
  5. Learn the API: Familiarize yourself with the API documentation of your CAD software for advanced automation.

8. Custom Scripts in Other CAD Software

Software Scripting Language Ease of Use Use Cases
AutoCAD AutoLISP, VBA, .NET Moderate 2D drafting, custom commands, parametric design
Fusion 360 Python Easy to Moderate 3D modeling, prototyping
SolidWorks VBA, C#, Python Moderate to Advanced Product design, advanced automation
Rhino RhinoScript, Python, C# Easy to Advanced Parametric design, complex geometry
Revit Dynamo (Visual), Python Easy to Moderate BIM workflows, custom automation

Conclusion

Creating custom commands or scripts is a game-changer in CAD workflows. Start by experimenting with basic scripts in your CAD software of choice and gradually explore more advanced programming options like AutoLISP or Python. The time invested in learning these tools will pay off by improving productivity, accuracy, and customization in your CAD projects.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *