What Is Startup Command in AutoCAD?

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What Is Startup Command in AutoCAD?

When using AutoCAD, you may have come across the term “startup command” and wondered what it entails. In this article, we will delve into the details of startup commands in AutoCAD and explore how they can enhance your workflow.

The Basics

Startup commands are a set of predefined instructions that AutoCAD executes each time it starts up. These commands can be used to automate repetitive tasks, load specific settings, or customize the software according to your preferences.

Accessing Startup Command

To access the startup command in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  • Launch AutoCAD by double-clicking on its icon or through the Start menu.
  • Once the software is open, click on the “Manage” tab located at the top of the screen.
  • In the “Customization” panel, you will find an option named “Edit Startup Suite.” Click on it to proceed.

Note: It is important to remember that modifying startup commands requires administrative privileges. Therefore, ensure that you have the necessary permissions before making any changes.

Use Cases for Startup Commands

The possibilities with startup commands are extensive. Here are a few examples of how they can be leveraged:

  • Automating Tasks: If there are certain actions you perform repetitively when starting AutoCAD, such as loading specific drawings or setting up layers, startup commands allow you to automate these tasks. This saves time and ensures consistency in your workflow.
  • Loading Customizations: If you have created custom menus, toolbars, or scripts, you can use startup commands to load them automatically upon launching AutoCAD.

    This way, you can have your preferred workspace ready right from the start.

  • Setting System Variables: AutoCAD has numerous system variables that control various aspects of its behavior. By utilizing startup commands, you can set these variables to your desired values, ensuring that AutoCAD functions exactly as you want it to.

Creating Startup Commands

To create a startup command in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Open the “Edit Startup Suite” dialog box using the method mentioned earlier.
  2. In the dialog box, click on the “Add” button to create a new command.
  3. In the “Command Name” field, enter the name of your command. Make sure it is descriptive and easy to understand.
  4. In the “Command String” field, type in the AutoCAD command(s) or script(s) you want to execute at startup. You can also include system variables and their values if needed.
  5. Click “OK” to save your changes.

Example:

Let’s say you want AutoCAD to automatically load a specific template file and set up a custom workspace every time it starts. Here’s how you would create a startup command for this:

Command Name: LoadTemplateAndSetupWorkspace

Command String:

(command "-noload" "acad.dwt") ; Prevents default template from loading
(command "-menuload" "MyCustomMenu.cuix") ; Loads custom menu
(command "-toolbar" "MyCustomToolbar") ; Displays custom toolbar
(setvar "LAYEREVAL" 1) ; Enables layer evaluation
(setvar "FILEDIA" 0) ; Disables file dialog boxes

By creating this startup command, you can ensure that AutoCAD starts with your desired template, custom menu, toolbar, and specific system variable settings.

Conclusion

Startup commands in AutoCAD provide a powerful tool for automating tasks, loading customizations, and setting up the software to your preferences. By utilizing these commands effectively, you can enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow. Experiment with different startup commands to find what works best for you!