In this tutorial, we will learn how to create a custom command in AutoCAD. Custom commands can be a time-saving feature as they allow you to create your own shortcuts for frequently used commands. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Access the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor
The first step is to access the Customize User Interface (CUI) editor. To do this, simply type “CUI” in the command line and press Enter.
Step 2: Create a New Command
Once you are in the CUI editor, click on the “Command List” tab on the left side of the window. This will display a list of all available commands in AutoCAD.
Note: If you want to create a custom command based on an existing command, locate the desired command in the list and select it before proceeding to the next step.
To create a new command, right-click anywhere in the “Command List” tab and select “Create a New Command” from the context menu.
Step 2.1: Define Command Details
In this step, we will define various details for our custom command:
- Name: Enter a unique name for your custom command.
- Description: Provide a brief description of what your custom command does.
- Macro: Enter the AutoLISP or Visual LISP code that defines what your custom command does.
In addition to these details, you can also specify an image or tooltip for your custom command to enhance its visual appearance and usability.2: Assign Shortcut Keys
In this step, you can assign shortcut keys to your custom command. This allows you to execute the command quickly using a keyboard combination.
To assign a shortcut key, click on the “Shortcut Keys” tab in the CUI editor. Then, select your custom command from the list and click on the “New Shortcut” button. Enter the desired keyboard combination and click “OK” to save the changes.
Step 3: Save and Load Your Customization
After creating your custom command, it is important to save your customization so that it can be loaded in future AutoCAD sessions.
To save your customization, click on the “Customizations” tab in the CUI editor and select “Save As” from the dropdown menu. Choose a location and filename for your customization file (.cuix) and click “Save”.
Note: To load your customization in future AutoCAD sessions, use the “Load Partial Customization File” option under the “Customizations” tab.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully created a custom command in AutoCAD.
Custom commands can greatly improve your workflow by allowing you to create personalized shortcuts for frequently used commands. Remember to save your customization file so that you can load it in future AutoCAD sessions.
Happy designing!