Where Are LISP Files in AutoCAD?

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Where Are LISP Files in AutoCAD?

If you are an AutoCAD user, you may have come across LISP files at some point. LISP (LISt Processing) is a programming language that allows you to create custom commands and automate repetitive tasks in AutoCAD. These files have the .lsp extension and can be a powerful tool in enhancing your productivity.

Finding the LISP Files

So, where exactly are these LISP files located in AutoCAD? By default, AutoCAD searches for LISP files in certain directories. Let’s take a look at the common locations:

  • AppData: This is the recommended location for storing your custom LISP files. It can be accessed by typing “%appdata%” in the Windows File Explorer address bar. From there, navigate to “Autodesk\AutoCAD\\R\enu\Support”. Replace “” with your installed AutoCAD version (e.g., “2022”) and “” with the release number (e., “23” for AutoCAD 2022).
  • Startup Suite: Another common location is the Startup Suite folder within your AutoCAD installation directory.

    To access it, go to “C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD \\Support\en-US”. Again, replace “” with your installed version of AutoCAD.

  • Preset Paths: Besides these default locations, it’s worth noting that you can also define additional search paths for AutoCAD to look for LISP files. These paths may include network drives or specific project folders.

Loading LISP Files

Now that you know where to find your LISP files, let’s discuss how to load them in AutoCAD. Here are a couple of methods:

1. AppLoad Command

The simplest way to load a LISP file is by using the AppLoad command. Follow these steps:

  1. Open AutoCAD and type “AppLoad” in the command line.
  2. In the dialog box that appears, click on the “Contents” button.
  3. Navigate to the directory where your LISP file is located.
  4. Select the desired LISP file and click on “Load”.
  5. Finally, click on “Close” to exit the dialog box.

2. Startup Suite

If you have LISP files that you want to load every time AutoCAD starts, you can add them to the Startup Suite. Here’s how:

  1. Type “AppLoad” in the command line and press Enter.
  2. In the dialog box, click on the “Startup Suite” tab.
  3. Click on “Contents” and navigate to your LISP file location.
  4. Select your LISP file and click on “Load”.
  5. Click on “Close”. Your LISP file will now be loaded automatically whenever you start AutoCAD.

Conclusion

LISP files are a valuable resource for customizing and automating tasks in AutoCAD. By knowing where to find these files and how to load them, you can take full advantage of their capabilities. Remember, it’s always a good practice to keep backups of your LISP files and regularly organize them for easy access.

Start exploring the possibilities that LISP programming offers in AutoCAD and unleash your creativity!