How Do I Run a Script in AutoCAD?

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AutoCAD is a powerful software used for computer-aided design and drafting. It offers a wide range of tools and features that enable users to create precise and detailed 2D and 3D drawings.

One of the key features of AutoCAD is the ability to run scripts, which can automate repetitive tasks and save you valuable time. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps of running a script in AutoCAD.

Step 1: Creating a Script File

To run a script in AutoCAD, you first need to create a script file. A script file is a plain text file that contains a series of commands that AutoCAD will execute.

You can create this file using any text editor, such as Notepad or Notepad++. Make sure to save the file with a .scr extension.

Example Script:

Let’s create a simple script that draws a line in AutoCAD:

LINE
0,0
10,10
CLOSE

Step 2: Loading the Script File

Once you have created the script file, you need to load it into AutoCAD. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Open AutoCAD: Launch AutoCAD by double-clicking on its icon.
  2. Type ‘SCRIPT’: In the command line at the bottom of the AutoCAD window, type ‘SCRIPT’ and press Enter. This will open the Script dialog box.
  3. Select Script File: In the Script dialog box, click on the ‘Browse’ button and navigate to the location where you saved your script file.

    Select the file and click ‘Open’.

  4. Run the Script: Once you have selected the script file, click on the ‘Run’ button in the Script dialog box. AutoCAD will then execute the commands in your script file.

Step 3: Verifying the Script Execution

After running the script, you can verify if your commands were executed correctly. In our example script, we drew a line from coordinates (0,0) to (10,10). To check if the line was drawn, follow these steps:

  1. Select Line Tool: In AutoCAD’s toolbar or ribbon, select the Line tool.
  2. Select Starting Point: Click on the starting point of your line (0,0).
  3. Select Ending Point: Click on the ending point of your line (10,10).
  4. Check Line Creation: If a line is drawn between these two points, congratulations! Your script executed successfully.

This is just a simple example to demonstrate how to run a script in AutoCAD. You can create more complex scripts by adding additional commands and parameters based on your requirements. It’s worth noting that scripts can be incredibly powerful for automating tasks like drawing repetitive shapes or modifying existing drawings in bulk.

By leveraging scripts in AutoCAD, you can significantly improve your productivity and efficiency. Now that you know how to run a script in AutoCAD, start exploring its potential and unleash your creativity!