In AutoCAD, variables are used to store and control various settings that govern the behavior of the software. Understanding how to control variables is essential for effectively customizing AutoCAD to suit your specific needs.
What are Variables?
Variables in AutoCAD are like containers that hold different types of information. These variables can be system variables, which are predefined by AutoCAD, or user-defined variables, which you can create and modify according to your requirements.
Accessing Variables
To access and modify variables in AutoCAD, you can use the VARIABLES command. This command opens the Variable Editor dialog box, where you can view all the available system and user-defined variables.
You can also access variables by typing their names directly into the command line. For example, typing “LIMMAX” will display the current value of the LIMMAX variable.
System Variables
System variables in AutoCAD control various aspects of the software’s functionality. They determine settings such as drawing units, object snap modes, linetype scales, and more. System variables have predefined names and values set by AutoCAD.
To modify system variable values permanently, use the VARIABLES command or edit them using programming techniques like LISP (List Processing) or VBA (Visual Basic for Applications).
User-Defined Variables
User-defined variables allow you to create your own custom variables in AutoCAD. These variables can store values that you frequently use or customize specific features of AutoCAD according to your preferences.
To create a user-defined variable, use the following syntax:
VARIABLE <variable_name> <value>
For example, to create a variable named “TextHeight” with a value of “0.2“, you would enter “VARIABLE TextHeight 0.2” into the command line.
Changing Variable Values
To change the value of a variable, use the VARIABLES command or type the variable name into the command line followed by the new value.
If you are using the VARIABLES command, locate the desired variable in the Variable Editor dialog box and double-click on its current value. This allows you to modify it according to your requirements.
If you prefer typing directly into the command line, enter “VARIABLE” followed by the variable name and its new value. For example, “VARIABLE TextHeight 0.3” would change the value of the TextHeight variable to “0.3“.
List of Common Variables in AutoCAD:
- DWGUNITS: Controls the units used in drawing files.
- PDMODE: Sets point display modes.
- LTS: Controls linetype scaling behavior.
- FILLMODE: Toggles solid-filled objects on and off.
- MIRRTEXT: Controls whether text is mirrored or not when objects are mirrored.
- DIMSCALE: Sets overall scale factor for dimensions.
- CVPORT: Sets the current viewport number.
Conclusion
Controlling variables in AutoCAD is crucial for customizing the software to suit your specific needs. By understanding and utilizing system and user-defined variables, you can enhance your productivity and efficiency while working in AutoCAD.
Remember to regularly explore and experiment with different variables to discover new ways to optimize your AutoCAD workflow.