Where Do I Put LSP Files in AutoCAD?

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The location of LSP files in AutoCAD is important for proper functionality and easy access. LSP files, also known as AutoLISP files, contain scripts written in the AutoLISP programming language to extend the capabilities of AutoCAD. In this article, we will explore where to put LSP files in AutoCAD and how to ensure they are correctly loaded.

Understanding the File Locations

AutoCAD looks for LSP files in specific directories known as support file search paths. These paths can vary depending on your operating system and version of AutoCAD. By default, AutoCAD includes several directories that it searches when loading LSP files.

To view and modify the support file search paths in AutoCAD, you can use the Options dialog box. To access it, go to the Tools menu, select Options, and navigate to the Files tab.

Finding the Right Directory

The best location to put your LSP files is within one of the support file search paths specified in AutoCAD. Placing them here ensures that they are easily accessible and loaded automatically when you start AutoCAD.

To find a suitable directory for your LSP files, follow these steps:

  1. Determine the current support file search paths:
    • In the Options dialog box mentioned earlier, look for a section titled “Support File Search Path”. This section lists all the directories that AutoCAD searches for support files.
    • Note down these directories or take a screenshot for reference.
  2. Select a directory:
    • Choose a directory from the list that is convenient for you to store your LSP files.
    • You can also create a new directory specifically for your LSP files if desired. Make sure to choose a location that is easy to remember and navigate to.

Placing LSP Files in the Chosen Directory

Once you have identified the directory where you want to put your LSP files, follow these steps:

  1. Open the chosen directory:
    • Using a file explorer, navigate to the directory you selected or created in the previous step.
  2. Copy or move your LSP files:
    • Locate the LSP files on your computer that you want to use with AutoCAD.
    • Select and copy or move these LSP files into the open directory.

Loading LSP Files in AutoCAD

After placing your LSP files in the appropriate directory, it’s important to ensure that they are loaded correctly when AutoCAD starts. To load LSP files in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Restart AutoCAD:
    • If AutoCAD was already running while you placed the LSP files in the directory, exit and restart it. This ensures that AutoCAD recognizes and loads the newly added LSP files.
  2. Check for successful loading:
    • To verify if AutoCAD has loaded your LSP files, use the Command line interface within AutoCAD.
    • Type the command APPLOAD and press Enter.
    • The “Application Load/Unload” dialog box will open, listing all the loaded applications and files.
    • Check if your LSP files are listed in the “Loaded Applications” or “Startup Suite” section.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your LSP files are placed in the correct directory and loaded successfully in AutoCAD. This allows you to utilize custom scripts and enhance your productivity within the software.

Remember to regularly backup your LSP files to prevent any accidental loss or corruption. Additionally, keep in mind that modifying support file search paths or loading third-party LSP files may require appropriate permissions or administrator access on your computer.

Now that you know where to put LSP files in AutoCAD and how to load them, you can make the most of AutoLISP customization and add powerful features to your workflows. Happy scripting!