Boost Your AutoCAD Skills with these Productive Lisp Programs

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction 1.1. What are productive list routines?

2. Three Point Rectangle 2.1. Creating a three point rectangle 2.2. Using the "3PRD" command

3. Quick Boundary 3.1. Removing overlapping blocks using the quick boundary command

4. Super Calculator 4.1. Performing mathematical operations using the super calculator command

5. Text Case 5.1. Changing the case of multiple texts

6. Background 6.1. Changing the background color in AutoCAD

7. Break Line 7.1. Breaking lines in different ways

8. Break Points 8.1. Breaking lines at specific points

9. Change Cursor 9.1. Changing the cursor to Ortho Line

10. Convert Arc into Multiple Segments 10.1. Converting arcs into multiple segments

11. Coordinates 11.1. Providing north and east coordinates

12. Cross Mark 12.1. Adding a cross mark quickly

13. Distance Line 13.1. Creating distance lines with custom units

14. Hash Boundary 14.1. Creating a hash boundary

15. Hatch Area 15.1. Calculating the area covered by hatches

16. Pick Coordinates 16.1. Obtaining north and east coordinates

17. Quick Number 17.1. Creating quick numbers

18. Tool Commands 18.1. Checking the list of available tool commands

19. Total Area 19.1. Calculating the area enclosed by closed polylines

20. Total Length 20.1. Calculating the total length of selected entities

21. Twisted Pair 21.1. Creating twisted pairs

Article

20 Powerful and Productive List Routines to Speed Up Your AutoCAD Workflow

Introduction

In this article, we will explore 20 powerful and productive list routines designed to enhance your AutoCAD workflow. These list routines are created to address specific concerns and automate repetitive tasks, allowing you to work more efficiently. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced AutoCAD user, these routines will undoubtedly boost your productivity. So, let's dive in and discover these incredible list routines one by one.

1. Three Point Rectangle

The three-point rectangle is a convenient feature that allows You to Create rectangles with three specified points, especially useful when dealing with non-linear areas. To create a three-point rectangle, you can use the "3PR" or "3PRD" command. With these commands, you can easily specify the three points and create a rectangle effortlessly.

2. Quick Boundary

The quick boundary command is a handy tool for removing overlapping blocks and extracting closed polylines efficiently. By simply using the "QB" command, you can easily select the area with overlapping blocks and remove them, leaving you with clean, precise boundaries.

3. Super Calculator

AutoCAD provides a super calculator that can perform various mathematical operations within the program. This powerful tool allows you to execute addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division operations without the need for external calculators. By using the "CA" command and selecting the desired numbers, you can quickly perform calculations and get accurate results right within AutoCAD.

4. Text Case

Changing the case of multiple Texts can be a time-consuming task. However, AutoCAD offers a simple solution to this problem with the "U" and "L" commands. By selecting the texts and applying the "U" command, you can convert them to uppercase. Similarly, using the "L" command will convert the texts to lowercase. This feature enables you to change the case of texts quickly, saving you valuable time.

5. Background

AutoCAD allows you to change the background color of the workspace easily. By using the "BGB" command, you can switch the background color to black, providing a better preview of your drawings for printing or PDF purposes. Similarly, using the "BGW" command will change the background color back to white. This feature enables you to customize the background color Based on your preferences.

6. Break Line

Breaking lines in AutoCAD can be done in multiple ways. The "BL" command offers three options - "BL1," "BL2," and "BL3." With "BL1," you can break a line at a specified point. "BL2" allows you to break a line by selecting a complete rectangle. "BL3" breaks a line by dragging it to the desired location. These commands offer flexibility and efficiency in breaking lines as per your requirements.

7. Break Points

AutoCAD provides the "BREAKAT" command to break lines or objects at specified points. By using this command, you can break lines or objects at any desired point or intersection accurately. It simplifies the process of breaking lines and allows you to separate them into multiple segments effortlessly.

8. Change Cursor

When drafting in AutoCAD, changing the cursor to Ortho Line mode can greatly enhance your precision and productivity. By using the "A" and "G" commands, you can quickly change the cursor to follow the direction of the selected line or angles. This feature allows for more accurate drawings, especially in complex layouts or areas with specific angles.

9. Convert Arc into Multiple Segments

Sometimes, it is necessary to convert arcs into multiple segments for more precise editing or dimensioning. AutoCAD provides the "ARTL" command to achieve this easily. By selecting the desired arc and executing the command, it will convert the arc into multiple line segments, making it easier to manipulate and dimension accurately.

10. Coordinates

Obtaining The North and east coordinates of a specific point in AutoCAD can be crucial for location-based designs or analyses. The "CD" command provides a simple solution to this task. By clicking on the desired location, AutoCAD will display the North and east coordinates, enabling you to work with accurate positioning and measurements.

11. Cross Mark

The "DIF" command allows you to quickly add cross marks to specific areas within your drawing. By selecting the desired location and providing the distance, you can easily place cross marks for reference or marking purposes. This feature streamlines the process of adding cross marks and enhances the readability of your drawing.

12. Distance Line

Creating distance lines in AutoCAD is made easy with the "DL" command. By specifying the desired distance and selecting the endpoints, you can quickly create lines with custom units. This feature is highly useful when precise measurement annotations are required, saving you time and effort in manually adding distance lines.

13. Hash Boundary

AutoCAD offers the "HB" command to create hash boundaries. This command allows you to efficiently extract boundaries from hatches, saving you the effort of going through the hatch edit process. By selecting the entire hatches and executing the command, AutoCAD will generate precise hash boundaries automatically.

14. Hatch Area

Calculating the area covered by hatches is essential for various design and analysis purposes. AutoCAD provides the "HA" command to quickly determine the total area enclosed by hatches. By simply clicking on the desired hatch, AutoCAD will display the covered area accurately, allowing you to obtain crucial information efficiently.

15. Pick Coordinates

The "CR" command allows you to obtain the exact coordinates of a chosen point quickly. By clicking on the desired location, AutoCAD will provide the north and east coordinates, enabling you to work with accurate positioning and measurements effortlessly. This feature is particularly useful when precision is required in your designs.

16. Quick Number

AutoCAD offers the "PUTNUM" command to quickly add numbers to your drawing. With this command, you can easily specify the starting number, increment value, and test Height. By clicking on the desired insertion point, AutoCAD will automatically place the numbers according to the defined parameters, simplifying the process of numbering your drawing elements.

17. Tool Commands

AutoCAD provides a wide range of tool commands that cater to various design needs. To access the complete list of available tool commands, you can use the "ALI" command. This command displays an extensive list of tools and commands, allowing you to explore and utilize the full potential of AutoCAD.

18. Total Area

Calculating the area enclosed by closed polylines is essential for various design and analysis tasks. AutoCAD offers the "ARON" command to determine the total area enclosed by closed polylines accurately. By specifying the desired Scale for the displayed text, AutoCAD will calculate and display the area promptly.

19. Total Length

To determine the total length of selected entities, AutoCAD provides the "ADDLEN" command. By executing this command, AutoCAD will calculate and display the total length accurately. This feature simplifies the process of obtaining the total length of complex drawings or multiple objects, saving you time and effort in manual calculations.

20. Twisted Pair

AutoCAD allows you to create twisted pairs quickly and easily using the "WIST" command. By specifying the desired diameter and degree, and selecting the first and Second points, AutoCAD will generate the twisted pair effortlessly. This feature is highly useful for electrical or wiring designs, streamlining the process of creating twisted pairs.

These 20 powerful and productive list routines offer tremendous advantages in speeding up your AutoCAD workflow. By exploring and implementing these routines, you can significantly enhance your productivity, efficiency, and accuracy in AutoCAD. Remember to always save and download the AutoCAD Listbook for advanced automation tasks. By continuously improving your knowledge and skills in AutoCAD, you'll be able to unleash its full potential and optimize your design process.

If you have any questions or queries, feel free to contact me at [email protected] Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more valuable AutoCAD tips and tutorials. Thank you for watching, and I'll see you in the next video with another exciting topic!

Highlights:

• 20 powerful and productive list routines to enhance your AutoCAD workflow
• Create three-point rectangles easily with the "3PR" or "3PRD" command
• Remove overlapping blocks efficiently using the Quick Boundary command
• Perform mathematical operations within AutoCAD with the Super Calculator command
• Change the case of multiple texts quickly using the "U" and "L" commands
• Customize the background color of your workspace with the "BGB" and "BGW" commands
• Break lines in different ways with the "BL" command
• Break lines at specific points using the Break Points command
• Change cursor to Ortho Line mode for precise drawings with the "A" and "G" commands
• Convert arcs into multiple segments for easier editing using the "ARTL" command
• Obtain north and east coordinates of specific points with the "CD" command
• Add cross marks quickly with the "DIF" command
• Create distance lines with custom units using the "DL" command
• Generate hash boundaries effortlessly with the "HB" command
• Calculate the area covered by hatches with the "HA" command
• Obtain the exact coordinates of a chosen point with the "CR" command
• Add numbers to your drawing quickly with the "PUTNUM" command
• Access the complete list of available tool commands with the "ALI" command
• Calculate the total area enclosed by closed polylines accurately with the "ARON" command
• Determine the total length of selected entities with the "ADDLEN" command
• Create twisted pairs easily with the "WIST" command

FAQs

Q: Can these list routines be customized according to my specific needs? A: Yes, these list routines can be customized to suit your specific requirements. You can edit the commands or parameters within the list routines to achieve the desired results.

Q: Are these list routines applicable to all versions of AutoCAD? A: These list routines are designed to be compatible with most versions of AutoCAD. However, it is recommended to check the compatibility with your specific version before implementation.

Q: Where can I find the AutoCAD Listbook for advanced automation tasks? A: You can download the AutoCAD Listbook for advanced automation tasks from various online sources or AutoCAD forums. It is a valuable resource that provides in-depth information on list routines and automation techniques.

Q: Are these list routines suitable for beginners in AutoCAD? A: Yes, these list routines are suitable for both beginners and experienced AutoCAD users. They offer valuable shortcuts and automation tools that can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency in your workflow.