Calling External Applications from AutoCAD/LT

While AutoCAD/LT is running, you can invoke (start) other programs or utilities such Windows system commands, utilities, and applications: the coding is simple and coded in the same file that AutoCAD/LT uses to read those command shortcuts we all use instead of typing full command names, the ACADLT.PGP file (for AutoCAD users, it's the ACAD.PGP file).

You define external commands by specifying a command name to be used from the AutoCAD command prompt and an executable command string that is passed to the operating system. By default, defined in the acadlt.pgp file are three commands that work to call up a couple of the most common Windows based Applications. These commands are listed as follows.

EXPLORER - Launches a session of Windows Explorer
NOTEPAD - Launches a session of NotePad with file provided if one is given
PBRUSH - Launches a session Windows Paint (or Paintbrush).

The coding structure inside the PGP for these external commands are as follows:

,[],,[*],

Examples of external commands for Windows built into LT by default:
EXPLORER,  START EXPLORER, 1,,
NOTEPAD,   START NOTEPAD,  1,,

PBRUSH,    START PBRUSH,   1,,

What does all ths coding mean?

• The first part represents the command name that you type in AutoCAD to execute the line of code.Feel free to abbreviate any of these to your preference, we show them with full names for clarity of this article.
• The second part calls a defined command from earlier in the Acad.pgp file.  This command is used to launch an executable that is registered on the current system (basically, how Windows calls the command).
• The third part is used to allocate memory.  This field is used maintains compatibility with previous versions of AutoCAD.  Typically the number zero is present.
• The fourth part is used to display a prompt at the AutoCAD Command Line.  This field is optional to use and the response to this prompt is appended to the string supplied in the executable field. If the first character of the prompt field is an asterisk (*), the response can contain spaces and the user must press ENTER to terminate it.
• The fifth part is an optional bit-coded parameter.  These codes can be added together in order to reach the desired results.

Here are examples of external commands from Windows we modified and added to LT. In these first to examples, we added additional prompts at the command line to prompt the user:

EXPLORER,  START EXPLORER, 1,*Directory to Start in: ,

NOTEPAD,   START NOTEPAD,  1,*File to edit: ,

 

Other examples of external programs to call from inside LT at the command line, or a menu/screen button:

EXCEL,    START EXCEL,   1,,

WORD,    START WINWORD,   1,,

POWERPOINT,    START POWERPNT,   1,,

WORDPAD,    START WRITE,   1,,

OUTLOOK,    START OUTLOOK,   1,,

 

What external programs would you find useful to call from inside LT?

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Calling External Applications from AutoCAD/LT

Twitter Posts revisited: Transparency and Shortcuts

Below is a summary of topics we covered recently on Twitter. Click on the links at the end of each topic and explore the command or feature in more detail in AutoCAD/LT's HELP.

• COPYMODE command controls whether the COPY command repeats automatically http://tinyurl.com/44sc4l2
• COPYHIST command copies the text in the command line history to the Clipboard http://tinyurl.com/4yjfv8t
• Coordinate Filters (Command Modifier) Combine X, Y, and Z values from different points to specify a single point http://dld.bz/as7Sd
• CONVERTPSTYLES command converts the current drawing to either named (STB) or color-dependent (CTB) plot styles http://tinyurl.com/3kmudpq
• LT2012 Tip: CONTENTEXPLORER command finds and inserts content such as drawing files, blocks, and styles http://tinyurl.com/3plnm85
• CMDINPUTHISTORYMAX sets the maximum number of previous input values that are stored for a prompt in a command http://tinyurl.com/42bjbxs
• CLOSEALL command closes all currently open drawings http://tinyurl.com/4x2z9ll
• CLASSICKEYS command sets the behavior of the AutoCAD LT shortcut keys CTRL+C http://tinyurl.com/3hfwyng
• CLASSICKEYS command sets the behavior of the AutoCAD LT shortcut keys CTRL+C http://tinyurl.com/3hfwyng
• CLIP command crops a selected external reference, image, viewport, or underlay to a boundary http://tinyurl.com/4269nq5 and http://tinyurl.com/3k4r5rl
• CETRANSPARENCY command sets the transparency level for new objects http://tinyurl.com/3s78czv

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:
you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week ◦

Twitter Posts revisited: Transparency and Shortcuts

AutoCAD/LT Command Modifiers

You can use command modifiers to help you locate points or select objects while a command is in progress. Use the Coordinate Filter, Direct Distance Entry, From, MTP, and Tracking command modifiers at any prompt that requires point specification. Use the Selection Mode command modifiers at any prompt that requires object selection.
The links below expand on the items with practical applications direct from HELP found in LT.

• Coordinate Filters: Combines X, Y, and Z values from different points to specify a single point.
• Direct Distance Entry: Locates the next point at a specified distance in the direction of your cursor.
• FROM: Locates a point offset from a reference point within a command. Ideal for when you need to click at a screen position FROM an existing object or position.
• MTP: Locates the midpoint between two points. Use it while in a command by just typing MTP when you need it.
• TRACKING: Locates a point from a series of temporary points.
• Object Snaps: Specifies a precise point at a location on an object.
• Selection Modes: Controls how you create selection sets

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AutoCAD/LT Command Modifiers

AutoCAD/LT Function Keys

There are many functions and commands that can be quickly accessed through the keyboard without typing the entire command: many are covered in a previous blog called AutoCAD/LT Shortcut Keys.

Another set of keyboard buttons allow access to even more commands and variables: these are called Function Keys and are best recognized on your keboard as they are the keys with the letter F in front of a numeral.

Below is a list of what each F-Key initiates as a command. These are Toggle functions: tap the key once to change a setting, tap the same key again to restore the original setting. For example, if you tap the F8 key you will see AutoCAD respond by changing the setting of ORTHO with each tap.

Note that where pratical we have hyperlinked to AutoCAD's HELP file below to give you an opportunity to explore these commands even further.

• F1 - Toggles AutoCAD/LT's HELP file.
• F2 - Toggles the Text Window, which is basically your command line expanded beyond the few lines you see on screen normally.
• F3 - Toggles OSNAP running Object Snap; useful if you prefer to have a set or running osnaps but occasionally need then all off  or on while drafting. Not sure where to start with running Osnaps? At the command line type OSMODE then enter 123.
• F4 - Toggles Tablet (Tabets are alternates to a mouse, requires a very specific driver from that manufacturer to properly work with this function key). Very handy tool if you want to set up custom menus beyond the screen menu or if you really want to get into the new freehand SKETCH command.
• F5 - Toggles Isoplane, perfect if you need to draw in Isometric.
• F6 - Toggles Coordinates Display, lower-right corner of your screen. Keeps track of where your cursor is located based on coordinates.
• F7 - Toggles GRID display on screen: some additional instructions can be found HERE.
• F8 - Toggles ORTHOMODE: a great way to ensure you are drafting in fixed 90-degree angles.
• F9 - Toggles SNAPMODE, which is basically use to ain in drawing with grid-like restrictions.
• F10 - Toggles POLARMODE: this is an alternate to ORTHOMODE above, it allows you to select what angles to use instead of being limited to Vertical and Horizontal cursor movement (90-degrees). And no, it cannot be on at the same time as ORTHOMODE.
• F11 - Toggles OTRACK: you can draw objects at specific angles or in specific relationship to other objects along specified directions called alignment paths.  
• F12 - Toggles Dynamic Input: when on, tooltips display information near the cursor that is dynamically updated as the cursor moves. When a command is active, the tooltips provide a place for user entry.

Need to change or modify any of these or other shortcut keys? Explore this topic from HELP to get you started. ◦

AutoCAD/LT Function Keys

AutoCAD/LT Shortcut Keys

Windows Operating System (OS) has many commands and options triggered when you press certain keyobard keys or combinations of keys (see list HERE), as do many other Operating Systems (full list HERE) and applications such as MSOffice, IE and more (check this LINK).

AutoCAD (and LT) share many of the common keyboard functions found in the OS and other apps, plus a few more. The following is a List of the most common found out-of-the-box with no additional effort on your part to create:

ESC key: cancel a running command or close a pop-up.

SHIFT+Click: default behavior is to deselect Objects in a selection.
Ctrl+Tab: cycle between drawings

TAB key: cycle through all nearby running OSNAPS, highlighting them so you know exactly what you’re snapping to in a cluttered area of a drawing.
TAB key: can be used as most of the time for many commandline commands.
TAB key: begin by typing the first few letters of a command or variable, then use this key to cycle through all the commands & variables that begin with those letters.

CTRL+0: Toggles Clean Screen
CTRL+1: Toggles the Properties palette
CTRL+2: Toggles the DesignCenter palette
CTRL+3: Toggles the Tool Palettes Window
CTRL+4: nothing assigned to this one, feel free to use it if you need it.

CTRL+5: nothing assigned to this one, feel free to use it if you need it.
CTRL+6: nothing assigned to this one, feel free to use it if you need it.

CTRL+7: Toggles the Markup Set Manager
CTRL+8: Toggles the QuickCalc calculator palette
CTRL+9: Toggles the command window

CTRL+A: Selects all objects in the drawing
CTRL+SHIFT+A: Toggles Groups Selection on and off
CTRL+B: Toggles Snap mode
CTRL+C: Copies objects to Clipboard
CTRL+SHIFT+C: Copies objects to Clipboard with Base Point
CTRL+D: Toggles Dynamic UCS
CTRL+E: Cycles through isometric planes
CTRL+F: Toggles running object snaps. While in the MTEXT Editor, CTRL+F creates a field.
CTRL+G: Toggles the grid
CTRL+H: Toggles groups selection on and off (similar to CTRL+SHIFT+A)
CTRL+SHIFT+H: toggles the screen/interface tools to have more room to display an open drawing.

CTRL+I: Toggles COORDS
CTRL+J; CTRL+M: Repeats the last command (pressing Enter does the same)
CTRL+K: apply a hyperlink to any selected entity
CTRL+L: Toggles Ortho mode
CTRL+N: Creates a new drawing
CTRL+O: Opens an existing drawing
CTRL+P: Prints/plots thecurrent drawing
CTRL+R: Cycles through layout viewports
CTRL+S: Saves the current drawing
CTRL+SHIFT+S: Opens the Save As dialog box
CTRL+T: Toggles TABLET mode
CTRL+V: Pastes data from the Clipboard
CTRL+SHIFT+V: Pastes data from the Clipboard as a Block
CTRL+W: Toggles Selection Cycling. Reference the VARIABLE for information.
CTRL+X: Cuts objects to Clipboard
CTRL+Y: Cancels the preceding Undo action
CTRL+Z: Reverses the last action
CTRL+[; CTRL+\: Cancels the current command (pressing Esc does the same)
CTRL+PAGE UP: Moves to the next layout tab to the left of the current tab
CTRL+PAGE DOWN: Moves to the next layout tab to the right of the current tab
LEGACYCTRLPICK command: Specifies the keys for selection cycling and the behavior for Ctrl+click.

TEXT/MText Editing Shortcuts:
TAB key: jumps to the next defined tab point in Mtext.
Ctrl+Backspace: remove entire words at once, instead of single character like backspace alone does.
Ctrl+Delete, which erases whole words to the right of the cursor.
Alt+Backspace: undo all of your latest Ctrl+Delete or Ctrl+Backspace
Ctrl+Shift+U: changes selected text to uppercase (AutoCAD only)
Ctrl+Shift+L: changes selected text to lowercase (AutoCAD only)
Ctrl+Spacebar: removes font formatting -- bold, underline, etc. (AutoCAD only).

To create or modify a shortcut key: click to read the HELP file posted Procedure. ◦

AutoCAD/LT Shortcut Keys