AutoCAD provides several predefined hatch patterns you can choose from (see Figure 20.9) but you can also create your own. This section demonstrates the basic elements of pattern definition. Unlike line types hatch patterns can not be created while you are in an AutoCAD file. The pattern definitions are contained in an external file named Acad. pat. This file…

Read More →

As your drawing needs expand you may find that the standard line types are not adequate for your application. Fortunately you can create your own. This section explains how to go about creating your own custom line types. chapter 19 shows you a simplified way to create line types using the Express Make Line type tool. In this…

Read More →

If you browse through the Acad .mnu file, you’ll see many menu options that contain odd-looking text beginning with J dollar sign (S). In some instances the dollar sign is used to tell AutoCAD to open a popup menu. But in many cases it is used as part of the Diesel macro language. Diesel is one of many…

Read More →

Earlier in this chapter you learned how to include a help message with a button. The help message appears in the status bar of AutoCAD window when you high ligt an option. You can also include a help message with a pull-down menu item . First you must give your pull-down menu file a menu group…

Read More →

If you want to edit an existing button or flyout you can go directly to either the Button Properties or the Flyout Properties dialog box by double-right-clicking a button. Once one of these dialog boxes is open, you can make changes to any component of the button definition. Adding Your Own Pull-Down Menu In addition to adding buttons…

Read More →

Now let’s move on to more serious customization. Suppose you want to create an entirely new button with its own functions. For example, you may want to create a set of buttons that will insert your favorite symbols. Or you might want to create a toolbar containing a set of tools that open some the other toolbars that…

Read More →

AutoCAD offers a high degree of flexibility and customization, allowing you to tailor the software’s look and feel to your requirements. This chapter shows how you can adapt AutoCAD to fit your particular needs. You will learn how to customize AutoCAD by modifying its menus. You will learn how to create custom macros for commands that your work group…

Read More →