Ditch dialog boxes with the command-line form of commands

Did you know that many commands have a variation that lets you execute them solely on the command line? This technique is great for creating script files and AutoLISP routines. For example, you can write a script file to plot your drawings.

The secret is to put a hyphen (-) before the command name. Here’s a list of some common commands that have command-line versions:

• -ARRAY
• -ATTACH
• -BEDIT
• -BHATCH
• -BLOCK
• -DIMSTYLE
• -EXPORT
• -GROUP
• -HATCHEDIT
• -IMAGE
• -INSERT
• -LAYER
• -LINETYPE
• -MTEXT
• -OSNAP
• -PURGE
• -STYLE
• -TEXT
• -UNITS
• -VIEW
• -VISUALSTYLES
• -VPORTS
• -WBLOCK
• -XREF

For example, here’s what you see when you type -layer on the command line:

Lots of options!

In some cases, the command-line form is a different command. For example, instead of using the DDVPOINT command, which opens a dialog box, you can use the VPOINT command.

You can see how creating a script file for some of these commands would be useful for automating repetitive tasks. For example, you can create and change layers using the -LAYER command.

How do you use the command-line form of commands in your work? Leave a comment!

Related posts:

1. Add commands to tool palettes from the CUI dialog box in AutoCAD 2007
2. Use the command line to launch programs
3. Make the command line work the way you want it to
4. Tutorial: Create a custom command
5. Tutorial: Automate tasks with a script file