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CAD tip CAD tip # 7245:

   
Question CAD 
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Q - question

How to load/install a LISP application in AutoCAD?

A - answer I have downloaded a VLX or LSP file - what can I do now to use it?

The LISP code has to be loaded into AutoCAD. You can load ("install") a LSP, VLX or FAS file containing an add-on application or utility into AutoCAD just by mouse-dragging it from Windows Explorer (or other file manager) to the AutoCAD (or AutoCAD LT) window. Only after you load the application into the running session (and current drawing), the functions and commands programmed in the specific application will become available. On loading, the application usually lists the command name(s) which it defines and which is then used to start or control the application functionality. E.g. if it displays the text C:MYCODE on load, you can run the function with the MYCODE command typed on the AutoCAD command line (with small utilities, the name of the LSP/VLX file is often the same as the command name).

Another way of loading the AutoLISP (VisualLISP) code of an application is the APPLOAD command, where you select the requested files to load. By dragging them to the "briefcase" icon in the dialog of this command, you can guarantee their automatic loading in the subsequent AutoCAD sessions.

Yet another option is entering the LISP command (load "myapplication.LSP") on the AutoCAD command line (in this case, your LSP file should be stored in the AutoCAD support path). You can also add this command to your ACAD.LSP or ACADDOC.LSP file (ACADLTDOC.lsp in LT) for automatic loading in the next sessions. LISP files with the .MNL extension are loaded automatically when loading the relevant menu file (MNS, MNU, CUI, CUIX; not in LT).

Loading a LISP application and defining your own ribbon icon for its command is summarized in the following video (in Czech):

NOTE: AutoCAD LT (up to version 2023) does not support LISP applications.

An overview of loaded LISP applications by Arkance Systems, resp. CAD Studio/XANADU (if any) and their command set can be displayed easily by the new common command they define: XANADU (resp. CADSTUDIO).

ACADACLT
100% *  CAD 
8.3.2010    283459×   FAQ  
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applies to: AutoCAD · AutoCAD LT ·

See also:
Tip 13683:Limitations of the LISP language (AutoLISP, VisualLISP) in AutoCAD LT - what to watch out for
Tip 11729:Select objects by annotation scale.
Tip 10682:Automatic classification of drawing objects by their properties.
Tip 10647:How to store macros inside DWG drawings?
Tip 9514:Automatically set the Author property in DWG files.


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