I would like to build an exe (using VS2008) to plot dwg without open Autocad
For each drawing I would like to read the dimension and based on this decide where to print the dwg (printer or plotter)
In your opinion it is possible?
We'll ....
Yes you can create a program to Automate Autocad (and acomplish this task)
Autocad.exe will still be running (You can hide the program from View)
If you don't have Autocad installed on the local machine you'll need
And yes you could create some logic to decide where to print the drawing.
But it sounds like one of two things:
1- You are a CAD Adminstrator/Documentation Adminstrator and you need to Automate the printing of batches of design drawings. This options means programming is probably the way to go.
2- You have many different users who want to print batches of drawings from their own computer.
This option may be a problem if Autocad is NOT everyone's machine.
Sounds like you've got a bit more research ahead of you.
Thanks for your reply. I'm the cad administrator and I want to print list of drawings from our as400 for suppliers.
Now I use a dll loaded from autocad with "netload", it works but I don't like it because I've to launch Autocad and other problem. My target is load dwg, check the dimension and scale, then I know if I must send that dwg to plotter (A0,A1,A2,) or printer (A3,A4)
Whether you load a DLL, or automate AutoCAD through an external EXE, you can't get away from needing AutoCAD to open the DWG.
I know, but is it possibile to use autocad in "background" ?
I would like to manage dwg (load, calculate dimension, scale and plotting it) using a background session of autocad
Sure, you can use Autocad in the background.
Can you clarify... in the background of what?
Another session of Autocad... while working on other things on your computer?
How much experience do you have in .Net Programming or VBA programming for Autocad?
No, just one session. The pc will be dedicated.
I've a good experience in vb.net programming, but I' am almost a newby in vb.net for autocad
I don't like the dll with NETLOAD because if while autocad is processing dwg someone hit the keybord or move the mouse, often send a command to autocad and blocked the procedure.
Few more options to consider :
1) Accoreconsole.exe which is new in AutoCAD 2013 can be used to run script files on a set of drawings. You can also load and run commands from your custom plug-in from the script. Here is the link for more info on this option :
http://adndevblog.typepad.com/autocad/2012/04/getting-started-with-accoreconsole.html
2) Have you considered the ScriptPro tool ? It is a utility that can batch process a set of drawings and you can customize the things that you want to do on those drawings. Here is the link on this :
http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/ADN_plugins/catalog/