topic Re: Is there a way to set the default options for a tool? in AutoCAD Forum

Is there a way to set the default options for a tool?

MbMinx — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 20:45:31 GMT

For example, 99.9% of the time, when I use the LENGTHEN command, I want to use the Dynamic option. But that's not the default; I have to select it special, every single time.

For Rotate, I nearly always want the Reference angle option.

When I Break an element, I want to select my First point, then my second.

There are so many tools, and I find myself wasting time and energy having to take the extra step to select the option I always use, because it isn't the default setting. Is there any way to change/customize what the default option is for any tools?

Thank you

MaryB
AutoCAD/Civil3D 2018

Re: Is there a way to set the default options for a tool?

Alfred.NESWADBA — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 20:55:17 GMT

Hi,

you always have the chance to create a small LISP that gets loaded every time you start AutoCAD which can start a self defined command like

(defun C:LENDY()(command "_LENGTHEN" "_DYNAMIC"))

And the start this new command LENDY for LENgthen DYnamic

You can do this ´for each command you'd like to use special options.

Add these definitions to the ACADDOC.LSP file so these functions are automatically loaded.

- alfred -

Re: Is there a way to set the default options for a tool?

pendean — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 20:57:12 GMT

Customize: use LISP if you like to type, or if you like to click on buttons them simply edit the code in CUI command to do what you want. That's been a feature for 30-years now in AutoCAD.

How would you like to proceed and hat do you need help with?

Re: Is there a way to set the default options for a tool?

Kent1Cooper — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 21:14:11 GMT

One way would be to UNDEFINE the native command, and make a new definition of it that builds the option you prefer into it. >Here< is a recent example that's one of your preferences [as a separate command name for Rotate incorporating the Reference option, but see the last paragraph in the message].

EDIT:

Here's what that looks like -- put this in your acaddoc.lsp file so it will happen in every drawing:

(command "_.undefine" "ROTATE")
(defun C:ROTATE (/ ss) ; Rotate with built-in Reference option
  (if (setq ss (ssget))
    (command "_.rotate" ss "" pause "_reference")
  )
)

The big advantage of that over the command-macro approach such as with a Tool Palette button item, is that any invoking of the command name, such as from its standard icon in the ribbon, or typing in the name or the standard command alias, or autocomplete, will get you your personalized version -- you aren't restricted to using it only by way of a single menu item.

Similar personalized definitions can be constructed for your other commands.

Re: Is there a way to set the default options for a tool?

MbMinx — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 22:46:53 GMT

So, there aren't something like user preferences that store that information for you?

I don't know if I'm allowed to make that kind of change; I'm not the CAD manager. I edited my PGP file, and he allowed that, but he told me he doesn't want me getting into LISP so I don't "screw anything up". He tells me to walk before I run, but I'm stumbling a lot having to type and retype and retype so many things. At least my ESC key hasn't broken yet 🙂

I've looked around a little; I didn't see anything but I might have missed it. Is there a board for people who have come from "other software" (MicroStation) where there might be some targeted assistance with all the things that are so different?

Thank you.

Re: Is there a way to set the default options for a tool?

Kent1Cooper — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 07:00:29 GMT

@MbMinx wrote:

So, there aren't something like user preferences that store that information for you? ….

Not that I'm aware of. For some commands, some defaults are stored while you're in the same editing session of the same drawing [such as Polyline width], but they revert to the AutoCAD-default values when you close the drawing. For some things, some settings are saved in individual drawings, but don't carry over to other drawings as a result. For some commands, no defaults are saved at all [such as DIVIDE and MEASURE -- one of the main reasons I made DivideMeasurePlus.lsp]. But if you are not permitted to introduce AutoLisp routines such as command redefinitions or auto-loading System Variable settings, I can't think of a way to do what you want.