topic Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter in AutoCAD Forum

Circle setting to automatically define diameter

Ingrid91 — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:47:54 GMT

Hi,

Does anyone know the command/setting to make it so that when making a circle the value written is automatically the diameter, and not the radius?

When working with pipes for water and storm water we never define them by their radius, and only by their diameter, so it would be neat to eliminate one step, since I've numerous times written the diameter and had to go back to change it.

Thanks!

Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter

Valentin_CAD — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:57:16 GMT

@Ingrid91 ,

Consider using the Circle Diameter option.

Unless you are using Civil 3D parts catalog:

About the Part Catalog and Parts Lists for Pipe Networks

Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter

Ingrid91 — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 13:18:50 GMT

The circle diameter option could work, but it seems like a bother to have to select it each time.

I'm at present using the command Circle (C) and it automatically defines per radius. Even after choosing the Circle, Center, Diameter from the ribbon menu that choice doesn't stay the next time I use the command Circle (C).

Is there something to be done in settings or another command where I can define what I want as my standard?

Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter

ВeekeeCZ — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 13:34:51 GMT

Use the CUI command. Follow the route and change the macro to this:

^c^c^p(command "_.circle" pause "_d" pause)(princ)

You can swap the Diameter with Radius commands so the Dia would be the top one.

Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter

Valentin_CAD — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 13:36:26 GMT

@Ingrid91 ,

Another option is to use the CIRCLERAD (System Variable).

Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter

Kent1Cooper — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:11:01 GMT

Or, define yourself a little command, which you have the choice of either typing in or putting into a Tool Palette button or whatever, and which will be recalled immediately after with Enter/space just as any other command, etc.:

(defun C:CD () (command "_.circle" pause "_diameter"))

Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter

Ingrid91 — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:31:34 GMT

How I draw a circle:

- Command C

- Click on the screen where the center of the circle should go

- Write the dimensions (which CAD has automatically decided should be radius)

- If I want the diameter at once I need to press down D (diameter) before writing in the dimension

I have tried your written solution in several steps. Between each step I closed down CAD and opened a new model, and tried to draw a circle.

1. Simply moving the <Center, Diameter> above <Center, Radius>

2. Changing the text of the Macro to: "^c^c^p(command "_.circle" pause "_d" pause)

3. Changing the text of the Macro to: "^c^c^p(command "_.circle" pause "_d" pause)(princ)

None make it so that the command C allows you to automatically write the dimension.

Perhaps I need to reboot the whole computer, but that won't happen until tomorrow.

Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter

ВeekeeCZ — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:49:57 GMT

@Ingrid91 wrote:

None make it so that the command C allows you to automatically write the dimension.

Right, sorry about that. My suggestion just allowed you to repeat that command previously started from Ribbon.

If you want to launch this command by C, you need to do what Kent suggests (and replace CD with just C).

Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter

Ingrid91 — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:51:49 GMT

Thanks for all your replies!

The defun alternative solved it. Now when I write CD I automatically get to choose the diameter.

Is there a possibility to add a description to it, so that when I write CD it will say in the command line: CD (circle diameter)?

Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter

Kent1Cooper — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:29:24 GMT

@Ingrid91 wrote:

....

Is there a possibility to add a description to it, so that when I write CD it will say in the command line: CD (circle diameter)?

There are simpler ways, but this seems to be a "clean" way to do it, which suppresses the regular command's prompt with options you don't want to see [so far without *error* handling to ensure resetting of the CMDECHO System Variable]:

(defun C:CD (/ cmde)
(setq cmde (getvar 'cmdecho))
(setvar 'cmdecho 0)
(prompt "\nCenter of Circle to be sized by Diameter: ")
(command-s "_.circle" pause "_diameter")
(setvar 'cmdecho cmde)
(prin1)
)

Re: Circle setting to automatically define diameter

ВeekeeCZ — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:44:16 GMT

@Kent1Cooper wrote:

... to ensure resetting of the CMDECHO System Variable...

You already did this by using command-s.