topic Is it possible to run a custom command at Start Tab? in VBA Forum

Is it possible to run a custom command at Start Tab?

JBerns — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 15:45:59 GMT

Greetings, Community.

Is it possible to run a custom command at the AutoCAD Start Tab? I know I cannot run AutoLISP or Visual LISP code, but are other languages supported, such as VBA or .NET? On the Start Tab, with all drawings closed, I noticed that toolbars are disabled, but the QAT seems responsive.

I have developed a custom command to open drawings. It is currently written in LISP, so it works well when a drawing is open. I would also like to offer the command when all drawings are closed.

I do not want to run a macro when AutoCAD starts-up. AutoCAD is already running with all drawings closed and the Start Tab is active.

Perhaps I need a standalone desktop app that would offer a similar drawing name input interface, then it passes the name of the drawing to the AutoCAD application to open. That is beyond my skill set at this time. Option to open drawing as read-write or read-only would be a bonus.

The work-around for now is to keep at least one drawing open to use the LISP version.

Thanks for your time and attention. I look forward to the replies.

Regards,

Jerry

Re: Is it possible to run a custom command at Start Tab?

Ed__Jobe — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 16:13:30 GMT

You can certainly add your command to the QAT, but in zero-document state, the QAT reduces to include only the New, Open and Sheet Set commands. Both lisp and vba cannot interact with the gui in zero-document state. Your only option is .NET. I think it may be possible to create a palette and open it as a document tab. Basically, you want to create your own start tab. Ask in the .NET forum to see if this is possible.

Of course, the easiest thing is to keep a document open.

Re: Is it possible to run a custom command at Start Tab?

JBerns — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 16:22:23 GMT

@Ed__Jobe,

Thanks for the confirmation, suggestion, and quick response. I was hoping that a VBA or .NET command added to the QAT might still function in zero-document mode. I'll ask in the .NET forum. Otherwise, users must keep at least one drawing open.

Regards,

Jerry