Newbie question/request....

[AJBuckers]

Hi,
I'm pretty new to customising and creating commands in autocad and was wondering if anyone could help me out. I'd like to create a new command (or just edit the standard button) for dimensions/leaders. I'd like the command to switch to a set layer before beginning the dimension/leader command. A few guys here (myself included when in a rush) tend to forget a bit of discipline with layers and end up with dimensions/leaders and text in all sorts of different layers by the end of the drawing! I know it's probably pretty simple but like I said I'm a complete novice at this kind of thing.

If I've not explained that too well then apologies!

[lpseifert]

Consider the use of Toolpalettes. You can drag a dimension to a toolpalette and set up the destination layer under the toolpalette's Properties

[d_m_hopper]

Consider the use of Toolpalettes. You can drag a dimension to a toolpalette and set up the destination layer under the toolpalette's Properties

I was going to suggest going into the CUI and changing the dimension macro to not only repeat but to also set the layer. The tool palette suggestion is the simplest way to go. Search AutoCADs help on how to add commands the the palette, then right click the command and go into its properties. Once those are set up, export the palette to a network drive so everyone can use it.

sample macro

*^C^C(command "_.cmdecho" "0" "_.layer" "_t" "com4" "_s" "com4" "" "_.textstyle" "dmt" "_.cmdecho" "1" "_.dimlinear" pause pause pause)

[AJBuckers]

Thanks for the replies. The tool palettes seem like a great simple way to get some standard tools set up.

I'd like to get into looking at Macro's and advanced customisation but that will have to wait till I have a bit more time on my hands!

Thanks again.

[d_m_hopper]

I'd like to get into looking at Macro's

I started here found at Cadalyst you can add the macro to the command you add to the palette..hope that makes sense

[BlackBox]

I'd like to get into looking at Macro's

sample macro

*^C^C(command "_.cmdecho" "0" "_.layer" "_t" "com4" "_s" "com4" "" "_.textstyle" "dmt" "_.cmdecho" "1" "_.dimlinear" pause pause pause)

Tool palettes are simple, and Hopper's macro works fine (using AutoLISP vs. Diesel); it's all about how you choose to work.

For example, here are some other methods for your consideration:

^C^C^P._-layer;s;"LayerNameGoesHere";;._ dimlinear;\\\._layerp;^P
;;; This assumes the layer already exists within the active drawing
;;; No error handling if you hit escape during the command

Or this:

(defun c:DIML ( / layerItem dimObj)
     (vl-load-com)
     (InsertErrorHandlerHere)
     (setvar 'cmdecho 0)
     ;; Layer check
     (if
          (tblsearch "layer" "LayerName")  ; If layer exists
           T  ; Then pass through
           (progn  ; Else make layer.
               (setq layerItem 
                    (vla-add 
                         (vla-get-layers (vla-get-activedocument (vlax-get-acad-object))) 
                         "LayerName")
               (vla-put-color layerItem ColorGoesHere)
               (vla-put-description layerItem "DescriptionGoesHere"))) ;_end if
     ;; Create dimension
     (command "._dimlinear" pause pause pause)
     ;; Change dimension layer
     (setq dimObj (vlax-ename->vla-object (entlast)))
     (vla-put-layer dimObj "LayerName")
     (setvar 'cmdecho 1)
     (princ)) ;_end defun

Or, if you really wanted to get all fancy like, you could just go with a CommandEnded reactor? Only when a dimension command ends (any of them), the callback function would programmatically place the dimension on the correct layer.

The last one is probably overkill for what you are seeking, but possible, and very useful when used properly.

There's a world of possible solutions, give them all a try - you never know which one will suite you best!

Cheers!

[alanjt]

Keep in mind that if the user is unsuccessful creating the dimension, it will still change the layer of the last created entity. The best thing is to store the entlast before executing the dimension command. Once completed, you can change the layer if the new entlast is not equal to the one stored before the dimension command was executed. A nice CYA.

[BlackBox]

Keep in mind that if the user is unsuccessful creating the dimension, it will still change the layer of the last created entity. The best thing is to store the entlast before executing the dimension command. Once completed, you can change the layer if the new entlast is not equal to the one stored before the dimension command was executed. A nice CYA.

Good point, Alan.