Edit Command Aliases and add new ones

[Larry D]

This is my first post on AUGI. I am trying to create new command aliases: “c” for copy (instead of circle), “zw” for zoom window, and more. The instructions start by saying “Click Tools” and I’m already stymied. There is no “Tools” to click that I can see. Can anyone help on how to view a list command aliases and how to either modify or add new ones? Thanks much.

[tedg]

This is my first post on AUGI. I am trying to create new command aliases: “c” for copy (instead of circle), “zw” for zoom window, and more. The instructions start by saying “Click Tools” and I’m already stymied. There is no “Tools” to click that I can see. Can anyone help on how to view a list command aliases and how to either modify or add new ones? Thanks much.

Congrats on your first post.

There is an "alias editor" which does what you're trying to do, but basically it edits the acad.pgp file which is the actual file that contains the OOTB alias' as well as your custom ones.

[tedg]

I'm not sure about AutoCAD 2011 (referenced in this thread) but I believe if you have Express Tools, go to "Express Tools>Tools>Command Alias Editor"
Or on the command line "aliasedit"

[Opie]

The "C" for copy alias is doable, but the "ZW" for zoom, window, is not a valid command alias. Command aliases can start the command but cannot use any of the options of the command. Zoom is a command and Window is an option of the zoom command.

[tedg]

The "C" for copy alias is doable, but the "ZW" for zoom, window, is not a valid command alias. Command aliases can start the command but cannot use any of the options of the command. Zoom is a command and Window is an option of the zoom command.

Good point Opie... I actually didn't read that far.
One would need a lisp or custom tool bar for something like that.

I have a quick routine I've had FOREVER to zoom 90% of the extents:

;;zooms view .9x of extents
(defun c:zx () (command "zoom"  "e"  "zoom"  ".9x" ) (princ)
)

[rkmcswain]

As @tedg and @opie pointed out, you can't do everything with Command Aliases.

For things such as ZW (for Zoom Window), you'll need to use some autolisp.

@tedg gave you a good example.

So what do you do with this stuff?

Create a new text file using NOTEPAD.

Paste in the code that @tedg provided.

Here are some more examples:

(defun c:fr ()(princ "Macro: Fillet Radius")(vl-cmdf "._fillet" "_r")(princ))
(defun c:ld ()(princ "Macro: Lengthen Dynamic ")(vl-cmdf "._lengthen" "_dy")(princ))
(defun c:zv ()(princ "Macro: Zoom Vmax ")(vl-cmdf ".zoom" "_v")(princ))
(defun c:zw ()(princ "Macro: Zoom Window ")(vl-cmdf ".zoom" "_w")(princ))

When you are done, save this file with the name "acaddoc.lsp" (put quotes around the name when you are saving -OR- you will get "acaddoc.lsp.txt", which WILL NOT WORK)

Now create a new folder called C:\CADSTUFF (that is a suggestion, the name is not important).

Place this new file named "acaddoc.lsp" and put it in that new folder.

Open AutoCAD, run the OPTIONS command, go to the FILES tab, and add C:\CADSTUFF to the Support File Search Path _and_ move it to the TOP of the list of paths.

Close AutoCAD and reopen it.

Your shortcuts should now work..

[jaberwok]

Create a new text file using NOTEPAD.
<snip>
When you are done, save this file with the name "acaddoc.lsp" (put quotes around the name when you are saving OR you will get "acaddoc.lsp.txt", which WILL NOT WORK)
<snip>

Or pick *.* from the "Save as type" box - no quotes required.

[cadtag]

and just to be finicky -- there's no need to use the "W" to force a Zoom Window command. Unless one chooses a different option Z will always default to Window.

ZP for zoom previous of course will call for the coding noted above.

[Larry D]

Thanks Ted. So how do I access the "alias editor".

[Larry D]

These look great. Thanks for the exact directions. I will try it.