Creating Custom Aliases for AutoCAD Commands

Customizing AutoCAD with aliases can significantly speed up your workflow. Here are some common examples of how to create custom aliases for frequently used commands:

Editing the acad.pgp File

1. Locate the File: Find the acad.pgp file in your AutoCAD installation directory.
2. Open the File: Use a text editor like Notepad to open the file.
3. Add Aliases: Add lines in the format *command_alias command_name to define aliases.

Example:

*L LINE
*C CIRCLE
*D DIMLINEAR

Using the Command Line

1. Start the Command: Type CUI or CUSTOMIZE at the command prompt.
2. Open the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor:
3. Navigate to the Aliases Tab:
4. Add a New Alias: Click the “Add” button.
5. Enter Alias and Command: Type the desired alias and the full command name.

Example Aliases:

Here are some popular command aliases and their corresponding full commands:

Tips for Creating Effective Aliases:

• Keep it Simple: Use short and easy-to-remember aliases.
• Avoid Conflicts: Make sure your aliases don’t conflict with existing commands or system variables.
• Test Thoroughly: Test your aliases to ensure they work as expected.
• Customize Your Workflow: Create aliases for commands that you use frequently to streamline your workflow.
• Consider Keyboard Shortcuts: Assign keyboard shortcuts to your aliases for even faster access.

By creating custom aliases, you can significantly reduce the time it takes to execute commands and improve your overall efficiency in AutoCAD.