Programming - AutoCAD 2004 Activex and VBA Developer's Guide

AutoCAD
ActiveX and VBA Developers Guide
2004
February 2003
Copyright 2003 Autodesk, Inc.

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Third Party Software Program Credits

ACIS Copyright 1989-2001 Spatial Corp. Portions Copyright 2002 Autodesk, Inc. Copyright 1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. International CorrectSpell Spelling Correction System 1995 by Lernout & Hauspie Speech Products, N.V. All rights reserved. InstallShield 3.0. Copyright 1997 InstallShield Software Corporation. All rights reserved. PANTONE Colors displayed in the software application or in the user documentation may not match PANTONE-identified standards. Consult current PANTONE Color Publications for accurate color. PANTONE and other Pantone, Inc. trademarks are the property of Pantone, Inc. Pantone, Inc., 2002 Pantone, Inc. is the copyright owner of color data and/or software which are licensed to Autodesk, Inc., to distribute for use only in combination with certain Autodesk software products. PANTONE Color Data and/or Software shall not be copied onto another disk or into memory unless as part of the execution of this Autodesk software product. Portions Copyright 1991-1996 Arthur D. Applegate. All rights reserved. Portions of this software are based on the work of the Independent JPEG Group. RAL DESIGN RAL, Sankt Augustin, 2002 RAL CLASSIC RAL, Sankt Augustin, 2002 Representation of the RAL Colors is done with the approval of RAL Deutsches Institut fr Gtesicherung und Kennzeichnung e.V. (RAL German Institute for Quality Assurance and Certification, re. Assoc.), D-53757 Sankt Augustin." Typefaces from the Bitstream typeface library copyright 1992. Typefaces from Payne Loving Trust 1996. All rights reserved.
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Contents
Introduction .
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Overview of AutoCAD ActiveX Technology . . . . . . . . Overview of AutoCAD Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Interface How VBA Is Implemented in AutoCAD . . . . . . . . Dependencies and Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA Together . . . . . . . . . . How This Guide Is Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conventions Used in This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . Sample Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Migrating Automation Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . New Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changed Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removed Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How to Migrate Projects. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 1
Getting Started with VBA .
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Understand Embedded and Global VBA Projects . Organize Your Projects with the VBA Manager . Load an Existing Project . . . . . . Unload a Project . . . . . . . . . Embed a Project into a Drawing . . . . Extract a Project from a Drawing . . . . Create a New Project . . . . . . . . Save Your Project . . . . . . . . .
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Handle Your Macros. . . . . . . . Use the Macros Dialog Box . . . . Run a Macro . . . . . . . . Edit a Macro . . . . . . . . Step into a Macro . . . . . . . Set the Project Options . . . . . Edit Your Projects with the VBA IDE . . View Project Information . . . . Define the Components in a Project . Import Existing Components . . . Edit Components . . . . . . . Name Your Project . . . . . . Save Your Project . . . . . . . Reference Other VBA Projects . . . Set the VBA IDE Options . . . . Perform an Introductory Exercise . . . More Information . . . . . . . . Review AutoCAD VBA Project Terms . . AutoCAD VBA Commands. . . . . .
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Chapter 2
ActiveX Automation Basics
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Understand the AutoCAD Object Model . . . The Application Object . . . . . . . The Document Object . . . . . . . The Collection Objects . . . . . . . The Graphical and Nongraphical Objects . The Preferences, Plot, and Utility Objects . Access the Object Hierarchy . . . . . . . Reference Objects in the Object Hierarchy . Access the Application Object . . . . . Collection Objects . . . . . . . . . . Access a Collection . . . . . . . . Add a New Member to a Collection Object. Iterate through a Collection Object . . . Delete a Member of a Collection Object . Understand Properties and Methods . . . . Understand Parent Objects . . . . . . . Locate the Type Library. . . . . . . . .
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Use Variants in Methods and Properties What Is a Variant? . . . . . Use Variants for Array Data . . Convert Arrays to Variants . . Interpret Variant Arrays . . . Using Other Programming Languages . Convert the VBA Code to VB. .
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Chapter 3
Control the AutoCAD Environment
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Open, Save, and Close Drawings . . . . . . . Set AutoCAD Preferences . . . . . . . . . . Database Preferences . . . . . . . . . Control the Application Window . . . . . . . Control the Drawing Windows . . . . . . . . Position and Size the Document Window. . . Use Zoom . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use Named Views . . . . . . . . . . Use Tiled Viewports . . . . . . . . . Update the Geometry in the Document Window Reset Active Objects . . . . . . . . . . . Set and Return System Variables . . . . . . . Draw with Precision . . . . . . . . . . . Adjust Snap and Grid Alignment . . . . . Use Ortho Mode. . . . . . . . . . . Draw Construction Lines . . . . . . . . Calculate Points and Values . . . . . . . Calculate Areas . . . . . . . . . . . Prompt for User Input . . . . . . . . . . . GetString Method . . . . . . . . . . GetPoint Method . . . . . . . . . . GetKeyword Method . . . . . . . . . Control User Input . . . . . . . . . . Access the AutoCAD Command Line . . . . . . Work with No Documents Open . . . . . . . Import Other File Formats . . . . . . . . . Export to Other File Formats. . . . . . . . .
Contents
Chapter 4
Create and Edit AutoCAD Entities
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Create Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Determine the Container Object . . . . . . . Create Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . Create Curved Objects . . . . . . . . . . Create Point Objects . . . . . . . . . . . Create Solid-Filled Areas . . . . . . . . . Work with Regions . . . . . . . . . . . Create Hatches . . . . . . . . . . . . Work with Selection Sets . . . . . . . . . . . Create a Selection Set . . . . . . . . . . Add Objects to a Selection Set . . . . . . . . Define Rules for Selection Sets . . . . . . . . Display Information About a Selection Set . . . . Remove Objects from a Selection Set . . . . . Edit Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Work with Named Objects . . . . . . . . . Copy Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . Offset Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mirror Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . Array Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . Move Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rotate Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delete Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scale Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transform Objects . . . . . . . . . . . Extend and Trim Objects . . . . . . . . . Explode Objects . . . . . . . . . . . . Edit Polylines . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edit Splines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edit Hatches . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use Layers, Colors, and Linetypes . . . . . . . . Work with Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . Work with Colors. . . . . . . . . . . . Work with Linetypes. . . . . . . . . . . Assign Layers, Colors, and Linetypes to Objects . . Save and Restore Layer Settings . . . . . . . . . Understand How AutoCAD Saves Layer Settings . . Use the LayerStateManager to Manage Layer Settings
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Add Text to Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Work with Text Styles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use Line Text (Text) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use Multiline Text (Mtext) . . . . . . . . . . . . Use Unicode Characters, Control Codes, and Special Characters Substitute Fonts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Check Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Chapter 5
Dimensions and Tolerances .
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Dimensioning Concepts . . . . . . . . . Parts of a Dimension . . . . . . . . Define the Dimension System Variables . . Set Dimension Text Styles. . . . . . . Understand Leader Lines . . . . . . . Understand Associative Dimensions . . . Create Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . Create Linear Dimensions. . . . . . . Create Radial Dimensions. . . . . . . Create Angular Dimensions . . . . . . Create Ordinate Dimensions . . . . . . Edit Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . Override Dimension Text . . . . . . . Work with Dimension Styles . . . . . . . Create, Modify, and Copy Dimension Styles . Override the Dimension Style . . . . . Dimension in Model Space and Paper Space . . . Create Leaders and Annotation . . . . . . . Create a Leader Line . . . . . . . . Add the Annotation to a Leader Line . . . Leader Associativity. . . . . . . . . Edit Leader Associativity . . . . . . . Edit Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . Use Geometric Tolerances . . . . . . . . Create Geometric Tolerances . . . . . . Edit Tolerances . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 6
Customize Toolbars and Menus .
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Understand the MenuBar and MenuGroups Collections . Load Menu Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . Create New Menu Groups . . . . . . . . . .
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Change the Menu Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . Insert Menus in the Menu Bar . . . . . . . . Remove Menus from the Menu Bar . . . . . . Rearrange Menu Items on the Menu Bar . . . . Create and Edit Pull-Down and Shortcut Menus . . . . Create New Menus . . . . . . . . . . . Add New Menu Items to a Menu . . . . . . . Add Separators to a Menu . . . . . . . . . Assign an Accelerator Key to a Menu Item . . . . Create Cascading Submenus . . . . . . . . Delete Menu Items from a Menu . . . . . . . Explore the Properties of Menu Items . . . . . Create and Edit Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . Create New Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . Add New Toolbar Buttons to a Toolbar . . . . . Add Separators to a Toolbar . . . . . . . . Define the Toolbar Button Image . . . . . . . Create Flyout Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . Float and Dock Toolbars . . . . . . . . . Delete Toolbar Buttons from a Toolbar . . . . . Explore the Properties of Toolbar Items . . . . . Create Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Macro Characters Mapped to ASCII Equivalents . . Macro Termination . . . . . . . . . . . Pause for User Input . . . . . . . . . . . Cancel a Command . . . . . . . . . . . Macro Repetition . . . . . . . . . . . . Use of Single Object Selection Mode . . . . . . Create Status-Line Help for Menu Items and Toolbar Items Add Entries to the Right-Click Menu . . . . . . .
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Chapter 7
Use Events .
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Understand the Events in AutoCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Guidelines for Event Handlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Handle Application Level Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 Enable Application Level Events . . . . . . . . . . . 231 Handle Document Level Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 Enable Document Level Events in Environments Other Than VBA 236 Code Document Level Events in Environments Other Than VBA 237 Code Document Level Events in VBA . . . . . . . . . 237 Handle Object Level Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Enable the Object Level Event . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
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Chapter 8
Work in Three Dimensional Space .

Specify 3D Coordinates . . . Define a User Coordinate System Convert Coordinates . . . . Create 3D Objects . . . . . Create Wireframes . . . Create Meshes . . . . Create a Polyface Mesh . Create Solids . . . . . Edit in 3D . . . . . . . Rotate in 3D . . . . . Array in 3D . . . . . Mirror in 3D . . . . . Edit 3D Solids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Chapter 9
Define Layouts and Plot .
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Model Space and Paper Space . . . . . Layouts . . . . . . . . . . . . Layouts and Blocks . . . . . . . Plot Configurations. . . . . . . Layout Settings . . . . . . . . Viewports. . . . . . . . . . . . Floating Viewports . . . . . . . Switch to a Paper Space Layout . . . Switch to the Model Space Layout . . Create Paper Space Viewports . . . Change Viewport Views and Content . Scale Views Relative to Paper Space . . Scale Pattern Linetypes in Paper Space . Hide Lines in Plotted Viewports . . . Plot Your Drawing . . . . . . . . . Perform Basic Plotting . . . . . . Plot from Model Space . . . . . . Plot from Paper Space . . . . . .
Chapter 10
Advanced Drawing and Organizational Techniques

Work with Raster Images . . . . . . . Attach and Scale a Raster Image . . . Manage Raster Images . . . . . . Modify Images and Image Boundaries . Clip Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Use Blocks and Attributes . . . . . . . Work with Blocks . . . . . . . . Work with Attributes . . . . . . Use External References. . . . . . . . Update Xrefs . . . . . . . . . Attach Xrefs . . . . . . . . . Detach Xrefs . . . . . . . . . Reload Xrefs . . . . . . . . . Unload Xrefs . . . . . . . . . Bind Xrefs . . . . . . . . . . Clip Blocks and Xrefs . . . . . . Demand Loading and Xref Performance Assign and Retrieve Extended Data . . . .
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Chapter 11
Develop Applications with VBA .
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More VBA Terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forms in VBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Design and Run Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . Add Controls to a Form . . . . . . . . . . . . Display and Hide Forms. . . . . . . . . . . . Load and Unload Forms. . . . . . . . . . . . Modal Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Handle Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Define Application Error Types . . . . . . . . . Trap Runtime Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . Respond to Trapped Errors . . . . . . . . . . . Respond to AutoCAD User Input Errors . . . . . . . Encrypt VBA Code Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . Run a VBA Macro from a Toolbar or Menu . . . . . . . Automatically Load a VBA Project . . . . . . . . . . Automatically Run a VBA Macro . . . . . . . . . . . Automatically Open the VBA IDE Whenever a Project Is Loaded. Work in a Zero Document State . . . . . . . . . . . Distribute Your Application . . . . . . . . . . . . Distribute Visual Basic Applications . . . . . . . .
Contents
Chapter 12
Interact with Other Applications and Windows APIs .
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Interact with Visual LISP Applications. . . . . . . . . Interact with Other Windows Applications . . . . . . . Reference the ActiveX Object Library of Other Applications Create an Instance of the Other Application . . . . . Program with Objects from Other Applications . . . . Access Windows APIs from VBA . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 13
Design the Garden PathAn ActiveX/VBA Tutorial

Check Your Environment . . . . . . . . . Define the Goal . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write the First Function . . . . . . . . . . Get Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Declare Variables . . . . . . . . . . Enter the gpuser Subroutine . . . . . . . Draw the Path Outline . . . . . . . . . . Draw the Tiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tie It All Together . . . . . . . . . . . . Step Through the Code . . . . . . . . . . Execute the Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . Add a Dialog Box Interface . . . . . . . . . Create the Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . Use the Project Window to Navigate Your Project Update the Existing Code . . . . . . . . Add Code to the Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Appendix A Visual LISP and ActiveX/VBA Comparison

AutoLISP and ActiveX/VBA Comparison . . .
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Contents
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Introduction
This introduction describes the concept of exposing AutoCAD objects through an ActiveX Automation interface and programming those objects using the Visual Basic for Applications programming environment. Also included is an introduction to all the documentation and sample code provided for AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA.
In this chapter
Overview of AutoCAD
ActiveX Technology
Overview of AutoCAD Visual
Basic for Applications (VBA) Interface

AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA
Together
How This Guide Is Organized Conventions Used in This
Guide
Sample Code Migrating Automation Projects
Overview of AutoCAD ActiveX Technology

AutoCAD ActiveX enables you to manipulate AutoCAD programmatically from within or outside AutoCAD. It does this by exposing AutoCAD objects to the outside world. Once these objects are exposed, they can be accessed by many different programming languages and environments and by other applications such as Microsoft Word VBA or Excel VBA.
C++ Java MS Word VBA Visual Basic
Delphi
AutoCAD VBA
Excel VBA
AutoCAD ActiveX Objects
AutoCAD Application drawing.dwg
There are two advantages to implementing an ActiveX interface for AutoCAD:
Programmatic access to AutoCAD drawings is opened up to many more programming environments. Before ActiveX Automation, developers were limited to an AutoLISP or C++ interface. Sharing data with other Windows applications, such as Microsoft Excel , and Word is made dramatically easier.
An object is the main building block of any ActiveX application. Each exposed object represents a precise part of AutoCAD. There are many different types of objects in the AutoCAD ActiveX interface. For example

Graphical objects such as lines, arcs, text, and dimensions are objects. Style settings such as linetypes and dimension styles are objects.
Introduction
Organizational structures such as layers, groups, and blocks are objects. The drawing displays such as view and viewport are objects. Even the drawing and the AutoCAD application are considered objects.
Overview of AutoCAD Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Interface

Microsoft VBA is an object-oriented programming environment designed to provide rich development capabilities similar to those of Visual Basic (VB). The main difference between VBA and VB is that VBA runs in the same process space as AutoCAD, providing an AutoCAD-intelligent and very fast programming environment. VBA also provides application integration with other VBA-enabled applications. This means that AutoCAD, using other application object libraries, can be an Automation controller for other applications such as Microsoft Word or Excel. The standalone development editions of Visual Basic, which must be purchased separately, complement AutoCAD VBA with additional components, such as an external database engine and report-writing capabilities. There are four advantages to implementing VBA for AutoCAD:

The Visual Basic programming environment is easy to learn and use. VBA runs in-process with AutoCAD. This translates to very fast program execution. Dialog construction is quick and effective. This allows developers to prototype applications and quickly receive feedback on designs. Projects can be standalone or imbedded in drawings. This choice allows developers great flexibility in the distribution of their applications.
How VBA Is Implemented in AutoCAD

VBA sends messages to AutoCAD by the AutoCAD ActiveX Automation interface. AutoCAD VBA permits the VBA environment to run simultaneously with AutoCAD and provides programmatic control of AutoCAD through the ActiveX Automation interface. This coupling of AutoCAD, ActiveX Automation, and VBA provides an extremely powerful interface not only for manipulating AutoCAD objects, but for sending data to or retrieving data from other applications.
Overview of AutoCAD Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Interface
There are three fundamental elements that define ActiveX and VBA programming in AutoCAD. The first is AutoCAD itself, which has a rich set of objects that encapsulates AutoCAD entities, data, and commands. Because AutoCAD was designed as an open-architecture application with multiple levels of interface, familiarity with AutoCAD programmability is highly desirable in order to use VBA effectively. If youve used AutoLISP to control AutoCAD programmatically, you already have a good understanding of the AutoCAD facilities. However, you will find the VBA object-based approach to be quite different from that of AutoLISP. The second element is the AutoCAD ActiveX Automation interface, which establishes messages (communication) with AutoCAD objects. Programming in VBA requires a fundamental understanding of ActiveX Automation. A description of the AutoCAD ActiveX Automation interface can be found in the ActiveX and VBA Reference. Even the experienced VB programmer will find the AutoCAD ActiveX Automation interface invaluable for understanding and developing AutoCAD VBA applications. The third element is the VBA programming environment (IDE) which has its own set of objects, keywords, constants, and so forth that provides program flow, control, debugging, and execution. Microsofts own extensive online Help for VBA is included with the AutoCAD VBA and is accessible from the VBA IDE by any of the following methods:

Pressing F1 on the keyboard Choosing Help from the VBA IDE menu bar Clicking the Question Mark icon on the VBA IDE toolbar
Dependencies and Restrictions

If you install, reinstall, or uninstall Microsoft Office or other VBA applications after installing AutoCAD, reinstall AutoCAD and reboot your system.
AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA Together

The AutoCAD ActiveX/VBA interface represents several advantages over other AutoCAD API environments:
Speed Running in-process with VBA, ActiveX applications are faster than either AutoLISP or ADS applications.
Introduction
Ease of Use The programming language and development environment are easy to use and come installed with AutoCAD.
Windows Interoperability ActiveX and VBA are designed to be used with other Windows applications and provide an excellent path for communication of information across applications.
Rapid Prototyping The rapid interface development of VBA provides the perfect environment for prototyping applications, even if those applications will eventually be developed in another language.
Programmer Base There are millions of Visual Basic programmers around the world. AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA technology open up AutoCAD customization and application development to these programmers and the many more who will learn Visual Basic in the future.
How This Guide Is Organized

This guide provides information regarding the development of ActiveX and VBA applications for use with AutoCAD. Information specific to developing applications using VBA can be found in Getting Started with VBA and Develop Applications with VBA. Programmers using ActiveX from a development environment other than VBA can skip these two chapters. However, be aware that all of the example code in this guide is presented in VBA.
Conventions Used in This Guide

This guide assumes you have a working knowledge of the Visual Basic programming language, and does not attempt to duplicate or replace the abundance of documentation available on Visual Basic. If you need more information on the Visual Basic language or development environment usage, see the Visual Basic for Applications Help file developed by Microsoft, available from the Help menu in the interactive development environment (IDE).
How This Guide Is Organized
Sample Code
This manual and the ActiveX and VBA Reference together contain over 800 example VBA subroutines that demonstrate the usage of ActiveX methods, properties, and events. There are also many sample applications provided in the AutoCAD Sample directory. These sample applications show a wide range of fuctionality, from extracting AutoCAD drawing data into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to drawing and performing stress analysis on an electrical transmission tower. These samples also show how to combine the versatility of the Visual Basic for Applications programming environment with the power of the AutoCAD ActiveX interface to create customized applications. Additionally, example code in the ActiveX and VBA Developers Guide and ActiveX and VBA Reference can be copied from the Help files, pasted directly into the AutoCAD VBA environment, and then executed with one requirement: the current active drawing in AutoCAD must be a blank drawing open to model space. To run the examples from the Help files 1 Copy the example from the Help file into an empty VBA code module. 2 Verify that AutoCAD has a blank drawing open to model space. 3 Open the Macros dialog box by entering the command VBARUN. 4 Choose the macro and press Run. More information on running macros and the Macros dialog box is available in Run a Macro on page 17.
Migrating Automation Projects

AutoCAD 2004 includes changes to the ActiveX Automation interface used by Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and Visual Basic (VB). This section lists new, removed, and changed items in the interface.
Introduction
New Objects
The following section lists new objects and their new methods, events, and properties. New methods, properties, and events since AutoCAD 2002
Object AcCmColor Method/Property/Event name Blue, Bookname, ColorIndex, ColorMethod, ColorName, Delete, EntityColor, Green, Red, SetColorBookColor, SetNames, SetRGB Application, CreateEntry, IndexOf, Item, RemoveEntry, UpdateEntry AffectsGraphics, Feature, FileName, FileSize, FingerprintGuid, FoundPath, FullFileName, Index, IsModified, ReferenceCount, TimeStamp, VersionGuid Action, Algorithm, Comment, Issuer, KeyLength, Password, ProviderName, ProviderType, SerialNumber, Subject, TimeServer
FileDependencies
FileDependency
SecurityParams
Changed Items
The following section describes existing items that have changed. Changed methods and properties
AutoCAD 2002 item AddHatch method AutoCAD 2004 item AddHatch method Description of change Additional, optional parameter to set the hatch type as classic or gradient. Additional, optional parameter for a password. Additional, optional parameter for a password. Replaced by the TrueColor property; the Color property is obsolete and its signature will be removed in a future (post-AutoCAD 2004) version.
AddMInsertBlock method
AddMInsertBlock method
AttachExternalReference method
AttachExternalReference method
Color property
TrueColor property
Changed methods and properties (continued)

AutoCAD 2002 item InsertBlock method AutoCAD 2004 item InsertBlock Method Description of change Additional, optional parameter for a password. Obsolete; signature to be removed in a future (post-AutoCAD 2004) version. Additional, optional parameter for a password. Additional, optional parameter for security information.
ObjectARXPath property
ObjectARXPath property
Open method
Open method
SaveAs method
SaveAs method
Removed Items
The following items were removed in AutoCAD 2004:

XMLDatabase object LicenseServer property
How to Migrate Projects

Before you migrate your automation project, create a backup of your current project file. Then you can migrate the project using one of the following procedures. To migrate an automation project to AutoCAD 2004 1 Create a backup of your project (DVB) file, and name it <project name>backup.dvb, where <project name> is the original name of the project file. This ensures that you have a copy to use with previous releases of AutoCAD, if needed. 2 Open the project (DVB) file in AutoCAD 2004, in the VBA programming environment (IDE). 3 If a CreateObject or GetObject function uses a version-independent ProgID, change the function to use a version-dependent ProgID. For AutoCAD 2004, use version-dependent ProgIDs. For example, if you are using CreateObject for AutoCAD 2004, you replace CreateObject ("AutoCAD.Application") with CreateObject ("AutoCAD.Application.16").
Introduction
Additionally, if a GetInterfaceObject method uses a version-independent ProgID, the method must be changed to use a version-dependent ProgID.
Note To use CreateObject, GetObject, or GetInterfaceObject for previous releases of AutoCAD, you would use the appropriate version. For example, for AutoCAD 2002, you would replace CreateObject ("AutoCAD.Application") with CreateObject ("AutoCAD.Application.15").
4 Save the project under the same name. To migrate a Visual Basic automation project to AutoCAD 2004 1 Create a backup of the folder containing your Visual Basic automation source files. This ensures that you have a copy of the source files to use with previous releases of AutoCAD, if needed. 2 Open the Project (VBP) file in Visual Basic, and then on the Project menu, click References. 3 In the References dialog box, remove the reference to the type library named acad.tlb, which by default is located in c:\program files\autocad 2002. 4 In the References dialog box, add a reference to the type library named acax16enu.tlb, which by default is located in c:\program files\common files\autodesk shared, and then click OK. 5 If a CreateObject or GetObject function uses a version-independent ProgID, change the function to use a version-dependent ProgID. For AutoCAD 2004, use version-dependent ProgIDs. For example, if you are using CreateObject for AutoCAD 2004, you replace CreateObject ("AutoCAD.Application") with CreateObject ("AutoCAD.Application.16"). Additionally, if a GetInterfaceObject method uses a version-independent ProgID, the method must be changed to use a version-dependent ProgID.
Note To use CreateObject, GetObject, or GetInterfaceObject for previous releases of AutoCAD, you use the appropriate version. For example, for AutoCAD 2002, you replace CreateObject ("AutoCAD.Application") with CreateObject ("AutoCAD.Application.15").
6 Save the Project file and recompile it.
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Getting Started with VBA
This chapter introduces you to AutoCAD VBA projects and the VBA IDE. Although most VBA environments are similar in behavior, the AutoCAD VBA IDE has some unique features. There are also several AutoCAD commands that can be used to load projects, run projects, or open the VBA IDE. This chapter defines the use of VBA projects, VBA commands, and the VBA IDE in general.
In this chapter
Understand Embedded and
Global VBA Projects

Organize Your Projects with
the VBA Manager

Handle Your Macros Edit Your Projects with the VBA
IDE
Perform an Introductory
Exercise
More Information Review AutoCAD VBA Project
Terms
AutoCAD VBA Commands
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Understand Embedded and Global VBA Projects

An AutoCAD VBA project is a collection of code modules, class modules, and forms that work together to perform a given function. Projects can be stored within an AutoCAD drawing, or as a separate file. Embedded projects are stored within an AutoCAD drawing. These projects are automatically loaded whenever the drawing in which they are contained is opened in AutoCAD, making the distribution of projects very convenient. Embedded projects are limited and not able to open or close AutoCAD drawings because they function only within the document where they reside. Users of embedded projects are no longer required to find and load project files before they run a program. A time log that is triggered when the drawing is opened is an example of a project embedded in a drawing. With this macro users can log in and record the length of time they worked on the drawing. The user does not have to remember to load the project before opening the drawing; it simply is done automatically. Global projects are stored in separate files and are more versatile because they can work in, open, and close any AutoCAD drawing, but are not automatically loaded when a drawing is opened. Users must know which project file contains the macro they need and then load that project file before they can run the macro. However, global projects are easier to share with other users, and they make excellent libraries for common macros. An example of a project you may store in a project file is a macro that collects a bill of materials from many drawings. This macro can be run by an administrator at the end of a work cycle and can collect information from many drawings. At any given time, users can have both embedded and global projects loaded into their AutoCAD session. AutoCAD VBA projects are not binary compatible with standalone Visual Basic projects. However, the forms, modules, and classes can be exchanged between projects using the IMPORT and EXPORT VBA commands in the VBA IDE. For more information about the VBA IDE, see Edit Your Projects with the VBA IDE on page 19. The use of Visual Studio .NET to drive and customize AutoCAD through COM Automation is supported.
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Chapter 1
Organize Your Projects with the VBA Manager

You can view all the VBA projects loaded in the current AutoCAD session by using the VBA Manager. It is an AutoCAD tool that allows you to load, unload, save, create, embed, and extract VBA projects. To open the VBA Manager 1 From the Tools menu choose Macro VBA Manager. 2 Or, in AutoCAD invoke the VBAMAN command.
Load an Existing Project

When you load a project into AutoCAD, all the public subroutines, also called macros, become available for use. Projects embedded in a drawing are loaded whenever the drawing is opened. Projects stored in DVB files must be loaded explicitly. Anytime a project is loaded, any other projects that are referenced by the first project will be loaded automatically. Additionally, AutoCAD will automatically load at startup any project file with the name acad.dvb. To load an existing VBA project file 1 In the VBA Manager, use the Load option to bring up the Open VBA Project dialog box. 2 In the Open VBA Project dialog box, select the project file to open. The VBA Project dialog box will allow you to open only valid DVB files. If you attempt to open a different type of file, you will receive an error message. 3 Select Open. You can also load a project file using one of the following methods:

Enter the VBALOAD command, which opens the Open VBA Project dialog box. Drag a DVB file from Windows Explorer and drop it into an open drawing in the AutoCAD window.
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Virus Alert
Each time you load a project you are given the option of enabling or disabling the code within that project as a protection against viruses. If you enable the code, viruses in the code can begin executing. If you disable the code, the project will still be loaded, but all code within that project is prevented from running. The virus alert is not displayed when you load a project by dragging a DVB file from Windows Explorer and dropping it into an open drawing in the AutoCAD window. More information about the virus alert is available in Set the Project Options on page 18.
Unload a Project
Unloading a project frees up memory and keeps the list of loaded projects at a length that is easy to manage. You cannot unload embedded projects or projects that are referenced by other loaded projects. To unload a VBA project 1 In the VBA Manager, select the project you want to unload. 2 Choose Unload. 3 Or, use the VBAUNLOAD command, which prompts you for the project to be unloaded.
Embed a Project into a Drawing

When you embed a project you place a copy of the project in the drawing database. The project is then loaded or unloaded whenever the drawing containing it is opened or closed. A drawing can contain only one embedded project at a time. If a drawing already contains an embedded project you must extract it before a different project can be embedded into the drawing. To embed a project in an AutoCAD drawing 1 Open the VBA Manager and select the project you want to embed. 2 Choose Embed.
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Chapter 1
Extract a Project from a Drawing

When you extract a project you remove the project from the drawing database and are given the opportunity to save the project in an external project file. If you do not save the file in an external project file, the project data will be deleted. To extract a project from an AutoCAD drawing 1 Open the VBA Manager and select the drawing from which the project is to be extracted. 2 Choose Extract. 3 If you want to save the project information in an external project file, choose Yes to the prompt Do you want to export the VBA project before removing it? The Save As dialog box will be displayed, allowing you to save the file. If you do not want to save the project information in an external file, choose No to the prompt Do you want to export the VBA project before removing it? The project information will be removed from the drawing and will not be saved.
Create a New Project

New projects are created as unsaved global projects. Once a project has been created, you can then embed the project in a drawing, or save the project out to a project file. To create a new VBA project 1 Open the VBA Manager. 2 Choose New. A new project will be created with the default name of ACADProject. To change the project name you must go into the VBA IDE. For more information on naming your project in the VBA IDE, see Name Your Project on page 24.
Save Your Project

Embedded projects are saved whenever the drawing is saved. Global projects must be saved using the VBA Manager or the VBA IDE.
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To save your project using the VBA Manager 1 Open the VBA Manager and select the project to be saved. 2 Choose Save As. The Save As dialog box will open. 3 Select the file name for the project to be saved in. 4 Choose Save.
Handle Your Macros

A macro is a public (executable) subroutine. Each project usually contains at least one macro.
Use the Macros Dialog Box

The Macros dialog box allows you to run, edit, delete, and create macros as well as set the VBA project options. Open the Macros dialog box from the AutoCad Tools menu by choosing Macro Macros, or issue VBARUN at the AutoCAD Command prompt. The names of all macros in the valid range are displayed in this dialog box. You can change the valid range by using the Macros In drop-down list. This list specifies the projects or drawings whose macros are displayed. You can choose to display the macros in

All drawings and projects All drawings All projects Any individual drawing currently open in AutoCAD Any individual project currently loaded in AutoCAD
By limiting the valid range you can control how many macro names appear in the list. This will help you in the cases when many macros are available in the loaded drawings and projects. To create a new macro 1 Open the Macros dialog box and enter the name for the new macro. 2 In the Macros In drop-down list, select a project to create the new macro in. 3 Choose Create. If a macro with the specified name already exists, you will be asked if you want to replace the existing macro.
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Chapter 1
If you select Yes at the prompt, the code in the existing macro will be deleted and a new, empty macro will be created with the specified name. If you select No at the prompt, you will be returned to the Macros dialog box to enter a new name for the macro. If you select Cancel at the prompt, the Macros dialog box will be dismissed and no new macro will be created. To delete a macro 1 Open the Macros dialog box and select the macro to delete. 2 Choose Delete. You will be prompted to confirm the delete. 3 At the prompt, choose Yes to delete the macro, or No to cancel the delete.
Run a Macro
Running a macro executes the macro code within the context of the current AutoCAD session. The current active drawing is considered to be the open drawing that has the focus when macro execution begins. All VBA references to the ThisDrawing object will refer to the current active drawing for macros in global projects. For macros in embedded projects, the ThisDrawing object always refers to the drawing in which the macro is embedded. To run a macro from the Macros dialog box 1 Open the Macros dialog box and select the macro to run. 2 Choose Run. To run a macro from the VBA IDE
From the Run menu, use the Run Macro menu option. If no macro or form is current, a dialog box will display allowing you to choose the macro to run. If a given macro is current (the cursor is in a procedure), that macro will be executed.
Edit a Macro
Editing a macro will open the VBA IDE with the chosen macro open in the Code window. For more information on editing macros in the VBA IDE see Edit Your Projects with the VBA IDE on page 19.
Handle Your Macros
17
To edit a macro 1 Open the Macros dialog box and select the macro to edit. 2 Choose Edit.
Step into a Macro

Stepping into a macro begins execution of the macro and then halts the execution on the first line of code. The VBA IDE is opened with the chosen macro open in the Code window at the line of execution. To step into a macro 1 In the Macros dialog box, select the macro to step into. 2 Choose Step Into.
Set the Project Options

There are three options that can be set for AutoCAD VBA projects:

Enable Auto Embedding Allow Break on Errors Enable Macro Virus Protection
To set the AutoCAD VBA project options 1 From the Tools menu choose Macro Macros to open the VBA Macros dialog box. 2 From the VBA Macros dialog box, choose Options to open the Options dialog box. 3 From the Options dialog box, select the options you want to enable. 4 Choose OK. Enable Auto Embedding The auto embed feature automatically creates an embedded VBA project for all drawings when the drawing is opened. Allow Break on Errors This option allows VBA to enter Break mode when an error is encountered. Break mode is a temporary suspension of program execution in the interactive development environment. In Break mode, you can examine, debug, reset, step through, or continue program execution.
18
Chapter 1
When this option is enabled, unhandled errors found during the execution of a VBA macro will suspend the execution of the macro and display the VBA IDE at the point of the error in the macro. When this option is disabled, untrapped errors found during the execution of a VBA macro will display a message box alerting you to the error, and then end execution of the macro. Enable Macro Virus Protection The virus protection mechanism displays a built-in warning message whenever you open a drawing that may contain macro viruses.
Edit Your Projects with the VBA IDE

Once a project has been loaded into AutoCAD, you can edit the code, forms, and references for that project using the VBA interactive development environment. You can also debug and run projects from the VBA IDE. Once open, the VBA IDE provides access to all loaded projects. To open the VBA IDE on demand You can open the VBA IDE from the command line or from the menu bar.
From the command line, enter VBAIDE, or from the Tools menu, choose Macro Visual Basic Editor.
View Project Information

The VBA IDE contains a window called the Project window, which displays a list of all loaded VBA projects. It also displays the code, class, and form modules included in the project, the document associated with the project, all other VBA projects referenced from the project, and the physical location (path) of the project. The Project window has its own toolbar, which can be used to open various project components for editing. Use the View Code button to open the code for a selected module. Use the View Object button to display selected objects such as forms.
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View Object View Code
The Project window is visible by default. If it is not visible, select Project window from the View menu, or press CTRL + R .
Define the Components in a Project

Each project can contain many different components. The different components a project can contain are objects, forms, standard modules, class modules, and references.
Objects
The object component represents the type of object, or document, that the VBA code will access. For AutoCAD VBA projects, this object represents the current AutoCAD drawing.
Forms
The form component contains the custom dialog boxes you constructed for use with your project.
Standard Modules
The code module component contains your generic procedures and functions. A standard module is also referred to as a code module, or as simply a module.
Class Modules
The class module component contains all your own objects, which are defined as classes.
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Chapter 1
References
The reference component contains all your references to other projects or libraries.
Add New Components

Adding new components creates a blank component in your project. You can add new modules, forms, and class modules to your project. You are responsible for updating all the properties of the component (such as the name of the component) and for filling in the appropriate code. When naming new components, remember that other developers may want to use your components in future applications. Follow the appropriate naming conventions for your development team. To add a new component to your project 1 In the Project window of the VBA IDE, select the project to which you will be adding the component. 2 From the Insert menu, select UserForm, Module, or Class Module to add the new component to your project. The new component will be added to your project and will appear in the Project window.
Import Existing Components

Importing allows you to add an existing component to your project. You can import forms, modules, or class modules. Forms are imported as FRM files, modules are imported as BAS files, and class modules are imported as CLS files. When you import a component file, a copy of the file you are importing is added to the project. The original file is left intact. Changes you make to the imported component do not alter the original component file. If you import a component with the same name as an existing one, the file is added to your project with a number appended to it. The imported component will be added to your project and will appear in the Project window. To edit the properties of the component, select that component in the Project window. The properties for the selected component will be listed and can be edited in the Properties window.
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To import an existing component to your project 1 In the Project window of the VBA IDE, select the project to which you will be adding the component. 2 From the File menu, select Import File to open the Import File dialog box. 3 From the Import File dialog box, select the file to import and press Open.
Edit Components
You can edit standard modules, class modules, and forms in the VBA IDE. Standard and class modules are edited in a Code window. Forms are edited in the UserForm window using a special toolbox. You can open as many Code windows as you have modules, so you can easily view the code in different forms or modules, and copy and paste between them. To edit a component in your project 1 In the Project window of the VBA IDE, select the component you want to edit. 2 Select the View Code button in the Project window to open a Code window. 3 Select the View Object button in the Project window to open a UserForm window and associated toolbox. To access the code associated with a form
To access the code associated with a control, double-click on any control in the Form window. The code associated with that control will open in a Code window.
Use the Code Window

The Code window contains two drop-down lists, a split bar, a margin indicator bar, and the full view and procedure view icons. The two drop-down lists at the top of the Code window display the current object and procedure. You can move about your project by changing the object or procedure in these drop-down lists. The split bar on the right side of the Code window allows you to split the window horizontally. Simply drag this bar down to create another window pane. This feature allows you to view two parts of code simultaneously in the same module. To close the pane, drag the split bar back to its original location.
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Chapter 1
The margin indicator bar is located down the left side of the Code window. It is used to display margin indicators that are used during code editing and debugging. The full view and procedure view icons are located at the bottom-left corner of the Code window and toggle the display from only one procedure at a time to viewing the entire module at one time.
current object current procedure
margin indicator bar
split bar
Procedure/ Full View buttons
Use the UserForm Window

The UserForm window allows you to create custom dialog boxes in your project. To add a control simply drag the desired control from the toolbox and place it on the form. You can set your controls to align with the grid of your form from the General tab of the Options dialog box. You can view the form grid and determine the size of the gridlines from the General tab of the Options dialog box. (See Set the VBA IDE Options on page 26 for more information on the Options dialog box.) Each form you design will automatically have a Maximize, Minimize, and Close button. These buttons have already been implemented for you. To add code to the control, simply double-click on the control once it has been placed on the form. This will open a Code window for the control.
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Name Your Project

The project name and the name of the .dvb file where the project is stored are two different values. You establish the name of the .dvb file the project is stored in when you save the project. The project name is set in the Properties window of the VBA IDE. If you do not set the project name and file name, AutoCAD automatically assigns the following default names: Project name: ACADProject File name: Project.dvb To change the name of a project 1 In the Project window of the VBA IDE, select the project to change. 2 In the Properties window, edit the Name property for the project.
To change the file name for a project 1 In the VBA IDE, select the Save option from the File menu.
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Chapter 1
2 In the Save As dialog box, enter the new name and location for the project file.
Save Your Project

There is no explicit SAVE command in AutoCAD for VBA projects. Instead, the SAVE command resides in the File menu of the VBA IDE and in the VBA Manager. Any changes to a VBA project will access a standard Save VBA Project dialog box when one of these events occurs:

You pick the SAVE command from the VBA IDE. You choose the Save As option in the VBA Manager. Your AutoCAD session is about to end or quit and the VBA project is not saved.
Note Before you save a project, it is assigned the default file name project.dvb. It is important that you assign a new name to your project file when you save the project. If you save a project with the default file name project.dvb, you will no longer be able to create new empty projects. Each time you create a new project, you will actually be loading the saved project called project.dvb.
Reference Other VBA Projects

Referencing one VBA project from another allows developers to share code more easily. Developers can create libraries of commonly used macros and then reference the library when needed. This keeps the shared code centrally located and supported, while allowing a large number of developers to utilize the code. Once another project has been successfully referenced, you will notice a new folder in the Projects window of the VBA IDE. This new folder is titled References and contains the name of the project referenced. Once you have referenced a project, you can use any public code or form component in that project. When a project that references another project is loaded into AutoCAD, the referenced project is automatically loaded into AutoCAD as well. The referenced project cannot be closed until all projects that reference it are closed first. You cannot make circular references. That is, you cannot reference a project that contains a reference back to the first project. If you accidentally create a circular reference, you will be notified by VBA.
25
Project referencing is a standard feature of Microsoft VBA. There is no additional work in AutoCAD to extend this functionality. You can find more information on referencing projects in the Microsoft Visual Basic help file. You can open the Microsoft Visual Basic help file from the Help menu in the VBA IDE.
Note You cannot reference embedded projects or VBA projects from other
applications. To reference another VBA project 1 In the Project window of the VBA IDE, select the project to which you will be adding the reference. 2 From the Tools menu, select the References option to open the References dialog box. 3 From the References dialog box, press the Browse button to open the Add Reference dialog box. 4 From the Add Reference dialog box, select the project file you want to reference and then press the Open button. 5 From the Add Reference dialog box, select the OK button to complete the reference addition.
Set the VBA IDE Options

You can change the characteristics of the VBA IDE using the Options dialog box. To open the Options dialog box, use the Tools menu and select Options. The Options dialog box contains four tabs: Editor, Editor Format, General, and Docking.
Editor
The Editor tab specifies the Code window and Project window settings. Code settings include

Auto Syntax Check Require Variable Declaration Auto List Member Auto Quick Info Auto Data Tips Auto Indent Tab Width
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Chapter 1
Window settings include

Drag and Drop Text Editing Default to Full Module View Procedure Separator Display
Editor Format
The Editor Format tab specifies the appearance of your Visual Basic code. You can

Change color of the code Change text list items Change foreground Change background Change margin indicators Change text font and size Display or hide the margin indicator Display or hide sample text for your settings
General
The General tab specifies the settings, error handling, and compile settings for your current Visual Basic project. You can

Change the grid settings for the form grid Display or hide tooltips Set the automatic collapse of windows Choose to receive state loss notifications Determine how errors are handled Set the project to compile on demand or perform background compilations
Docking
The Docking tab allows you to choose which windows you want to be dockable.
27
Perform an Introductory Exercise

Now that you have learned the basics of programming in AutoCAD VBA, lets try creating a simple Hello World exercise. In this exercise you will create a new AutoCAD drawing, add a line of text to that drawing, then save the drawing, all from VBA. Create the Hello World text object 1 Open the VBA IDE by entering the following command from the AutoCAD command line: Command: VBAIDE 2 Open the Code window by selecting the Code option from the View menu in the VBA IDE. 3 Create a new procedure in the project by selecting the Procedure option from the Insert menu in the VBA IDE. 4 When prompted for the procedure information, enter a name such as HelloWorld. Make sure the Type selected is Sub, and the Scope selected is Public. 5 Choose OK. 6 Enter the following code (that opens a new drawing) between the lines Public Sub HelloWorld() and End Sub.
ThisDrawing.Application.Documents.Add
7 Enter the following code (that creates the text string and defines its insertion location) immediately following the code entered in step 6.
Dim Dim Dim Dim insPoint(0 textHeight textStr As textObj As To 2) As Double As Double String AcadText 'Declare 'Declare 'Declare 'Declare insertion point text height text string text object
insPoint(0) = 2 insPoint(1) = 4 insPoint(2) = 0
'Set insertion point x coordinate 'Set insertion point y coordinate 'Set insertion point z coordinate 'Set text height to 1.0 'Set the text string
textHeight = 1 textStr = "Hello World!"
'Create the Text object Set textObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddText _ (textStr, insPoint, textHeight)
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Chapter 1
8 Enter the code (that saves the drawing) immediately following the code entered in step 7.
ThisDrawing.SaveAs("Hello.dwg")
9 Run your program by selecting the Run Sub/UserForm option from the Run menu in the VBA IDE. When the program finishes running, bring the AutoCAD application to the front. You should see your text Hello World! visible in your drawing. The drawing name should be Hello.dwg.
More Information
More information on the VBA IDE and the Visual Basic programming language is available in the Help files provided by Microsoft. To access the Microsoft Help files, choose Microsoft Visual Basic Help from the Help menu in the VBA IDE.
Review AutoCAD VBA Project Terms

Global Project Embedded Project Regular Document Smart Document Current Project ThisDrawing A VBA project stored in a .dvb file. A VBA project stored in an AutoCAD drawing. An AutoCAD drawing that does not contain VBA embedded projects. An AutoCAD drawing that contains one or more VBA embedded projects. The project currently selected in the VBA IDE. ThisDrawing is a VBA programming term used to represent the current drawing. For global projects, ThisDrawing always refers to the active document in AutoCAD. For embedded projects, ThisDrawing always refers to the document containing the project. The VBA interactive development environment. This application allows you to edit the code and forms in your project, or copy code and forms from other projects. It also allows you to set references to other application Object Models.
VBA IDE
More Information
29
VBA Manager
The VBA Manager allows you to manage your projects. You can create, delete, embed, or extract projects. You can also view which projects, if any, are embedded in an open drawing. The Macros dialog box allows you to run, delete, and create new macros, and provides access to the VBA project options.
Macros Dialog Box
AutoCAD VBA Commands

VBAIDE Brings up the VBA IDE. The VBA IDE allows you to edit, run, and debug programs interactively. Although the VBA IDE is invoked only when AutoCAD is running, it can be minimized, opened, and closed independent of the AutoCAD Application window. VBALOAD VBARUN VBAUNLOAD Loads a VBA project into the current AutoCAD session. Runs a VBA macro from the Macros dialog box or from the AutoCAD command line. Unloads a VBA project from the current AutoCAD session. If the VBA project is modified but not saved, the user is asked to save it with the Save Project dialog box (or command line equivalent). VBAMAN VBASTMT Displays the VBA Manager allowing you to view, create, load, close, embed, and extract projects. Executes a VBA statement from the AutoCAD command line.
30
Chapter 1
To use AutoCAD ActiveX Automation effectively you should be familiar with the AutoCAD entities, objects, and features relating to the type of application you are developing. The greater your knowledge of an objects graphical and nongraphical properties, the easier it is for you to manipulate them through AutoCAD ActiveX Automation. Remember that the AutoCAD ActiveX Automation Help file is availablejust press
F1 .
In this chapter
Understand the AutoCAD
Object Model
Access the Object Hierarchy Collection Objects Understand Properties and
Methods
Understand Parent Objects Locate the Type Library Use Variants in Methods and
Properties
Using Other Programming
If you are having trouble
Languages
with a particular object, method, or property, highlight the object, method, or property in the VBA IDE and press
F1 .
31
Understand the AutoCAD Object Model

An object is the main building block of the AutoCAD ActiveX interface. Each exposed object represents a precise part of AutoCAD. There are many different types of objects in the AutoCAD ActiveX interface. For example

Graphical objects such as lines, arcs, text, and dimensions are objects. Style settings such as linetypes and dimension styles are objects. Organizational structures such as layers, groups, and blocks are objects. The drawing display such as view and viewport are objects. Even the drawing and the AutoCAD application are considered objects.
The objects are structured in a hierarchical fashion, with the Application object at the root. The view of this hierarchical structure is referred to as the Object Model. The Object Model shows you which object provides access to the next level of objects.
32
Chapter 2
33
The Application Object

The Application object is the Root object for the AutoCAD ActiveX Automation Object Model. From the Application object, you can access any of the other objects, or the properties or methods assigned to any object. For example, the Application object has a Preferences property that returns the Preferences object. This object provides access to the registry-stored settings in the Options dialog box. (Drawing-stored settings are contained in the DatabasePreferences object, which will be discussed later.) Other properties of the Application object give you access to application-specific data such as the application name and version, and the AutoCAD size, location, and visibility. The methods of the Application object perform application-specific actions such as listing, loading, and unloading ADS and ARX applications, and quitting AutoCAD. The Application object also provides links to the AutoCAD drawings through the Documents collection, the AutoCAD menus and toolbars through the MenuBar and MenuGroups collections, and the VBA IDE through a property called VBE.
AutoCAD Application Preferences Documents MenuBar MenuGroups
The Application object is also the Global object for the ActiveX interface. This means that all the methods and properties for the Application object are available in the global name space.
The Document Object

The Document object, which is actually an AutoCAD drawing, is found in the Documents collection and provides access to all of the graphical and most of the nongraphical AutoCAD objects. Access to the graphical objects (lines, circles, arcs, and so forth) is provided through the ModelSpace and PaperSpace collections, and access to nongraphical objects (layers, linetypes, text styles, and so forth) is provided through like-named collections such as
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Chapter 2
Layers, Linetypes, and TextStyles. The Document object also provides access to the Plot and Utility objects.
The Collection Objects

AutoCAD groups most objects in collections. Although these collections contain different types of data, they can be processed using similar techniques. Each collection has a method for adding an object to the collection. Most collections use the Add method for this purpose. However, entity objects are usually added using a method titled Add<Entityname>. For example, to add a line you would use the AddLine method.
35
Collections also have some other methods and properties in common. The Count property can be used to obtain a zero-based count of the objects in a collection. The Item method can be used to obtain any object within a collection.
The Graphical and Nongraphical Objects

Graphical objects, also known as entities, are the visible objects (lines, circles, raster images, and so forth) that make up a drawing. To create these objects, use the appropriate Add<Entityname> method. To modify or query these objects, use the methods or properties of the object itself. Each graphical object has methods that allow an application to perform most of the AutoCAD editing commands such as Copy, Erase, Move, Mirror, and so forth. These objects also have methods for setting and retrieving extended data (xdata), highlighting and updating, and retrieving the bounding box of the object. Graphical objects have typical properties such as Layer, Linetype, Color, and Handle. They also have specific properties, depending on their object type, such as Center, Radius, and Area. Nongraphical objects are the invisible (informational) objects that are part of a drawing, such as Layers, Linetypes, DimStyles, SelectionSets, and so forth. To create these objects, use the Add method of the parent Collection object. To modify or query these objects, use the methods or properties of the object itself. Each nongraphical object has methods and properties specific to its purpose; all have methods for setting and retrieving extended data (xdata), and deleting themselves.
The Preferences, Plot, and Utility Objects

Under the Preferences object is a set of objects, each corresponding to a tab in the Options dialog box. Together, these objects provide access to all the registry-stored settings in the Options dialog box. Drawing-stored settings are contained in the DatabasePreferences object. You can also set and modify options (and system variables that are not part of the Options dialog box) with the SetVariable and GetVariable methods. For more information about setting options see Set AutoCAD Preferences on page 53.
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Chapter 2
AutoCAD Application
Preferences
PreferencesDisplay PreferencesDrafting
PreferencesFiles PreferencesOpenSave PreferencesOutput PreferencesProfile
PreferencesSelection PreferencesSystem
PreferencesUser
Documents Document DatabasePreferences Plot
Utility
The Plot object provides access to settings in the Plot dialog box and gives an application the ability to plot the drawing using various methods. For more information on plotting, see Plot Your Drawing on page 275. The Utility object provides user input and conversion functions. The user input functions are methods that prompt the user on the AutoCAD command line for input of various types of data, such as strings, integers, reals, points, and so forth. The conversion functions are methods that operate on AutoCAD-specific data types such as points and angles, in addition to string and number handling. For more information on the user input functions, see Prompt for User Input on page 73.
37
Access the Object Hierarchy

Accessing the object hierarchy is easy from within VBA. This is because VBA is running in-process with the current AutoCAD session so there is no additional step needed to connect it to the application. VBA provides a link to the active drawing in the current AutoCAD session through the ThisDrawing object. By using ThisDrawing you gain immediate access to the current Document object and all of its methods and properties, and all of the other objects in the hierarchy. When used in global projects, ThisDrawing always refers to the active document in AutoCAD. When used in embedded projects, ThisDrawing always refers to the document containing the project. For example, the following line of code in a global project saves whatever drawing is currently active in AutoCAD:
ThisDrawing.Save
Reference Objects in the Object Hierarchy

You can reference objects directly or through a user-defined variable. To reference the objects directly, include the object in the calling hierarchy. For example, the following statement adds a line to the model space. Notice that the hierarchy starts with ThisDrawing, goes to the ModelSpace object, and then calls the AddLine method:
Dim startPoint(0 To 2) As Double, endPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim LineObj as AcadLine startPoint(0) = 0: startPoint(1) = 0: startPoint(2) = 0 endPoint(0) = 30: endPoint(1) = 20: endPoint(2) = 0 Set LineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddLine(startPoint,endPoint)
To reference the objects through a user-defined variable, define the variable as desired type, then set the variable to the appropriate object. For example, the following code defines a variable (moSpace) of type AcadModelSpace and sets the variable equal to the current model space:
Dim moSpace As AcadModelSpace Set moSpace = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace
The following statement then adds a line to the model space using the userdefined variable:
Dim startPoint(0 To 2) As Double, endPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim LineObj as AcadLine startPoint(0) = 0: startPoint(1) = 0: startPoint(2) = 0 endPoint(0) = 30: endPoint(1) = 20: endPoint(2) = 0 Set LineObj = moSpace.AddLine(startPoint,endPoint)
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Chapter 2
Retrieving the first entity in model space The following example returns the first entity object in model space. Similar code can do the same for paper space entities:
Sub Ch2_FindFirstEntity() ' This example returns the first entity in model space On Error Resume Next Dim entity As AcadEntity If ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.count <> 0 Then Set entity = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.Item(0) MsgBox entity.ObjectName + _ " is the first entity in model space." Else MsgBox "There are no objects in model space." End If End Sub
Access the Application Object

Because the ThisDrawing object provides a link to the Document object, you may be wondering how you access the root object (Application object), which is situated above the Document object in the object hierarchy. The Document object has a property called Application that provides a link to the Application object. For example, the following line of code updates the application:
ThisDrawing.Application.Update
Collection Objects
A Collection object is a predefined object that contains (is a parent object for) all instances of a similar object. There is a Collection object for the following objects: Documents Collection ModelSpace Collection PaperSpace Collection Block Object Blocks Collection Contains all documents open in the current AutoCAD session. Contains all graphical objects (entities) in model space. Contains all graphical objects (entities) in the active paper space layout. Contains all entities within a specific block definition. Contains all blocks in the drawing.
Collection Objects
39
Dictionaries Collection DimStyles Collection Groups Collection Hyperlinks Collection Layers Collection Layouts Collection Linetypes Collection MenuBar Collection MenuGroups Collection RegisteredApplic ations Collection SelectionSets Collection TextStyles Collection UCSs Collection Views Collection Viewports Collection
Contains all dictionaries in the drawing. Contains all dimension styles in the drawing. Contains all groups in the drawing. Contains all hyperlinks for a given entity. Contains all layers in the drawing. Contains all layouts in the drawing. Contains all linetypes in the drawing. Contains all menus currently displayed in AutoCAD. Contains all menus and toolbars currently loaded in AutoCAD. Contains all registered applications in the drawing. Contains all selection sets in the drawing. Contains all text styles in the drawing. Contains all user coordinates systems (UCS) in the drawing. Contains all views in the drawing. Contains all viewports in the drawing.
Access a Collection
Most collection objects are accessed through the Document object. The Document object contains a property for each of the Collection objects. For example, the following code defines a variable and sets it to the Layers collection of the current drawing:
40
Chapter 2
Dim layerCollection as AcadLayers Set layerCollection = ThisDrawing.Layers
The Documents collection, MenuBar collection, and MenuGroups collection are accessed through the Application object. The Application object contains a property for each of these collections. For example, the following code defines a variable and sets it to the MenuGroups collection for the application:
Dim MenuGroupsCollection as AcadMenuGroups Set MenuGroupsCollection = ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups
Add a New Member to a Collection Object

To add a new member to the collection, use the Add method. For example, the following code creates a new layer and adds it to the Layers collection:
Dim newLayer as AcadLayer Set newLayer = ThisDrawing.Layers.Add("MyNewLayer")
Iterate through a Collection Object

To select a specific member of a Collection object, use the Item method. The Item method requires an identifier as either an index number specifying the location of the item within the collection or a string representing the name of the item. The Item method is the default method for a collection. If you do not specify a method name when referring to a collection, Item is assumed. The following statements are equivalent:
ThisDrawing.Layers.Item("ABC") ThisDrawing.Layers("ABC")
Note Do not use the entity edit methods (Copy, Array, Mirror, and so forth) on any object while simultaneously iterating through a collection using the For Each mechanism. Either finish your iteration before you attempt to edit an object in the collection or create a temporary array and set it equal to the collection. Then you can iterate through the copied array and perform your edits.
Iterate through the Layers collection The following example iterates through a collection and displays the names of all layers in the collection:
Collection Objects
41
Sub Ch2_IterateLayer() ' Iterate through the collection On Error Resume Next I As Integer msg As String = "" I = 0 To ThisDrawing.Layers.count - 1 msg = msg + ThisDrawing.Layers.Item(I).Name + vbCrLf Next MsgBox msg End Sub Dim Dim msg For
Find the layer named MyLayer The following example refers to layer named MyLayer, and issues a message if the layer does not exist:
Sub Ch2_FindLayer() ' Use the Item method to find a layer named MyLayer On Error Resume Next Dim ABCLayer As AcadLayer Set ABCLayer = ThisDrawing.Layers("MyLayer") If Err <> 0 Then MsgBox "The layer 'MyLayer' does not exist." End If End Sub
Delete a Member of a Collection Object

To delete a specific dimension style, use the Delete method found on the member object. For example, the following code deletes the layer ABC:
Dim ABCLayer as AcadLayer Set ABCLayer = ThisDrawing.Layers.Item("ABC") ABCLayer.Delete
Once an object has been deleted, you must never attempt to access the object again later in the program.
Understand Properties and Methods

Each object has associated properties and methods. Properties describe aspects of the individual object, while methods are actions that can be performed on the individual object. Once an object is created, you can query and edit the object through its properties and methods.
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Chapter 2
For example, a Circle object has the Center property. This property represents the 3D World Coordinate System coordinate at the center of that circle. To change the center of the circle, simply set this property to the new coordinate. The Circle object also has a method called Offset. This method creates a new object at a specified offset distance from the existing circle. To see a list of all properties and methods for the Circle object, refer to the Circle object in the AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA Reference.
Understand Parent Objects

Each object has a parent object to which it is permanently linked. All objects originate from a single parent object called the root object. You can access all the objects in the interface by following the links from the root to the child objects. Additionally, all objects have a property called Application that links directly back to the root object. The root object for the AutoCAD interface is the AutoCAD application.
Locate the Type Library

The objects, properties, and methods exposed by automation objects are contained in a type library. A type library is a file or part of a file that describes the type of one or more objects. Type libraries do not store objects; they store information. By accessing a type library, applications and browsers can determine the characteristics of an object, such as the interfaces supported by the object and the names and addresses of the members of each interface. Before you can use the automation object exposed by an application, you must reference its type library. The reference is automatically set in AutoCAD VBA. For other interactive development environments you must create a reference to the AutoCAD type library, acax16enu.tlb, which by default is located at c:\program files\common files\autodesk shared. You can use an applications objects without referencing the applications type library. However, it is preferable to add the type library reference for the following reasons:
Understand Parent Objects
43
Globally accessible functions may be accessed directly without qualification. Invocation of functions, properties, and methods can be checked at compile time for correctness, and therefore will execute more quickly at runtime. It is possible to declare variables of the types defined in the library, which increases runtime reliability and readability.
Use Variants in Methods and Properties

AutoCAD ActiveX Automation uses variants to pass arrays of data. Although this may seem confusing to a novice user, it is not difficult once you learn the basics. In addition, AutoCAD ActiveX Automation provides utilities to help you convert your data types.
What Is a Variant?
A variant is a special data type that can contain any kind of data except fixedlength string data and user-defined types. A variant can also contain the special values Empty, Error, Nothing, and NULL. You can determine how the data in a variant is treated using the VarType or TypeName Visual Basic functions. You can use the Variant data type in place of most any data type to work with data in a more flexible way.
Use Variants for Array Data

Variants are used to pass array data in and out of AutoCAD ActiveX Automation. This means that your arrays must be a variant to be accepted by AutoCAD ActiveX Automation methods and properties. In addition, array data output from AutoCAD ActiveX Automation must be handled as a variant.
Note In AutoCAD, VBA input arrays are automatically converted to variants. This means that you dont have to provide a variant array as input to the ActiveX Automation methods and properties when using them from VBA. However, all the output arrays will be in the form of variants, so remember to handle them appropriately.
44
Chapter 2
Convert Arrays to Variants

AutoCAD ActiveX Automation provides a utility method to convert an array of data into a variant. This method is the CreateTypedArray method, which creates a variant that contains an array of integers, floating numbers, doubles, and so forth. You can pass the resulting variant into any AutoCAD method or property that accepts an array of numbers as a variant. The CreateTypedArray method takes as input the type of values that are in the array, and the array of data to be converted. It returns the array of values as a variant. Create a spline with the CreateTypedArray method The following code converts three arrays using CreateTypedArray: the coordinates for a splines fit points, and the start and end tangent of the spline. It then passes the variant into the AddSpline method to create the spline.
Sub Ch2_CreateSplineUsingTypedArray() ' This example creates a spline object in model space ' using the CreateTypedArray method. Dim splineObj As AcadSpline Dim startTan As Variant Dim endTan As Variant Dim fitPoints As Variant Dim utilObj As Object ' late bind the Utility object Set utilObj = ThisDrawing.Utility ' Define the Spline Object utilObj.CreateTypedArray _ startTan, vbDouble, 0.5, 0.5, 0 utilObj.CreateTypedArray _ endTan, vbDouble, 0.5, 0.5, 0 utilObj.CreateTypedArray _ fitPoints, vbDouble, 0, 0, 0, 5, 5, 0, 10, 0, 0 Set splineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddSpline _ (fitPoints, startTan, endTan) ' Zoom in on the newly created spline ZoomAll End Sub
Use Variants in Methods and Properties
45
Interpret Variant Arrays

Array information passed back from AutoCAD ActiveX Automation is passed back as a variant. If you know the data type of the array, you can simply access the variant as an array. If you dont know the data type contained in the variant, use the VBA functions VarType or Typename. These functions return the type of data in the variant. If you need to iterate through the array, you can use the VBA For Each statement. Calculate the distance between two points The following code demonstrates calculating the distance between two points input by the user. In this example, the data type is known because all coordinates are doubles. 3D coordinates are a three-element array of doubles and 2D coordinates are a two-element array of doubles.
Sub Ch2_CalculateDistance() Dim point1 As Variant Dim point2 As Variant ' Get the points from the user point1 = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint (, vbCrLf & "First point: point2 = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint (point1, vbCrLf & "Second
_ ") _ point: ")
' Calculate the distance between point1 and point2 Dim x As Double, y As Double, z As Double Dim dist As Double x = point1(0) - point2(0) y = point1(1) - point2(1) z = point1(2) - point2(2) dist = Sqr((Sqr((x ^ 2) + (y ^ 2)) ^ 2) + (z ^ 2)) 'Display the resulting distance MsgBox "The distance between the points is: " _ & dist, , "Calculate Distance" End Sub
Using Other Programming Languages

This manual is written for the VBA programming language. The programming examples and sample applications are written in VBA. To use the code in other programming environments, you must update it for the chosen environment. Use the documentation for your development environment to help you convert the example code.
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Chapter 2
Note The registry key for COM application access for AutoCAD 2004 is
AutoCAD.Application.16.
Convert the VBA Code to VB

To update the coding examples for use with VB, you must first reference the AutoCAD type library. To do this in VB, select the References option from the Project menu to launch the Reference dialog box. From the References dialog box, choose the type library for AutoCAD, and then click OK. Next, in the code example replace all references to ThisDrawing with a userspecified variable referencing the active document. To do this, define a variable for the AutoCAD application (acadApp) and for the current document (acadDoc). Then, set the application variable to the current AutoCAD application. If AutoCAD is running, the VB GetObject function retrieves the AutoCAD Application object when you specify the AutoCAD version number. If AutoCAD is not running, an error occurs that (in this example) is trapped, then cleared. The CreateObject function then attempts to create an AutoCAD Application object. If it succeeds, AutoCAD is started; if it fails, a message box displays a description of the error. When running multiple sessions of AutoCAD, the GetObject function will return the first instance of AutoCAD in the Windows Running Object Table. See the Microsoft Visual Basic documentation on the Running Object Table (ROT) and the GetObject function for more information on verifying the session returned by GetObject. You must set the AutoCAD applications Visible property to TRUE in order to display the AutoCAD drawing window. If GetObject creates a new instance of AutoCAD (that is, AutoCAD was not already running when you issued GetObject), failure to set Visible to TRUE results in an invisible AutoCAD application; AutoCAD will not even appear on the Windows taskbar.
Note Use version-dependent ProgIDs. If a CreateObject or GetObject function

uses a version-independent ProgID, change the function to use a version-dependent ProgID. For example, if you are using CreateObject, you change CreateObject ("AutoCAD.Application") to CreateObject ("AutoCAD.Application.16"). Additionally, if a GetInterfaceObject method uses a version-independent ProgID, the method must be changed to use a version-dependent ProgID.
47
Connect to AutoCAD from Visual Basic The following code example uses the Clear and Description properties of Err. If your coding environment does not support these properties, you will need to modify the example appropriately:
Sub Ch2_ConnectToAcad() Dim acadApp As AcadApplication On Error Resume Next Set acadApp = GetObject(, "AutoCAD.Application.16") If Err Then Err.Clear Set acadApp = CreateObject("AutoCAD.Application.16") If Err Then MsgBox Err.Description Exit Sub End If End If MsgBox "Now running " + acadApp.Name + _ " version " + acadApp.Version End Sub
Next, set the document variable to the Document object in the AutoCAD application. The Document object is returned by the ActiveDocument property of the Application object.
Dim acadDoc as AcadDocument Set acadDoc = acadApp.ActiveDocument
From this point on, use the acadDoc variable to reference the current AutoCAD drawing.
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Chapter 2
VBA versus VB Comparison Code Example The following code example demonstrates creating a line in both VBA and VB. Creating a line using VBA:
Sub Ch2_AddLineVBA() ' This example adds a line ' in model space Dim lineObj As AcadLine Dim startPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim endPoint(0 To 2) As Double ' Define the start and end ' points for the line startPoint(0) = 1 startPoint(1) = 1 startPoint(2) = 0 endPoint(0) = 5 endPoint(1) = 5 endPoint(2) = 0 ' Create the line in model space Set lineObj = ThisDrawing. _ ModelSpace.AddLine _ (startPoint, endPoint) ' Zoom in on the newly created line ZoomAll End Sub
49
Creating a line using VB:

Sub Ch2_AddLineVB() On Error Resume Next ' Connect to the AutoCAD application Dim acadApp As AcadApplication Set acadApp = GetObject _ (, "AutoCAD.Application.16") If Err Then Err.Clear Set acadApp = CreateObject _ ("AutoCAD.Application.16") If Err Then MsgBox Err.Description Exit Sub End If End If ' Connect to the AutoCAD drawing Dim acadDoc As AcadDocument Set acadDoc = acadApp.ActiveDocument ' Establish the endpoints of the line Dim lineObj As AcadLine Dim startPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim endPoint(0 To 2) As Double startPoint(0) = 1 startPoint(1) = 1 startPoint(2) = 0 endPoint(0) = 5 endPoint(1) = 5 endPoint(2) = 0 ' Create a Line object in model space Set lineObj = acadDoc.ModelSpace.AddLine _ (startPoint, endPoint) ZoomAll acadApp.visible = True End Sub
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This chapter describes the fundamentals for developing an application in AutoCAD It explains how to control . and work effectively in the AutoCAD environment.
In this chapter
Open, Save, and Close
Drawings
Set AutoCAD Preferences Control the Application
Window
Control the Drawing Windows Reset Active Objects Set and Return System
Variables
Draw with Precision Prompt for User Input Access the AutoCAD
Command Line
Work with No Documents
Open
Import Other File Formats Export to Other File Formats
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Open, Save, and Close Drawings

The Documents collection and Document object provide access to the AutoCAD file functions. To create a new drawing, or open an existing drawing, use the methods on the Documents collection. The Add method creates a new drawing and adds that drawing to the Documents collection. The Open method opens an existing drawing. There is also a Close method on the Documents collection that closes all the drawings open in the AutoCAD session. Use either the Save or SaveAs methods to save a drawing. Occasionally you will want to check if the active drawing has any unsaved changes. It is a good idea to do this before you quit the AutoCAD session or start a new drawing. Use the Saved property to make sure that the current drawing does not contain any unsaved changes. To import and export drawings, use the Import and Export methods on the Document object. Open an existing drawing This example uses the Open method to open an existing drawing. The Visual Basic Dir function is used to check for the existence of the file before trying to open it. You should change the drawing file name or path to specify an existing AutoCAD drawing file on your system.
Sub Ch3_OpenDrawing() Dim dwgName As String dwgName = "c:\campus.dwg" If Dir(dwgName) <> "" Then ThisDrawing.Application.Documents.Open dwgName Else MsgBox "File " & dwgName & " does not exist." End If End Sub
Create a new drawing This example uses the Add method to create a new drawing based on the default template.
Sub Ch3_NewDrawing() Dim docObj As AcadDocument Set docObj = ThisDrawing.Application.Documents.Add End Sub
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Chapter 3
Save the active drawing The following example saves the active drawing under its current name and again under a new name.
Sub Ch3_SaveActiveDrawing() ' Save the active drawing under the current name ThisDrawing.Save ' Save the active drawing under a new name ThisDrawing.SaveAs "MyDrawing.dwg" End Sub
Test if a drawing has unsaved changes This example checks to see if there are unsaved changes and verifies with the user that it is OK to save the drawing (if it is not OK, skip to the end). If OK, use the Save method to save the current drawing, as shown here:
Sub Ch3_TestIfSaved() If Not (ThisDrawing.Saved) Then If MsgBox("Do you wish to save this drawing?", _ vbYesNo) = vbYes Then ThisDrawing.Save End If End If End Sub
Set AutoCAD Preferences

There are nine objects pertaining to options, each representing a tab on the Options dialog box. These objects provide access to all of the registry-stored options in the Options dialog box. You can customize many of the AutoCAD settings by using properties found on these objects. These objects are

PreferencesDisplay PreferencesDrafting PreferencesFiles PreferencesOpenSave PreferencesOutput PreferencesProfiles PreferencesSelection PreferencesSystem PreferencesUser
Set AutoCAD Preferences
53
These objects are accessible via the Preferences object. To gain access to the Preferences object, use the Preferences property of the Application object:
Dim acadPref as AcadPreferences Set acadPref = ThisDrawing.Application.Preferences
You can then access any of the specific Preferences objects using the Display, Drafting, Files, OpenSave, Output, Profile, Selection, System, and User properties. Set the crosshairs to full screen
Sub Ch2_PrefsSetCursor() ' This example sets the crosshairs of the AutoCAD drawing cursor ' to full screen. ' Access the Preferences object Dim acadPref As AcadPreferences Set acadPref = ThisDrawing.Application.Preferences ' Use the CursorSize property to set the size of the crosshairs acadPref.Display.CursorSize = 100 End Sub
Display the screen menu and scroll bars

Sub Ch2_PrefsSetDisplay() ' This example enables the screen menu and disables the scroll ' bars with the DisplayScreenMenu and DisplayScrollBars ' properties. ' Access the Preferences object Dim acadPref As AcadPreferences Set acadPref = ThisDrawing.Application.Preferences ' Display the screen menu and disable scroll bars acadPref.Display.DisplayScreenMenu = True acadPref.Display.DisplayScrollBars = False End Sub
Database Preferences
In addition to the nine Preferences objects, the DatabasePreferences object contains all the options stored in the drawing. This separate object was provided to make the drawing-stored options available to applications accessing AutoCAD drawings without first starting the AutoCAD application (ObjectDBXTM applications). The DatabasePreferences object is found under the Document object.
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Control the Application Window

The ability to control the Application window allows developers the flexibility to create effective and intelligent applications. There will be times when it is appropriate for your application to minimize the AutoCAD window, perhaps while your code is performing work in another application such as Excel. Additionally, you will often want to verify the state of the AutoCAD window before performing such tasks as prompting for input from the user. Using methods and properties found on the Application object, you can change the position, size, and visibility of the Application window. You can also use the WindowState property to minimize, maximize, and check the current state of the Application window. Position and size the Application window This example uses the WindowTop, WindowLeft, Width, and Height properties to position the AutoCAD Application window in the upper-left corner of the screen and size it to 400 pixels wide by 400 pixels high.
Sub Ch3_PositionApplicationWindow() ThisDrawing.Application.WindowTop = 0 ThisDrawing.Application.WindowLeft = 0 ThisDrawing.Application.width = 400 ThisDrawing.Application.height = 400 End Sub
Maximize the Application window

Sub Ch3_MaximizeApplicationWindow() ThisDrawing.Application.WindowState = acMax End Sub
Minimize the Application window

Sub Ch3_MinimizeApplicationWindow() ThisDrawing.Application.WindowState = acMin End Sub
Find the current state of the Application window This example queries the state of the Application window and displays the state in a message box to the user.
Control the Application Window
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Sub Ch3_CurrentWindowState() Dim CurrWindowState As Integer Dim msg As String CurrWindowState = ThisDrawing.Application.WindowState msg = Choose(CurrWindowState, "normal", _ "minimized", "maximized") MsgBox "The application window is " + msg End Sub
Make the Application window invisible The following code uses the Visible property to make the AutoCAD application invisible to the end user.
Sub Ch3_HideWindowState() ThisDrawing.Application.Visible = False End Sub
Control the Drawing Windows

Like the AutoCAD Application window, you can minimize, maximize, reposition, resize, and check the state of any Document window. But you can also change the way the drawing is displayed within a window by using views, viewports, and zooming methods. AutoCAD ActiveX provides many ways to display views of your drawing. You can control the drawing display to move quickly to different areas of your drawing while you track the overall effect of your changes. You can zoom to change magnification or pan to reposition the view in the graphics area, save a view and then restore it when you need to plot or refer to specific details, or display several views at one time by splitting the screen into several tiled viewports.
Position and Size the Document Window

Use the Document object to modify the position and size of any document window. The Document window can be minimized or maximized by using the WindowState property, and you can find the current state of the Document window by using the WindowState property. Position a Document window This example uses the Width and Height properties to set the active document window to 400 pixels wide by 400 pixels high.
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Sub Ch3_SizeDocumentWindow() ThisDrawing.Width = 400 ThisDrawing.Height = 400 End Sub
Maximize the active Document window

Sub Ch3_MaximizeDocumentWindow() ThisDrawing.WindowState = acMax End Sub
Minimize the active Document window

Sub Ch3_MinimizeDocumentWindow() ThisDrawing.WindowState = acMin End Sub
Find the current state of the active document window

Sub Ch3_CurrentWindowState() Dim CurrWindowState As Integer Dim msg As String CurrWindowState = ThisDrawing.WindowState msg = Choose(CurrWindowState, "normal", _ "minimized", "maximized") MsgBox "The document window is " + msg End Sub
Use Zoom
A view is a specific magnification, position, and orientation of a drawing. The most common way to change a view is to use one of the many AutoCAD Zoom options, which increases or decreases the size of the image displayed in the graphics area. For more information on zooming in AutoCAD, see Magnify a View (Zoom) in the Users Guide.
Define a Zoom Window

You can quickly zoom in on an area by specifying the corners that define it. To zoom in on an area by specifying its boundaries, use either the ZoomWindow or ZoomPickWindow method. The ZoomWindow method allows you to define two points representing the Zoom window programmatically. The ZoomPickWindow requires the user to pick two points. These two picked points become the Zoom window.
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Zoom the active drawing to a window defined by two points

Sub Ch3_ZoomWindow() ' ZoomWindow MsgBox "Perform a ZoomWindow with:" & vbCrLf & _ "1.3, 7.8, 0" & vbCrLf & _ "13.7, -2.6, 0", , "ZoomWindow" Dim point1(0 To 2) As Double Dim point2(0 To 2) As Double point1(0) = 1.3: point1(1) = 7.8: point1(2) = 0 point2(0) = 13.7: point2(1) = -2.6: point2(2) = 0 ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomWindow point1, point2 ' ZoomPickWindow MsgBox "Perform a ZoomPickWindow", , "ZoomPickWindow" ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomPickWindow End Sub
Scale a View
If you need to increase or decrease the magnification of the image by a precise scale, you can specify a zoom scale in three ways:

Relative to the drawing limits Relative to the current view Relative to paper space units
To scale a view, use the ZoomScaled method. This method takes two parameters as input: the scale and the type of scale. The scale is simply a number. How that number gets interpreted by AutoCAD depends on the type of scale you choose. The type of scale determines if the scale value is created relative to the drawing limits, the current view, or the paper space units. To scale relative to the drawing limits, use the constant acZoomScaledAbsolute. To scale the view relative to the current view, use the constant acZoomScaledRelative. To scale relative to paper space units, use the constant acZoomScaledRelativePSpace.
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Zoom in on the active drawing using a specified scale

Sub Ch3_ZoomScaled() MsgBox "Perform a ZoomScaled using:" & vbCrLf & _ "Scale Type: acZoomScaledRelative" & vbCrLf & _ "Scale Factor: 2", , "ZoomScaled" Dim scalefactor As Double Dim scaletype As Integer scalefactor = 2 scaletype = acZoomScaledRelative ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomScaled scalefactor, scaletype End Sub
Center Objects
You can move a specific point in your drawing to the center of the graphics area. The ZoomCenter method is useful for resizing an object and bringing it to the center of the viewport. With ZoomCenter, you can specify a scale size by entering a magnification relative to the current view. Zoom in on the active drawing to a specified center The following example shows the effects of using ZoomCenter to display a view at the same size and at twice the size:
Sub Ch3_ZoomCenter() MsgBox "Perform a ZoomCenter using:" & vbCrLf & _ "Center 3, 3, 0" & vbCrLf & _ "Magnification: 10", , "ZoomCenter" Dim Center(0 To 2) As Double Dim magnification As Double Center(0) = 3: Center(1) = 3: Center(2) = 0 magnification = 10 ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomCenter Center, magnification End Sub
Display Drawing Limits and Extents

To display a view based on the drawing boundaries or the extents of the objects in the drawing, use the ZoomAll, ZoomExtents, or ZoomPrevious methods.
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ZoomAll displays the entire drawing. If the objects extend beyond the limits, ZoomAll displays the extents of the objects. If the objects are drawn within the limits, ZoomAll displays the limits. ZoomExtents calculates zooms based on the extents of the active viewport, not the current view. Usually the active viewport is entirely visible, so the results are obvious and intuitive. However, when using the Zoom methods in model space while working in a paper space viewport, if you are zoomed in beyond the paper space viewports borders, some of the area zoomed may not be visible. ZoomExtents changes the view to encompass the entity extents for the current drawing. In some cases (for both ZoomAll and ZoomExtents), this may cause a regeneration. Regeneration will not occur on layers that are frozen or turned off. If your drawing has no objects, ZoomExtents displays the drawing limits. For 3D views, ZoomAll and ZoomExtents have the same effect. Infinite construction lines (xlines) and rays do not affect either option. ZoomPrevious zooms the current viewport to its previous extents. See Magnify a View (Zoom) in the Users Guide for illustrations of how zooming works. Zoom in on the active drawing to all contents and to the drawing extents
Sub Ch3_ZoomAll() ' ZoomAll MsgBox "Perform a ZoomAll", , "ZoomAll" ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll ' ZoomExtents MsgBox "Perform a ZoomExtents", , "ZoomExtents" ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomExtents End Sub
Use Named Views

You can name and save a view you want to reuse. When you no longer need the view, you can delete it. To create a new view, use the Add method to add a new view to the Views collection. When you save the drawing, the viewing position and scale of the view are saved. You name the view when you create it. The name of the view can be up to 255 characters long and contain letters, digits, and the special characters dollar sign ($), hyphen (), and underscore (_).
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To delete a named view, simply use the Delete method. The Delete method for the View object lies on the View object, not its parent. Add a View object
Sub Ch3_AddView() ' Add a named view to the views collection Dim viewObj As AcadView Set viewObj = ThisDrawing.Views.Add("View1") End Sub
Delete a View object The following example deletes a View object (viewObj).
Sub Ch3_DeleteView() Dim viewObj As AcadView Set viewObj = ThisDrawing.Views("View1") ' Delete the view viewObj.Delete End Sub
Delete a named view from the Views collection This example deletes a named view from the Views collection.
Sub Ch3_DeleteViewFromCollection() ThisDrawing.Views("View1").Delete End Sub
Use Tiled Viewports

AutoCAD usually begins a new drawing using a single viewport that fills the entire graphics area. You can split the graphics area to display several viewports simultaneously. For example, if you keep both the full and the detail views visible, you can see the effects of your detail changes on the entire drawing. In each tiled viewport, you can do the following:

Zoom, set the Snap, Grid, and UCS icon modes, and restore named views in individual viewports Draw from one viewport to another when executing a command Name a configuration of viewports so you can reuse it
You can display tiled viewports in various configurations. How you display the viewports depends on the number and size of the views you need to see. For further information and illustrations describing viewports, see Set Model Tab Viewports in the Users Guide.
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Split the Active Viewport

To split the active viewport, use the Split method. This method takes one parameter, the type of configuration to split the viewport into. To specify the window configuration, use one of the following constants that correspond to the default configurations previously shown: acViewport2Horizontal, acViewport2Vertical, acViewport3Left, acViewport3Right, acViewport3Horizontal, acViewport3Vertical, acViewport3Above, acViewport3Below, or acViewport4. For further information on changing viewport configuration, see Set Model Tab Viewports in the Users Guide. Split a viewport into two horizontal windows The following example creates a new viewport and then splits the viewport into two horizontal windows.
Sub SplitAViewport() ' Create a new viewport Dim vportObj As AcadViewport Set vportObj = ThisDrawing.Viewports.Add("TEST_VIEWPORT") ' Split vportObj into 2 horizontal windows vportObj.Split acViewport2Horizontal ' Now set vportObj to be the active viewport ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport = vportObj End Sub
Make Another Tiled Viewport Current

You enter points and select objects in the current viewport. To make a viewport current, use the ActiveViewport property. You can iterate through existing viewports to find a particular viewport. To do this, first identify the name of the viewport configuration on which the desired viewport resides using the Name property. Additionally, if the viewport configuration has been split, each individual viewport on the configuration can be identified through the LowerLeftCorner and UpperRightCorner properties. The LowerLeftCorner and UpperRightCorner properties represent the graphic placement of the viewport on the display. These properties are defined as follows (using a four-way split as an example):
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0,1
1 .5,.5
1,1
0,0
1,0
In this example:

Viewport 1-LowerLeftCorner = (0, .5), UpperRightCorner = (.5, 1) Viewport 2-LowerLeftCorner = (.5, .5), UpperRightCorner = (1, 1) Viewport 3-LowerLeftCorner = (0, 0), UpperRightCorner = (.5, .5) Viewport 4-LowerLeftCorner = (.5, 0), UpperRightCorner = (1, .5)
Split a viewport, then iterate through the windows This example splits a viewport into four windows. It then iterates through all the viewports in the drawing and displays the viewport name and the lowerleft and upper-right corner for each viewport.
Sub Ch3_IteratingViewportWindows() ' Create a new viewport and make it active Dim vportObj As AcadViewport Set vportObj = ThisDrawing.Viewports.Add("TEST_VIEWPORT") ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport = vportObj ' Split vport into 4 windows vportObj.Split acViewport4 ' Iterate through the viewports, ' highlighting each viewport and displaying ' the upper right and lower left corners ' for each. Dim vport As AcadViewport Dim LLCorner As Variant Dim URCorner As Variant For Each vport In ThisDrawing.Viewports ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport = vport LLCorner = vport.LowerLeftCorner URCorner = vport.UpperRightCorner MsgBox "Viewport: " & vport.Name & " is now active." & _ vbCrLf & "Lower left corner: " & _ LLCorner(0) & ", " & LLCorner(1) & vbCrLf & _ "Upper right corner: " & _ URCorner(0) & ", " & URCorner(1) Next vport End Sub
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Update the Geometry in the Document Window

Many of the actions you perform through AutoCAD ActiveX Automation modify what is displayed in the AutoCAD drawing. Not all of these actions immediately update the display of the drawing. This is designed so you can make several changes to the drawing without waiting for the display to update after every single action. Instead, you can bundle your actions together and make a single call to update the display when you have finished. The methods that will update the display are Update and Regen. The Update method updates the display of a single object only. The Regen method regenerates the entire drawing and recomputes the screen coordinates and view resolution for all objects. It also reindexes the drawing database for optimum display and object selection performance. Update the display of a single object This example creates a circle and then colors the circle red. It then updates the circle using the Update method so that the circle is visible in AutoCAD.
Sub Ch3_UpdateDisplay() Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 1: center(1) = 1: center(2) = 0 radius = 1 ' Create the circle and then color it red Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle(center, radius) circleObj.Color = acRed ' Update the circle circleObj.Update End Sub
Reset Active Objects

Changes to most active objects, such as the active layer and active linetype, will appear immediately. However, there are several active objects that must be reset for changes to appear. These objects are the active text style, the active UCS, and the active viewport. If changes are made to any of these objects, the object must be reset, and the Regen method must be called for the changes to appear.
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To reset these objects, simply set the ActiveTextStyle, ActiveUCS, or ActiveViewport property, using the updated object. Reset the active viewport The following example changes the display of the grid in the active viewport and then resets the viewport as the active viewport to display the change.
Sub Ch3_ResetActiveViewport() ' Toggle the setting of the grid display ' for the active viewport ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.GridOn = _ Not (ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.GridOn) ' Reset the active viewport ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport = ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport End Sub
Set and Return System Variables

The Document object provides the SetVariable and GetVariable methods for setting and retrieving AutoCAD system variables. For example, to assign an integer to the MAXSORT system variable, use the following code:
ThisDrawing.SetVariable "MAXSORT", 100
Draw with Precision

With AutoCAD you can create your drawings with precise geometry without performing tedious calculations. Often you can specify precise points without knowing the coordinates. Without leaving the drawing screen, you can perform calculations on your drawing and display various types of status information. At this time, AutoCAD ActiveX Automation does not provide a method for the following AutoCAD capabilities:

Setting object snaps Specifying measured intervals on objects or dividing objects into segments
For more information about this topic, see Use Precision Tools in the Users Guide.
Set and Return System Variables
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Adjust Snap and Grid Alignment

You can use the grid as a visual guideline and turn on Snap mode to restrict cursor movement. In addition to setting the spacing, you can adjust the snap and grid alignment. You can rotate the alignment, or you can set it for use with isometric drawings. If you need to draw along a specific alignment or angle, you can rotate the snap angle. The center point of the snap angle rotation is the snap base point. If you need to align a hatch pattern, you can change this point, which is normally set to 0,0. To rotate the snap angle, use the SnapRotationAngle property. To change the base point of the snap angle rotation, use the SnapBasePoint property.
Note Both properties require a call to the Update method to update the
AutoCAD display. See Adjust Grid and Grid Snap in the Users Guide for more information on using and setting snaps and grids. Change the snap base point and rotation angle This example changes the snap base point to (1,1) and the snap rotation angle to 30 degrees. The grid is turned on so that the changes are visible.
Sub Ch3_ChangeSnapBasePoint() ' Turn on the grid for the active viewport ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.GridOn = True ' Change the snap base point to 1, 1 Dim newBasePoint(0 To 1) As Double newBasePoint(0) = 1: newBasePoint(1) = 1 ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.SnapBasePoint = newBasePoint ' Change the snap rotation angle to 30 degrees (0.575 radians) Dim rotationAngle As Double rotationAngle = 0.575 ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.SnapRotationAngle = rotationAngle ' reset the viewport ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport = ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport End Sub
Use Ortho Mode

As you draw lines or move objects, you can use Ortho mode to restrict the cursor to the horizontal or vertical axis. (The orthogonal alignment depends
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on the current snap angle or UCS.) Ortho mode works with activities that require you to specify a second point. You can use Ortho not only to establish vertical or horizontal alignment but also to enforce parallelism or create regular offsets. By allowing AutoCAD to impose orthogonal restraints, you can draw more quickly. For example, you can create a series of perpendicular lines by turning on Ortho mode before you start drawing. Because the lines are constrained to the horizontal and vertical axes, you can draw faster, knowing that the lines are perpendicular.
ortho mode on
ortho mode off
As you move the cursor, a rubber-band line that defines the displacement follows the horizontal or vertical axis, depending on which axis is nearest to the cursor. AutoCAD ignores Ortho mode in perspective views, or when you enter coordinates on the command line or specify an object snap. To turn Ortho mode on or off, use the OrthoOn property. This property requires a Boolean for input. Set to TRUE to turn Ortho mode on, and to FALSE to turn Ortho mode off. For example, the following statement turns Ortho mode on for the active viewport:
ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.OrthoOn = True
Draw Construction Lines

You can create construction lines that extend to infinity in one or both directions. Construction lines that extend in one direction are known as rays. Construction lines that extend in both directions are known as xlines. These construction lines can be used as a reference for creating other objects. For example, you can use construction lines to find the center of a triangle, prepare multiple views of the same item, or create temporary intersections that you can use for object snaps. For more information about construction lines, see Draw Construction and Reference Geometry in the Users Guide.
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Create Construction XLines

A construction xline can be placed anywhere in 3D space and extends to infinity in both directions. To create an xline, use the AddXLine method. This method specifies the line by the two-point method, you enter or select two points to define the orientation. The first point, the root, is considered the midpoint of the construction line. For more information on creating construction xlines, see Draw Construction and Reference Geometry in the Users Guide. Add a construction line The following example code creates an XLine object using the two points (5, 0, 0) and (1, 1, 0).
Sub Ch3_AddXLine() Dim xlineObj As AcadXline Dim basePoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim directionVec(0 To 2) As Double ' Define the xline basePoint(0) = 2#: basePoint(1) = 2#: basePoint(2) = 0# directionVec(0) = 1#: directionVec(1) = 1#: directionVec(2) = 0# ' Create the xline in model space Set xlineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddXLine _ (basePoint, directionVec) ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll End Sub
Query Construction XLines

Once created, you can query the first point of a constuction xline using the BasePoint property. The second point used to create the xline is not stored with the object. Instead, use the DirectionVector property to obtain the directional vector for the xline. Query a construction line This example finds the base point and directional vector for the xline created in Add a construction line.
Dim BPoint As Variant Dim Vector As Variant BPoint = xlineObj.basePoint Vector = xlineObj.DirectionVector
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Create Rays
A ray is a line in 3D space that starts at a point you specify and extends to infinity. Unlike xline construction lines, which extend in two directions, rays extend in only one direction. As a result, rays help reduce the visual clutter caused by numerous construction lines. Like construction lines, rays are ignored by commands that display the drawing extents. For more information on rays, see Draw Construction Lines (and Rays) in the Users Guide.
Query Rays
Once created, you can query the first point of a ray using the BasePoint property. The second point used to create the ray is not stored with the object. Instead, use the DirectionVector property to obtain the directional vector for the ray. Add, query, and edit a Ray object The following example code creates a Ray object using the two points (5, 0, 0) and (1, 1, 0). It then queries the current base point and direction vector and displays the results in a message box. The direction vector is then changed and the base point and new direction vector are queried and displayed.
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Sub Ch3_EditRay() Dim rayObj As AcadRay Dim basePoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim secondPoint(0 To 2) As Double ' Define the ray basePoint(0) = 3#: basePoint(1) = 3#: basePoint(2) = 0# secondPoint(0) = 4#: secondPoint(1) = 4#: secondPoint(2) = 0# ' Creates a Ray object in model space Set rayObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddRay _ (basePoint, secondPoint) ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll ' Find the current status of the Ray MsgBox "The base point of the ray is: " & _ rayObj.basePoint(0) & ", " & _ rayObj.basePoint(1) & ", " & _ rayObj.basePoint(2) & vbCrLf & _ "The directional vector for the ray is: " & _ rayObj.DirectionVector(0) & ", " & _ rayObj.DirectionVector(1) & ", " & _ rayObj.DirectionVector(2), , "Edit Ray" ' Change the directional vector for the ray Dim newVector(0 To 2) As Double newVector(0) = -1 newVector(1) = 1 newVector(2) = 0 rayObj.DirectionVector = newVector ThisDrawing.Regen False MsgBox "The base point of the ray is: " & _ rayObj.basePoint(0) & ", " & _ rayObj.basePoint(1) & ", " & _ rayObj.basePoint(2) & vbCrLf & _ "The directional vector for the ray is: " & _ rayObj.DirectionVector(0) & ", " & _ rayObj.DirectionVector(1) & ", " & _ rayObj.DirectionVector(2), , "Edit Ray" End Sub
Calculate Points and Values

By using the methods provided by the Utility object, you can quickly solve a mathematical problem or locate points on your drawing. By using methods on the Utility object, you can do the following:

Find the angle of a line from the X axis with the AngleFromXAxis method Convert an angle as a string to a real (double) value with the AngleToReal method
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Convert an angle from a real (double) value to a string with the AngleToString method Convert a distance from a string to a real (double) value with the DistanceToReal method Create a variant that contains an array of integers, floating numbers, doubles, and so forth, with the CreateTypedArray method Find the point at a specified angle and distance from a given point with the PolarPoint method Translate a point from one coordinate system to another coordinate system with the TranslateCoordinates method Find the distance between two points entered by the user with the GetDistance method
Find the distance between two points with the GetDistance method This example uses the GetDistance method to obtain the point coordinates, and the MsgBox function to display the calculated distance.
Sub Ch3_GetDistanceBetweenTwoPoints() Dim returnDist As Double ' Return the value entered by user. A prompt is provided. returnDist = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetDistance _ (, "Pick two points.") MsgBox "The distance between the two points is: " & returnDist End Sub
Calculate Areas
You can find the area of an arc, circle, ellipse, lightweight polyline, polyline, region, or planar-closed spline by using the Area property. If you need to calculate the combined area of more than one object, you can keep a running total as you add or use the Boolean method on a series of regions to obtain a single region representing the desired area. From this single region you can use the Area property to obtain its area. The calculated area differs according to the type of object you query. For an explanation of how area is calculated for each object type, see Obtain Area Information in the Users Guide.
Calculate a Defined Area

You can measure an arbitrary closed region defined by the 2D or 3D points specified by the user. The points must be coplanar.
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To obtain the area specified by points from the user 1 Use the GetPoint method in a loop to obtain the points from the user. 2 Create a lightweight polyline from the points provided by the user. Use the AddLightweightPolyline method to create the polyline. 3 Use the Area property to obtain the area of the newly created polyline. 4 Erase the polyline using the Erase method. Calculate the area defined by points entered from the user This example prompts the user to enter five points. A polyline is then created out of the points entered. The polyline is closed, and the area of the polyline is displayed in a message box.
Sub Ch3_CalculateDefinedArea() Dim p1 As Variant Dim p2 As Variant Dim p3 As Variant Dim p4 As Variant Dim p5 As Variant ' Get the points from the user p1 = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint(, vbCrLf & "First point: ") p2 = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint(p1, vbCrLf & "Second point: ") p3 = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint(p2, vbCrLf & "Third point: ") p4 = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint(p3, vbCrLf & "Fourth point: ") p5 = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint(p4, vbCrLf & "Fifth point: ") ' Create the 2D polyline from the points Dim polyObj As AcadLWPolyline Dim vertices(0 To 9) As Double vertices(0) = p1(0): vertices(1) = p1(1) vertices(2) = p2(0): vertices(3) = p2(1) vertices(4) = p3(0): vertices(5) = p3(1) vertices(6) = p4(0): vertices(7) = p4(1) vertices(8) = p5(0): vertices(9) = p5(1) Set polyObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddLightWeightPolyline _ (vertices) polyObj.Closed = True ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll ' Display the area for the polyline MsgBox "The area defined by the points is " & _ polyObj.Area, , "Calculate Defined Area" End Sub
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Prompt for User Input

The Utility object, which is a child of the Document object, defines the user input methods. The user input methods display a prompt on the AutoCAD command line and request input of various types. This type of user input is most useful for interactive input of screen coordinates, entity selection, and short-string or numeric values. If your application requires the input of numerous options or values, a dialog box may be more appropriate than individual prompts. Each user input method displays a prompt on the AutoCAD command line and returns a value specific to the type of input requested. For example, GetString returns a string, GetPoint returns a variant (which contains a threeelement array of doubles), and GetInteger returns an integer value. You can further control the input from the user with the InitializeUserInput method. This method lets you control things such as NULL input (pressing ENTER ), input of zero or negative numbers, and input of arbitrary text values. To force the prompt to display on a line by itself, use the carriage return/linefeed constant (vbCrLf) at the beginning of your prompt strings.
GetString Method
The GetString method prompts the user for input of a string at the AutoCAD Command prompt. This method accepts two parameters. The first parameter controls the input of spaces in the input string. If it is set to 0, spaces are not allowed ( SPACEBAR terminates the input); if set to 1, the string can contain spaces ( ENTER must be used to terminate the input). The second parameter is the prompt string. Get a string value from the user at the AutoCAD command line The following example displays the Enter Your Name prompt, and requires that the input from the user be terminated by pressing ENTER (spaces are allowed in the input string). The string value is stored in the retVal variable and is displayed using a message box.
Sub Ch3_GetStringFromUser() Dim retVal As String retVal = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetString _ (1, vbCrLf & "Enter your name: ") MsgBox "The name entered was: " & retVal End Sub
The GetString method does not honor a prior call to the InitializeUserInput method.
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GetPoint Method
The GetPoint method prompts the user for the specification of a point at the AutoCAD Command prompt. This method accepts two parameters, an optional from point and the prompt string. If the from point is provided, AutoCAD draws a rubber-band line from that point. To control the user input, this method can be preceded by a call to the InitializeUserInput method. Get a point selected by the user The following example prompts the user for two points, then draws a line using those points as the start point and endpoint.
Sub Ch3_GetPointsFromUser() Dim startPnt As Variant Dim endPnt As Variant Dim prompt1 As String Dim prompt2 As String prompt1 = vbCrLf & "Enter the start point of the line: " prompt2 = vbCrLf & "Enter the end point of the line: " ' Get the first point without entering a base point startPnt = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint(, prompt1) ' Use the point entered above as the base point endPnt = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint(startPnt, prompt2) ' Create a line using the two points entered ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddLine startPnt, endPnt ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll End Sub
GetKeyword Method
The GetKeyword method prompts the user for input of a keyword at the AutoCAD Command prompt. This method accepts only one parameter, which is the prompt string. The keywords and input parameters are defined with a call to the InitializeUserInput method. Get a keyword from the user at the AutoCAD command line The following example forces the user to enter a keyword by setting the first parameter of InitializeUserInput to 1, which disallows NULL input (pressing ENTER ). The second parameter establishes the list of valid keywords.
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Sub Ch3_KeyWord() Dim keyWord As String ThisDrawing.Utility.InitializeUserInput 1, "Line Circle Arc" keyWord = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetKeyword _ (vbCrLf & "Enter an option (Line/Circle/Arc): ") MsgBox keyWord, , "GetKeyword Example" End Sub
A more user-friendly keyword prompt is one that provides a default value if the user presses ENTER (NULL input). Notice the minor modifications to the following example:
Sub Ch3_KeyWord2() Dim keyWord As String ThisDrawing.Utility.InitializeUserInput 0, "Line Circle Arc" keyWord = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetKeyword _ (vbCrLf & "Enter an option (Line/Circle/<Arc>): ") If keyWord = "" Then keyWord = "Arc" MsgBox keyWord, , "GetKeyword Example" End Sub
Control User Input

You can use the InitializeUserInput method to define keywords or restrict the type of input to the user input method. The use and parameter values are similar to the AutoLISP initget function. InitializeUserInput can be used with the following methods: GetAngle, GetCorner, GetDistance, GetInteger, GetKeyword, GetOrientation, GetPoint, and GetReal. InitializeUserInput cannot be used with the GetString method. Use the GetInput method to retrieve the string value (keyword or arbitrary input) when the user input method does not return a string value. The InitializeUserInput method accepts two parameters. The first parameter is a bit-coded integer value that determines the input options for the user input method. The second parameter is a string that defines the valid keywords. Get an integer value or a keyword from the user at the AutoCAD command line The following example prompts the user for a positive, non-negative integer value or a keyword:
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Sub Ch3_UserInput() ' The first parameter of InitializeUserInput (6) ' restricts input to positive and non-negative ' values. The second parameter is the list of ' valid keywords. ThisDrawing.Utility.InitializeUserInput 6, "Big Small Regular" ' Set the prompt string variable Dim promptStr As String promptStr = vbCrLf & "Enter the size or (Big/Small/<Regular>):" ' At the GetInteger prompt, entering a keyword or pressing ' ENTER without entering a value results in an error. To allow ' your application to continue and check for the error ' description, you must set the error handler to resume on error. On Error Resume Next ' Get the value entered by the user Dim returnInteger As Integer returnInteger = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetInteger(promptStr) ' Check for an error. If the error number matches the ' one shown below, then use GetInput to get the returned ' string; otherwise, use the value of returnInteger. If Err.Number = -2145320928 Then Dim returnString As String Debug.Print Err.Description returnString = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetInput() If returnString = "" Then 'ENTER returns null string returnString = "Regular" 'Set to default End If Err.Clear Else 'Otherwise, returnString = returnInteger 'Use the value entered End If ' Display the result MsgBox returnString, , "InitializeUserInput Example" End Sub
Access the AutoCAD Command Line

You can send commands directly to the AutoCAD command line by using the SendCommand method. The SendCommand method sends a single string to the command line. The string must contain the arguments to the command listed in the order expected by the prompt sequence of the executed command. A blank space or the ASCII equivalent of a carriage return in the string is equivalent to pressing ENTER on the keyboard. Unlike
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the AutoLISP environment, invoking the SendCommand method with no argument is invalid. Send a command to the AutoCAD command line The following example creates a circle with a center of (2, 2, 0) and a radius of 4. The drawing is then zoomed to all the geometry in the drawing. Notice that there is a space at the end of the string which represents the final ENTER to begin execution of the command.
Sub Ch3_SendACommandToAutoCAD() ThisDrawing.SendCommand "_Circle 2,2,0 4 " ThisDrawing.SendCommand "_zoom a " End Sub
Work with No Documents Open

AutoCAD always starts up with a new or existing document open. It is possible, however, to close all documents during the current session. If you close all the documents in the AutoCAD user interface, you will notice a few changes to the application window. The available menus are reduced to simply the File, View, Window, and Help menus. These menus also have reduced available options on them. You will also notice that there is no command line. Similarly, the ActiveX interface only allows the following actions when no documents are open:

You can open a document. You can create a new document. You can import a document. You can exit out of AutoCAD.
These actions are all available from the Documents collection. The methods and properties of the Documents collection, in addition to a limited set of methods and properties of the Application object, are the only valid interface available when there are no documents open. If you perform any other action, such as attempting to access user options, your actions will result in an error. Use the Count property on the Documents collection to determine if AutoCAD is in a zero document state. If Documents.Count = 0, then AutoCAD is in a zero document state. If Documents.Count > 0, then there is at least one drawing open.
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It is also important to note that in VBA the ThisDrawing object is not defined when AutoCAD is in a zero document state. This makes sense since ThisDrawing normally refers to the active drawing and in the zero document state there are no drawings open. Attempting to execute a macro that uses ThisDrawing will result in a runtime error. To avoid the error, use the VBA GetObject function, and specify the AutoCAD version, to obtain a connection to AutoCAD when there are no documents open.
Import Other File Formats

You can use drawings or images from other applications by opening them in specific formats. AutoCAD handles some form of conversion for DXF, SAT, and WMF files. For all versions, you can import the file by using the Import method. This method takes three values as input: the name of the file to import, the insertion point in the drawing to place the file, and the scale factor to use when placing the imported drawing.
Export to Other File Formats

If you need to use an AutoCAD drawing in another application, you can convert it to a specific format by using the Export method. This method exports the AutoCAD drawing to a WMF, SAT, EPS, DXF, or BMP format. The Export method takes three values as input: the name for the new file to be created, the extension for the new file, and the selection set of objects to export. When exporting to WMF, SAT, or BMP formats, you must provide a nonempty selection set. This selection set specifies the objects from the drawing to export. If no selection set is specified, nothing is exported and a trappable invalid argument error results. When exporting to EPS and DXF formats, Export ignores the selection set argument, but it is still required. The entire drawing is automatically exported for these formats. Export a drawing as a DXF file and import it again This example creates a circle in the current drawing. It then exports the drawing to a file called DXFExprt.DXF, opens a new drawing, and imports the file. Note that an empty selection set is provided as an argument to Export. The Export method ignores selection set information when exporting a DXF file, but a syntax error results if the argument is omitted.
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Sub Ch3_ImportingAndExporting() ' Create the circle for visual representation Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim centerPt(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double centerPt(0) = 2: centerPt(1) = 2: centerPt(2) = 0 radius = 1 Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle _ (centerPt, radius) ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll ' Create an empty selection set Dim sset As AcadSelectionSet Set sset = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Add("NEWSSET") 'Export the current drawing to a DXF file in the ' AutoCAD temporary file directory Dim tempPath As String Dim exportFile As String Const dxfname As String = "DXFExprt" tempPath = _ ThisDrawing.Application.preferences.Files.TempFilePath exportFile = tempPath & dxfname ThisDrawing.Export exportFile, "DXF", sset ' Delete the empty selection set ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Item("NEWSSET").Delete ' Open a new drawing ThisDrawing.Application.Documents.Add "acad.dwt" ' Define the import Dim importFile As String Dim insertPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim scalefactor As Double importFile = tempPath & dxfname & ".dxf" insertPoint(0) = 0: insertPoint(1) = 0: insertPoint(2) = 0 scalefactor = 2# ' Import the file ThisDrawing.Import importFile, insertPoint, scalefactor ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll End Sub
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You can create a range of objects, from simple lines and circles to spline curves, ellipses, and associative hatch areas. In general, you add objects to model space using one of the Add methods. You can also create objects in paper space, or in a block. Once an object is created, you can change the layer, color, and linetype of the object. You can also add text to annotate your drawing.
In this chapter
Create Objects Work with Selection Sets Edit Objects Use Layers, Colors, and
Linetypes
Save and Restore Layer Settings Add Text to Drawings
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Create Objects
While there are often several different ways to create the same graphical , object in AutoCAD ActiveX Automation offers only one creation method per object. For example, in AutoCAD there are four different ways you can create a circle: (1) by specifying the center and radius, (2) by two points defining the diameter, (3) by three points defining the circumference, or (4) by two tangents and a radius. However, in ActiveX Automation there is only one creation method provided to create a circle, and that method uses the center and radius.
Note The VB and VBA methods of creating objects using either CreateObject or Dim with the New keyword can only be used to create the AutoCAD Application object. All other AutoCAD objects must be created using the Add or Add<objectname> methods provided in the AutoCAD interface.
Determine the Container Object

Graphical objects are created in either the ModelSpace collection, PaperSpace collection, or a Block object. The ModelSpace collection is returned by the ModelSpace property and the PaperSpace collection by the PaperSpace property. You can reference these objects directly, or through a user-defined variable. To reference the objects directly, include the object in the calling hierarchy. For example, the following statement adds a line to the model space:
Set lineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddLine(startPoint,endPoint)
To reference the objects through a user-defined variable, define the variable as type AcadModelSpace or AcadPaperSpace, and then set the variable to the appropriate property of the active document. The following example defines two variables and sets them equal to the current model space and paper space, respectively:
Dim Dim Set Set moSpace paSpace moSpace paSpace As AcadModelSpace As AcadPaperSpace = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace = ThisDrawing.PaperSpace
The following statement adds a line to the model space using the userdefined variable:
Set lineObj = moSpace.AddLine(startPoint,endPoint)
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Create Lines
The line is the most basic object in AutoCAD. You can create a variety of linessingle lines, and multiple line segments with and without arcs. In general, you draw lines by specifying coordinate points. The default linetype is CONTINUOUS, an unbroken line, but various linetypes are available that use dots and dashes. To create a line, use one of the following methods: AddLine Creates a line passing through two points.
AddLightweightPolyline Creates a 2D lightweight polyline from a list of vertices. AddMLine AddPolyline Creates a multiline. Creates a 2D or 3D polyline.
Standard lines and multilines are created on the XY plane of the WCS. Polylines and Lightweight Polylines are created in the Object Coordinate System (OCS). For information about converting OCS coordinates, see Convert Coordinates on page 245. Create a Polyline object This example uses the AddLightweightPolyline method to create a simple two-segment polyline using the 2D coordinates (2,4), (4,2), and (6,4).
Sub Ch4_AddLightWeightPolyline() Dim plineObj As AcadLWPolyline Dim points(0 To 5) As Double ' Define the 2D polyline points(0) = 2: points(1) points(2) = 4: points(3) points(4) = 6: points(5) points = 4 = 2 = 4
' Create a light weight Polyline object in model space Set plineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points) ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll End Sub
Create Curved Objects

You can create a variety of curved objects with AutoCAD, including spline curves, circles, arcs, and ellipses. All curves are created on the XY plane of the current WCS.
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To create a curve, use one of the following methods: AddArc AddCircle AddEllipse AddSpline Creates an arc given the center, radius, start and end angles. Creates a circle given the center point and radius. Creates an ellipse given the center point, a point on the major axis, and the radius ratio. Creates a quadratic or cubic NURBS (nonuniform rational B-spline) curve.
Create a Spline object This example creates a spline in model space using three points (0, 0, 0), (5, 5, 0), and (10, 0, 0). The spline has start and end tangents of (0.5, 0.5, 0.0).
Sub Ch4_CreateSpline() ' This example creates a spline object in model space. ' Declare the variables needed Dim splineObj As AcadSpline Dim startTan(0 To 2) As Double Dim endTan(0 To 2) As Double Dim fitPoints(0 To 8) As Double ' Define the variables startTan(0) = 0.5: startTan(1) = 0.5: startTan(2) = 0 endTan(0) = 0.5: endTan(1) = 0.5: endTan(2) = 0 fitPoints(0) = 1: fitPoints(1) = 1: fitPoints(2) = 0 fitPoints(3) = 5: fitPoints(4) = 5: fitPoints(5) = 0 fitPoints(6) = 10: fitPoints(7) = 0: fitPoints(8) = 0 ' Create the spline Set splineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddSpline _ (fitPoints, startTan, endTan) ZoomAll End Sub
For more information about splines, see the Spline object and AddSpline method documentation in the AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA Reference.
Create Point Objects

Point objects can be useful, for example, as node or reference points that you can snap to and offset objects from. You can set the style of the point and its size relative to the screen or in absolute units. The PDMODE and PDSIZE system variables control the appearance of Point objects. The PDMODE values 0, 2, 3, and 4 specify a figure to draw through the point. A value of 1 selects nothing to be displayed.
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Adding 32, 64, or 96 to the previous value selects a shape to draw around the point in addition to the figure drawn through it:
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PDSIZE controls the size of the point figures, except for PDMODE values 0 and
1. A 0 setting generates the point at 5 percent of the graphics area height. A positive PDSIZE value specifies an absolute size for the point figures. A negative value is interpreted as a percentage of the viewport size. The size of all points is recalculated when the drawing is regenerated. After you change PDMODE and PDSIZE, the appearance of existing points changes the next time the drawing is regenerated. To set PDMODE and PDSIZE, use the SetVariable method. Create a Point object and change its appearance The following code example creates a Point object in model space at the coordinate (5, 5, 0). The PDMODE and PDSIZE system variables are then updated.
Sub Ch4_CreatePoint() Dim pointObj As AcadPoint Dim location(0 To 2) As Double ' Define the location of the point location(0) = 5#: location(1) = 5#: location(2) = 0# ' Create the point Set pointObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddPoint(location) ThisDrawing.SetVariable "PDMODE", 34 ThisDrawing.SetVariable "PDSIZE", 1 ZoomAll End Sub
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Create Solid-Filled Areas

You can create triangular and quadrilateral areas filled with a color. For quicker results, create these areas with the FILLMODE system variable off, then turn FILLMODE on to fill the finished area. When you create a quadrilateral solid-filled area, the sequence of the third and fourth points determines its shape. Compare the following illustrations:
1 2 1 2
The first two points define one edge of the polygon. The third point is defined diagonally opposite from the second. If the fourth point is set equal to the third point, then a filled triangle is created. To create a solid-filled area, use the AddSolid method. For more information about filling solids, see Create Solid-Filled Areas in the Users Guide. Create a solid-filled object The following code example creates a quadrilateral solid in model space using the coordinates (0, 0, 0), (5, 0, 0), (5, 8, 0), and (0, 8, 0).
Sub Ch4_CreateSolid() Dim solidObj As AcadSolid Dim point1(0 To 2) As Double Dim point2(0 To 2) As Double Dim point3(0 To 2) As Double Dim point4(0 To 2) As Double ' Define the solid point1(0) = 0#: point1(1) = 0#: point1(2) = 0# point2(0) = 5#: point2(1) = 0#: point2(2) = 0# point3(0) = 5#: point3(1) = 8#: point3(2) = 0# point4(0) = 0#: point4(1) = 8#: point4(2) = 0# ' Create the solid object in model space Set solidObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddSolid _ (point1, point2, point3, point4) ZoomAll End Sub
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Work with Regions

Regions are two-dimensional enclosed areas you create from closed shapes called loops. A loop is a curve or a sequence of connected curves that defines an area on a plane with a boundary that does not intersect itself. Loops can be combinations of lines, lightweight polylines, circles, arcs, ellipses, elliptical arcs, splines, 3D faces, traces, and solids. The objects that make up the loops must either be closed or form closed areas by sharing endpoints with other objects. They must also be coplanar (on the same plane). The loops that make up a region must be defined as an array of objects. For more information about working with regions, see Create and Combine Areas (Regions) in chapter 16, Draw Geometric Objects, in the Users Guide.
Create Regions
To create a region, use the AddRegion method. This method will create a region out of every closed loop formed by the input array of curves. AutoCAD converts closed 2D and planar 3D polylines to separate regions, then converts polylines, lines, and curves that form closed planar loops. If more than two curves share an endpoint, the resulting region might be arbitrary. Because of this, several regions may actually be created when using the AddRegion method. Use a variant to hold the newly created array of regions. To calculate the total number of Region objects created, use the UBound and LBound Visual Basic functions, as in the following example:
UBound(objRegions) - LBound(objRegions) + 1
where objRegions is a variant containing the return value from AddRegion. This statement will calculate the total number of regions created. Create a simple region The following code example creates a region from a single circle.
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Sub Ch4_CreateRegion() ' Define an array to hold the ' boundaries of the region. Dim curves(0 To 0) As AcadCircle ' Create a circle to become a ' boundary for the region. Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 2 center(1) = 2 center(2) = 0 radius = 5# Set curves(0) = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle _ (center, radius) ' Create the region Dim regionObj As Variant regionObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddRegion(curves) ZoomAll End Sub
Create Composite Regions

You can create composite regions by subtracting, combining, or finding the intersection of regions or 3D solids. You can then extrude or revolve composite regions to create complex solids. To create a composite region, use the Boolean method. When you subtract one region from another, you call the Boolean method from the first region. This is the region from which you want to subtract. For example, to calculate how much carpeting is needed for a floorplan, call the Boolean method from the outer boundary of the floor space and use the uncarpeted areas, such as pillars and counters, as the object in the Boolean parameter list.
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Create a composite region

Sub Ch4_CreateCompositeRegions() ' Create two circles, one representing a room, ' the other a pillar in the center of the room Dim RoomObjects(0 To 1) As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 4 center(1) = 4 center(2) = 0 radius = 2# Set RoomObjects(0) = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) radius = 1# Set RoomObjects(1) = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) ' Create a region from the two circles Dim regions As Variant regions = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddRegion(RoomObjects) ' Copy the regions into the region variables for ease of use Dim RoundRoomObj As AcadRegion Dim PillarObj As AcadRegion If regions(0).Area > regions(1).Area Then ' The first region is the room Set RoundRoomObj = regions(0) Set PillarObj = regions(1) Else ' The first region is the pillar Set PillarObj = regions(0) Set RoundRoomObj = regions(1) End If ' Subtract the pillar space from the floor space to ' get a region that represents the total carpet area. RoundRoomObj.Boolean acSubtraction, PillarObj ' Use the Area property to determine the total carpet area MsgBox "The carpet area is: " & RoundRoomObj.Area End Sub
Find the area of the resulting region with the Area property.
Unite Regions
To unite regions, call the Boolean method and enter the constant acUnion for the operation instead of acSubtraction. You can combine regions in any order to unite them.
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Find the Intersection of Two Regions

To find the intersection of two regions, use the constant acIntersection. You can combine regions in any order to intersect them.
Create Hatches
Hatching fills a specified area in a drawing with a pattern. When creating a hatch, you do not initially specify the area to be filled. First you must create the Hatch object. Once this is done, you can specify the outer loop, which is the outermost boundary for the hatch. You can then continue to specify any inner loops that may exist in the hatch. For more information about working with hatches, see Overview of Hatch Patterns and Fills in chapter 18, Hatches, Fills, and Wipeouts, in the Users Guide.
Create the Hatch Object

When creating the Hatch object, you specify the hatch pattern type, the hatch pattern name, and the associativity. Once the Hatch object has been created, you will not be able to change the hatch associativity. To create a Hatch object, use the AddHatch method.
Associate a Hatch
You can create associative or nonassociative hatches. Associative hatches are linked to their boundaries and updated when the boundaries are modified. Nonassociative hatches are independent of their boundaries. Associativity can only be set when a hatch is created. Once a hatch has been created, you can unassociate it, but you cannot associate it again. To make a hatch associative, set the Associativity parameter of the AddHatch method to TRUE. To make a hatch nonassociative, set the Associativity parameter of the AddHatch method to FALSE.
Assign the Hatch Pattern Type and Name

AutoCAD supplies a solid-fill and more than fifty industry-standard hatch patterns. Hatch patterns highlight a particular feature or area of a drawing. For example, patterns can help differentiate the components of a 3D object or represent the materials that make up an object. You can use a pattern supplied with AutoCAD or one from an external pattern library. For a table of the hatch patterns supplied with AutoCAD, see the AutoCAD Command Reference.
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To specify a unique pattern, you must enter both a pattern type and a pattern name when creating the Hatch object. The pattern type specifies where to look up the pattern name. When entering the pattern type, use one of the following constants: acHatchPatternTypePredefined Selects the pattern name from those defined in the acad.pat file acHatchPatternTypeUserDefined Defines a pattern of lines using the current linetype acHatchPatternTypeCustomDefined Selects the pattern name from a PAT other than the acad.pat file When entering the pattern name, use a name that is valid for the file specified by the pattern type.
Define the Hatch Boundaries

Once the Hatch object is created, the hatch boundaries can be added. Boundaries can be any combination of lines, arcs, circles, 2D polylines, ellipses, splines, and regions. The first boundary added must be the outer boundary, which defines the outer most limits to be filled by the hatch. To add the outer boundary, use the AppendOuterLoop method. Once the outer boundary is defined, you can continue adding inner boundaries. Add inner boundaries with the AppendInnerLoop method. Inner boundaries define islands within the hatch. How these islands are handled by the Hatch object depends on the setting of the HatchStyle property. The HatchStyle property can be set to one of the following conditions: Hatch style definitions
HatchStyle Condition Normal Description Specifies standard style, or normal. This option hatches inward from the outermost area boundary. If AutoCAD encounters an internal boundary, it turns off hatching until it encounters another boundary. This is the default setting for the HatchStyle property.
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Hatch style definitions (continued)

HatchStyle Condition Outer Description Fills the outermost areas only. This style also hatches inward from the area boundary, but it turns off hatching if it encounters an internal boundary and does not turn it back on again.
Ignore
Ignores internal structure. This option hatches through all internal objects.
When you have finished defining the hatch it must be evaluated before it can be displayed. Use the Evaluate method to do this. Create a Hatch object This example creates an associate hatch in model space. Once the hatch has been created, you can change the size of the circle that the hatch is associated with. The hatch will change to match the current circle size.
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Sub Ch4_CreateHatch() Dim hatchObj As AcadHatch Dim patternName As String Dim PatternType As Long Dim bAssociativity As Boolean ' Define the hatch patternName = "ANSI31" PatternType = 0 bAssociativity = True ' Create the associative Hatch object Set hatchObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddHatch _ (PatternType, patternName, bAssociativity) ' Create the outer boundary for the hatch. (a circle) Dim outerLoop(0 To 0) As AcadEntity Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 3: center(1) = 3: center(2) = 0 radius = 1 Set outerLoop(0) = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) ' Append the outerboundary to the hatch ' object, and display the hatch hatchObj.AppendOuterLoop (outerLoop) hatchObj.Evaluate ThisDrawing.Regen True End Sub
Work with Selection Sets

A selection set is a group of AutoCAD objects specified for processing as a single unit. A selection set can consist of a single object, or it can be a more complex grouping: for example, the set of objects of a certain layer. Defining a selection set is a two-step process. First, you must create a new selection set and add it to the SelectionSets collection. Once created, you then populate the selection set with the objects you want to process.
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Create a Selection Set

To create a named selection set, use the Add method. This method requires only a single parameterthe name of the selection set. If a selection set of the same name already exists, AutoCAD returns an error message. It is a good programming practice to delete a selection set when you no longer need it. Use the Delete method to delete a selection set, as in the following example:
ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Item("NewSelectionSet").Delete
Create an empty selection set This example creates a new selection set.
Sub Ch4_CreateSelectionSet() Dim selectionSet1 As AcadSelectionSet Set selectionSet1 = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets. _ Add("NewSelectionSet") End Sub
Add Objects to a Selection Set

You can add objects to the active selection set by using any of the following methods: AddItems Select Adds one or more objects to the specified selection set. Selects objects and places them into the active selection set. You can select all objects, objects within and crossing a rectangular area, objects within and crossing a polygon area, all objects crossing a fence, the most recently created object, the objects in the most recent selection set, objects within a window, or objects within a window polygon. Selects objects passing through a given point and places them into the active selection set. Selects objects within a fence and adds them to the active selection set. Prompts the user to pick objects from the screen and adds them into the active selection set.
SelectAtPoint SelectByPolygon SelectOnScreen
Add selected objects to a selection set This example prompts the user to select objects, then adds those objects to the selection set.
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Sub Ch4_AddToASelectionSet() ' Create a new selection set Dim sset As AcadSelectionSet Set sset = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Add("SS1") ' Prompt the user to select objects ' and add them to the selection set. ' To finish selecting, press ENTER. sset.SelectOnScreen End Sub
Define Rules for Selection Sets

You can limit selection sets by property or by object type using filter lists. For example, you can copy only the blue objects in a circuit board drawing, or only objects on a certain layer. You can also combine selection criteria in your filter list. For example, you can tell AutoCAD to include an object in a selection set only if it is a blue circle on a specific layer. Filter lists can be specified for the Select, SelectAtPoint, SelectByPolygon, and SelectOnScreen methods.
Note Filtering recognizes only linetypes explicitly assigned to objects, not

those inherited by the layer.
Use Filter Lists to Define Selection Set Rules

Filter lists are composed of pairs of arguments. The first argument identifies the type of filter (for example, an object), and the second argument specifies the value you are filtering on (for example, circles). The filter type is a DXF group code that specifies which filter to use. A few of the most common filter types are listed here. DXF codes for common filters
DXF code 0 Filter type Object Type (String) Such as Line, Circle, Arc, and so forth. Object Name (String) The table (given) name of a named object. Layer Name (String) Such as Layer 0.
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DXF codes for common filters (continued)

DXF code 60 Filter type Object Visibility (Integer) Use 0 = visible, 1 = invisible. Color Number (Integer) Numeric index values ranging from 0 to 256. Zero indicates the BYBLOCK. 256 indicates BYLAYER. A negative value indicates that the layer is turned off. Model/paper space indicator (Integer) Use 0 or omitted = model space, 1 = paper space.
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For a complete list of DXF group codes, see Group Codes in Numerical Order in the DXF Reference. The filter arguments are declared as arrays. The filter type is declared as an integer and the filter value as a variant. Each filter type must be paired with a filter value. For example:
FilterType(0) = 0 FilterData(0) = "Circle" 'Indicates filter refers to an object type 'Indicates the object type is "Circle"
Specify a single selection criterion for a selection set The following code prompts users to select objects to be included in a selection set, but only adds the selected object if it is a Circle:
Sub Ch4_FilterMtext() Dim sstext As AcadSelectionSet Dim FilterType(0) As Integer Dim FilterData(0) As Variant Set sstext = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Add("SS2") FilterType(0) = 0 FilterData(0) = "Circle" sstext.SelectOnScreen FilterType, FilterData End Sub
Specify Multiple Criteria in a Selection Set Filter List

To specify multiple selection criteria, declare an array containing enough elements to represent each criterion, and assign each criterion to an element. Select objects that meet three criteria The following code specifies three criteria: the object must be blue, it must be a Circle, and it must reside on Layer 0. The code declares FilterType and FilterData as arrays of three elements, and assigns each criterion to an element:
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Sub Ch4_FilterBlueCircleOnLayer0() Dim sstext As AcadSelectionSet Dim FilterType(2) As Integer Dim FilterData(2) As Variant Set sstext = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Add("SS4") FilterType(0) = 0 FilterData(0) = "Circle" FilterType(1) = 62 FilterData(1) = acBlue FilterType(2) = 8 FilterData(2) = "0" sstext.SelectOnScreen FilterType, FilterData End Sub
Add Complexity to Your Filter List Conditions

When you specify multiple selection criteria, AutoCAD assumes the selected object must meet each criterion. But you can qualify your criteria in other ways. For numeric items, you can specify relational operations (for example, the radius of a circle must be greater than or equal to 5.0). And for all items, you can specify logical operations (for example, Text or Mtext). Use a -4 DXF code to indicate a relational operator in your filter specification. Specify the operator as a string. The allowable relational operators are shown in the following table. Relational operators for selection set filter lists
Operator "*" "=" "!=" "/=" "<>" "<" "<=" ">" Description Anything goes (always true) Equals Not equal to Not equal to Not equal to Less than Less than or equal to Greater than
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Relational operators for selection set filter lists

Operator ">=" "&" "&=" Description Greater than or equal to Bitwise AND (integer groups only) Bitwise masked equals (integer groups only)
Logical operators in filter lists are also indicated by a 4 group code, and the operator is a string, but the operators must be paired. The opening operator is preceded by a less-than symbol (<), and the closing operator is followed by a greater-than symbol (>). The following table lists the logical operators allowed in selection set filtering. Logical grouping operators for selection set filter lists
Starting operator "<AND" "<OR" "<XOR" "<NOT" Encloses One or more operands One or more operands Two operands One operand Ending operator "AND>" "OR>" "XOR>" "NOT>"
Select a circle whose radius is greater than or equal to 5.0 The following code specifies that the selected object must be a circle whose radius is greater than or equal to 5.0:
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Sub Ch4_FilterRelational() Dim sstext As AcadSelectionSet Dim FilterType(2) As Integer Dim FilterData(2) As Variant Set sstext = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Add("SS5") FilterType(0) FilterData(0) FilterType(1) FilterData(1) FilterType(2) FilterData(2) = = = = = = 0 "Circle" -4 ">=" 40 5#
sstext.SelectOnScreen FilterType, FilterData End Sub
Select either Text or Mtext The following example specifies that either Text or Mtext objects can be selected:
Sub Ch4_FilterOrTest() Dim sstext As AcadSelectionSet Dim FilterType(3) As Integer Dim FilterData(3) As Variant Set sstext = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Add("SS6") FilterType(0) = -4 FilterData(0) = "<or" FilterType(1) = 0 FilterData(1) = "TEXT" FilterType(2) = 0 FilterData(2) = "MTEXT" FilterType(3) = -4 FilterData(3) = "or>" sstext.SelectOnScreen FilterType, FilterData End Sub
Use Wild-Card Patterns in Selection Set Filter Criteria

Symbol names and strings in filter lists can include wild-card patterns. The following table identifies the wild-card characters recognized by AutoCAD, and what each means in the context of a string: Wild-card characters
Character # @ (pound) (at) Definition Matches any single numeric digit Matches any single alphabetic character
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Character . * (period) (asterisk) Definition Matches any single nonalphanumeric character Matches any character sequence, including an empty one, and it can be used anywhere in the search pattern: at the beginning, middle, or end Matches any single character If it is the first character in the pattern, it matches anything except the pattern Matches any one of the characters enclosed Matches any single character not enclosed Used inside brackets to specify a range for a single character Separates two patterns Escapes special characters (reads next character literally)
? ~
(question mark) (tilde)
[...] [~...] , ` (hyphen) (comma) (reverse quote)
Use a reverse quote (`) to indicate that a character is not a wild-card, but is to be taken literally. For example, to specify that only an anonymous block named *U2 be included in the selection set, use the following filter arguments:
FilterType(0) = 2 FilterData(0) = "`*U2"
Select Mtext where a specific word appears in the text The following code defines the selection criteria as any Mtext in which The appears in the text string. This example also demonstrates use of the SelectByPolygon selection method:
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Sub Ch4_FilterPolygonWildcard() Dim sstext As AcadSelectionSet Dim FilterType(1) As Integer Dim FilterData(1) As Variant Dim pointsArray(0 To 11) As Double Dim mode As Integer mode = acSelectionSetWindowPolygon pointsArray(0) = -12#: pointsArray(1) = -7#: pointsArray(2) = 0 pointsArray(3) = -12#: pointsArray(4) = 10#: pointsArray(5) = 0 pointsArray(6) = 10#: pointsArray(7) = 10#: pointsArray(8) = 0 pointsArray(9) = 10#: pointsArray(10) = -7#: pointsArray(11) = 0 Set sstext = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Add("SS10") FilterType(0) FilterData(0) FilterType(1) FilterData(1) = = = = 0 "MTEXT" 1 "*The*"
sstext.SelectByPolygon mode, pointsArray, FilterType, FilterData End Sub
Filter for Extended Data

External applications can attach data such as text strings, numeric values, 3D points, distances, and layer names to AutoCAD objects. This data is referred to as extended data, or xdata. You can filter entities containing extended data for a specified application. See Assign and Retrieve Extended Data on page 307 for more information about extended data. Select circles that contain xdata The following example filters for circles containing xdata added by the MY_APP application:
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Sub Ch4_FilterXdata() Dim sstext As AcadSelectionSet Dim mode As Integer Dim pointsArray(0 To 11) As Double mode = acSelectionSetWindowPolygon pointsArray(0) = -12#: pointsArray(1) = -7#: pointsArray(2) = 0 pointsArray(3) = -12#: pointsArray(4) = 10#: pointsArray(5) = 0 pointsArray(6) = 10#: pointsArray(7) = 10#: pointsArray(8) = 0 pointsArray(9) = 10#: pointsArray(10) = -7#: pointsArray(11) = 0 Dim FilterType(1) As Integer Dim FilterData(1) As Variant Set sstext = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Add("SS9") FilterType(0) FilterData(0) FilterType(1) FilterData(1) = = = = 0 "Circle" 1001 "MY_APP"
sstext.SelectByPolygon mode, pointsArray, FilterType, FilterData End Sub
Display Information About a Selection Set

To refer to an existing selection set whose name you know, refer to it by name. The following example refers to a selection set named SS10:
Sub GetObjInSet() Dim selset As AcadSelectionSet Set selset = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets("SS10") MsgBox ("Selection set " & selset.Name & " contains " & _ selset.Count & " items") End Sub
Each selection set in a drawing is a member of the SelectionSets collection. You can use the For Each statement to iterate through a drawings SelectionSets collection and collect information about each selection set.
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Display the name of each selection set in a drawing The following code displays the name of each selection set in a drawing, and lists the types of objects included in each selection set:
Sub ListSelectionSets() Dim selsetCollection As AcadSelectionSets Dim selset As AcadSelectionSet Dim ent As Object Dim i, j As Integer Set selsetCollection = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets ' Find each selection set in the drawing i = 0 For Each selset In selsetCollection MsgBox "Selection set " & CStr(i) & " is: " & selset.Name ' Now find each j = 0 For Each ent In MsgBox "Item & "is: " & j = j + 1 Next i = i + 1 Next End Sub object in the selection set, and say what it is selset " & CStr(j + 1) & " in " & selset.Name _ ent.EntityName
Remove Objects from a Selection Set

After you create a selection set, you can choose to remove individual objects, or all the objects from that set. For example, you can select an entire group of densely grouped objects and remove specific objects within the group, leaving only the objects you want to be in the set. Use the following methods to remove items from the selection set: RemoveItems The RemoveItems method removes one or more items from a selection set. The removed items still exist, but they no longer reside in the selection set. The Clear method will empty the selection set. The selection set will still exist, but contains no items. The items that previously resided in the selection still exist, but they no longer reside in the selection set. The Erase method deletes all items in a selection set. The selection set still exists, but will contain no items. The items that previously resided in the selection set no longer exist.
Clear
Erase
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Delete
The Delete method deletes a selection set and all items in the selection set. Neither the selection set, nor the items previously in the selection set will exist after a call to the Delete method.
Edit Objects
To modify an existing object, use the methods and properties associated with that object. If you modify a visible property of a graphic object, use the Update method to redraw the object onscreen. This section describes how to edit 2D objects.
Work with Named Objects

In addition to the graphic objects used by AutoCAD, there are several types of nongraphic objects stored in drawing files. These objects have descriptive designations associated with them, for example, blocks, layers, groups, and dimension styles. In most cases, you name objects as you create them, and rename them later. Names are stored in symbol tables. When you specify a named object, you are referencing the name and associated data of the object in the symbol table.
Purge Named Objects

You can purge unused, unreferenced named objects from a drawing at any time during an editing session. Purging reduces drawing size. You cannot purge objects that are referenced by other objects. For example, a font file might be referenced by a text style. A layer is referenced by the objects on the layer. To purge a drawing, use the PurgeAll method, as follows:
ThisDrawing.PurgeAll
Rename Objects
As your drawings become more complex, you can rename objects to keep the names meaningful or to avoid conflicts with names in other drawings you have inserted in the main drawings. You can rename any named object except those that AutoCAD names by default, for example, layer 0 or the CONTINUOUS linetype.
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Names can be up to 255 characters long. In addition to letters and numbers, names can contain spaces (although AutoCAD removes spaces that appear directly before and after a name) and any special character not used by Microsoft Windows or AutoCAD for other purposes. Special characters that you cannot use include less-than and greater-than symbols (< >), forward slashes and backslashes (/ \), quotation marks ("), colons (:), semicolons (;), question marks (?), commas (,), asterisks (*), vertical bars (|), equal signs (=), and backquotes ('). You also cannot use special characters created with Unicode fonts. To rename an object, use the Name property for that object. Rename a layer This example creates a layer called NewLayer and then renames the layer to MyLayer.
Sub Ch4_RenamingLayer() ' Create a layer Dim layerObj As AcadLayer Set layerObj = ThisDrawing.Layers.Add("NewLayer") ' Change the name of the layer layerObj.Name = "MyLayer" End Sub
Copy Objects
You can copy single or multiple objects within the current drawing. Offsetting creates new objects at a specified distance from selected objects, or through a specified point. Mirroring creates a mirror image of objects in a specified mirror line. Arraying creates sets of copied objects in a rectangular or circular pattern. For more information about copying objects, see Copy, Offset, or Mirror Objects in the Users Guide.
Note You cannot perform any of the copy methods while simultaneously iterating through a collection. An iteration will open the workspace for a read-only operation while these methods attempt to perform a read-write operation. Complete any iteration of a collection before you call these methods.
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Copy an Object to the Same Location

To copy a single object, use the Copy method provided for that object. This method creates a new object that is a duplicate of the original object. The new object is located at the same position as the original, and is returned by the method.
Copy Multiple Objects

To copy multiple objects, use the CopyObjects method or create an array of objects to use with the Copy method. (To copy the objects in a selection set, iterate through the selection set and save the objects into an array.) Iterate through the array, copying each object individually, and collect the newly created objects in a second array. To copy multiple objects to a different drawing, use the CopyObjects method and set the Owner parameter to the drawings model space. Copy two circle objects This example creates two Circle objects and uses the CopyObjects method to make a copy of the circles.
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Sub Ch4_CopyCircleObjects() Dim DOC1 As AcadDocument Dim circleObj1 As AcadCircle Dim circleObj2 As AcadCircle Dim circleObj1Copy As AcadCircle Dim circleObj2Copy As AcadCircle Dim centerPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius1 As Double Dim radius2 As Double Dim radius1Copy As Double Dim radius2Copy As Double Dim objCollection(0 To 1) As Object Dim retObjects As Variant ' Define the Circle object centerPoint(0) = 0: centerPoint(1) = 0: centerPoint(2) = 0 radius1 = 5#: radius2 = 7# radius1Copy = 1#: radius2Copy = 2# ' Create a new drawing Set DOC1 = ThisDrawing.Application.Documents.Add ' Add two circles to the drawing Set circleObj1 = DOC1.ModelSpace.AddCircle _ (centerPoint, radius1) Set circleObj2 = DOC1.ModelSpace.AddCircle _ (centerPoint, radius2) ZoomAll ' Put the objects to be copied into a form ' compatible with CopyObjects Set objCollection(0) = circleObj1 Set objCollection(1) = circleObj2 ' Copy object and get back a collection of ' the new objects (copies) retObjects = DOC1.CopyObjects(objCollection) ' Get newly created object and apply ' new properties to the copies Set circleObj1Copy = retObjects(0) Set circleObj2Copy = retObjects(1) circleObj1Copy.radius = radius1Copy circleObj1Copy.Color = acRed circleObj2Copy.radius = radius2Copy circleObj2Copy.Color = acRed ZoomAll End Sub
Copy objects to another drawing This example creates Circle objects, then uses the CopyObjects method to copy the circles into a new drawing.
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Sub Ch4_Copy_to_New_Drawing() Dim DOC0 As AcadDocument Dim circleObj1 As AcadCircle, circleObj2 As AcadCircle Dim centerPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius1 As Double, radius2 As Double Dim radius1Copy As Double, radius2Copy As Double Dim objCollection(0 To 1) As Object Dim retObjects As Variant ' Define the Circle object centerPoint(0) = 0: centerPoint(1) = 0: centerPoint(2) = 0 radius1 = 5#: radius2 = 7# radius1Copy = 1#: radius2Copy = 2# ' Add two circles to the current drawing Set circleObj1 = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle _ (centerPoint, radius1) Set circleObj2 = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle _ (centerPoint, radius2) ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll ' Save pointer to the current drawing Set DOC0 = ThisDrawing.Application.ActiveDocument ' Copy objects ' ' First put the objects to be copied into a form compatible ' with CopyObjects Set objCollection(0) = circleObj1 Set objCollection(1) = circleObj2 ' Create a new drawing and point to its model space Dim Doc1MSpace As AcadModelSpace Dim DOC1 As AcadDocument Set DOC1 = Documents.Add Set Doc1MSpace = DOC1.ModelSpace ' Copy the objects into the model space of the new drawing. A ' collection of the new (copied) objects is returned. retObjects = DOC0.CopyObjects(objCollection, Doc1MSpace) Dim circleObj1Copy As AcadCircle, circleObj2Copy As AcadCircle ' Get the newly created object collection and apply new ' properties to the copies. Set circleObj1Copy = retObjects(0) Set circleObj2Copy = retObjects(1) circleObj1Copy.radius = radius1Copy circleObj1Copy.Color = acRed circleObj2Copy.radius = radius2Copy circleObj2Copy.Color = acRed ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll
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MsgBox "Circles copied." End Sub
Offset Objects
Offsetting an object creates a new object at a specified offset distance from the original object. You can offset arcs, circles, ellipses, lines, lightweight polylines, polylines, splines, and xlines. To offset an object, use the Offset method provided for that object. The only input to this method is the distance to offset the object. If this distance is negative, it is interpreted by AutoCAD as being an offset to make a smaller curve (that is, for an arc it would offset to a radius that is the given distance less than the starting curves radius). If smaller has no meaning, then AutoCAD would offset in the direction of smaller X,Y,Z WCS coordinates. If the offset distance is invalid then an error is returned.
offset polylines
For many objects, the result of this operation will be a single new curve (which may not be of the same type as the original curve). For example, offsetting an ellipse will result in a spline because the result does fit the equation of an ellipse. In some cases it may be necessary for the offset result to be several curves. Because of this, the method returns the new object, or array of objects, as a variant. For more information about offsetting objects, see Copy, Offset, or Mirror Objects in the Users Guide. Offset a polyline This example creates a lightweight polyline and then offsets the polyline.
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Sub Ch4_OffsetPolyline() ' Create the polyline Dim plineObj As AcadLWPolyline Dim points(0 To 11) As Double points(0) = 1: points(1) = 1 points(2) = 1: points(3) = 2 points(4) = 2: points(5) = 2 points(6) = 3: points(7) = 2 points(8) = 4: points(9) = 4 points(10) = 4: points(11) = 1 Set plineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points) plineObj.Closed = True ZoomAll ' Offset the polyline Dim offsetObj As Variant offsetObj = plineObj.Offset(0.25) ZoomAll End Sub
Mirror Objects
Mirroring creates a mirror image copy of an object around an axis or mirror line. You can mirror all drawing objects. To mirror an object, use the Mirror method provided for that object. This method requires two coordinates as input. The two coordinates specified become the endpoints of the mirror line around which the base object is reflected. In 3D, this line orients a mirroring plane perpendicular to the XY plane of the UCS containing the mirror line. Unlike the mirror command in AutoCAD, this method places the reflected image into the drawing and retains the original object. (To remove the original object, use the Erase method.)
selected objects
mirror line
mirrored object
To manage the reflection properties of Text objects, use the MIRRTEXT system variable. The default setting of MIRRTEXT is On (1), which causes Text objects to be mirrored just as any other object. When MIRRTEXT is off (0), text is not mirrored. Use the GetVariable and SetVariable methods to query and set the MIRRTEXT setting.
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before mirroring
after mirroring (MIRRTEXT=1)
after mirroring (MIRRTEXT=0)
You can mirror a Viewport object in paper space, although doing so has no effect on its model space view or on model space objects. For more information about mirroring objects, see Copy, Offset, or Mirror Objects in the Users Guide. Mirror a polyline about an axis This example creates a lightweight polyline and mirrors that polyline about an axis. The newly created polyline is colored blue.
Sub Ch4_MirrorPolyline() ' Create the polyline Dim plineObj As AcadLWPolyline Dim points(0 To 11) As Double points(0) = 1: points(1) = 1 points(2) = 1: points(3) = 2 points(4) = 2: points(5) = 2 points(6) = 3: points(7) = 2 points(8) = 4: points(9) = 4 points(10) = 4: points(11) = 1 Set plineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points) plineObj.Closed = True ZoomAll ' Define the mirror axis Dim point1(0 To 2) As Double Dim point2(0 To 2) As Double point1(0) = 0: point1(1) = 4.25: point1(2) = 0 point2(0) = 4: point2(1) = 4.25: point2(2) = 0 ' Mirror the polyline Dim mirrorObj As AcadLWPolyline Set mirrorObj = plineObj.Mirror(point1, point2) Dim col As New AcadAcCmColor Call col.SetRGB(125, 175, 235) mirrorObj.TrueColor = col ZoomAll End Sub
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Array Objects
You can copy an object in polar or rectangular arrays. For polar arrays, you control the number of copies of the object and the angle to fill the array to. For rectangular arrays, you control the number of rows and columns and the distance between them. For more information about arrays, see Create an Array of Objects in the Users Guide.
Create Polar Arrays

You can array all drawing objects. To create a polar array, use the ArrayPolar method provided for that object. This method requires you to provide the number of objects to create, the angle-to-fill, and the center point for the array. The number of objects must be a positive integer greater than 1. The angle-to-fill must be in radians. A positive value specifies counterclockwise rotation. A negative value specifies clockwise rotation. An error is returned for an angle that equals 0. The center point is a variant array containing three doubles. These doubles represent the 3D WCS coordinate specifying the center point for the polar array.
polar array
(0,0,0)
AutoCAD determines the distance from the arrays center point to a reference point on the original object. The reference point used depends on the type of object. AutoCAD uses the center point of a circle or arc, the insertion point of a block or shape, the start point of text, and one endpoint of a line or trace. This method does not support the Rotate While Copying option of the AutoCAD ARRAY command. Create a polar array This example creates a circle, and then performs a polar array of the circle. This creates four circles filling 180 degrees around a base point of (4, 4, 0).
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Sub Ch4_ArrayingACircle() ' Create the circle Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 2#: center(1) = 2#: center(2) = 0# radius = 1 Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) ZoomAll ' Define the polar array Dim noOfObjects As Integer Dim angleToFill As Double Dim basePnt(0 To 2) As Double noOfObjects = 4 angleToFill = 3.14 ' 180 degrees basePnt(0) = 4#: basePnt(1) = 4#: basePnt(2) = 0# ' The following example will create 4 copies ' of an object by rotating and copying it about ' the point (3,3,0). Dim retObj As Variant retObj = circleObj.ArrayPolar _ (noOfObjects, angleToFill, basePnt) ZoomAll End Sub
Create Rectangular Arrays

To create a 2D or 3D rectangular array, use the ArrayRectangular method provided for that object. This method requires you to provide the number of rows, number of columns, distance between rows, and distance between columns. When creating a 3D array, you must also specify the number of levels and distance between levels as well. A rectangular array is constructed by replicating the object in the selection set the appropriate number of times. If you define one row, you must specify more than one column and vice versa. The original object is assumed to be in the lower-left corner, and the array is generated up and to the right. If the distance between rows is a negative number, rows are added downward. If the distance between columns is a negative number, the columns are added to the left.
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rectangular array
a base object b
AutoCAD builds the rectangular array along a baseline defined by the current snap rotation angle. This angle is 0 by default, so the rows and columns of a rectangular array are orthogonal with respect to the X and Y drawing axes. You can change this angle and create a rotated array by setting the snap rotation angle to a nonzero value. To do this, use the SnapRotationAngle property. Create a rectangular array This example creates a circle and then performs a rectangular array of the circle, creating five rows and five columns of circles.
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Sub Ch4_ArrayRectangularExample() ' Create the circle Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 2#: center(1) = 2#: center(2) = 0# radius = 0.5 Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) ZoomAll ' Define the rectangular array Dim numberOfRows As Long Dim numberOfColumns As Long Dim numberOfLevels As Long Dim distanceBwtnRows As Double Dim distanceBwtnColumns As Double Dim distanceBwtnLevels As Double numberOfRows = 5 numberOfColumns = 5 numberOfLevels = 2 distanceBwtnRows = 1 distanceBwtnColumns = 1 distanceBwtnLevels = 1 ' Create the array of objects Dim retObj As Variant retObj = circleObj.ArrayRectangular _ (numberOfRows, numberOfColumns, numberOfLevels, _ distanceBwtnRows, distanceBwtnColumns, distanceBwtnLevels) ZoomAll End Sub
Move Objects
You can move objects along a vector without changing their orientation or size. You can also rotate objects around a base point. For more information about moving objects, see Move Objects in the Users Guide.
Move Objects Along a Vector

You can move all drawing objects and attribute reference objects along a specified vector. To move an object, use the Move method provided for that object. This method requires two coordinates as input. These coordinates define a displacement vector indicating how far the given object is to be moved and in what direction.
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1 2 select object with two points indicated
select object
moved object
Move a circle along a vector This example creates a circle and then moves that circle two units along the X axis.
Sub Ch4_MoveCircle() ' Create the circle Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 2#: center(1) = 2#: center(2) = 0# radius = 0.5 Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) ZoomAll ' Define the points that make up the move vector. ' The move vector will move the circle 2 units ' along the x axis. Dim point1(0 To 2) As Double Dim point2(0 To 2) As Double point1(0) = 0: point1(1) = 0: point1(2) = 0 point2(0) = 2: point2(1) = 0: point2(2) = 0 ' Move the circle circleObj.Move point1, point2 circleObj.Update End Sub
Rotate Objects
You can rotate all drawing objects and attribute reference objects. To rotate an object, use the Rotate method provided for that object. This method requires as input a base point and a rotation angle. The base point is a variant array with three doubles. These doubles represent a 3D WCS coordinate specifying the point through which the axis of rotation is defined. The angle of rotation is specified in radians. This angle determines how far an object rotates around the base point relative to its current location.
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selected objects
rotation angle
rotated object
For more information about rotating objects, see Rotate Objects in the Users Guide. Rotate a polyline about a base point This example creates a closed lightweight polyline, and then rotates the polyline 45 degrees about the base point (4, 4.25, 0).
Sub Ch4_RotatePolyline() ' Create the polyline Dim plineObj As AcadLWPolyline Dim points(0 To 11) As Double points(0) = 1: points(1) = 2 points(2) = 1: points(3) = 3 points(4) = 2: points(5) = 3 points(6) = 3: points(7) = 3 points(8) = 4: points(9) = 4 points(10) = 4: points(11) = 2 Set plineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points) plineObj.Closed = True ZoomAll ' Define the rotation of 45 degrees about a ' base point of (4, 4.25, 0) Dim basePoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim rotationAngle As Double basePoint(0) = 4: basePoint(1) = 4.25: basePoint(2) = 0 rotationAngle = 0.7853981 ' 45 degrees ' Rotate the polyline plineObj.Rotate basePoint, rotationAngle plineObj.Update End Sub
Delete Objects
You can delete individual objects by using the Delete method.
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Note The Collection objects in ActiveX Automation have a Delete method due to the manner in which these objects have been defined in the type library. However, the Collection objects, such as ModelSpace collection, Layers collection, and Dictionaries collection, should never be deleted. An error will result if you attempt to delete a collection.
Create and delete a polyline This example creates a lightweight polyline, then deletes it.
Sub Ch4_DeletePolyline() ' Create the polyline Dim lwpolyObj As AcadLWPolyline Dim vertices(0 To 5) As Double vertices(0) = 2: vertices(1) = 4 vertices(2) = 4: vertices(3) = 2 vertices(4) = 6: vertices(5) = 4 Set lwpolyObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(vertices) ZoomAll ' Erase the polyline lwpolyObj.Delete ThisDrawing.Regen acActiveViewport End Sub
Scale Objects
You scale an object by specifying a base point and a length, which is used as a scale factor based on the current drawing units. You can scale all the drawing objects, as well as attribute reference objects. To scale an object, use the ScaleEntity method provided for that object. This method scales the object equally in the X, Y, and Z directions. It takes as input the base point for the scale and a scale factor. The base point is a variant array with three doubles. These doubles represent a 3D WCS coordinate specifying the point from which the scale begins. The scale factor is the factor by which to scale the object. The dimensions of the object are multiplied by the scale factor. A scale factor greater than 1 enlarges the object. A scale factor between 0 and 1 reduces the object.
scale factor = .5
scale factor = 2
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For more information about scaling, see Resize or Reshape Objects in the Users Guide. Scale a polyline This example creates a closed lightweight polyline and then scales the polyline by 0.5.
Sub Ch4_ScalePolyline() ' Create the polyline Dim plineObj As AcadLWPolyline Dim points(0 To 11) As Double points(0) = 1: points(1) = 2 points(2) = 1: points(3) = 3 points(4) = 2: points(5) = 3 points(6) = 3: points(7) = 3 points(8) = 4: points(9) = 4 points(10) = 4: points(11) = 2 Set plineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points) plineObj.Closed = True ZoomAll ' Define the scale Dim basePoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim scalefactor As Double basePoint(0) = 4: basePoint(1) = 4.25: basePoint(2) = 0 scalefactor = 0.5 ' Scale the polyline plineObj.ScaleEntity basePoint, scalefactor plineObj.Update End Sub
Transform Objects
You move, scale, or rotate an object given a 4 4 transformation matrix using the TransformBy method. The following table demonstrates the transformation matrix configuration, where R = Rotation and T = Translation: Transformation matrix configuration
R00 R10 R20 0 R01 R11 R21 0 R02 R12 R22 0 T0 T1 T2 1
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To transform an object, first initialize the transformation matrix. The following example shows a transformation matrix, assigned to the variable tMatrix, which will rotate an entity by 90 degrees about the point (0, 0, 0):
tMatrix(0,0) tMatrix(0,1) tMatrix(0,2) tMatrix(0,3) tMatrix(1,0) tMatrix(1,1) tMatrix(1,2) tMatrix(1,3) tMatrix(2,0) tMatrix(2,1) tMatrix(2,2) tMatrix(2,3) tMatrix(3,0) tMatrix(3,1) tMatrix(3,2) tMatrix(3,3) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 0.0 -1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0
After the transformation matrix is complete, apply the matrix to the object using the TransformBy method. The following line of code demonstrates applying a matrix (tMatrix) to an object (anObj):
anObj.TransformBy tMatrix
Rotate a line with a transformation matrix This example creates a line and rotates it 90 degrees using a transformation matrix.
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Sub Ch4_TransformBy() ' Create a line Dim lineObj As AcadLine Dim startPt(0 To 2) As Double Dim endPt(0 To 2) As Double startPt(0) = 2 startPt(1) = 1 startPt(2) = 0 endPt(0) = 5 endPt(1) = 1 endPt(2) = 0 Set lineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLine(startPt, endPt) ZoomAll ' Initialize the transMat variable with a ' transformation matrix that will rotate ' an object by 90 degrees about the point(0,0,0) Dim transMat(0 To 3, 0 To 3) As Double transMat(0, 0) = 0#: transMat(0, 1) = -1# transMat(0, 2) = 0#: transMat(0, 3) = 0# transMat(1, 0) = 1#: transMat(1, 1) = 0# transMat(1, 2) = 0#: transMat(1, 3) = 0# transMat(2, 0) = 0#: transMat(2, 1) = 0# transMat(2, 2) = 1#: transMat(2, 3) = 0# transMat(3, 0) = 0#: transMat(3, 1) = 0# transMat(3, 2) = 0#: transMat(3, 3) = 1# ' Transform the line using the defined transformation matrix lineObj.TransformBy transMat lineObj.Update End Sub
The following are more examples of transformation matrices: Rotation Matrix: 90 degrees about point (0, 0, 0)
0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0
Rotation Matrix: 45 degrees about point (5, 5, 0)

0.707107 0.707107 0.707107 0.707107 0.0 0.0 5.0 2.071068
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Rotation Matrix: 45 degrees about point (5, 5, 0)

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0
Translation Matrix: move an entity by (10, 10, 0)

1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 10.0 10.0 0.0 1.0
Scaling Matrix: scale by 10,10 at point (0, 0, 0)

10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0
Scaling Matrix: scale by 10,10 at point (2, 2, 0)

10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 0.0 18.0 18.0 0.0 1.0
Extend and Trim Objects

You can change the angle of arcs and you can change the length of open lines, arcs, open polylines, elliptical arcs, and open splines. The results are similar to both extending and trimming objects.
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You can extend or trim an object by editing its properties. For example, to lengthen a line, simply change the coordinates of the StartPoint or EndPoint properties. To change the angle of an arc, change the StartAngle or EndAngle properties of the arc. Once you have altered an objects property or properties, use the Update method to see your changes in the drawing. For more information about extending and trimming objects, see Resize or Reshape Objects in the Users Guide. Lengthen a line This example creates a line then changes the endpoint of that line resulting in a longer line.
Sub Ch4_LengthenLine() ' Define and create the line Dim lineObj As AcadLine Dim startPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim endPoint(0 To 2) As Double startPoint(0) = 0 startPoint(1) = 0 startPoint(2) = 0 endPoint(0) = 1 endPoint(1) = 1 endPoint(2) = 1 Set lineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLine(startPoint, endPoint) lineObj.Update ' Lengthen the line by changing the ' endpoint to 4, 4, 4 endPoint(0) = 4 endPoint(1) = 4 endPoint(2) = 4 lineObj.endPoint = endPoint lineObj.Update End Sub
Explode Objects
Exploding objects converts the objects from single objects to their constituent parts but has no visible effect. For example, exploding forms simple lines and arcs from 3D polygons, polylines, polygon meshes, and regions. It replaces a block reference with copies of the simple objects that compose the block. For more information about exploding objects, see Disassociate Compound Objects (Explode) in the Users Guide.
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Explode a polyline This example creates a lightweight polyline object. It then explodes the polyline into separate objects. The example then loops through the resulting objects and displays a message box containing the name of each object and its index in the list of exploded objects.
Sub Ch4_ExplodePolyline() Dim plineObj As AcadLWPolyline Dim points(0 To 11) As Double ' Define the 2D polyline points points(0) = 1: points(1) = 1 points(2) = 1: points(3) = 2 points(4) = 2: points(5) = 2 points(6) = 3: points(7) = 2 points(8) = 4: points(9) = 4 points(10) = 4: points(11) = 1 ' Create a light weight Polyline object Set plineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points) ' Set the bulge on one segment to vary the ' type of objects in the polyline plineObj.SetBulge 3, -0.5 plineObj.Update ' Explode the polyline Dim explodedObjects As Variant explodedObjects = plineObj.Explode ' Loop through the exploded objects ' and display a message box with ' the type of each object Dim I As Integer For I = 0 To UBound(explodedObjects) explodedObjects(I).Color = acRed explodedObjects(I).Update MsgBox "Exploded Object " & I & ": " & _ explodedObjects(I).ObjectName explodedObjects(I).Color = acByLayer explodedObjects(I).Update Next End Sub
Edit Polylines
2D and 3D polylines, rectangles, polygons, and 3D polygon meshes are all polyline variants and are edited in the same way.
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AutoCAD recognizes both fit polylines and spline-fit polylines. A spline-fit polyline uses a curve fit, similar to a B-spline. There are two kinds of splinefit polylines: quadratic and cubic. Both polylines are controlled by the SPLINETYPE system variable. A fit polyline uses standard curves for curve fit and utilizes any tangent directions set on any given vertex. To edit a polyline, use the properties and methods of the LightweightPolyline or Polyline objects. Use the following properties and methods to open or close a polyline, change the coordinates of a polyline vertex, or add a vertex: Closed property Coordinates property AddVertex method Opens or closes the polyline. Specifies the coordinates for each vertex in the polyline. Adds a vertex to a lightweight polyline.
Use the following methods to update the bulge or width of a polyline: SetBulge SetWidth Sets the bulge of a polyline, given the segment index. Sets the start and end width of a polyline, given the segment index.
For more information about editing polylines, see Modify or Join Polylines in the Users Guide. Edit a polyline This example creates a lightweight polyline. It then adds a bulge to the third segment of the polyline, appends a vertex to the polyline, changes the width of the last segment, and finally closes the polyline.
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Sub Ch4_EditPolyline() Dim plineObj As AcadLWPolyline Dim points(0 To 9) As Double ' Define the 2D polyline points(0) = 1: points(1) points(2) = 1: points(3) points(4) = 2: points(5) points(6) = 3: points(7) points(8) = 4: points(9) points = 1 = 2 = 2 = 2 = 4
' Create a light weight Polyline object Set plineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points) ' Add a bulge to segment 3 plineObj.SetBulge 3, -0.5 ' Define the new vertex Dim newVertex(0 To 1) As Double newVertex(0) = 4: newVertex(1) = 1 ' Add the vertex to the polyline plineObj.AddVertex 5, newVertex ' Set the width of the new segment plineObj.SetWidth 4, 0.1, 0.5 ' Close the polyline plineObj.Closed = True plineObj.Update End Sub
Edit Splines
Use the following editable properties to change splines: Closed ControlPoints EndTangent FitPoints FitTolerance Knots StartTangent Opens or closes the spline. Specifies the control points of a spline. Specifies the end tangent of the spline as a directional vector. Specifies all the fit points of a spline. Refits the spline to the existing points with new tolerance values. Specifies the knots vector for the spline. Specifies the start tangent for the spline.
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In addition, you can use the following methods to edit splines: AddFitPoint DeleteFitPoint ElevateOrder GetFitPoint Adds a single fit point to the spline at a given index. Deletes the fit point of a spline at a given index. Elevates the order of the spline to the given order. Gets the fit point of the spline at a given index. (Gets one fit point only. To query all the fit points of the spline, use the FitPoints property.) Reverses the direction of a spline. Sets the control point of the spline at a given index. Sets the fit point of the spline at a given index. (Sets one fit point only. To change all the fit points of the spline, use the FitPoints property.) Sets the weight of the control point at a given index.
Reverse SetControlPoint SetFitPoint
SetWeight
Use the following read-only properties to query splines: Degree Area IsPeriodic IsPlanar IsRational Gets the degree of the splines polynomial representation. Gets the enclosed area of a spline. Specifies if the given spline is periodic. Specifies if the given spline is planar. Specifies if the given spline is rational.
NumberOfControlPoints Gets the number of control points of the spline. NumberOfFitPoints Gets the number of fit points of the spline. For more information about editing splines, see Modify Splines in the Users Guide.
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Change a control point on a spline This example creates a spline and then changes the first control point for the spline.
Sub Ch4_ChangeSplineControlPoint() ' Create the spline Dim splineObj As AcadSpline Dim startTan(0 To 2) As Double Dim endTan(0 To 2) As Double Dim fitPoints(0 To 8) As Double startTan(0) = 0.5: startTan(1) = 0.5: startTan(2) = 0 endTan(0) = 0.5: endTan(1) = 0.5: endTan(2) = 0 fitPoints(0) = 1: fitPoints(1) = 1: fitPoints(2) = 0 fitPoints(3) = 5: fitPoints(4) = 5: fitPoints(5) = 0 fitPoints(6) = 10: fitPoints(7) = 0: fitPoints(8) = 0 Set splineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddSpline(fitPoints, startTan, endTan) splineObj.Update ' Change the coordinate of the first fit point Dim controlPoint(0 To 2) As Double controlPoint(0) = 0 controlPoint(1) = 3 controlPoint(2) = 0 splineObj.SetControlPoint 0, controlPoint splineObj.Update End Sub
Edit Hatches
You can edit both hatch boundaries and hatch patterns. If you edit the boundary of an associative hatch, the pattern is updated as long as the editing results in a valid boundary. Associative hatches are updated even if theyre on layers that are turned off. You can modify hatch patterns or choose a new pattern for an existing hatch, but associativity can only be set when a hatch is created. You can check to see if a Hatch object is associative by using the AssociativeHatch property. (See the AddHatch method for more information on creating a hatch.) You must re-evaluate a hatch using the Evaluate method to see any edits to the hatch. For more information about editing hatches, see Modify Hatches and SolidFilled Areas in the Users Guide.
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Edit Hatch Boundaries

You can append or insert loops into the hatch boundaries. Associative hatches are updated to match any changes made to their boundaries. Nonassociative hatches are not updated. To edit a hatch boundary, use one of the following methods: AppendInnerLoop Appends an inner loop to the hatch. AppendOuterLoop Appends an outer loop to the hatch. InsertLoopAt Inserts a loop at a given index of a hatch.
Append an inner loop to a hatch This example creates an associative hatch. It then creates a circle and appends the circle as an inner loop to the hatch.
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Sub Ch4_AppendInnerLoopToHatch() Dim hatchObj As AcadHatch Dim patternName As String Dim PatternType As Long Dim bAssociativity As Boolean ' Define and create the hatch patternName = "ANSI31" PatternType = 0 bAssociativity = True Set hatchObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddHatch(PatternType, patternName, bAssociativity) ' Create the outer loop for the hatch. Dim outerLoop(0 To 1) As AcadEntity Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double Dim startAngle As Double Dim endAngle As Double center(0) = 5: center(1) = 3: center(2) = 0 radius = 3 startAngle = 0 endAngle = 3.141592 Set outerLoop(0) = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddArc(center, radius, startAngle, endAngle) Set outerLoop(1) = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLine(outerLoop(0).startPoint, outerLoop(0).endPoint) ' Append the outer loop to the hatch object hatchObj.AppendOuterLoop (outerLoop) ' Create a circle as the inner loop for the hatch. Dim innerLoop(0) As AcadEntity center(0) = 5: center(1) = 4.5: center(2) = 0 radius = 1 Set innerLoop(0) = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) ' Append the circle as an inner loop to the hatch hatchObj.AppendInnerLoop (innerLoop) ' Evaluate and display the hatch hatchObj.Evaluate ThisDrawing.Regen True End Sub
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Edit Hatch Patterns

You can change the angle or spacing of an existing hatch pattern or replace it with a solid-fill or one of the predefined patterns that AutoCAD offers. The Pattern option in the Boundary Hatch dialog box displays a list of these patterns. To reduce file size, the hatch is defined in the drawing as a single graphic object. Use the following properties and methods to edit the hatch patterns: PatternAngle PatternDouble PatternName PatternScale PatternSpace SetPattern Specifies the angle of the hatch pattern. Specifies if the user-defined hatch is double-hatched. Specifies the hatch pattern name (does not change the pattern type). Specifies the hatch pattern scale. Specifies the user-defined hatch pattern spacing. Sets the pattern name and pattern type for the hatch.
Change the pattern spacing of a hatch This example creates a hatch. It then adds two to the current pattern spacing for the hatch.
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Sub Ch4_ChangeHatchPatternSpace() Dim hatchObj As AcadHatch Dim patternName As String Dim PatternType As Long Dim bAssociativity As Boolean ' Define the hatch patternName = "ANSI31" PatternType = 0 bAssociativity = True ' Create the associative Hatch object Set hatchObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddHatch(PatternType, patternName, bAssociativity) ' Create the outer loop for the hatch. Dim outerLoop(0 To 0) As AcadEntity Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 5 center(1) = 3 center(2) = 0 radius = 3 Set outerLoop(0) = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) hatchObj.AppendOuterLoop (outerLoop) hatchObj.Evaluate ' Change the spacing of the hatch pattern by ' adding 2 to the current spacing hatchObj.patternSpace = hatchObj.patternSpace + 2 hatchObj.Evaluate ThisDrawing.Regen True End Sub
Use Layers, Colors, and Linetypes

Layers are like transparent overlays on which you organize and group different kinds of drawing information. The objects you create have properties including layers, colors, and linetypes. Color helps you distinguish similar elements in your drawings, and linetypes help you differentiate easily between different drafting elements, such as centerlines or hidden lines. Organizing layers and objects on layers makes it easier to manage the information in your drawings. For more information about this topic, see Control the Properties of Objects, in the Users Guide.
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Work with Layers

You are always drawing on a layer. It may be the default layer or a layer you create and name yourself. Each layer has an associated color and linetype. For example, you can create a layer on which you draw only centerlines and assign the color blue and the linetype CENTER to that layer. Then, whenever you want to draw centerlines you can switch to that layer and start drawing. All layers and linetypes are kept within their parent Collection objects. Layers are kept within the Layers collection, and linetypes are kept within the Linetypes collection. For more information about working with layers, see Work with Layers in the Users Guide.
Sort Layers and Linetypes

You can iterate through the Layers and Linetypes collections to find all the layers and linetypes in a drawing. Iterate through the Layers collection The following code iterates through the Layers collection to gather the names of all the layers in the drawing. The names are then displayed in a message box.
Sub Ch4_IteratingLayers() Dim layerNames As String Dim entry As AcadLayer layerNames = "" For Each entry In ThisDrawing.Layers layerNames = layerNames + entry.Name + vbCrLf Next MsgBox "The layers in this drawing are: " + _ vbCrLf + layerNames End Sub
Create and Name Layers

You can create new layers and assign color and linetype properties to those layers. Each individual layer is part of the Layers collection. Use the Add method to create a new layer and add it to the Layers collection. You can assign a name to a layer when it is created. To change the name of a layer after it has been created, use the Name property. Layer names can include up to thirty-one characters and contain letters, digits, and the special characters dollar sign ($), hyphen (), and underscore (_) but cannot include blank spaces.
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For more information about creating layers, see Create and Name Layers in the Users Guide. Create a new layer, assign it the color red, and add an object to the layer The following code creates a circle and a new layer. The new layer is assigned the color red. The circle is assigned to the layer, and the color of the circle changes accordingly.
Sub Ch4_NewLayer() ' Create a circle Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 2: center(1) = 2: center(2) = 0 radius = 1 Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) ' Assign the circle the color "ByLayer" so ' that the circle will automatically pick ' up the color of the layer on which it resides circleObj.Color = acByLayer ' Create a new layer called "ABC" Dim layerObj As AcadLayer Set layerObj = ThisDrawing.Layers.Add("ABC") ' Assign the "ABC" layer the color red layerObj.Color = acRed ' Assign the circle to the "ABC" layer circleObj.Layer = "ABC" circleObj.Update End Sub
Make a Layer Active

You are always drawing on the active layer. When you make a layer active, you can create new objects on that layer. If you make a different layer active, any new objects you create are created on that new active layer and use its color and linetype. You cannot make a layer active if it is frozen. To make a layer active, use the ActiveLayer property. This property is set on the current drawing. For example
Dim newlayer As AcadLayer Set newlayer = ThisDrawing.Layers.Add("LAYER1") ThisDrawing.ActiveLayer = newlayer
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Turn Layers On and Off

Turned-off layers are regenerated with the drawing but are not displayed or plotted. By turning layers off, you avoid regenerating the drawing every time you thaw a layer. When you turn a layer on that has been turned off, AutoCAD redraws the objects on that layer. To turn layers on and off, use the LayerOn property. If you input a value of TRUE to this property, the layer is turned on. If you input a value of FALSE, the layer is turned off. For more information about turning layers on and off, see Control the Visibility of Objects on a Layer in the Users Guide. Turn off a layer This example creates a new layer, adds a circle to the layer, then turns off the layer so that the circle is no longer visible.
Sub Ch4_LayerInvisible() ' Create a circle Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 2: center(1) = 2: center(2) = 0 radius = 1 Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) circleObj.Color = acByLayer ' Create a new layer called "ABC" Dim layerObj As AcadLayer Set layerObj = ThisDrawing.Layers.Add("ABC") layerObj.Color = acRed ' Assign the circle to the "ABC" layer circleObj.Layer = "ABC" circleObj.Update ' Turn off layer "ABC" layerObj.LayerOn = False ThisDrawing.Regen acActiveViewport End Sub
Freeze and Thaw Layers

You can freeze layers to speed up display changes, improve object selection performance, and reduce regeneration time for complex drawings. AutoCAD does not display, plot, or regenerate objects on frozen layers. Freeze layers that you want to be invisible for long periods. When you thaw a frozen layer, AutoCAD regenerates and displays the objects on that layer.
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To freeze or thaw a layer, use the Freeze property. If you input a value of TRUE to this property, the layer is frozen. If you input a value of FALSE, the layer is thawed. For more information about freezing and thawing layers, see Control the Visibility of Objects on a Layer in the Users Guide. Freeze a layer This example creates a new layer called ABC and then freezes the layer.
Sub Ch4_LayerFreeze() ' Create a new layer called "ABC" Dim layerObj As AcadLayer Set layerObj = ThisDrawing.Layers.Add("ABC") ' Freeze layer "ABC" layerObj.Freeze = True End Sub
Lock and Unlock Layers

You cannot edit the objects on a locked layer; however, they are still visible if the layer is on and thawed. You can make a locked layer current and you can add objects to it. You can freeze and turn off locked layers and change their associated colors and linetypes. To lock or unlock a layer, use the Lock property. If you input a value of TRUE to this property, the layer is locked. If you input a value of FALSE, the layer is unlocked. For more information about locking and unlocking layers, see Control Whether Objects on a Layer Can Be Modified in the Users Guide. Lock a layer This example creates a new layer called ABC and then locks the layer.
Sub Ch4_LayerLock() ' Create a new layer called "ABC" Dim layerObj As AcadLayer Set layerObj = ThisDrawing.Layers.Add("ABC") ' Lock layer "ABC" layerObj.Lock = True End Sub
Assign Color to a Layer

You can assign color to a layer. When specifying a color, you can enter the name of the color or its AutoCAD Color Index (ACI) number. Standard color names are available only for colors 1 to 7.
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By default, AutoCAD assigns color number 7 (white or black, depending on your drawing background) to newly created layers. You can assign an object a color that is different from the layer color. To assign color to a layer, use the Color property. Colors can be set and read as numeric index values ranging from 0 to 256. Constants have been provided for the standard seven colors, and BYBLOCK and BYLAYER designations. If you use acByBlock, AutoCAD draws new objects in the default color (white or black, depending on your configuration) until they are grouped into the block. When the block is inserted in the drawing, the objects in the block inherit the current setting of the Color property. If you use acByLayer, new objects assume the color of the layer upon which they are drawn.
Assign a Linetype to a Layer

When youre defining layers, linetypes provide another way to convey visual information. A linetype is a repeating pattern of dashes, dots, and blank spaces you can use to distinguish the purpose of one line from another. The linetype name and definition describe the particular dash-dot sequence, the relative lengths of dashes and blank spaces, and the characteristics of any included text or shapes. To assign a linetype to a layer, use the Linetype property. This property takes the name of the linetype as input. See also Work with Linetypes on page 139.
Delete Layers
To delete a layer, use the Delete method. You can delete a layer at any time during a drawing session. You cannot delete the current layer, layer 0, an xref-dependent layer, or a layer that contains objects.
Note Layers referenced by block definitions, along with the special layer named DEFPOINTS, cannot be deleted even if they do not contain visible objects.
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Work with Colors

You can assign true colors to individual objects in a drawing using the AcCmColor object. Using an RGB value in the AcCmColor object, you can choose from millions of colors when you set the color of lines, circles, and other individual objects. The AcCmColor object also contains methods and properties for specifying color names, color books, color indexes, color values, and color methods. You can also assign colors to layers. Each color is identified by a name or an AutoCAD Color Index (ACI) number, an integer from 1 through 255. Any number of objects and layers can have the same color number. You can assign each color number to a different pen on a pen plotter or use the color numbers to identify certain objects in the drawing, even though you cant see the colors on your screen. When specifying a color, you can enter the name of the color or its ACI number. The ACI provides 255 color numbers. Standard color names are available only for colors 1 to 7. Colors 1 to 7
Color number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Color name Red Yellow Green Cyan Blue Magenta Black/White
Colors 8 to 255 must be assigned by a number or by selecting the color in a dialog box. The default color (7) is either white or black, depending on your background color. For more information about working with colors, see Work with Colors in the Users Guide.
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Work with Linetypes

A linetype is a repeating pattern of dashes, dots, and blank spaces. A complex linetype is a repeating pattern of symbols. To use a linetype you must first load it into your drawing. A linetype definition must exist in a LIN library file before a linetype can be loaded into a drawing. To load a linetype into your drawing, use the Load method. For more information about working with linetypes, see Overview of Linetypes in the Users Guide.
Note The linetypes used internally by AutoCAD should not be confused with the hardware linetypes provided by some plotters. The two types of dashed lines produce similar results. Do not use both types at the same time, however, because the results can be unpredictable.
Load a linetype into AutoCAD This example attempts to load the linetype CENTER from the acad.lin file. If the linetype already exists, or the file does not exist, then a message is displayed.
Sub Ch4_LoadLinetype() On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER Dim linetypeName As String linetypeName = "CENTER" ' Load "CENTER" line type from acad.lin file ThisDrawing.Linetypes.Load linetypeName, "acad.lin" Exit Sub ERRORHANDLER: MsgBox Err.Description End Sub
Make a Linetype Active

To use a linetype to draw on the current layer, you must make it active. All newly created objects are drawn using the active linetype.
Note Xref-dependent linetypes cannot be made active.

To make a linetype active, use the ActiveLinetype property. This property is set on the current drawing. For example
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ThisDrawing.ActiveLinetype = ThisDrawing. _ Linetypes.Item("CONTINUOUS")
For more information about activating a linetype, see Set the Current Linetype in the Users Guide.
Rename Linetypes
To rename a linetype, use the Name property. When you rename a linetype, you are renaming only the linetype definition in your drawing. The name in the LIN library file is not being updated to reflect the new name.
Delete Linetypes
To delete a linetype, use the Delete method. You can delete a linetype at any time during a drawing session; however, linetypes that cannot be deleted include BYLAYER, BYBLOCK, CONTINUOUS, the current linetype, and xrefdependent linetypes. Also, linetypes referenced by block definitions cannot be deleted, even if they are not used by any objects. For more information about deleting linetypes, see Load Linetypes in the Users Guide.
Change Linetype Descriptions

Linetypes can have a description associated with them. The description provides an ASCII representation of the linetype. You can assign or change a linetype description by using the Description property. A linetype description can have up to forty-seven characters. The description can be a comment or a series of underscores, dots, dashes, and spaces to show a simple representation of the linetype pattern. For example
ThisDrawing.ActiveLinetype.Description = "Exterior Wall"
Specify Linetype Scale

You can specify the linetype scale for objects you create. The smaller the scale, the more repetitions of the pattern are generated per drawing unit. By default, AutoCAD uses a global linetype scale of 1.0, which is equal to one drawing unit. You can change the linetype scale for all drawing objects, attribute references, and groups. To change the linetype scale, use the LinetypeScale property. The CELTSCALE system variable sets the linetype scale for newly created objects. LTSCALE globally changes the linetype scale of existing objects as well as new objects. To change the values of system variables using AutoCAD ActiveX Automation, use the SetVariable method.
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For more information about linetype scales, see Control Linetype Scale in the Users Guide. Change the linetype scale for a circle
Sub Ch4_ChangeLinetypeScale() ' Save the current linetype Set currLineType = ThisDrawing.ActiveLinetype ' Change the active linetype to Border, so the scale change will ' be visible. ' First see if the Border linetype is already loaded On Error Resume Next 'Turn on error trapping ThisDrawing.ActiveLinetype = ThisDrawing.Linetypes.Item("BORDER") If Err.Number = -2145386476 Then ' Error indicates linetype is not currently loaded, so load it. ThisDrawing.Linetypes.Load "BORDER", "acad.lin" ThisDrawing.ActiveLinetype = _ ThisDrawing.Linetypes.Item("BORDER") End If On Error GoTo 0 'Turn off error trapping ' Create a circle object in model space Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double Dim circleObj As AcadCircle center(0) = 2 center(1) = 2 center(2) = 0 radius = 4 Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle(center, radius) circleObj.Update MsgBox ("Here is the circle with the original linetype") ' Set the linetype scale of a circle to 3 circleObj.LinetypeScale = 3# circleObj.Update MsgBox ("Here is the circle with the new linetype") ' Restore original active linetype ThisDrawing.ActiveLinetype = currLineType End Sub
Assign Layers, Colors, and Linetypes to Objects

Once youve defined layers, colors, and linetypes, you can assign them to objects in your drawing. You can group associated components of a drawing by assigning objects to layers. You can control layer visibility, color, and linetype and specify whether objects on a layer can be edited. You can move objects from one layer to another and change the name of a layer.
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The number of layers in a drawing and the number of objects per layer are virtually unlimited. You can assign a name to each layer and select any combination of layers for display. You can define blocks from objects that were originally drawn on different layers with different colors and linetypes. You can preserve the layer, color, and linetype information of objects in a block. Then, each time you insert the block, you have each object drawn on its original layer with its original color and linetype.
Change an Objects Layer

Once you have created an object and assigned layer, color, and linetype properties to it, you may wish to change the objects layer. Changing an objects layer is useful if you accidentally create an object on the wrong layer or decide to change your layer organization later. To change an objects layer, use the Layer property provided for that object. The Layer property takes the name of the layer as input. Move an object to a different layer This example creates a circle on the active layer and then creates a new layer called ABC. It then moves the circle to the new layer.
Sub Ch4_MoveObjectNewLayer() ' Create a circle Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 2: center(1) = 2: center(2) = 0 radius = 1 Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) ' Create a new layer called "ABC" Dim layerObj As AcadLayer Set layerObj = ThisDrawing.Layers.Add("ABC") ' Assign the circle to the "ABC" layer circleObj.Layer = "ABC" circleObj.Update End Sub
Change an Objects Color

To change an objects color, use the TrueColor property provided for that object. You can assign colors to individual objects in a drawing. Each color is identified by an AcCmColor object. This object can hold an RGB value, an ACI number (an integer from 1 to 255), or a named color. Using an RGB value, you can choose from millions of colors.
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Setting a color for the object overrides the color setting for the layer on which the object resides. If you want to retain an object on a specific layer but you dont want it to keep the color of that layer, you can change the objects color. Change the color of a circle This example creates a circle and then colors the circle blue.
Sub Ch4_ColorCircle() Dim color As AcadAcCmColor Set color = _ AcadApplication.GetInterfaceObject("AutoCAD.AcCmColor.16") Call color.SetRGB(80, 100, 244) Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim centerPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double centerPoint(0) = 0#: centerPoint(1) = 0#: centerPoint(2) = 0# radius = 5# Set circleObj = _ ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle(centerPoint, radius) circleObj.TrueColor = color ZoomAll End Sub
Change an Objects Linetype

By default, objects inherit the linetype of the layer on which they are created. To change an objects linetype, use the Linetype property provided for that object. The Linetype property takes the name of the linetype to assign to the object as input.
Note Before you can assign a linetype to an object, the linetype must be loaded into the current drawing. To load a linetype into the drawing, use the Load method.
For more information about linetypes, see Overview of Linetypes in the Users Guide. Change the linetype of a circle This example creates a circle. It then attempts to load the linetype CENTER from the acad.lin file. If the linetype already exists, or the file does not exist, then a message is displayed. Finally, it sets the linetype for the circle to be CENTER.
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Sub Ch4_ChangeCircleLinetype() On Error Resume Next ' Create a circle Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 2: center(1) = 2: center(2) = 0 radius = 1 Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) Dim linetypeName As String linetypeName = "CENTER" ' Load "CENTER" line type from acad.lin file ThisDrawing.Linetypes.Load linetypeName, "acad.lin" If Err.Description <> "" Then MsgBox Err.Description ' Assign the circle the linetype "CENTER" circleObj.Linetype = "CENTER" circleObj.Update End Sub
Save and Restore Layer Settings

You can save layer settings in a drawing and restore them later. This makes it easy to return to specified settings for all layers during different stages when completing a drawing or when plotting a drawing. Layer settings include whether or not a layer is turned on, frozen, locked, plotted, and automatically frozen in new viewports, and the layers color, linetype, lineweight, and plot style. You can specify which settings you want to save, and you can save different groups of settings for a drawing. A special object, the LayerStateManager, provides functions for working with layer settings using ActiveX. For more information about saving layer settings, see Save and Restore Layer Settings in the Users Guide.
Understand How AutoCAD Saves Layer Settings

AutoCAD saves layer setting information in an extension dictionary in a drawings Layers collection. When you first save layer settings in a drawing, AutoCAD does the following:
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Creates an extension dictionary in the Layers collection. Creates a Dictionary object named ACAD_LAYERSTATE in the extension dictionary. Stores the properties of each layer in the drawing in an XRecord object in the ACAD_LAYERSTATE dictionary. AutoCAD stores all layer settings in the XRecord, but identifies the specific settings you chose to save. When you restore the layer settings, AutoCAD restores only the settings you chose to save.
Each time you save another layer setting in the drawing, AutoCAD creates another XRecord object describing the saved settings and stores the XRecord in the ACAD_LAYERSTATE dictionary. The following diagram illustrates the process.
AutoCAD Document Object
Layers Collection
ACAD_LAYERSTATE Ext Dictionary Dictionary Object XRecord XRecord
layer1
layer2
layer3
COLOR_LINETYPE layer settings PLOTSTYLE_LINEWEIGHT layer settings
You do not need (and should not try) to interpret XRecords when working with layer settings using ActiveX. Use the functions of the LayerStateManager object to access saved layer settings. List the saved layer settings in a drawing If layer settings have been saved in the current drawing, the following code lists the names of all saved layer settings:
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Sub Ch4_ListStates() On Error Resume Next Dim oLSMDict As AcadDictionary Dim XRec As Object Dim layerstateNames As String layerstateNames = "" ' Get the ACAD_LAYERSTATES dictionary, which is in the ' extension dictionary in the Layers object. Set oLSMDict = ThisDrawing.Layers. _ GetExtensionDictionary.Item("ACAD_LAYERSTATES") ' List the name of each saved layer setting. Settings are ' stored as XRecords in the dictionary. For Each XRec In oLSMDict layerstateNames = layerstateNames + XRec.Name + vbCrLf Next XRec MsgBox "The saved layer settings in this drawing are: " + _ vbCrLf + layerstateNames End Sub
Use the LayerStateManager to Manage Layer Settings

The LayerStateManager object is similar to the AutoCAD Utility object in that it provides a set of functions for manipulating data. These functions are methods for working with saved layer settings. Use the following LayerStateManager methods to work with saved layer settings: Delete Export Import Rename Restore Save SetDataBase Deletes a saved layer setting. Exports the specified saved layer setting to a file. Imports a saved layer setting from the specified file. Renames a saved layer setting. Restores the specified layer setting in the current drawing. Saves the specified layer states and properties. Associates an AutoCAD database with the LayerStateManager.
To access the LayerStateManager object, use the GetInterfaceObject method.

Dim oLSM As AcadLayerStateManager Set oLSM = ThisDrawing.Application. _ GetInterfaceObject("AutoCAD.AcadLayerStateManager.16")
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After you retrieve the LayerStateManager object, you must associate a database with it before you can access the objects methods. Use the SetDatabase method to associate a database with the LayerStateManager.
oLSM.SetDatabase ThisDrawing.Database
Save Layer Settings

Use the Save method to save a set of layer settings in a drawing. The Save method accepts two parameters. The first parameter is a string naming the layer settings you are saving. The second parameter identifies the layer properties you want to save. Use the constants in the following table to identify layer properties. Constants for layer properties
Constant name acLsAll acLsColor acLsFrozen acLsLineType acLsLineWeight acLsLocked acLsNewViewport acLsNone acLsOn acLsPlot acLsPlotStyle Layer property All layer settings Color Frozen or thawed Linetype Lineweight Locked or unlocked New viewport layers frozen or thawed None On or off Plotting on or off Plot style
Add the constants together to specify multiple properties. If you try to save layer settings under a name that already exists, an error is returned. You must rename or delete the existing saved layer settings before you can reuse the name.
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Save a layers color and linetype settings The following code saves the color and linetype settings of the current layer under the name ColorLinetype.
Sub Ch4_SaveLayerColorAndLinetype() Dim oLSM As AcadLayerStateManager ' Access the LayerStateManager object Set oLSM = ThisDrawing.Application. _ GetInterfaceObject("AutoCAD.AcadLayerStateManager.16") ' Associate the current drawing database with LayerStateManager oLSM.SetDatabase ThisDrawing.Database oLSM.Save "ColorLinetype", acLsColor + acLsLineType End Sub
Rename a saved layer setting The following code renames the ColorLinetype layer settings to OldColorLinetype.
Sub Ch4_RenameLayerSettings() Dim oLSM As AcadLayerStateManager Set oLSM = ThisDrawing.Application. _ GetInterfaceObject("AutoCAD.AcadLayerStateManager.16") oLSM.SetDatabase ThisDrawing.Database oLSM.Rename "ColorLinetype", "OldColorLinetype" End Sub
Delete a saved layer setting The following code deletes layer settings that were saved under the name
ColorLinetype. Sub Ch4_DeleteColorAndLinetype() Dim oLSM As AcadLayerStateManager Set oLSM = ThisDrawing.Application. _ GetInterfaceObject("AutoCAD.AcadLayerStateManager.16") oLSM.SetDatabase ThisDrawing.Database oLSM.Delete "ColorLinetype" End Sub
Restore Layer Settings

The Restore method resets all layer settings in the current drawing to values that were saved earlier. For example, if you save the drawings color and linetype settings under the name ColorLinetype and subsequently change those settings, restoring ColorLinetype resets the layers to the colors and linetypes they had when ColorLinetype was saved. If you add new layers to the drawing after saving ColorLinetype, those new layers are not affected when you restore ColorLinetype.
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Restore the color and linetype settings of a drawings layers Assuming that the color and linetype settings of the layers in the current drawing were previously saved under the name ColorLinetype, the following code resets the color and linetype settings of each layer in the drawing to the value they had when ColorLinetype was saved.
Sub Ch4_RestoreLayerSettings() Dim oLSM As AcadLayerStateManager Set oLSM = ThisDrawing.Application. _ GetInterfaceObject("AutoCAD.AcadLayerStateManager.16") oLSM.SetDatabase ThisDrawing.Database oLSM.Restore "ColorLinetype" End Sub
Export and Import Saved Layer Settings

You can export and import saved layer settings to use those settings in other drawings. Use the LayerStateManagers Export method to save layer settings to a file; use the Import method to import saved layer settings into a drawing.
Note Importing layer settings does not restore them; you must use the Restore
method to set the layers in your drawing to the imported settings. The Export method accepts two parameters. The first parameter is a string identifying the saved layer settings you are exporting. The second parameter is the name of the file you are exporting the settings to. If you do not specify a path for the file, it is saved in the AutoCAD installation directory. If the file name you specified already exists, the existing file is overwritten. Use a .las extension when naming files; this is the extension AutoCAD recognizes for exported layer setting files. The Import method accepts one parameter: a string naming the file that contains the layer settings you are importing. When you are importing layer settings, an error condition is raised if any properties referenced in the saved settings are not available in the drawing youre importing to. The import is completed, however, and default properties are used. For example, if an exported layer is set to a linetype that is not loaded in the drawing it is being imported into, an error condition is raised and the drawings default linetype is substituted. Your code should account for this error condition and continue processing if it is raised. If the imported file defines settings for layers that do not exist in the current drawing, those layers are created in the current drawing. When you use the Restore method, the properties specified when the settings were saved are assigned to the new layers; all other properties of the new layers are assigned default settings.
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Export saved layer settings The following code exports saved layer settings to a file named Colortype.las.
Sub Ch4_ExportLayerSettings() Dim oLSM As AcadLayerStateManager Set oLSM = ThisDrawing.Application. _ GetInterfaceObject("AutoCAD.AcadLayerStateManager.16") oLSM.SetDatabase ThisDrawing.Database oLSM.Export "ColorLinetype", "c:\my documents\ColorLType.las" End Sub
Import saved layer settings The following code imports layer settings from a file named Colortype.las.
Sub Ch4_ImportLayerSettings() Dim oLSM As AcadLayerStateManager Set oLSM = ThisDrawing.Application. _ GetInterfaceObject("AutoCAD.AcadLayerStateManager.16") oLSM.SetDatabase ThisDrawing.Database ' If the drawing you're importing to does not contain ' all the linetypes referenced in the saved settings, ' an error is returned. The import is completed, though, ' and the default linetype is used. On Error Resume Next oLSM.Import "c:\my documents\ColorLType.las" If Err.Number = -2145386359 Then ' Error indicates a linetype is not defined MsgBox ("One or more linetypes specified in the imported " + _ "settings is not defined in your drawing") End If On Error GoTo 0 End Sub
Add Text to Drawings

Text conveys important information in your drawing. Use text for title blocks, to label parts of the drawing, to give specifications, or to make annotations. AutoCAD provides various ways to create text. For short, simple entries, use line text. For longer entries with internal formatting, use multiline text (mtext). Although all entered text uses the current text style, which establishes the default font and format settings, you can use several methods to customize the text appearance. For more information about working with text, see Notes and Labels, in the Users Guide.
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Work with Text Styles

All text in an AutoCAD drawing has a style associated with it. When you enter text, AutoCAD uses the current text style, which sets the font, size, angle, orientation, and other text characteristics. You can use or modify the default style or create and load a new style. Once youve created a style, you can modify its attributes or delete it when you no longer need it. For more information about text styles, see Work with Text Styles in the Users Guide.
Create and Modify Text Styles

New text inherits height, width factor, obliquing angle, and text generation properties from the current text style. To create a text style, use the Add method to create a new TextStyle object and add it to the TextStyles collection. The Add method takes a TextStyle name as input. Once created, you cannot change the name of a text style through AutoCAD ActiveX Automation. Style names can contain letters, numbers, and the special characters dollar sign ($), underscore (_), and hyphen (). AutoCAD converts the characters to uppercase. If you dont enter a style name, AutoCAD automatically names the style Stylen, where n is a number that starts at 1. Each new style is shown in increments of 1. You can modify an existing style by changing the properties of the TextStyle object. You can also update existing text of that style type to reflect the changes. Use the following properties to modify a TextStyle object: FontFile BigFontFile Height Width ObliqueAngle TextGenerationFlag Specifies backward text, upside-down text, or both. Specifies the file associated with a font (character style). Specifies the special shape definition file used for a nonASCII character set. Specifies the character height. Specifies the expansion or compression of the characters. Specifies the slant of the characters.
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If you change an existing styles font or orientation, all text using that style is changed to use the new font or orientation. Changing text height, width factor, and oblique angle does not change existing text but does change subsequently created text objects.
Note You must call the Regen or Update methods to see any changes to the
above properties. For more information about creating text styles, see Create and Modify Text Styles in the Users Guide.
Assign Fonts
Fonts define the shapes of the text characters that make up each character set. A single font can be used by more than one style. To assign a font to a text style, use the FontFile property of the TextStyle object. By entering the font file containing an AutoCAD-compiled SHX font, you assign that font to the text style. For more information about assigning fonts to text styles, see Assign Text Fonts in the Users Guide. Set text fonts This example gets the current font values for the active text style and then changes the typeface for the font to PlayBill. The new font is then set using the SetFont method. To see the effects of changing the typeface, add some MText or Text to your current drawing before running the example. Note that, if you dont have the PlayBill font on your system, you need to substitute a font you do have in order for this example to work.
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Sub Ch4_UpdateTextFont() MsgBox ("Look at the text now...") Dim Dim Dim Dim Dim Dim typeFace As String SavetypeFace As String Bold As Boolean Italic As Boolean charSet As Long PitchandFamily As Long
' Get the current settings to fill in the ' default values for the SetFont method ThisDrawing.ActiveTextStyle.GetFont typeFace, _ Bold, Italic, charSet, PitchandFamily ' Change the typeface for the font SavetypeFace = typeFace typeFace = "PlayBill" ThisDrawing.ActiveTextStyle.SetFont typeFace, _ Bold, Italic, charSet, PitchandFamily ThisDrawing.Regen acActiveViewport MsgBox ("Now see how it looks after changing the font...") 'Restore the original typeface ThisDrawing.ActiveTextStyle.SetFont SavetypeFace, _ Bold, Italic, charSet, PitchandFamily ThisDrawing.Regen acActiveViewport End Sub
Use TrueType Fonts

TrueType fonts always appear filled in your drawing, however, when you plot, the TEXTFILL system variable controls whether the fonts are filled. By default TEXTFILL is set to 1 to plot the filled-in fonts. When you export the drawing to PostScript format with the Export method and print it on a PostScript device, the font is plotted as designed. For more information about using TrueType fonts, see Assign Text Fonts in the Users Guide.
Use Unicode and Big Fonts

AutoCAD supports the Unicode character-encoding standard. A Unicode font can contain 65,535 characters, with shapes for many languages. All AutoCAD SHX shape fonts are now Unicode fonts. The text files for some alphabets contain thousands of non-ASCII characters. To accommodate such text, AutoCAD supports a special type of shape definition known as a Big Font file. You can set a style to use both regular and Big Font files. Specify normal fonts using the FontFile property. Specify Big Fonts using the BigFontFile property.
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Note Font file names cannot contain commas.

AutoCAD provides ways to substitute one font for another or to specify a default font. For more information see Substitute Fonts on page 166. For more information about using Unicode and Big Fonts, see Assign Text Fonts in the Users Guide. Change font files This example changes the FontFile and BigFontFile properties. You need to replace the path information listed in this example with path and file names appropriate for your system.
Sub Ch4_ChangeFontFiles() ThisDrawing.ActiveTextStyle.BigFontFile = _ "C:/AutoCAD/Fonts/bigfont.shx" ThisDrawing.ActiveTextStyle.fontFile = _ "C:/AutoCAD/Fonts/italic.shx" End Sub
Set Text Height

Text height determines the size in drawing units of the letters in the font you are using. The value usually represents the size of the uppercase letters, with the exception of TrueType fonts. For TrueType fonts, the value specified for text height might not represent the height of uppercase letters. The height specified represents the height of a capital letter plus an accent area reserved for accent marks and other marks used in non-English languages. The relative portion of areas assigned to capital letters and accent characters is determined by the font designer at the time the font is designed, and, consequently, will vary from font to font. In addition to the height of a capital letter and the ascent area that make up the height specified by the user, TrueType fonts have a descent area for portions of characters that extend below the text insertion line. Examples of such characters are y, j, p, g, and q. You specify the text height using the Height property. This property accepts positive numbers only. For more information about setting text height, see Set Text Height in the Users Guide. Change the height of a Text object This example creates a line of text and then changes the height of the text.
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Sub Ch4_ChangeTextHeight() Dim textObj As AcadText Dim textString As String Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim height As Double ' Define the text object textString = "Hello, World." insertionPoint(0) = 3 insertionPoint(1) = 3 insertionPoint(2) = 0 height = 0.5 ' Create the text object in model space Set textObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddText(textString, insertionPoint, height) ' Change the value of the Height to 1 textObj.height = 1 textObj.Update End Sub
Set Obliquing Angle

The obliquing angle determines the forward or backward slant of the text. The angle represents the offset from its vertical axis (90 degrees). To set the obliquing angle, use the ObliqueAngle property. The obliquing angle must be provided in radians. A positive angle denotes a lean to the right, a negative value will have 2*PI added to it to convert it to its positive equivalent. For more information about the oblique angle, see Set Text Obliquing Angle in the Users Guide. Create oblique text This example creates a Text object then slants the text 45 degrees.
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Sub Ch4_ObliqueText() Dim textObj As AcadText Dim textString As String Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim height As Double ' Define the text object textString = "Hello, World." insertionPoint(0) = 3 insertionPoint(1) = 3 insertionPoint(2) = 0 height = 0.5 ' Create the text object in model space Set textObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddText(textString, insertionPoint, height) ' Change the value of the ObliqueAngle ' to 45 degrees (.707 radians) textObj.ObliqueAngle = 0.707 textObj.Update End Sub
Set Text Generation Flag

The text generation flag specifies if the text is displayed backward or upsidedown. To set the text generation flag, use the TextGenerationFlag property. To make the text display backward, enter acTextFlagBackward for this property. To make the text display upside-down, enter acTextFlagUpsideDown for this property. To make the text display both backward and upside-down, add the two constants together by entering acTextFlagBackward+acTextFlagUpsidedown for this property. Display text backward This example creates a line of text, then sets it to display backward using the TextGenerationFlag property.
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Sub Ch4_ChangingTextGenerationFlag() Dim textObj As AcadText Dim textString As String Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim height As Double ' Create the text object textString = "Hello, World." insertionPoint(0) = 3 insertionPoint(1) = 3 insertionPoint(2) = 0 height = 0.5 Set textObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddText(textString, insertionPoint, height) ' Change the value of the TextGenerationFlag textObj.TextGenerationFlag = acTextFlagBackward textObj.Update End Sub
Use Line Text (Text)

The text you add to your drawings conveys a variety of information. It may be a complex specification, title block information, a label, or even part of the drawing. For shorter entries that do not require multiple fonts or lines, create line text using the Text object. Line text is more convenient for labels. For more information about this topic, see Create Single-Line Text in the Users Guide.
Create Line Text

Each individual line of text is a distinct object when using line text. To create a line text object, use the AddText method. This method requires three values as input: the text string, the insertion point, and the height of the text. The text string is the actual text to be displayed. Unicode, control code, and special characters are accepted. The insertion point is a variant array containing three doubles representing the 3D WCS coordinate in the drawing to place the text. The height of the text is a positive number representing the height of the uppercase text. Height is measured in the current units. Create Line Text This example creates a line of text in model space, at the coordinate (2, 2, 0).
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Sub Ch4_CreateText() Dim textObj As AcadText Dim textString As String Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim height As Double ' Create the text object textString = "Hello, World." insertionPoint(0) = 2 insertionPoint(1) = 2 insertionPoint(2) = 0 height = 0.5 Set textObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddText(textString, insertionPoint, height) textObj.Update End Sub
Format Line Text

A Text object is created using the active text style. You can change the formatting of the Text object by changing the text style associated with it, or by editing the properties of the Text object. You cannot apply formats to individual words and characters. To change a text style associated with an individual Text object, set the StyleName property to a new text style. Once you have changed the text style, use the Update method for the Text object to see the changes in your drawing. In addition to the standard editable properties for entities (color, layer, linetype, and so forth), other properties that you can change on a Text object include the following: Alignment InsertionPoint ObliqueAngle Rotation ScaleFactor TextAlignmentPoint Specifies the alignment point for the text. TextGenerationFlag Specifies whether the text is displayed backward, upside-down, or both simultaneously. TextString Specifies the actual text string displayed. Specifies the horizontal and vertical alignment for the text. Specifies the insertion point for the text. Specifies the oblique angle of the individual text object. Specifies the rotation angle in radians for the text. Specifies the scale factor for the text.
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Once you have changed a property, use the Update method to see the changes in your drawing.
Note For a complete list of methods and properties, see the Text object documentation in the AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA Reference. For more information about formatting line text, see Work with Text Styles in the Users Guide.
Align Line Text

You can justify line text with one of the horizontal and vertical alignment options shown in the following illustration. Left alignment is the default. To set the horizontal and vertical alignment options, use the Alignment property. For more information about aligning line text, see Align Single-Line Text in the Users Guide. Realign text This example creates a Text object and a Point object. The Point object is set to the text alignment point, and is changed to a red crosshair so that it is visible. The text alignment is changed and a message box is displayed so that the macro execution is halted. This allows you to see the impact of changing the text alignment.
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Sub Ch4_TextAlignment() Dim textObj As AcadText Dim textString As String Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim height As Double ' Define the new Text object textString = "Hello, World." insertionPoint(0) = 3 insertionPoint(1) = 3 insertionPoint(2) = 0 height = 0.5 ' Create the Text object in model space Set textObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddText(textString, insertionPoint, height) ' Create a point over the text alignment point, ' so we can better visualize the alignment process Dim pointObj As AcadPoint Dim alignmentPoint(0 To 2) As Double alignmentPoint(0) = 3 alignmentPoint(1) = 3 alignmentPoint(2) = 0 Set pointObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddPoint(alignmentPoint) pointObj.Color = acRed ' Set the point style to crosshair ThisDrawing.SetVariable "PDMODE", 2 ' Align the text to the Left textObj.Alignment = acAlignmentLeft ThisDrawing.Regen acActiveViewport MsgBox "The Text object is now aligned left" ' Align the text to the Center textObj.Alignment = acAlignmentCenter ' Align the text to the point (necessary for ' all but left aligned text.) textObj.TextAlignmentPoint = alignmentPoint ThisDrawing.Regen acActiveViewport MsgBox "The Text object is now centered" ' Align the text to the Right textObj.Alignment = acAlignmentRight ThisDrawing.Regen acActiveViewport MsgBox "The Text object is now aligned right" End Sub
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Change Line Text

Like any other object, Text objects can be moved, rotated, erased, and copied. You also can mirror text. If you do not want the text to be reversed when you mirror it, you can set the MIRRTEXT system variable to 0. The following list represents a few of the methods a Text object has for use in editing. For a complete list, see the Text object documentation in the AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA Reference. ArrayPolar ArrayRectangular Creates a rectangular. Copy Erase Mirror Move Rotate Copies the Text object. Erases the Text object. Mirrors the Text object. Moves the Text object. Rotates the Text object. Creates a polar array.
Use Multiline Text (Mtext)

For long, complex entries, create multiline text (mtext). Multiline text fits a specified width but can extend vertically to an indefinite length. You can format individual words or characters within the mtext. For more information about this topic, see Create Multiline Text in the Users Guide.
Create Multiline Text

You can create a multiline text object (MText object) by using the AddMText method. This method requires three values as input: the text string, the insertion point in the drawing to place the text, and the width of the text bounding box. The text string is the actual text to be displayed. Unicode, control code, and special characters are accepted. The insertion point is a variant array containing three doubles representing the 3D WCS coordinate in the drawing to place the text. The width of the text is a positive number representing the width of the bounding box for the text. Width is measured in the current units.
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Once the MText object is created, you can apply the text height, justification, rotation angle, and style to the MText object, or apply character formatting to selected characters. Refer to the entry on MText in the ActiveX and VBA Reference for a list of methods and properties that apply to the MText object. For more information about creating multiline text, see Create Multiline Text in the Users Guide. Create Multiline Text The following code creates an MText object in model space, at the coordinate (2, 2, 0).
Sub Ch4_CreateMText() Dim mtextObj As AcadMText Dim insertPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim width As Double Dim textString As String insertPoint(0) = 2 insertPoint(1) = 2 insertPoint(2) = 0 width = 4 textString = "This is a text string for the mtext object." ' Create a text Object in model space Set mtextObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddMText(insertPoint, width, textString) ZoomAll End Sub
Format Multiline Text

New text automatically assumes the characteristics of the current text style. The STANDARD text style is the default. You can override the default text style by applying formatting to individual characters and applying properties to the Text object. You also can indicate formatting or special characters using the methods described in this section. Orientation options such as style, justification, width, and rotation affect all text within the mtext text boundary, not specific words or characters. Use the AttachmentPoint property to change the justification of MText, and the Rotation property to control the angle of rotation of the text boundary.
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The StyleName property sets the default fonts and formatting characteristics for new text. As you create text, you can select which style you want to use from a list of existing styles. When you change the style of an MText object that has character formatting applied to any portion of the text, the style is applied to the entire object, and some formatting of characters might not be retained. For instance, changing from a TrueType style to a style using an SHX font or to another TrueType font causes the text to use the new font for the entire object, and any character formatting is lost. Formatting options such as underlining, stacked text, or fonts can be applied to individual words or characters within a paragraph. You also can change color, font, and text height. You can change the spaces between text characters or increase the width of the characters. Use curly braces ({ }) to apply a format change only to the text within the braces. You can nest braces up to eight levels deep. You also can enter the ASCII equivalent for control codes within lines or paragraphs to indicate formatting or special characters, such as tolerance or dimensioning symbols. The following control characters can be used to create the text in the illustration. (For the ASCII equivalent of this string see the example below.) {{\H1.5x; Big text} \A2; over text\A1;/\A0; under text}
Big text over text/under text

For more information about formatting multiline text, see Format Characters Within Multiline Text in the Users Guide. Use control characters to format text This example creates and formats an MText object.
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Sub Ch4_FormatMText() Dim mtextObj As AcadMText Dim insertPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim width As Double Dim textString As String insertPoint(0) = 2 insertPoint(1) = 2 insertPoint(2) = 0 width = 4 ' Define the ASCII characters for the control characters Dim OB As Long ' Open Bracket { Dim CB As Long ' Close Bracket } Dim BS As Long ' Back Slash \ Dim FS As Long ' Forward Slash / Dim SC As Long ' Semicolon ; OB = Asc("{") CB = Asc("}") BS = Asc("\") FS = Asc("/") SC = Asc(";") ' Assign the text string the following line of control ' characters and text characters: ' {{\H1.5x; Big text}\A2; over text\A1;/\A0; under text} textString = Chr(OB) + Chr(OB) + Chr(BS) + "H1.5x" _ + Chr(SC) + "Big text" + Chr(CB) + Chr(BS) + "A2" _ + Chr(SC) + "over text" + Chr(BS) + "A1" + Chr(SC) _ + Chr(FS) + Chr(BS) + "A0" + Chr(SC) + "under text" _ + Chr(CB) ' Create a text Object in model space Set mtextObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddMText(insertPoint, width, textString) ZoomAll End Sub
Use Unicode Characters, Control Codes, and Special Characters

You can use Unicode characters, control codes, and special characters in your text string to represent symbols. (All non-text characters must be entered as their ASCII equivalent.)
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You can create special characters by entering the following Unicode character strings: Unicode character descriptions
Unicode character \U+00B0 \U+00B1 \U+2205 Description Degree symbol Plus/minus tolerance symbol Diameter dimensioning symbol
In addition to using Unicode characters for special characters, you can specify a special character by including control information in the text string. Use a pair of percent signs (%%) to introduce each control sequence. For example, the following control code works with standard AutoCAD text and PostScript fonts to draw character number nnn:
%%nnn
In a VB or VBA text string, the example above would be entered as

Dim percent as Long percent = ASC("%") TextString = chr(percent) + chr(percent) + "nnn"
These control codes work with standard AutoCAD text fonts only: Control code descriptions
Control code %%o %%u %%d %%p %%c %%% Description Toggles overscore mode on and off Toggles underscore mode on and off Draws degree symbol Draws plus and minus tolerance symbol Draws diameter dimensioning symbol Draws single percent sign
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Substitute Fonts
You can designate fonts to be substituted for other fonts or as defaults when AutoCAD cannot find a font specified in a drawing. The fonts used for the text in your drawing are determined by the text style and, for mtext, by individual font formats applied to sections of text. You can use font mapping tables to ensure that your drawing uses only certain fonts, or to convert the fonts you used to other fonts. You can use these font mapping tables to enforce corporate font standards, or to facilitate offline printing. AutoCAD comes with a default font mapping table. You can edit this file using any ASCII text editor. You also can specify a different font mapping table file by using the FontFileMap property on the Preferences object. For more information about font mapping tables and substituting fonts, see Substitute Fonts in the Users Guide.
Specify an Alternative Default Font

If your drawing specifies a font that is not currently on your system, AutoCAD automatically substitutes the font designated as your alternate font. By default, AutoCAD uses the simplex.shx file. However, you can specify a different font if necessary. Use the AltFontFile property on the Preferences object to set the alternative font file name. If you use a text style that uses a Big Font, you can map it to another font using the AltFontFile property. This system variable uses a default font file pair of txt.shx, bigfont.shx. If AutoCAD cannot find a font file when a drawing is opened, it applies a default set of font substitution rules. For a description of the default rules, see Specify an Alternative Font in the Users Guide.
Check Spelling
During a spelling check, AutoCAD matches the words in the drawing to the words in the current main dictionary. Any words you add are stored in the custom dictionary that is current at the time of the spelling check. For example, you can add proper names so that AutoCAD no longer identifies them as misspelled words.
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To check spelling in another language, you can change to a different main dictionary. There is no method for checking spelling provided in AutoCAD ActiveX Automation. However, you can specify a different main dictionary using the MainDictionary property, or a different custom dictionary using the CustomDictionary property on the Preferences object. For more information about spellings checks, see Check Spelling in the Users Guide.
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Dimensions and Tolerances
Dimensions add measurements to a drawing. Tolerances specify by how much a dimension can vary. With ActiveXAutomation, dimensions can be managed with dimension styles and overrides.
In this chapter
Dimensioning Concepts Create Dimensions Edit Dimensions Work with Dimension Styles Dimension in Model Space and
Paper Space
Create Leaders and Annotation Use Geometric Tolerances
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Dimensioning Concepts
Dimensions show the geometric measurements of objects, the distances or angles between objects, or the X and Y coordinates of a feature. AutoCAD provides three basic types of dimensioning: linear, radial, and angular. Linear dimensions include aligned, rotated, and ordinate dimensions.
angular horizontal
aligned diameter
vertical
radius baseline continued
You can create dimensions for lines, multilines, arcs, circles, and polyline segments, or you can create dimensions that standalone. AutoCAD draws dimensions on the current layer. Every dimension has a dimension style associated with it, whether its the default or one you define. The style controls characteristics such as color, text style, and linetype scale. Thickness information is not supported. Style families allow for subtle modifications to a base style for different types of dimensions. Overrides allow for style modifications to a specific dimension. For more information about dimensions, see Dimensions and Tolerances, in the Users Guide.
Parts of a Dimension
This section briefly defines the parts of a dimension.
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dimension continued text arrowhead dimension line extension line
leader
A dimension line is a line that indicates the direction and extent of a dimension. For an angular dimension, the dimension line is an arc. Extension lines, also called projection lines or witness lines, extend from the feature being dimensioned to the dimension line. Arrowheads, also called symbols of termination or just termination, are added to each end of the dimension line. Dimension text is a text string that usually indicates the actual measurement. The text may also include prefixes, suffixes, and tolerances. A leader is a solid line leading from some annotation to the referenced feature. A center mark is a small cross that marks the center of a circle or arc. Centerlines are broken lines that mark the center of a circle or arc.
center lines center mark
See Parts of a Dimension in the Users Guide for more information about the parts of a dimension.
Define the Dimension System Variables

The dimensioning system variables control the appearance of dimensions. The dimension system variables include: DIMAUNIT, DIMUPT, DIMTOFL, DIMFIT, DIMTIH, DIMTOH, DIMJUST, and DIMTAD. You can set these variables by using the SetVariable method. For example, the following line of code sets the DIMAUNIT system variable (the units format for angular dimensions) to radians (3):
ThisDrawing.SetVariable "DIMAUNIT", 3
See Use Dimension Styles in the Users Guide for more information about the dimensioning system variables.
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Set Dimension Text Styles

Dimension text refers to any kind of text associated with dimensions, including measurements, tolerances (both lateral and geometric), prefixes, suffixes, and textual notes in single-line or paragraph form. You can use the default measurement computed by AutoCAD as the text, supply your own text, or suppress the text entirely. You can use dimension text to add information, such as special manufacturing procedures or assembly instructions.
Single-line dimension text uses the active text style as specified by the ActiveTextStyle property. Paragraphs of text use the active text style with any modifications you make in your text string. For more information about dimension text, see Control Dimension Text in the Users Guide.
Understand Leader Lines

A default leader line is a straight line with an arrowhead that refers to a feature in a drawing. Usually, a leaders function is to connect annotation with the feature. Annotation in this case means paragraph text, blocks, or feature control frames. Such leader lines are different from the simple leader lines AutoCAD creates automatically for radial, diameter, and linear dimensions whose text wont fit between extension lines.
leader
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Leader objects are associated with the annotation, so when the annotation is edited, the leader is updated accordingly. You can copy annotation used elsewhere in a drawing and append it to a leader, or you can create a new annotation. You can also create a leader with no annotation appended. For more information about leaders, see Overview of Creating Text and Leaders in the Users Guide.
Understand Associative Dimensions

Associative dimensions automatically adjust their locations, orientations, and measurement values when the geometric objects associated with them are modified. The DIMASSOC system variable controls associative dimensioning. Set DIMASSOC to 2 to turn on associative dimensioning. For more information about associative dimensions, see Associative Dimensions in the Users Guide.
Create Dimensions
You can create linear, radial, angular, and ordinate dimensions. When creating dimensions, the active dimension style is used. Once created, you can modify the extension line origins, the dimension text location, and the dimension text content and its angle relative to the dimension line. You can also change the dimension style used by the dimension. For more information about creating dimensions, see Dimensions and Tolerances in the Users Guide.
Create Linear Dimensions

Linear dimensions can be aligned or rotated. Aligned dimensions have the dimension line parallel to the line along which the extension line origins lie. Rotated dimensions have the dimension line placed at an angle to the extension line origins. To create a linear dimension, use the AddDimAligned or AddDimRotated method. After you create linear dimensions, you can modify the text, the angle of the text, or the angle of the dimension line. In the following illustrations, the extension line origins are designated explicitly. The resulting dimension line location is also shown:
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horizontal
vertical
aligned
rotated 315 degrees
To create an aligned dimension, use the AddDimAligned method. This method requires three coordinates as input: the origin of both extension lines and the text position. To create a rotated dimension, use the AddDimRotated method. This method requires three coordinates and the angle of the dimension line as input. The three coordinates are the origin of both extension lines and the text position. The angle must be provided in radians and represents the angle of rotation for the dimension line. For additional information about creating linear dimensions, see Create Linear Dimensions in the Users Guide.
Create Radial Dimensions

Radial dimensions measure the radii and diameters of arcs and circles. To create a radial dimension, use the AddDimRadial method. Different types of radial dimensions are created depending on the size of the circle or arc, the TextPosition property, and the values in the DIMUPT, DIMTOFL, DIMFIT, DIMTIH, DIMTOH, DIMJUST, and DIMTAD dimension system variables. (System variables can be queried or set using the GetVariable and SetVariable methods.)
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For horizontal dimension text, if the angle of the dimension line is more than 15 degrees from horizontal, and is outside the circle or arc, AutoCAD draws a hook line, also called a landing or dogleg. The hook line is one arrowhead long, and is placed next to the dimension text, as shown in the following illustrations:
To create radial dimensions, use the AddDimRadial or AddDimDiametric methods. These methods require three values as input: the coordinate of the circle or arcs center, the coordinate for the leader attachment, and the length of the leader. These methods use the LeaderLength parameter as the distance from the ChordPoint to the point where the dimension will do a horizontal hook line to the annotation text (or stop if no hook line is necessary). For additional information about creating radial dimensions, see Create Radial Dimensions in the Users Guide. Create a radial dimension This example creates a radial dimension in model space.
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Sub Ch5_CreateRadialDimension() Dim dimObj As AcadDimRadial Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim chordPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim leaderLen As Integer ' Define the dimension center(0) = 0 center(1) = 0 center(2) = 0 chordPoint(0) = 5 chordPoint(1) = 5 chordPoint(2) = 0 leaderLen = 5 ' Create the radial dimension in model space Set dimObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddDimRadial(center, chordPoint, leaderLen) ZoomAll End Sub
Note The LeaderLength setting is only used during the creation of the dimension (and even then only if the dimension is set to use the default text position value). After the dimension is closed for the first time, changing the LeaderLength value will not affect how the dimension displays, but the new setting will be stored and will show up in DXF, LISP, and ADSRX applications.
Create Angular Dimensions

Angular dimensions measure the angle between two lines or three points. For example, you can use them to measure the angle between two radii of a circle. The dimension line forms an arc. To create an angular dimension, use the AddDimAngular method. This method requires three values as input: the angle vertex, the origins of the extension lines, and the text location. The AngleVertex is the center of the circle or arc, or the common vertex between the two lines being dimensioned. The origins of the extension lines are the points through which the two extension lines pass. The AngleVertex can be the same as one of the origin points. If you need extension lines they will be added automatically. For additional information about creating angular dimensions, see Create Angular Dimensions in chapter 20, Dimensions and Tolerances, in the Users Guide.
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Create an angular dimension This example creates an angular dimension in model space.
Sub Ch5_CreateAngularDimension() Dim dimObj As AcadDimAngular Dim angVert(0 To 2) As Double Dim FirstPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim SecondPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim TextPoint(0 To 2) As Double ' Define the dimension angVert(0) = 0 angVert(1) = 5 angVert(2) = 0 FirstPoint(0) = 1 FirstPoint(1) = 7 FirstPoint(2) = 0 SecondPoint(0) = 1 SecondPoint(1) = 3 SecondPoint(2) = 0 TextPoint(0) = 3 TextPoint(1) = 5 TextPoint(2) = 0 ' Create the angular dimension in model space Set dimObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddDimAngular(angVert, FirstPoint, SecondPoint, TextPoint) ZoomAll End Sub
Create Ordinate Dimensions

Ordinate, or datum, dimensions measure the perpendicular distance from an origin point, called the datum, to a dimensioned feature, such as a hole in a part. These dimensions prevent escalating errors by maintaining accurate offsets of the features from the datum.
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Ordinate dimensions consist of an X or Y ordinate with a leader line. X-datum ordinate dimensions measure the distance of a feature from the datum along the X axis. Y-datum ordinate dimensions measure the same distance along the Y axis. AutoCAD uses the origin of the current UCS to determine the measured coordinates. The absolute value of the coordinate is used. The text is aligned with the ordinate leader line regardless of the text orientation defined by the current dimension style. You can accept the default text or supply your own. To create an ordinate dimension, use the AddDimOrdinate method. This method requires three values as input: a coordinate specifying the point to be dimensioned (A), a coordinate specifying the end of the leader (B), and a Boolean flag specifying whether the dimension is an X-datum ordinate dimension or a Y-datum ordinate dimension. If you enter TRUE for the Boolean flag, the method will create an X-datum ordinate dimension. If you enter FALSE, it will create a Y-datum ordinate dimension. For additional information about creating ordinate dimensions, see Create Ordinate Dimensions in chapter 20, Dimensions and Tolerances, in the Users Guide. Create an ordinate dimension This example creates an ordinate dimension in model space.
Sub Ch5_CreatingOrdinateDimension() Dim dimObj As AcadDimOrdinate Dim definingPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim leaderEndPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim useXAxis As Long ' Define the dimension definingPoint(0) = 5 definingPoint(1) = 5 definingPoint(2) = 0 leaderEndPoint(0) = 10 leaderEndPoint(1) = 5 leaderEndPoint(2) = 0 useXAxis = 5 ' Create an ordinate dimension in model space Set dimObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddDimOrdinate(definingPoint, _ leaderEndPoint, useXAxis) ZoomAll End Sub
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Edit Dimensions
As with other graphical objects in AutoCAD, you can edit dimensions using the standard methods and properties provided for the object. The following properties are available for most dimension objects: Rotation StyleName TextOverride TextPosition TextRotation Measurement Specifies the rotation angle in radians for the dimension line. Specifies the name of the dimension style. Specifies the text string for the dimension. Specifies the dimension text position. Specifies the rotation angle of the dimension text. Specifies the actual measurement for the dimension.
In addition, certain dimension objects provide properties for editing the extension line origins and leader length. The following methods are included for dimension object editing: ArrayPolar ArrayRectangular Copy Erase Mirror Move Rotate ScaleEntity Creates a polar array. Creates a rectangular array. Copies the dimension object. Erases the dimension object. Mirrors the dimension object. Moves the dimension object. Rotates the dimension object. Scales the dimension object.
For more information about editing dimensions, see Modify Existing Dimensions in chapter 20, Dimensions and Tolerances, in the Users Guide.
Override Dimension Text

The dimension value that is displayed can be replaced using the TextOverride property. Using this property you can completely replace the displayed value of the dimension, or you can append text to the value.
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Modify dimension text This example appends some text to the value so that both the string and the dimension value are displayed.
Sub Ch5_OverrideDimensionText() Dim dimObj As AcadDimAligned Dim point1(0 To 2) As Double Dim point2(0 To 2) As Double Dim location(0 To 2) As Double ' Define the dimension point1(0) = 5#: point1(1) = 3#: point1(2) = 0# point2(0) = 10#: point2(1) = 3#: point2(2) = 0# location(0) = 7.5: location(1) = 5#: location(2) = 0# ' Create an aligned dimension object in model space Set dimObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddDimAligned(point1, point2, location) ' Change the text string for the dimension dimObj.TextOverride = "The value is <>" dimObj.Update End Sub
Work with Dimension Styles

A named dimension style is a group of settings that determines the appearance of the dimension. Using named dimension styles, you can establish and enforce drafting standards for drawings. All dimensions are created using the active dimension style. If you dont define or apply a style before creating dimensions, AutoCAD applies the default style, STANDARD. To set the active dimension style, use the ActiveDimStyle property. To set up a parent dimension style, you begin by naming and saving a style. The new style is based on the current style and includes all subsequent changes to the layout of the dimension parts, the positioning of text, and the appearance of annotation. Annotation in this case means primary and alternate units, tolerances, and text. For more information about dimension styles, see Use Dimension Styles in chapter 20, Dimensions and Tolerances, in the Users Guide.
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Create, Modify, and Copy Dimension Styles

To create a new dimension style, use the Add method. This method requires as input the name of the new dimension style. AutoCAD ActiveX Automation allows you to add new dimension styles, and to change the active dimension style. You can also change the dimension style associated with a given dimension through the StyleName property. You can also copy an existing style or set of overrides. Use the CopyFrom method to copy a dimension style from a source object to a newly dimension style. The source object can be another DimStyle object, a dimension, Tolerance, or Leader object, or even a Document object. If you copy the style settings from another dimension style, the style is duplicated exactly. If you copy the style settings from a dimension, Tolerance, or Leader object, the current settings, including any object overrides, are copied to the new style. If you copy the style of a Document object, the active dimension style, plus any drawing overrides, are copied to the new style. Copy dimension styles and overrides This example creates three new dimension styles and copies the current settings for the document, a given dimension style, and a given dimension to each new dimension style respectively. By following the appropriate setup before running this example, you will find that different dimension styles have been created. 1 Create a new drawing and make it the active drawing. 2 Create a linear dimension in the new drawing. This dimension should be the only object in the drawing. 3 Using the OPM, change the color of the dimension line to yellow. 4 Change the DIMCLRD system variable to 5 (blue). 5 Run the following example:
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Sub Ch5_CopyDimStyles() Dim newStyle1 As AcadDimStyle Dim newStyle2 As AcadDimStyle Dim newStyle3 As AcadDimStyle Set newStyle1 = ThisDrawing.DimStyles.Add _ ("Style 1 copied from a dim") Call newStyle1.CopyFrom(ThisDrawing.ModelSpace(0)) Set newStyle2 = ThisDrawing.DimStyles.Add _ ("Style 2 copied from Style 1") Call newStyle2.CopyFrom(ThisDrawing.DimStyles.Item _ ("Style 1 copied from a dim")) Set newStyle2 = ThisDrawing.DimStyles.Add _ ("Style 3 copied from the running drawing values") Call newStyle2.CopyFrom(ThisDrawing) End Sub
Open the DIMSTYLE dialog. You should now have 3 dimension styles listed. Style 1 should have a yellow dimension line. Style 2 should be the same as Style 1. Style 3 should have a blue dimension line.
Override the Dimension Style

Each dimension has the capability of overriding settings in the dimension style for that dimension. The following properties are available for most dimension objects: AltRoundDistance Specifies the rounding of alternate units. AngleFormat Specifies the unit format for angular dimensions.
Arrowhead1Block, Arrowhead2Block Specifies the block to use as the custom arrowhead for the dimension line. Arrowhead1Type, Arrowhead2Type Specifies the type of arrowhead for the dimension line. ArrowheadSize CenterMarkSize CenterType Specifies the size of dimension line arrowheads, leader line arrowheads, and hook lines. Specifies the size of the center mark for radial and diameter dimensions. Specifies the type of center mark for radial and diameter dimensions.
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DecimalSeparator Specifies the character to be used as the decimal separator in decimal dimension and tolerance values. DimensionLineColor Specifies the color of the dimension line for a dimension, leader, or tolerance object. DimensionLineWeight Specifies the lineweight for the dimension lines. DimLine1Suppress, DimLine2Suppress Specifies the suppression of the dimension lines. DimLineInside ExtensionLineColor Specifies the color for dimension extension lines. ExtensionLineExtend Specifies the distance the extension line extends beyond the dimension line. ExtensionLineOffset Specifies the distance the extension lines are offset from the origin points. ExtensionLineWeight Specifies the lineweight for the extension lines. ExtLine1EndPoint, ExtLine2EndPoint Specifies the endpoint of extension lines. ExtLine1StartPoint, ExtLine2StartPoint Specifies the start point of extension lines. ExtLine1Suppress, ExtLine2Suppress Specifies the suppression of extension lines. Fit Specifies the placement of text and arrowheads inside or outside extension lines. Specifies the display of dimension lines inside the extension lines only.
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ForceLineInside Specifies if a dimension line is drawn between the extension lines even when the text is placed outside the extension lines. FractionFormat Specifies the format of fractional values in dimensions and tolerances. HorizontalTextPosition Specifies the horizontal justification for dimension text. LinearScaleFactor Specifies a global scale factor for linear dimensioning measurements. PrimaryUnitsPrecision Specifies the number of decimal places displayed for the primary units of a dimension or tolerance. SuppressLeadingZeros, SuppressTrailingZeros Specifies the suppression of leading and trailing zeros in dimension values. SuppressZeroFeet, SuppressZeroInches Specifies the suppression of a zero foot and zero inch measurement in dimension values. TextColor TextGap Specifies the color of the text for dimension and tolerance objects. Specifies the distance between the dimension text and the dimension line when you break the dimension line to accommodate dimension text. Specifies the height for the dimension or tolerance text. Specifies if the dimension text is to be drawn inside the extension lines.
TextHeight TextInside TextInsideAlign
Specifies the position of dimension text inside the extension lines for all dimension types except ordinate.
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TextMovement Specifies how dimension text is drawn when text is moved. TextOutsideAlign Specifies the position of dimension text outside the extension lines for all dimension types except ordinate. TextPosition TextPrecision TextPrefix TextRotation TextSuffix ToleranceDisplay Specifies if tolerances are displayed with the dimension text. ToleranceHeightScale Specifies a scale factor for the text height of tolerance values relative to the dimension text height. ToleranceJustification Specifies the vertical justification of tolerance values relative to the nominal dimension text. ToleranceLowerLimit Specifies the minimum tolerance limit for dimension text. TolerancePrecision Specifies the precision of tolerance values in primary dimensions. ToleranceSuppressLeadingZeros Specifies the suppression of leading zeros in tolerance values. ToleranceSuppressTrailingZeros Specifies the suppression of trailing zeros in dimension values. Specifies the dimension text position. Specifies the precision of angular dimension text. Specifies the dimension value prefix. Specifies the rotation angle of the dimension text. Specifies the dimension value suffix.
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ToleranceUpperLimit Specifies the maximum tolerance limit for dimension text. UnitsFormat VerticalTextPosition Specifies the vertical position of text in relation to the dimension line. Enter a user-defined suffix for an aligned dimension This example creates an aligned dimension in model space and uses the TextSuffix property to allow the user to change the text suffix for the dimension.
Sub Ch5_AddTextSuffix() Dim dimObj As AcadDimAligned Dim point1(0 To 2) As Double Dim point2(0 To 2) As Double Dim location(0 To 2) As Double Dim suffix As String ' Define the dimension point1(0) = 0: point1(1) = 5: point1(2) = 0 point2(0) = 5: point2(1) = 5: point2(2) = 0 location(0) = 5: location(1) = 7: location(2) = 0 ' Create an aligned dimension object in model space Set dimObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddDimAligned(point1, point2, location) ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll ' Allow the user to change the text suffix for the dimension suffix = InputBox("Enter a new text suffix for the dimension" _ , "Set Dimension Suffix", ":SUFFIX") ' Apply the change to the dimension dimObj.TextSuffix = suffix ThisDrawing.Regen acAllViewports End Sub
Specifies the unit format for all dimensions except angular.
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Dimension in Model Space and Paper Space

You can draw dimensions in both paper space and model space. However, if the geometry youre dimensioning is in model space, its better to draw dimensions in model space, because AutoCAD places the definition points in the space where the geometry is drawn. If you draw a dimension in paper space that describes geometry in your model, the paper space dimension does not change when you use editing commands or change the magnification of the display in the model space viewport. The location of the paper space dimensions also stays the same when you change a view from paper space to model space. If youre dimensioning in paper space and the global scale factor for linear dimensioning (the DIMLFAC system variable) is set at less than 0, the distance measured is multiplied by the absolute value of DIMLFAC. If youre dimensioning in model space, the value of 1.0 is used even if DIMLFAC is less than 0. AutoCAD computes a value for DIMLFAC if you change the variable at the Dim prompt and select the Viewport option. AutoCAD calculates the scaling of model space to paper space and assigns the negative of this value to DIMLFAC.
Create Leaders and Annotation

A leader is a line that connects some annotation to a feature in a drawing. Leaders and their annotation are associative, which means if you modify the annotation, the leader updates accordingly. Dont confuse the Leader object with the leader line AutoCAD automatically generates as part of a dimension line. For more information about leaders, see Create Text with Leaders in chapter 19, Notes and Labels, in the Users Guide.
Create a Leader Line

You can create a leader line from any point or feature in a drawing and control its appearance as you draw it. Leaders can be straight line segments or smooth spline curves. Leader color is controlled by the current dimension line color. Leader scale is controlled by the overall dimension scale set in the active dimension style. The type and size of the arrowhead, if one is present, is controlled by the first arrowhead defined in the active style.
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A small line known as a hook line usually connects the annotation to the leader. Hook lines appear with mtext and feature control frames if the last leader line segment is at an angle greater than 15 degrees from horizontal. The hook line is the length of a single arrowhead. If the leader has no annotation, it has no hook line.
hook line leader line
To create a leader line, use the AddLeader method. This method requires three values as input: the array of coordinates to create the leader at, the annotation object (or NULL if the leader is to have no annotation), and the type of leader to create. The type of leader specifies whether the leader is to be a straight line or a smooth spline curve. It also determines whether or not the leader is to have arrows. Use one of the following constants to specify the type of leader: acLineNoArrow, acLineWithArrow, acSplineNoArrow, or acSplineWithArrow. These constants are mutually exclusive of each other. Create a leader line This example creates a leader line in model space. There is no annotation associated with the leader line.
Sub Ch5_CreateLeader() Dim leaderObj As AcadLeader Dim points(0 To 8) As Double Dim leaderType As Integer Dim annotationObject As AcadObject points(0) = 0: points(1) = 0: points(2) = 0 points(3) = 4: points(4) = 4: points(5) = 0 points(6) = 4: points(7) = 5: points(8) = 0 leaderType = acLineWithArrow Set annotationObject = Nothing ' Create the leader object in model space Set leaderObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLeader(points, annotationObject, leaderType) ZoomAll End Sub
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Add the Annotation to a Leader Line

Leader annotations can be a Tolerance, MText, or BlockRef object. You can create a new annotation, or you can append a copy of an existing annotation. Annotation is added to the leader only when it is created. To add an annotation when a leader is being created, input the annotation to the AddLeader method.
Leader Associativity
Leaders are associated with their annotation so that when the annotation moves, the endpoint of the leader moves with it. As you move text and feature control frame annotation, the final leader line segment alternates between attaching to the left side and to the right side of the annotation according to the relation of the annotation to the penultimate (second to last) point of the leader. If the midpoint of the annotation is to the right of the penultimate leader point, then the leader attaches to the right; otherwise, it attaches to the left. Removing either object from the drawing using either the Erase, Add (to add a block), or WBlock method will break associativity. If the leader and its annotation are copied together in a single operation, the new copy is associative. If they are copied separately, they will not be associative. If associativity is broken for any reason, for example, by copying only the Leader object or by erasing the annotation, the hook line will be removed from the leader. Associate a leader to the annotation This example creates an MText object. A leader line is then created using the MText object as its annotation.
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Sub Ch5_AddAnnotation() Dim leaderObj As AcadLeader Dim mtextObj As AcadMText Dim points(0 To 8) As Double Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim width As Double Dim leaderType As Integer Dim annotationObject As Object Dim textString As String, msg As String ' Create the MText object in model space textString = "Hello, World." insertionPoint(0) = 5 insertionPoint(1) = 5 insertionPoint(2) = 0 width = 2 Set mtextObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddMText(insertionPoint, width, textString) ' Data for Leader points(0) = 0: points(1) = 0: points(2) = 0 points(3) = 4: points(4) = 4: points(5) = 0 points(6) = 4: points(7) = 5: points(8) = 0 leaderType = acLineWithArrow ' Create the Leader object in model space and associate ' the MText object with the leader Set annotationObject = mtextObj Set leaderObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLeader(points, annotationObject, leaderType) ZoomAll End Sub
Edit Leader Associativity

Except for the associativity relation between the leader and annotation, the leader and its annotation are entirely separate objects in your drawing. Editing of the leader does not affect the annotation, and editing of the annotation does not affect the leader. Although text annotation is created using the DIMCLRT, DIMTXT, and DIMTXSTY system variables to define its color, height, and style, it cannot be changed by these system variables because it is not a true dimension object. Text annotation must be edited the same way as any other MText object. Use the Evaluate method to evaluate the relation of the leader to its associated annotation. This method will update the leader geometry if necessary.
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Edit Leaders
Any modifications to leader annotation that change its position affect the position of the endpoint of the associated leader. Also, rotating the annotation causes the leader hook line (if any) to rotate. To resize a leader, you can scale it. Scaling updates only the scale of the selected object. For example, if you scale the leader, the annotation stays in the same position relative to the leader endpoint but isnt scaled. In addition to scaling, you can also move, mirror, and rotate a leader. Use the ScaleEntity, Move, Mirror, and Rotate methods to edit the leader. You can also change the text style associated with the annotation by using the StyleName property. For more information about editing leaders, see Change Text with a Leader in the Users Guide.
Use Geometric Tolerances

Geometric tolerancing shows deviations of form, profile, orientation, location, and runout of a feature. You add geometric tolerances in feature control frames. These frames contain all the tolerance information for a single dimension. For more information about using feature control frames and working with geometric tolerances, see Add Geometric Tolerances in chapter 20, Dimensions and Tolerances, in the Users Guide.
Create Geometric Tolerances

To create a geometric tolerance use the AddTolerance method. This method requires three values as input: the text string comprising the tolerance symbol, the location in the drawing to place the tolerance, and a directional vector specifying the direction of the tolerance. You can also copy, move, erase, scale, and rotate tolerances. Create a geometric tolerance This example creates a simple geometric tolerance in model space.
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Sub Ch5_CreateTolerance() Dim toleranceObj As AcadTolerance Dim textString As String Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim direction(0 To 2) As Double ' Define the tolerance object textString = "Here is the Feature Control Frame" insertionPoint(0) = 5 insertionPoint(1) = 5 insertionPoint(2) = 0 direction(0) = 1 direction(1) = 1 direction(2) = 0 ' Create the tolerance object in model space Set toleranceObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddTolerance(textString, insertionPoint, direction) ZoomAll End Sub
Edit Tolerances
Tolerances are influenced by several system variables: DIMCLRD controls the color of the feature control frame; DIMCLRT controls the color of the tolerance text; DIMGAP controls the gap between the feature control frame and the text; DIMTXT controls the size of the tolerance text; and DIMTXTSTY controls the style of the tolerance text. Use the SetVariable method to set the values of system variables.
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Customize Toolbars and Menus
AutoCAD ActiveX Automation gives you extensive control over the customization of menus and toolbars in the current AutoCAD session. Using AutoCAD ActiveX/VBA, you can edit or augment the existing menu structure, or you can completely replace the current menu structure. You can also manipulate toolbars and right-click menus. Menu customization can improve productivity by exposing application-specific tasks or by condensing tasks with multiple steps into a single menu selection. For information about customizing menus and toolbars in addition to the information in this section, see the Customization Guide.
In this chapter
Understand the MenuBar and
MenuGroups Collections
Load Menu Groups Create New Menu Groups Change the Menu Bar Create and Edit Pull-Down and
Shortcut Menus
Create and Edit Toolbars Create Macros Create Status-Line Help for
Menu Items and Toolbar Items

Add Entries to the Right-Click
Menu
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Understand the MenuBar and MenuGroups Collections

AutoCAD ActiveX provides several menu-related objects. The two most important are the MenuBar collection and the MenuGroups collection. The MenuBar collection contains all the menus that are displayed in the AutoCAD menu bar.
AutoCAD Application
MenuBar PopupMenu MenuGroups MenuGroup PopupMenus
Toolbars
The MenuGroups collection contains the menu groups that are loaded in the current AutoCAD session. These menu groups contain all the menus that are available to the AutoCAD session, some or all of which may be displayed on the AutoCAD menu bar. In addition to the menus, the menu groups also contain all the toolbars that are available to the current AutoCAD session. Menu groups may also represent tile menus, screen menus, or tablet menus. Each menu group contains a PopupMenus collection and a Toolbars collection. The PopupMenus collection contains all the menus within the menu group. Likewise, the Toolbars collection contains all the toolbars within the menu group. Each PopupMenu is actually a collection that contains an individual object for each menu item that appears on that menu. Likewise, each Toolbar is also a collection that contains an individual object for each toolbar item that appears on that toolbar.
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AutoCAD Application
MenuBar PopupMenu MenuGroups MenuGroup PopupMenus PopupMenu PopupMenuItem Toolbars Toolbar ToolbarItem
Load Menu Groups

Menu groups are loaded into AutoCAD using the Load method. For example, the following code loads the menu file acad.mnc:
ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Load "acad.mnc"
When using the Load method, set the BaseMenu parameter to TRUE to load a new menu group to the menu bar. This will load the menu group as a base menu in the same manner as the MENU command in AutoCAD. To load a new menu group as a partial menu, omit the BaseMenu parameter. This will load the menu group in the same manner as the MENULOAD command in AutoCAD. Once loaded into the MenuGroups collection, partial menus can be inserted into the menu bar by using the InsertMenuInMenuBar method, or the InsertInMenuBar method. Once a menu group has been loaded, all the menus and toolbars defined by that menu group are available for use. You can
Load Menu Groups
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Add new menus to the menu bar Remove menus from the menu bar Rearrange menus on the menu bar Add new items to an existing menu or toolbar Remove items from an existing menu or toolbar Create new menus and toolbars Float or dock toolbars Enable or disable menu and toolbar items Check or uncheck a menu item Change the tag, label, or help string of a menu or toolbar item Reassign the macros associated to a menu or toolbar item
Note You cannot edit image tile menu items, screen menus, or tablet menus using ActiveX Automation. However, you can load and unload these menu types using ActiveX Automation.
Create New Menu Groups

AutoCAD ActiveX does not allow you to create new (empty) menu groups programmatically. However, you can load an existing menu group and save it out again with a new name and to a new menu file. For example, the following code saves the first menu group in the menu groups collection to a file called MyMenu.mnc:
ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Item(0). _ SaveAs "MyMenu.mnc", acMenuFileCompiled
You can then edit the menu group to contain the exact configuration you desire. This process of creating new menu groups based on existing menu groups has the advantage of automatically providing you with basic menus such as File, Window, and Help.
Change the Menu Bar

As you have already seen, the menu bar can be completely replaced by a new menu group if that group is loaded as the base menu. Additionally, individual menus on the menu bar can be added, removed, or rearranged.
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Insert Menus in the Menu Bar

To insert an existing menu to the menu bar, use the InsertMenuInMenuBar or the InsertInMenuBar method. Both methods accomplish the same goal they insert an existing menu into the menu bar. The difference between the two methods is the object from which they are called. The InsertMenuInMenuBar method is called from the PopupMenus collection. Using this method you can insert any menu from the collection into a specified location on the menu bar. This method requires as input the name of the menu to insert and the location on the menu bar to insert it. The InsertInMenuBar method is called directly from the PopupMenu object to be inserted. The only input this method requires is a location on the menu bar. The name of the menu is not needed because you are calling the method directly from the object to be inserted. You should use whichever method is more convenient for your application. Insert a menu in the menu bar This example creates a new menu called TestMenu and inserts a menu item into it. The menu item is assigned the OPEN command. The menu is then displayed on the menu bar.
Sub Ch6_InsertMenu() ' Define a variable for the current menu group Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application. _ MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create a new menu Dim newMenu As AcadPopupMenu Set newMenu = currMenuGroup.Menus.Add("TestMenu") ' Declare the variables for the menu item Dim newMenuItem As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro string the VB equivalent of ' "ESC ESC _open " and create the menu item openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set newMenuItem = newMenu.AddMenuItem(newMenu.Count + 1, _ "Open", openMacro) ' Display the menu on the menu bar currMenuGroup.Menus.InsertMenuInMenuBar "TestMenu", "" End Sub
Change the Menu Bar
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Remove Menus from the Menu Bar

To remove a menu from the menu bar, use the RemoveMenuFromMenuBar or the RemoveFromMenuBar method. Both methods accomplish the same goalthey remove a menu from the menu bar. The difference between the two methods is the object from which they are called. The RemoveMenuFromMenuBar method is called from the PopupMenus collection. This method requires as input the name of the menu to remove, or the location on the menu bar of the menu to remove. For example, the following statement removes the menu added in Insert a menu in the menu bar:
currMenuGroup.Menus.RemoveMenuFromMenuBar ("TestMenu")
The RemoveFromMenuBar method is called directly from the PopupMenu object to be removed. This method does not require any input. The name of the menu is not needed because you are calling the method directly from the object to be removed. You should use whichever method is more convenient for your application.
Note Menus that have been removed from the menu bar are still available in
their designated menu group. They are simply no longer visible to the user.
Rearrange Menu Items on the Menu Bar

To rearrange menus on the menu bar, insert and remove menus until the desired configuration is achieved. Move the first menu to the end of the menu bar This example removes the first menu on the menu bar and inserts it as the last menu on the menu bar.
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Sub Ch6_MoveMenu() ' Define a variable to hold the menu to be moved Dim moveMenu As AcadPopupMenu Dim MyMenuBar As AcadMenuBar Set MyMenuBar = ThisDrawing.Application.menuBar ' Set moveMenu equal to the first menu displayed ' on the menu bar Set moveMenu = MyMenuBar.Item(0) ' Remove the first menu from the menu bar MyMenuBar.Item(0).RemoveFromMenuBar ' Add the menu back into the menu bar ' in the last position on the bar moveMenu.InsertInMenuBar (MyMenuBar.count) End Sub
Create and Edit Pull-Down and Shortcut Menus

AutoCAD ActiveX/VBA has the ability to customize two types of AutoCAD menus: pull-down menus and shortcut menus (sometimes called cursor menus). Both pull-down and shortcut menus are displayed as cascading menus. The shortcut menu can provide quick access to frequently used menu items such as Object Snap modes. A pull-down menu can contain up to 999 menu items. A shortcut menu can contain up to 499 menu items. Both limits include all menus in the hierarchy. If the number of menu items in a menu exceeds these limits, AutoCAD ignores the extra items. If a pull-down or shortcut menu is taller than the available space on the graphics screen, it is truncated to fit on the screen. Pull-down menus are always pulled down from the menu bar, but the shortcut menu is always displayed at or near the crosshairs on the graphics screen. The handling for both menu types is the same except the shortcut menu caption isnt included on the menu bar. The shortcut menu caption is not displayed at all. Access to the shortcut menu is through a single menu in the base menu group. The shortcut menu can be identified with the ShortcutMenu property. If the ShortcutMenu property returns TRUE, then the queried menu is the shortcut menu for the group.
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Create New Menus

To create a new menu, use the Add method to add a new PopupMenu object to the PopupMenus collection. To create a new shortcut menu, you must delete an existing shortcut menu. There can be only one shortcut menu per menu group. If there is no other shortcut menu in a menu group, you can add a menu with the label POP0. This will tell AutoCAD you want to create a shortcut menu. The Add method requires as input the name (label) of the menu to add. This name becomes the title for the menu when it is loaded on the menu bar. The name is also the easiest way of identifying the menu within the collection. The menu name can be a simple string or it can contain special codes. You can change the name of a menu once it has been created. To change the name of an existing menu, use the Name property for that menu. Create a new popup menu This example creates a new popup menu called TestMenu in the first menu group of the MenuGroups collection.
Sub Ch6_CreateMenu() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create the new menu Dim newMenu As AcadPopupMenu Set newMenu = currMenuGroup.Menus.Add("TestMenu") End Sub
Add New Menu Items to a Menu

To add a new menu item to a menu use the AddMenuItem method. This method creates a new PopupMenuItem object and adds it to the designated menu. The AddMenuItem method takes four parameters as input: Index, Label, Tag, and Macro.
Specify the Index Parameter

The Index parameter is an integer that specifies the position of the new menu item within the menu. The index begins with position zero (0) as the first position on the menu after the title. To add the new menu item to the end of a menu, set the Index parameter equal to the Count property of the menu. (The Count property of the menu represents the total number of menu items on that menu.)
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menu name index 0 index 1 index 2 index 3 index 4 index 5 index 6
The first index position is zero (0) and the separators are listed as individual menu items with their own index position. The Count property for the menu pictured would be six (6). To add a menu item between Tile Horizontally and Tile Vertically, set the Index parameter to two (2), which is the index of the Tile Vertically menu item. This inserts your new menu item into index two (2) and bumps all the remaining menu items down one index position. Once a menu item has been created, you cannot change the index of the menu item through the Index property. To change the index of an existing menu item you must delete and re-add the menu item to a different position, or add or delete surrounding menu items until a proper placement is achieved.
Specify the Label Parameter

A label is a string that defines the content and formatting of menu items. Menu item labels can contain DIESEL string expressions that conditionally alter the labels each time they are displayed. In addition to the DIESEL string expressions, the label may contain special codes. For example, an ampersand (&) placed directly before a character specifies that character as the accelerator key. The text the user sees displayed for the menu item is called the Caption, and it is derived from the label by interpreting all the DIESEL string expressions and special codes contained in the label. For example, the label &Edit produces the caption Edit. Once a menu item has been created, you can change the label for the menu item using the Label property.
Specify the Tag Parameter

The tag, or name tag, is a string consisting of alphanumeric and underscore (_) characters. This string uniquely identifies the menu item within a given menu. Once a menu item has been created, you can change the tag for the menu item using the TagString property.
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Specify the Macro Parameter

A macro is a series of commands that executes specific actions when a menu item is selected. Menu macros can simply be recordings of keystrokes that accomplish a task, or they can be a complex combination of commands, AutoLISP, DIESEL, or ActiveX programming code. Once a menu item has been created, you can change the macro for the menu item using the Macro property. Add menu items to a popup menu This example creates a new menu called TestMenu and inserts a menu item. The menu item is given the name Open, and the macro assigned to the menu item is the OPEN command.
Sub Ch6_AddAMenuItem() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create the new menu Dim newMenu As AcadPopupMenu Set newMenu = currMenuGroup.Menus.Add("TestMenu") ' Add a menu item to the new menu Dim newMenuItem As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro the VBA equivalent of "ESC ESC _open " openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set newMenuItem = newMenu.AddMenuItem _ (newMenu.count + 1, "Open", openMacro) ' Display the menu on the menu bar newMenu.InsertInMenuBar _ (ThisDrawing.Application.menuBar.count + 1) End Sub
Add Separators to a Menu

To add a separator to a menu use the AddSeparator method. This method creates a new PopupMenuItem object and adds it to the designated menu. This kind of PopupMenuItem object is assigned the type of acSeparator. The type of a menu item can be found through the Type property. The AddSeparator method takes the Index parameter as its only input. The Index parameter is an integer that specifies the position of the separator within the menu. The index begins with position zero (0) as the first position on the menu after the title.
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See Enable and disable menu items on page 208 for an example on adding separators to a menu.
Assign an Accelerator Key to a Menu Item

To assign the accelerator key for a menu item through AutoCAD ActiveX/ VBA, use the Label property of the given menu item. To specify an accelerator key, insert the ASCII equivalent of an ampersand (&) in the label directly in front of the character to be used as the accelerator. For example, the label Chr(Asc("&")) + "Edit" will be displayed as Edit, with the character E being used as the accelerator key. Add accelerator keys to menus This example repeats the example from Add menu items to a popup menu on page 202, adding accelerator keys for both the TestMenu and Open menus. The s is used as the accelerator key for the TestMenu menu and the O is used as the accelerator key for the Open menu.
Sub Ch6_AddAMenuItem() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create the new menu Dim newMenu As AcadPopupMenu Set newMenu = currMenuGroup.Menus.Add _ ("Te" + Chr(Asc("&")) + "stMenu") ' Add a menu item to the new menu Dim newMenuItem As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro the VBA equivalent of "ESC ESC _open " openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set newMenuItem = newMenu.AddMenuItem _ (newMenu.count + 1, Chr(Asc("&")) _ + "Open", openMacro) ' Display the menu on the menu bar newMenu.InsertInMenuBar _ (ThisDrawing.Application.menuBar.count + 1) End Sub
Create Cascading Submenus

To add a cascading submenu, create a submenu using the AddSubmenu method. This method creates a new PopupMenuItem object and adds it to the designated menu. This special kind of PopupMenuItem object is assigned the type of acSubmenu.
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The AddSubmenu method takes three parameters as input: Index, Label, and Tag. The Index parameter is an integer that specifies the position of the new menu item within the menu. The index begins with position zero (0) as the first position on the menu after the title. To add the new menu item to the end of a menu, set the Index parameter equal to the Count property of the menu. (The Count property of the menu represents the total number of menu items on that menu.) The Label parameter is a string that defines the content and formatting of menu items. The text that the user sees displayed for the menu item is called the Caption, and it is derived from the label by interpreting all the DIESEL string expressions and special codes contained in the label. For example, the label &Edit produces the caption Edit. The Tag parameter, or name tag, is a string consisting of alphanumeric and underscore (_) characters. This string uniquely identifies the menu item within a given menu. The AddSubmenu method does not return the PopupMenuItem object that it creates. Instead, it returns the new menu that the submenu points to. The new menu, which is returned as a PopupMenu object, can then be populated as a normal menu would be. For information on populating a menu, see Add New Menu Items to a Menu on page 200. Create and populate a submenu This example creates a new menu called TestMenu and adds it to a submenu called OpenFile. The submenu is then populated with a menu item called Open, which opens a drawing when executed. Finally, the menu is displayed on the menu bar.
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Sub Ch6_AddASubMenu() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create the new menu Dim newMenu As AcadPopupMenu Set newMenu = currMenuGroup.Menus.Add("TestMenu") ' Add the submenu Dim FileSubMenu As AcadPopupMenu Set FileSubMenu = newMenu.AddSubMenu("", "OpenFile") ' Add a menu item to the sub menu Dim newMenuItem As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro the VB equivalent of "ESC ESC _open " openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set newMenuItem = FileSubMenu.AddMenuItem _ (newMenu.count + 1, "Open", openMacro) ' Display the menu on the menu bar newMenu.InsertInMenuBar _ (ThisDrawing.Application.menuBar.count + 1) End Sub
Delete Menu Items from a Menu

To remove menu items from a menu, use the Delete method found on the menu item.
Warning! If you delete a menu item, do not call another method or property that would directly or indirectly cause the same menu file to be loaded again within the same macro. For example, after deleting a menu item, do not use the MenuGroup.Load method or the Preferences.Profiles.ActiveProfile property, or issue a "Menuload" command using the Document.SendCommand method. These items directly or indirectly cause the loading of menu files. You should only use these methods or properties in a separate macro.
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Delete a menu item from a menu This example adds a menu item to the end of the last menu displayed on the menu bar. It then deletes the menu item.
Sub Ch6_DeleteMenuItem() Dim LastMenu As AcadPopupMenu Set LastMenu = ThisDrawing.Application.menuBar. _ Item(ThisDrawing.Application.menuBar.count - 1) ' Add a menu item Dim newMenuItem As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro the VB equivalent of "ESC ESC _open " openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set newMenuItem = LastMenu.AddMenuItem _ (LastMenu.count + 1, "Open", openMacro) ' Remove the menu item from the menu newMenuItem.Delete End Sub
Explore the Properties of Menu Items

All menu items share the following properties: TagString A tag, or name tag, is a string consisting of alphanumeric and underscore (_) characters. This string uniquely identifies the menu item within a given menu. Tags identify the accelerator keys (keyboard key sequences) that correspond to the menu item. You can read or write the value of a tag by using the TagString property. Label A label is a string that defines the content and formatting of menu items. Menu item labels can contain DIESEL string expressions that conditionally alter the labels each time they are displayed. You can read or write the value of a label by using the Label property.
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Caption
A caption is the text that the user sees displayed on the menu. This property is read-only and is derived from the Label property by removing any DIESEL string expressions. You can read the value of a caption by using the Caption property.
Macro
A macro is a series of commands that executes specific actions when a menu item is selected. Menu macros can simply be recordings of keystrokes that accomplish a task, or they can be a complex combination of commands, AutoLISP, DIESEL, or ActiveX programming code. You can read or write the value of a menu macro by using the Macro property.
HelpString
A help string is the text string that appears in the AutoCAD status line when a user highlights a menu item for selection. You can read or write the value of a help string by using the HelpString property.
Enable
Using the Enable property you can enable or disable a menu item. You can also read the Enable property to determine if a menu item is currently enabled or disabled. Using this property to enable or disable a menu item overrides any setting for enabling in the DIESEL expression of the menu item. See Enable and disable menu items on page 208 for an example of disabling menu items.
Check
Using the Check property you can check or uncheck a menu item. You can also read the Check property to determine if a menu item is currently checked or unchecked. Using this property to check or uncheck a menu item overrides any setting for checking in the DIESEL expression of the menu item. The index of a menu item specifies the position of that menu item on the menu on which it belongs. The index position of a menu always begins with position 0. For example, if the item is the first item on a menu, it returns an index position of 0. If it is the second item on a menu, it returns an index position of 1 and so on.
Index
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Type
You can determine the type of a menu item by using the Type property. A menu item can be one of the following types: a regular menu, a separator, or the heading for a submenu. If the item is a regular menu item, this property returns acMenuItem. If the item is a separator, this property returns acMenuSeparator. If the item is a heading for a submenu, this property returns acSubMenu. You can find the submenu by using the SubMenu property. If the menu item is of the type acSubMenu, this property returns the menu that is attached as the submenu, or embedded menu. The embedded menu is returned as a PopupMenu object. If the menu item is not of the type acSubMenu, this property returns an error.
SubMenu
Parent
You can find the menu to which a menu item belongs by using the Parent property. This property returns the menu on which the menu item resides. The parent menu is returned as a PopupMenu object.
Enable and disable menu items This example creates a new menu called TestMenu and inserts two menu items. The second menu item is then disabled using the Enable property and the menu is displayed on the menu bar.
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Sub Ch6_DisableMenuItem() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create the new menu Dim newMenu As AcadPopupMenu Set newMenu = currMenuGroup.Menus.Add("TestMenu") ' Add two menu items and a menu separator to the new menu Dim MenuEnable As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim MenuDisable As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim MenuSeparator As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro the VB equivalent of "ESC ESC _open " openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set MenuEnable = newMenu.AddMenuItem _ (newMenu.count + 1, "OpenEnabled", openMacro) Set MenuSeparator = newMenu.AddSeparator("") Set MenuDisable = newMenu.AddMenuItem _ (newMenu.count + 1, "OpenDisabled", openMacro) ' Disable the second menu item MenuDisable.Enable = False ' Display the menu on the menu bar newMenu.InsertInMenuBar _ (ThisDrawing.Application.menuBar.count + 1) End Sub
Create and Edit Toolbars

Using AutoCAD ActiveX/VBA you can create and edit toolbars within an existing menu group.
Create New Toolbars

To create a new toolbar, use the Add method to add a new Toolbar object to the Toolbars collection. The Add method requires as input the name of the toolbar to add. The name is a string of alphanumeric characters with no punctuation other than a dash () or an underscore (_). The name is the easiest way of identifying the toolbar within the collection. You can change the name of a toolbar once it has been created. To change the name of an existing toolbar, use the Name property for that toolbar.
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Create a new toolbar This example creates a new toolbar called TestToolbar in the first menu group in the MenuGroups collection.
Sub Ch6_CreateToolbar() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create the new toolbar Dim newToolbar As AcadToolbar Set newToolbar = currMenuGroup.Toolbars.Add("TestToolbar") End Sub
Add New Toolbar Buttons to a Toolbar

To add a new toolbar button to a toolbar use the AddToolbarButton method. This method creates a new ToolbarItem object and adds it to the designated toolbar. You should only add buttons to a toolbar while the toolbar is visible. The AddToolbarButton method takes five parameters as input: Index, Name, HelpString, Macro, and FlyoutButton. Index The Index parameter is an integer that specifies the position of the new Toolbar item within the toolbar. The index begins with position zero (0) as the first position on the toolbar after the title. To add the new toolbar button to the end of a toolbar, set the Index parameter equal to the Count property of the toolbar. (The Count property of the toolbar represents the total number of toolbar buttons on that toolbar.) Once a toolbar button has been created, you cannot change the index of the button through the Index property. To change the index of an existing toolbar button, you must delete and re-add the toolbar button to a different position, or add or delete surrounding toolbar buttons until a proper placement is achieved. Name A name is a string that identifies the toolbar button. The string must comprise alphanumeric characters with no punctuation other than a dash () or an underscore (_). This string is displayed as the tooltip when the cursor is placed over the toolbar button. Once a toolbar button has been created, you can change the name using the Name property.
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Help String
A help string is the text string that appears in the AutoCAD status line when a user highlights a menu item for selection. Once a toolbar button has been created, you can change the help string for the button using the HelpString property.
Macro
A macro is a series of commands that executes specific actions when a toolbar button is selected. Toolbar macros can be simply recordings of keystrokes that accomplish a task, or they can be a complex combination of commands, AutoLISP, DIESEL, or ActiveX programming code. Once a Toolbar button has been created, you can change the macro for the button using the Macro property.
FlyoutButton
The FlyoutButton parameter is an optional flag stating whether or not the new button is to be a flyout button. If the new button is to be a flyout button, this parameter must be set to TRUE. If the new button is not to be a flyout button, this parameter can be set to FALSE or it can be ignored.
Add buttons to a new toolbar This example creates a new toolbar and adds a button to the toolbar. The button is assigned a macro that will execute the OPEN command when the button is selected.
Sub Ch6_AddButton() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create the new toolbar Dim newToolbar As AcadToolbar Set newToolbar = currMenuGroup.Toolbars.Add("TestToolbar") ' Add a button to the new toolbar Dim newButton As AcadToolbarItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro the VB equivalent of "ESC ESC _open " openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set newButton = newToolbar.AddToolbarButton _ ("", "NewButton", "Open a file.", openMacro) End Sub
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Add Separators to a Toolbar

To add a separator to a toolbar use the AddSeparator method. This method creates a new ToolbarItem object and adds it to the designated toolbar. This kind of ToolbarItem object is assigned the type of acSeparator. The type of a Toolbar button can be found through the Type property. The AddSeparator method takes one parameter as input: Index. The Index parameter is an integer that specifies the position of the separator within the toolbar. The index begins with position zero (0) as the first position on the toolbar after the title.
Define the Toolbar Button Image

To define the images to be used on a toolbar button, use the SetBitmaps and GetBitmaps methods. The SetBitmaps method takes two parameters: SmallIconName and LargeIconName. SmallIconName The small icon name identifies the ID string of the small-image resource (16 15 bitmap). The string must comprise alphanumeric characters with no punctuation other than a dash () or an underscore (_), and should include the .bmp extension. The resource can be either a system bitmap or a user-defined bitmap. User-defined bitmaps must be of the appropriate size and must reside in the Support path. The large icon name identifies the ID string of the largeimage resource (24 22 bitmap). The string must comprise alphanumeric characters with no punctuation other than a dash () or an underscore (_), and should include the .bmp extension. The resource can be either a system bitmap or a user-defined bitmap. User-defined bitmaps must be of the appropriate size and must reside in the Support path.
LargeIconName
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Query an existing toolbar to find the name of the icons for the buttons
Sub Ch6_GetButtonImages() Dim Button As AcadToolbarItem Dim Toolbar0 As AcadToolbar Dim MenuGroup0 As AcadMenuGroup Dim SmallButtonName As String Dim LargeButtonName As String Dim msg As String Dim ButtonType As String ' Get the first toolbar in the first menu group Set MenuGroup0 = ThisDrawing.Application. _ MenuGroups.Item(0) Set Toolbar0 = MenuGroup0.Toolbars.Item(0) ' Clear the string variables SmallButtonName = "" LargeButtonName = "" ' Create a header for the message box and ' display the toolbar to be queried msg = "Toolbar: " + Toolbar0.Name + vbCrLf Toolbar0.Visible = True ' Iterate through the toolbar and collect data ' for each button in the toolbar. If the toolbar is ' a normal button or a flyout, collect the small ' and large button names for the button. For Each Button In Toolbar0 ButtonType = Choose(Button.Type + 1, "Button", _ "Separator", "Control", "Flyout") msg = msg & ButtonType & ": " If Button.Type = acToolbarButton Or _ Button.Type = acToolbarFlyout Then Button.GetBitmaps SmallButtonName, _ LargeButtonName msg = msg + SmallButtonName + ", " _ + LargeButtonName End If msg = msg + vbCrLf Next Button ' Display the results MsgBox msg End Sub
Create Flyout Toolbars

To add a flyout toolbar button to a toolbar, use the AddToolbarButton method. This method creates a new ToolbarItem object and adds it to the designated toolbar.
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The AddToolbarButton method takes five parameters as input: Index, Name, HelpString, Macro, and FlyoutButton. By setting the parameter Flyout to TRUE, the new button will be created as a flyout button. The return value from this method will be the new flyout toolbar. The flyout toolbar can then be populated as a normal toolbar would be. For more information about populating a toolbar, see Add New Toolbar Buttons to a Toolbar on page 210. Create a flyout toolbar button This example creates two toolbars. The first toolbar contains a flyout button. The second toolbar is attached to the flyout button on the first toolbar.
Sub Ch6_AddFlyoutButton() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application. _ MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create the first toolbar Dim FirstToolbar As AcadToolbar Set FirstToolbar = currMenuGroup.Toolbars. _ Add("FirstToolbar") ' Add a flyout button to the first menu on the menu bar Dim FlyoutButton As AcadToolbarItem Set FlyoutButton = FirstToolbar.AddToolbarButton _ ("", "Flyout", "Demonstrates a flyout button", _ "OPEN", True) ' Create the second toolbar. This will be attached to ' the first toolbar via the flyout button. Dim SecondToolbar As AcadToolbar Set SecondToolbar = currMenuGroup.Toolbars. _ Add("SecondToolbar") ' Add a button to the next toolbar Dim newButton As AcadToolbarItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro the VB equivalent of "ESC ESC _open " openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set newButton = SecondToolbar.AddToolbarButton _ ("", "NewButton", "Open a file.", openMacro) ' Attach the second toolbar to the flyout ' button on the first toolbar FlyoutButton.AttachToolbarToFlyout currMenuGroup.Name, _ SecondToolbar.Name ' Display the first toolbar, hide the second toolbar FirstToolbar.Visible = True SecondToolbar.Visible = False End Sub
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Float and Dock Toolbars

Toolbars can be docked or floated programmatically. To float a toolbar, use the Float method for the toolbar. The Float method takes three parameters as input: Top, Left, and NumberFloatRows. The Top and Left parameters specify the pixel location for the top and left edge of the toolbar. The NumberFloatRows specifies the number of rows with which to create a horizontal toolbar. This number must be equal to or greater than one. The buttons of the toolbar will be distributed equally across the number of rows specified. For vertically aligned toolbars, this value specifies the number of columns. To dock a toolbar, use the Dock method for the toolbar. The Dock method takes three parameters as input: Side, Row, and Column. The Side parameter specifies the side of the toolbar that you will be positioning in the docking maneuver. You can specify the top, bottom, left, or right side of the toolbar. The Row and Column parameters specify a number on the existing rows and columns of docked toolbars at which to dock the toolbar. You can query a toolbar to see if it is docked by using the DockStatus property. The DockStatus property will return TRUE if the toolbar is docked and FALSE if the toolbar is floating. Dock a toolbar This example creates a new toolbar with three buttons on it. The toolbar is then displayed and docked on the left side of the screen.
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Sub Ch6_DockToolbar() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application. _ MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create the new toolbar Dim newToolbar As AcadToolbar Set newToolbar = currMenuGroup.Toolbars. _ Add("TestToolbar") ' Add three buttons to the new toolbar. ' All three buttons will have the same macro attached. Dim newButton1 As AcadToolbarItem Dim newButton2 As AcadToolbarItem Dim newButton3 As AcadToolbarItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro the VB equivalent of "ESC ESC _open " openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set newButton1 = newToolbar.AddToolbarButton _ ("", "NewButton1", "Open a file.", openMacro) Set newButton2 = newToolbar.AddToolbarButton _ ("", "NewButton2", "Open a file.", openMacro) Set newButton3 = newToolbar.AddToolbarButton _ ("", "NewButton3", "Open a file.", openMacro) ' Display the toolbar newToolbar.Visible = True ' Dock the toolbar to the left of the screen. newToolbar.Dock acToolbarDockLeft End Sub
Delete Toolbar Buttons from a Toolbar

To remove toolbar buttons from a toolbar, use the Delete method found on the toolbar button. You should only delete buttons from a toolbar while the toolbar is visible.
Explore the Properties of Toolbar Items

All toolbar items share the following properties:
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Tagstring
A tag, or name tag, is a string consisting of alphanumeric and underscore (_) characters. This string uniquely identifies the toolbar item within a given toolbar. A new tag is assigned automatically when a toolbar item is created. You can read or write the value of a tag by using the Tagstring property.
Name
A name is a string identifying the toolbar item. It is also the string used for the tooltip text, which is the text string that pops up in AutoCAD when a user holds the mouse or another pointing device over the toolbar item. You can read or write the value of a name by using the Name property.
Macro
A macro is a series of commands that executes specific actions when a toolbar item is selected. Macros can simply be recordings of keystrokes that accomplish a task, or they can be a complex combination of commands, AutoLISP, DIESEL, or ActiveX programming code. You can read or write the value of a macro by using the Macro property.
HelpString
A help string is the text string that appears in the AutoCAD status line for a toolbar button. You can read or write the value of a help string by using the HelpString property.
Index
The index of a toolbar item specifies the position of that toolbar item on the toolbar to which it belongs. The index position of a toolbar always begins with position 0. For example, if the item is the first item on a toolbar, it will have an index position of 0. If it is the second item on a toolbar, it will have an index position of 1, and so on. You can read the index position of a toolbar item by using the Index property.
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Type
A toolbar item can be one of the following types: a regular toolbar button, a separator, a flyout toolbar button, or a special control element. If the item is a regular toolbar button, this property returns acButton. If the item is a separator, this property returns acToolButtonSeparator. If the item is a flyout button, this property returns acFlyout. If the item is a special control element, this property returns acControl. You can determine the type of a toolbar item by using the Type property.
Flyout
If the toolbar item is of the type acFlyout, this property returns the toolbar that is attached as the flyout toolbar. The flyout toolbar is returned as a Toolbar object. If the menu item is not of the type acFlyout, this property returns NULL. You can find the flyout toolbar of a toolbar item by using the Flyout property.
Parent
This property returns the toolbar on which the toolbar item resides. The Parent toolbar is returned as a Toolbar object. You can find the toolbar to which a toolbar item belongs by using the Parent property.
Toolbar Properties
There are other properties that apply to all toolbar items on the toolbar. Such properties include: whether the toolbar is docked or floating, visible or hidden, and whether the toolbar uses large buttons or small buttons.
Create Macros
A macro is a series of commands that executes specific actions when a toolbar item is selected. Macros can simply be recordings of keystrokes that accomplish a task, or they can be a complex combination of commands, AutoLISP, DIESEL, or ActiveX programming code. If you intend to include command parameters in a menu macro, you must know the sequence in which that command expects its parameters. Every character in a menu macro is significant, even the blank spaces. As AutoCAD is revised and enhanced, the sequence of prompts for various commands (and sometimes even the command names) might change. Therefore, your
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custom menus might require minor changes when you upgrade to a new release of AutoCAD. When command input comes from a menu item, the settings of the PICKADD and PICKAUTO system variables are assumed to be 1 and 0, respectively. This preserves compatibility with previous releases of AutoCAD and makes customization easier because you are not required to check the settings of these variables.
Macro Characters Mapped to ASCII Equivalents

The following table provides a synopsis of special characters used in menu macros and their equivalent ASCII numbers as they are used in VB and VBA. Use the ASCII equivalent for these special characters when creating the string for the Macro property. Special characters used in menu and toolbar macros
Character ; ^M ^| SPACEBAR ASCII equivalent chr(59) chr(13) chr(94) + chr(124) chr(32) Description Issues ENTER Issues ENTER Issues TAB Enters a space; blank space between command sequences in a menu item is equivalent to pressing the SPACEBAR Pauses for user input Translates AutoCAD commands and key words that follow Continues menu macro to the next line (if last character) Displays the current top-level image, pull-down, or shortcut menu Prefix for a repeating item Loads a menu section or introduces a conditional DIESEL macro expression Toggles Snap on or off (CTRL+B)
\ _
chr(92) chr(95)
chr(43)
=*
chr(61) + chr(42)
*^C^C $
chr(42) + chr(3) + chr(3) chr(36)
^B
chr(2)
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Special characters used in menu and toolbar macros (continued)

Character ^C ESC ^D ^E ^G ^H ^O ^P ^Q ASCII equivalent chr(3) chr(3) chr(4) chr(5) chr(7) chr(8) chr(15) chr(16) chr(17) Description Cancels command (CTRL+C) Cancels command (ESC) Toggles Coords on or off (CTRL+D) Sets the next isometric plane (CTRL+E) Toggles Grid on or off (CTRL+G) Issues backspace Toggles Ortho on or off (CTRL+O) Toggles MENUECHO on or off Echoes all prompts, status listings, and input to the printer (CTRL+Q) Toggles Tablet on or off (CTRL+T) Changes current viewport (CTRL+V) Null character that suppresses the automatic addition of SPACEBAR at the end of a menu item
^T ^V ^Z
chr(20) chr(22) chr(26)
Macro Termination
When a macro is executed, AutoCAD places a space at the end of the macro before processing the command sequence. AutoCAD processes the following menu macro as though you had entered line SPACEBAR.
line
Sometimes this is undesirable; for example, the TEXT or DIM command must be terminated by ENTER, not by a space. Also, it sometimes takes more than one space (or ENTER) to complete a command, but some text editors dont let you create a line with trailing blanks. Two special conventions get around these problems.

When a semicolon (;) appears in a macro, AutoCAD substitutes an ENTER. If a line ends with a control character, a backslash (\), a plus sign (+), or a semicolon (;), AutoCAD does not add a blank after it.
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Look at the following macro:

erase \;
If this item simply ended with the backslash (which indicates user input), it would fail to complete the ERASE operation, because AutoCAD doesnt add a blank after the backslash. Therefore, this macro uses a semicolon (;) to force an ENTER after the user input. Here are more examples:
ucs ucs ; text \.4 0 DRAFT Inc;;;Main St.;;;City, State;
Selecting the first macro enters ucs and SPACEBAR on the command line, and the following prompt appears: Enter an option [New/Move/orthoGraphic/Prev/Restore/Save/Del/Apply/?/ World] <World>: Selecting the second macro enters ucs, SPACEBAR, and semicolon (;) at the command line, which accepts the default value, World. No difference between the first and second item would be evident on the screen; naturally, you wouldnt put both on the same menu. Selecting the third macro displays a prompt for a starting point and then draws the address on three lines. In the triple-semicolon (;;;), the first semicolon ends the text string, the second causes repetition of the TEXT command, and the third calls for the default placement below the previous line.
Note All special characters must be input using their ASCII equivalents. For a
list of ASCII equivalents, see Macro Characters Mapped to ASCII Equivalents.
Pause for User Input

Sometimes it is useful to accept input from the keyboard or the pointing device in the midst of a macro by placing a backslash (\) at the point where you want input.
circle \1 layer off \;
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The first macro pauses to ask the user for the center point and then reads a radius of 1 from the macro. Note that there is no space after the backslash character (\). The next macro pauses to ask the user to enter one layer name, then turns that layer off and exits the LAYER command. The LAYER command normally prompts for another operation and exits only if you press SPACEBAR (blank) or ENTER (;). Normally, the macro resumes after one item is entered. Therefore, it isnt possible to construct a macro that accepts a variable number of inputs (as in object selection) and then continues. However, an exception is made for the SELECT command; a backslash suspends the macro until object selection has completed. For example, consider the following macro:
select \change previous ;properties color red ;
This macro uses the SELECT command to create a selection set of one or more objects. It then issues the CHANGE command, references this selection set using the Previous option, and changes the color of all selected objects to red. Because the backslash character (\) causes a macro to pause for user input, you cannot use a backslash for any other purpose in a macro. When specifying file directory paths, use a forward slash (/) as the path delimiter: for example, /direct/file. The following circumstances delay resumption of a macro:

If input of a point is expected, Object Snap modes may precede entry of the actual point. If X/Y/Z point filters are used, the macro remains suspended until the entire point has been accumulated. For the SELECT command only, the macro doesnt resume until object selection has been completed. If the user responds with a transparent command, the suspended macro remains suspended until the transparent command is completed and the originally requested input is received. If the user responds by choosing another macro (to supply options or to execute a transparent command), the original macro is suspended, and the newly selected item is processed to completion before the suspended macro is resumed.
Cancel a Command
To make sure you have no previous incomplete commands, use ^C^C in a macro. This is the same as pressing ESC twice from the keyboard. Although a single ^C cancels most commands, ^C^C is required to return to the
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Command prompt from a DIM command. Therefore, ^C^C ensures that AutoCAD returns to the Command prompt in most cases.
Macro Repetition
Once you have selected a command, you are likely to use it several times before moving on to another command. That is how most people use tools; you pick up a tool, do several things with it, then pick up another tool, and so on. To avoid picking up the tool before each use, AutoCAD provides a command repetition capability, triggered by a null response. However, you cannot use this feature to specify command options. This feature makes it possible for you to repeat frequently used commands until you choose another command. If a macro begins with *^C^C immediately following the item label, the macro is saved in memory. Subsequent Command prompts are answered by that macro until it is terminated by ESC or by the selection of another macro. Do not use ^C (Cancel) within a macro that begins with the string *^C^C; this cancels the macro repetition. The following is an example of the repetitive, or modal, approach to command handling.
*^C^CMOVE Single *^C^CCOPY Single *^C^CERASE Single *^C^CSTRETCH Single Crossing *^C^CROTATE Single *^C^CSCALE Single
Macro repetition does not work for items in image tile menus.
Use of Single Object Selection Mode

Single object selection puts object selection in single selection mode, disables the normal dialog conducted by object selection, and causes the selection to return the first object(s) selected by a subsequent option. This can be quite handy in a macro. For example, consider the following macro:
*^C^CERASE single
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This macro terminates the current command and activates the ERASE command with the single selection option. After you select this item, you either point to the single object to be erased or point to a blank area and specify a window. The object(s) selected in this way are erased, and the macro is repeated (due to the leading asterisk) so that you can erase something else. Single selection mode leads to more dynamic interaction with AutoCAD.
Create Status-Line Help for Menu Items and Toolbar Items

Status-line help messages are an important aspect of native help support. These are the simple, descriptive messages that appear in the status line when a menu or toolbar item is highlighted. The status-line help for all menu and toolbar items is contained in the HelpString property for that item. The HelpString property is empty when the menu or toolbar item is first created. Add status-line help to a menu item This example creates a new menu called TestMenu and then creates a menu item called Open. The menu item is then assigned status-line help via the HelpString property.
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Sub Ch6_AddHelp() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Create the new menu Dim newMenu As AcadPopupMenu Set newMenu = currMenuGroup.Menus.Add _ ("Te" + Chr(Asc("&")) + "stMenu") ' Add a menu item to the new menu Dim newMenuItem As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro the VBA equivalent of "ESC ESC _open " openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open "
' Create the menu item Set newMenuItem = newMenu.AddMenuItem _ (newMenu.count + 1, Chr(Asc("&")) _ + "Open", openMacro) ' Add the status line help to the menu item newMenuItem.HelpString = "Opens an AutoCAD drawing file." ' Display the menu on the menu bar newMenu.InsertInMenuBar _ (ThisDrawing.Application.menuBar.count + 1) End Sub
Add Entries to the Right-Click Menu

The right-click menu, or shortcut menu, is a special menu included in the AutoCAD base menu group. This menu appears when the user holds SHIFT and clicks the right mouse button. AutoCAD finds the shortcut menu by looking in the base menu group for a menu with the ShortcutMenu property equal to TRUE. You can add new menu items to the shortcut menu by following the steps listed in Add New Menu Items to a Menu on page 200.
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New menu groups may or may not have a shortcut menu available. To create a shortcut menu for a menu group, follow the guidelines listed in Create New Menus on page 200, and use POP0 as the label for the new menu. Add a menu item to the end of the right-click menu This example adds the menu item OpenDWG to the end of the right-click menu.
Sub Ch6_AddMenuItemToshortcutMenu() Dim currMenuGroup As AcadMenuGroup Set currMenuGroup = ThisDrawing.Application.MenuGroups.Item(0) ' Find the shortcut menu and assign it to the ' shortcutMenu variable Dim scMenu As AcadPopupMenu Dim entry As AcadPopupMenu For Each entry In currMenuGroup.Menus If entry.shortcutMenu = True Then Set scMenu = entry End If Next entry ' Add a menu item to the shortcut menu Dim newMenuItem As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim openMacro As String ' Assign the macro the VBA equivalent of "ESC ESC _open " openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set newMenuItem = scMenu.AddMenuItem _ ("", Chr(Asc("&")) _ + "OpenDWG", openMacro) End Sub
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Use Events
Events are notifications, or messages, that are sent out by AutoCAD to inform you about the current state of the session, or alert you that something has happened. For example, when a drawing is opened the BeginOpen event is triggered. This event contains the name of the AutoCAD drawing that was opened. There is another event triggered when a drawing is closed. Given this information you could write a subroutine, or event handler, that uses these events to track the amount of time a user spends working on a particular drawing.
In this chapter
Understand the Events in
AutoCAD
Guidelines for Event Handlers Handle Application Level Events Handle Document Level Events Handle Object Level Events
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Understand the Events in AutoCAD

There are three types of events in AutoCAD:
Application level events respond to changes in the AutoCAD application and its environment. These events respond to the opening, saving, closing and printing of drawings, creation of new drawings, issuing of AutoCAD commands, loading or unloading of ARX and LISP applications, changes to system variables, and changes to the Application window. Document level events respond to the changes of a specific document or its contents. These events respond to the addition, deletion, or modification of objects, activation of a shortcut menu, changes in the pickfirst selection set, changes to the Drawing window, and regeneration of the drawing. There are also document level events for the opening, closing, and printing of a drawing, and the loading or unloading of ARX and LISP applications from the drawing. Object level events respond to the changes of a specific object. Currently there is only one object level event. It is triggered whenever an object is modified.
Subroutines that respond to events are called event handlers and are executed automatically each and every time their designated event is triggered. Information contained in events, such as the drawing name in the BeginOpen event, are passed to event handlers through parameters.
Guidelines for Event Handlers

It is important to remember that events simply provide information on the state or activities taking place within AutoCAD. Although event handlers can be written to respond to those events, AutoCAD is often in the middle of processing commands when the event handler is triggered. Event handlers, therefore, have some restrictions on what they can do if they are to provide safe operations in conjunction with AutoCAD and its database.
Do not rely on the sequence of events. When writing event handlers, do not rely on the sequence of events to happen in the exact order you think they occur. For example, if you issue an OPEN command, the events BeginCommand, BeginOpen, EndOpen, and EndCommand will all be triggered. However, they may not occur in that order. The only event sequence you can safely rely on is that a Begin event will occur before the corresponding End event. In the previous
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example, the events may get triggered in the following order: BeginCommand, BeginOpen, EndCommand, and EndOpen, or even BeginCommand, EndCommand, BeginOpen, and EndOpen.
Do not rely on the sequence of operations. If you delete object1 and then object2, do not rely on the fact that you will receive the ObjectErased event for object1 and then for object2. You may receive the ObjectErased event for object2 first.
Do not attempt any interactive functions from an event handler. Attempting to execute interactive functions from within an event handler can cause serious problems, as AutoCAD may still be processing a command at the time the event is triggered. Therefore, you should always avoid the use of input-acquisition methods such as GetPoint, GetEntity, GetKeyword, and so on, as well as selection set operations and the SendCommand method from within event handlers.
Do not launch a dialog box from within an event handler. Dialog boxes are considered interactive functions and can interfere with the current operation of AutoCAD. Message boxes and alert boxes are not considered interactive and can be issued safely, however issuing a message box within an event handler for the BeginModal, EndModal, Activate, Deactivate, and BeginRightClick events results in unexpected sequencing.
You can write data to any object in the database, except the object that issued the event. Obviously, any object causing an event to be triggered could still be open for use with AutoCAD and the operation currently in progress. Therefore, avoid writing any information to an object from an event handler for the same object. However, you can safely read information from the object triggering an event. For example, suppose you have a floor that is filled with tiles and you create an event handler attached to the border of the floor. If you change the size of the floor, the event handler will automatically add or subtract tiles to fill the new area. The event handler will be able to read the new area of the border, but it cannot attempt any changes on the border itself.
Do not perform any action from an event handler that will trigger the same event. If you perform the same action in an event handler that triggers that same event, you will create an infinite loop. For example, you should never attempt to open a drawing from within the BeginOpen event, or AutoCAD will simply continue to open more drawings until the maximum number of open drawings is reached.
Remember that no events will be fired while AutoCAD is displaying a modal dialog.
Guidelines for Event Handlers
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Handle Application Level Events

Application level events are not persistent in AutoCAD VBA. That is, they are not automatically enabled when a VBA project is loaded. Application level events must therefore be enabled for VBA and all other ActiveX Automation controllers. Once the application level events are enabled, you have a wide range of events available to you. These events include: AppActivate AppDeactivate ARXLoaded ARXUnloaded BeginCommand BeginFileDrop BeginLISP BeginModal BeginOpen BeginPlot BeginQuit BeginSave EndCommand EndLISP Triggered just before the main Application window is activated. Triggered just before the main Application window is deactivated. Triggered when an ObjectARX application has been loaded. Triggered when an ObjectARX application has been unloaded. Triggered immediately after a command is issued, but before it completes. Triggered when a file is dropped on the main Application window. Triggered immediately after AutoCAD receives a request to evaluate a LISP expression. Triggered just before a modal dialog box is displayed. Triggered immediately after AutoCAD receives a request to open an existing drawing. Triggered immediately after AutoCAD receives a request to print a drawing. Triggered just before an AutoCAD session ends. Triggered immediately after AutoCAD receives a request to save the drawing. Triggered immediately after a command completes. Triggered upon completion of evaluating a LISP expression.
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EndModal EndOpen EndPlot EndSave LISPCancelled NewDrawing SysVarChanged WindowChanged
Triggered just after a modal dialog box is dismissed. Triggered immediately after AutoCAD finishes opening an existing drawing. Triggered after a document has been sent to the printer. Triggered when AutoCAD has finished saving the drawing. Triggered when the evaluation of a LISP expression is canceled. Triggered just before a new drawing is created. Triggered when the value of a system variable is changed. Triggered when there is a change to the Application window.
WindowMovedOrResized Triggered just after the Application window has been moved or resized.
Enable Application Level Events

Before you can use application level events you must create a new class module and declare an object of type AcadApplication with events. For example, assume that a new class module is created and called EventClassModule. The new class module contains the declaration of the application with the VBA keyword WithEvents. To create a new class and declare an Application object with events 1 In the VBA IDE, insert a class module. From the Insert menu, choose Class Module. 2 Select the new class module in the Project window. 3 Change the name of the class in the Properties window to EventClassModule. 4 Open the Code window for the class using F7 , or by selecting the menu option View Code. 5 In the Code window for the class, add the following line:
Public WithEvents App As AcadApplication
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After the new object has been declared with events, it appears in the Object drop-down list box in the class module, and you can write event procedures for the new object in the class module. (When you select the new object in the Object box, the valid events for that object are listed in the Procedure drop-down list box.) Before the procedures will run, however, you must connect the declared object in the class module with the Application object. You can do this with the following code from any module. To connect the declared object to the Application object 1 In the Code window for your main module, add the following line to the declarations section:
Dim X As New EventClassModule
2 In the same window, add the following subroutine:

Sub InitializeEvents() Set X.App = ThisDrawing.Application End Sub
3 In the code for your main module, add a call to the InitializeEvents subroutine:
Call InitializeEvents
Once the InitializeEvents procedure has been run, the App object in the class module points to the Application object specified, and any event procedures in the class module will run when the events occur. Prompt to continue when a drawing is dropped into AutoCAD This example intercepts the load process when a file has been dragged and dropped into AutoCAD. A message box containing the name of the file that was dropped and Yes/No/Continue buttons that allow the user to decide if the file should continue to be loaded display. If the user chooses to cancel out of the operation, that decision is returned through the Cancel parameter of the BeginFileDrop event and the file is not loaded.
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Public WithEvents ACADApp As AcadApplication Sub Example_AcadApplication_Events() ' This example intializes the public variable (ACADApp) ' which will be used to intercept AcadApplication Events ' ' Run this procedure FIRST! ' We could get the application from the ThisDocument ' object, but that would require having a drawing open, ' so we grab it from the system. Set ACADApp = GetObject(, "AutoCAD.Application.16") End Sub Private Sub ACADApp_BeginFileDrop _ (ByVal FileName As String, Cancel As Boolean) ' This example intercepts an Application BeginFileDrop event. ' ' This event is triggered when a drawing file is dragged ' into AutoCAD. ' ' To trigger this example event: ' 1) Make sure to run the example that initializes ' the public variable (named ACADApp) linked to this event. ' ' 2) Drag an AutoCAD drawing file into the AutoCAD ' application from either the Windows Desktop ' or Windows Explorer ' Use the "Cancel" variable to stop the loading of the ' dragged file, and the "FileName" variable to notify ' the user which file is about to be dragged in. If MsgBox("AutoCAD is about to load " & FileName & vbCrLf _ & "Do you want to continue loading this file?", _ vbYesNoCancel + vbQuestion) <> vbYes Then Cancel = True End If End Sub
Handle Document Level Events

Document level events are persistent in AutoCAD VBA. That is, they are automatically enabled when a VBA project is loaded. However, they are not enabled for any other controller, such as VB. Document level events must therefore be enabled for all other ActiveX Automation controllers.
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Once the document level events are enabled, you have a wide range of events available to you. These events include Activate BeginClose BeginCommand BeginDoubleClick Triggered after the user double-clicks on an object in the drawing. BeginLISP BeginPlot BeginRightClick Triggered after the user right-clicks on the Drawing window. BeginSave Triggered immediately after AutoCAD receives a request to save the drawing. Triggered immediately after AutoCAD receives a request to evaluate a LISP expression. Triggered immediately after AutoCAD receives a request to print a drawing. Triggered when a Document window is activated. Triggered just before a document is closed. Triggered immediately after a command is issued, but before it completes.
BeginShortcutMenuCommand Triggered after the user right-clicks on the Drawing window, and before the shortcut menu appears in Command mode. BeginShortcutMenuDefault Triggered after the user right-clicks on the Drawing window, and before the shortcut menu appears in Default mode. BeginShortcutMenuEdit Triggered after the user right-clicks on the Drawing window, and before the shortcut menu appears in Edit mode. BeginShortcutMenuGrip Triggered after the user right-clicks on the Drawing window, and before the shortcut menu appears in Grip mode.
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BeginShortcutMenuOsnap Triggered after the user right-clicks on the Drawing window, and before the shortcut menu appears in Osnap mode. Deactivate EndCommand EndLISP EndPlot EndSave EndShortcutMenu Triggered after the shortcut menu appears. LayoutSwitched LISPCancelled ObjectAdded ObjectErased ObjectModified SelectionChanged Triggered when the current pickfirst selection set changes. WindowChanged Triggered when there is a change to the Document window. WindowMovedOrResized Triggered just after the Drawing window has been moved or resized. Triggered after the user switches to a different layout. Triggered when the evaluation of a LISP expression is canceled. Triggered when an object has been added to the drawing. Triggered when an object has been erased from the drawing. Triggered when an object in the drawing has been modified. Triggered when the Drawing window is deactivated. Triggered immediately after a command completes. Triggered upon completion of evaluating a LISP expression. Triggered after a document has been sent to the printer. Triggered when AutoCAD has finished saving the drawing.
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Enable Document Level Events in Environments Other Than VBA

Before you can use document level events in VB or another environment besides VBA, you must create a new class module and declare an object of type AcadDocument with events. For example, assume a new class module is created and called EventClassModule. The new class module contains the declaration of the application with the VBA keyword WithEvents. To create a new class and declare a Document object with events 1 In the VBA IDE, insert a class module. From the Insert menu, choose Class Module. 2 Select the new class module in the Project window. 3 Change the name of the class in the Properties window to EventClassModule. 4 Open the Code window for the class using F7 , or by selecting the menu option View Code. 5 In the Code window for the class, add the following line:
Public WithEvents Doc As AcadDocument
After the new object has been declared with events, it appears in the Object drop-down list box in the class module, and you can write event procedures for the new object in the class module. (When you select the new object in the Object box, the valid events for that object are listed in the Procedure drop-down list box.) Before the procedures will run, however, you must connect the declared object in the class module with the Document object. You can do this with the following code from any module. To connect the declared object to the Document object 1 In the Code window for your main module, add the following line to the declarations section:
2 In the same window, add the following subroutine:

Sub InitializeEvents() Set X.Doc = ThisDrawing End Sub
3 In the code for your main module, add a call to the InitializeApp subroutine:
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Once the InitializeEvents procedure has been run, the Doc object in the class module points to the Document object created, and any event procedures in the class module will run when the events occur.
Code Document Level Events in Environments Other Than VBA

Once the document level events have been enabled, you will find the Doc class variable available from the Object drop-down list of the Class Module Code window. Select the Doc class and the list of available events will appear in the Procedure drop-down list. Simply select the event you want to write a handler for and the handler skeleton is created automatically.
Code Document Level Events in VBA

As mentioned in Handling Document Events, document level events are automatically enabled when a VBA project is loaded. To write event handlers for document level events in VBA, you simply select AcadDocument from the Object drop-down list in the Code window. The available events for the document will appear in the Procedure drop-down list. Simply select the event you want to write a handler for and the handler skeleton is created automatically. Note that event handlers created in this fashion apply to the current active drawing. To create event handlers for a specific drawing, first follow the steps listed in Enable Document Level Events in Environments Other Than VBA on page 236. This will allow you to enable a specific document for events. Update the shortcut menu at the BeginShortcutMenuDefault and EndShortcutMenu events This example uses the event handler for the BeginShortcutMenuDefault event to add the OpenDWG menu item to the beginning of the shortcut menu. Then the event handler for the EndShortcutMenu event removes the additional menu item so that it is not saved permanently in the users menu configuration.
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Private Sub AcadDocument_BeginShortcutMenuDefault _ (ShortcutMenu As AutoCAD.IAcadPopupMenu) On Error Resume Next ' Add a menu item to the cursor menu Dim newMenuItem As AcadPopupMenuItem Dim openMacro As String openMacro = Chr(vbKeyEscape) + Chr(vbKeyEscape) + "_open " Set newMenuItem = ShortcutMenu.AddMenuItem _ (0, Chr(Asc("&")) _ + "OpenDWG", openMacro) End Sub Private Sub AcadDocument_EndShortcutMenu _ (ShortcutMenu As AutoCAD.IAcadPopupMenu) On Error Resume Next ShortcutMenu.Item("OpenDWG").Delete End Sub
Handle Object Level Events

The object level events is not persistent in AutoCAD VBA. That is, it is not automatically enabled when a VBA project is loaded. An object level event must be enabled for VBA and all other ActiveX Automation controllers. Once the object level events is enabled, the Modified event is available to you. This event is triggered when an object in the drawing has been modified.
Enable the Object Level Event

Before you can use object level events you must create a new class module and declare an object of type AcadObject with events. For example, assume that a new class module is created and called EventClassModule. The new class module contains the declaration of the application with the VBA keyword WithEvents. To create a new class and declare a Circle object with events 1 In the VBA IDE, insert a class module. From the Insert menu, choose Class Module. 2 Select the new class module in the Project window. 3 Change the name of the class in the Properties window to EventClassModule.
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4 Open the Code window for the class using F7 , or by selecting the menu option View Code. 5 In the Code window for the class, add the following line:
Public WithEvents Object As AcadCircle
After the new object has been declared with events, it appears in the Object drop-down list box in the class module, and you can write event procedures for the new object in the class module. (When you select the new object in the Object box, the valid events for that object are listed in the Procedure drop-down list box.) Before the procedures will run, however, you must connect the declared object in the class module with the Circle object. You can do this with the following code from any module. To connect the declared object to the Automation object 1 In the Code window for your main module, add the following line to the declarations section:
2 In the same window, create a circle called MyCircle and initialize it as containing events:
Sub InitializeEvents() Dim MyCircle As AcadCircle Dim centerPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double centerPoint(0) = 0#: centerPoint(1) = 0#: centerPoint(2) = 0# radius = 5# Set MyCircle = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle(centerPoint, radius) Set X.Object = MyCircle End Sub
3 In the code for your main module, add a call to the InitializeApp subroutine:
Once the InitializeEvents procedure has been run, the Circle object in the class module points to the Circle object created, and any event procedures in the class module will run when the events occur.
Note When coding in VBA, you must provide an event handler for all objects
enabled for the Modified event. If you do not provide a handler, VBA may terminate unexpectedly.
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Display the area of a closed polyline whenever the polyline is updated This example creates a lightweight polyline with events. The event handler for the polyline then displays the new area whenever the polyline is changed. To trigger the event, simply change the size of the polyline in AutoCAD. Remember you must run the CreatePLineWithEvents subroutine before the event handler is activated.
Public WithEvents PLine As AcadLWPolyline Sub CreatePLineWithEvents() ' This example creates a light weight polyline Dim points(0 To 9) As Double points(0) = 1: points(1) = 1 points(2) = 1: points(3) = 2 points(4) = 2: points(5) = 2 points(6) = 3: points(7) = 3 points(8) = 3: points(9) = 2 Set PLine = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points) PLine.Closed = True ThisDrawing.Application.ZoomAll End Sub Private Sub PLine_Modified _ (ByVal pObject As AutoCAD.IAcadObject) ' This event is triggered when the polyline is resized. ' If the polyline is deleted the modified event is still ' triggered, so we use the error handler to avoid ' reading data from a deleted object. On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER MsgBox "The area of " & pObject.ObjectName & " is: " _ & pObject.Area Exit Sub ERRORHANDLER: MsgBox Err.Description End Sub
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Work in Three Dimensional Space
Most drawings consist of two-dimensional (2D) views of objects that are three-dimensional (3D). Though this method of drafting is widely used in the architectural and engineering communities, it is limited: the drawings are 2D representations of 3D objects and must be visually interpreted. Moreover, because the views are created independently, there are more possibilities for error and ambiguity. As a result, you may want to create true 3D models instead of 2D representations. You can use the AutoCAD drawing tools to create detailed, realistic 3D objects and manipulate them in various ways.
In this chapter
Specify 3D Coordinates Define a User Coordinate
System
Convert Coordinates Create 3D Objects Edit in 3D Edit 3D Solids
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Specify 3D Coordinates
Entering 3D WCS coordinates is similar to entering 2D WCS coordinates. In addition to specifying X and Y values, you specify a Z value. As with the 2D coordinates, a variant is used to pass the coordinates to ActiveX methods and properties, and to query the coordinates. For more information about specifying 3D coordinates, see Enter 3D Coordinates in chapter 15, Use Precision Tools, in the Users Guide. Define and query the coordinates for 2D and 3D polylines This example creates two polylines, each with three coordinates. The first polyline is a 2D polyline, the second polyline is 3D. Notice the length of the array containing the vertices is expanded to include the Z coordinates in the creation of the 3D polyline. The example concludes by querying the coordinates of the polylines and displaying the coordinates in a message box.
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Sub Ch8_Polyline_2D_3D() Dim pline2DObj As AcadLWPolyline Dim pline3DObj As AcadPolyline Dim points2D(0 To 5) As Double Dim points3D(0 To 8) As Double ' Define three 2D polyline points points2D(0) = 1: points2D(1) = 1 points2D(2) = 1: points2D(3) = 2 points2D(4) = 2: points2D(5) = 2 ' Define three 3D polyline points points3D(0) = 1: points3D(1) = 1: points3D(2) = 0 points3D(3) = 2: points3D(4) = 1: points3D(5) = 0 points3D(6) = 2: points3D(7) = 2: points3D(8) = 0 ' Create the 2D light weight Polyline Set pline2DObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points2D) pline2DObj.Color = acRed pline2DObj.Update ' Create the 3D polyline Set pline3DObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddPolyline(points3D) pline3DObj.Color = acBlue pline3DObj.Update ' Query the coordinates of the polylines Dim get2Dpts As Variant Dim get3Dpts As Variant get2Dpts = pline2DObj.Coordinates get3Dpts = pline3DObj.Coordinates ' Display the coordinates MsgBox ("2D polyline (red): " & vbCrLf & _ get2Dpts(0) & ", " & get2Dpts(1) & vbCrLf & _ get2Dpts(2) & ", " & get2Dpts(3) & vbCrLf & _ get2Dpts(4) & ", " & get2Dpts(5)) MsgBox ("3D polyline (blue): get3Dpts(0) & ", " & get3Dpts(2) & vbCrLf get3Dpts(3) & ", " & get3Dpts(5) & vbCrLf get3Dpts(6) & ", " & get3Dpts(8)) End Sub " & vbCrLf & _ get3Dpts(1) & ", " & _ & _ get3Dpts(4) & ", " & _ & _ get3Dpts(7) & ", " & _
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Define a User Coordinate System

You define a user coordinate system (UCS) object to change the location of the (0, 0, 0) origin point and the orientation of the XY plane and Z axis. You can locate and orient a UCS anywhere in 3D space, and you can define, save, and recall as many user coordinate systems as you require. Coordinate input and display are relative to the current UCS. To indicate the origin and orientation of the UCS, you can display the UCS icon at the UCS origin point using the UCSIconAtOrigin property. If the UCS icon is turned on (see the UCSIconOn property) and is not displayed at the origin, it is displayed at the WCS coordinate defined by the UCSORG system variable. You can create a new user coordinate system using the Add method. This method requires four values as input: the coordinate of the origin, a coordinate on the X and Y axes, and the name of the UCS. All coordinates in the AutoCAD ActiveX Automation are entered in the world coordinate system (WCS). Use the GetUCSMatrix method to return the transformation matrix of a given UCS. Use this transformation matrix to find the equivalent WCS coordinates. To make a UCS active, use the ActiveUCS property on the Document object. If changes are made to the active UCS, the new UCS object must be reset as the active UCS for the changes to appear. To reset the active UCS, simply call the ActiveUCS property again with the updated UCS object. For more information about defining a UCS, see Control the User Coordinate System in 3D in chapter 15, Use Precision Tools in the Users Guide. Create a new UCS, make it active, and translate the coordinates of a point into the UCS coordinates The following subroutine creates a new UCS and sets it as the active UCS for the drawing. It then asks the user to pick a point in the drawing, and returns both WCS and UCS coordinates for the point.
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Sub Ch8_NewUCS() ' Define the variables we will need Dim ucsObj As AcadUCS Dim origin(0 To 2) As Double Dim xAxisPnt(0 To 2) As Double Dim yAxisPnt(0 To 2) As Double ' Define the UCS points origin(0) = 4: origin(1) = 5: origin(2) = 3 xAxisPnt(0) = 5: xAxisPnt(1) = 5: xAxisPnt(2) = 3 yAxisPnt(0) = 4: yAxisPnt(1) = 6: yAxisPnt(2) = 3 ' Add the UCS to the ' UserCoordinatesSystems collection Set ucsObj = ThisDrawing.UserCoordinateSystems. _ Add(origin, xAxisPnt, yAxisPnt, "New_UCS") ' Display the UCS icon ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.UCSIconAtOrigin = True ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.UCSIconOn = True ' Make the new UCS the active UCS ThisDrawing.ActiveUCS = ucsObj MsgBox "The current UCS is : " & ThisDrawing.ActiveUCS.Name _ & vbCrLf & " Pick a point in the drawing." ' Find the WCS and UCS coordinate of a point Dim WCSPnt As Variant Dim UCSPnt As Variant WCSPnt = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint(, "Enter a point: ") UCSPnt = ThisDrawing.Utility.TranslateCoordinates _ (WCSPnt, acWorld, acUCS, False) MsgBox "The WCS coordinates are: " & WCSPnt(0) & ", " _ & WCSPnt(1) & ", " & WCSPnt(2) & vbCrLf & _ "The UCS coordinates are: " & UCSPnt(0) & ", " _ & UCSPnt(1) & ", " & UCSPnt(2) End Sub
Convert Coordinates
The TranslateCoordinates method translates a point or a displacement from one coordinate system to another. A point argument, called OriginalPoint, can be interpreted as either a 3D point or a 3D displacement vector. This argument is distinguished by the Boolean argument, Disp. If the Disp argument is set to TRUE the OriginalPoint argument is treated as a displacement vector; otherwise, it is treated as a point. Two more arguments determine which coordinate system the OriginalPoint is from, and to which coordinate system the OriginalPoint is to be converted. The following AutoCAD coordinate systems can be specified in the From and To arguments:
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WCS
World Coordinate Systemthe reference coordinate system. All other coordinate systems are defined relative to the WCS, which never changes. Values measured relative to the WCS are stable across changes to other coordinate systems. All points passed in and out of ActiveX methods and properties are expressed in the WCS unless otherwise specified. User Coordinate Systemthe working coordinate system. The user specifies a UCS to make drawing tasks easier. All points passed to AutoCAD commands, including those returned from AutoLISP routines and external functions, are points in the current UCS (unless the user precedes them with an * at the Command prompt). If you want your application to send coordinates in the WCS, OCS, or DCS to AutoCAD commands, you must first convert them to the UCS by calling the TranslateCoordinates method. Object Coordinate Systempoint values specified by certain methods and properties for the Polyline and LightweightPolyline objects are expressed in this coordinate system, relative to the object. These points are usually converted into the WCS, current UCS, or current DCS, according to the intended use of the object. Conversely, points in WCS, UCS, or DCS must be translated into an OCS before they are written to the database by means of the same properties. See the AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA Reference for the methods and properties that use this coordinate system. When converting coordinates to or from the OCS you must enter the normal for the OCS in the final argument of the TranslateCoordinates function.
UCS
OCS
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DCS
Display Coordinate Systemthe coordinate system where objects are transformed before they are displayed. The origin of the DCS is the point stored in the AutoCAD system variable TARGET, and its Z axis is the viewing direction. In other words, a viewport is always a plan view of its DCS. These coordinates can be used to determine where something will be displayed to the AutoCAD user. Paper Space DCSthis coordinate system can be transformed only to or from the DCS of the currently active model space viewport. This is essentially a 2D transformation, where the X and Y coordinates are always scaled and offset if the Disp argument is FALSE. The Z coordinate is scaled but never translated. Therefore, it can be used to find the scale factor between the two coordinate systems. The PSDCS can be transformed only into the current model space viewport. If the from argument equals PSDCS, then the to argument must equal DCS, and vice versa.
PSDCS
Translate OCS coordinates to WCS coordinates This example creates a polyline in model space. The first vertex for the polyline is then displayed in both the OCS and WCS coordinates. The conversion from OCS to WCS requires the normal for the OCS be placed in the last argument of the TranslateCoordinates method.
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Sub Ch8_TranslateCoordinates() ' Create a polyline in model space. Dim plineObj As AcadPolyline Dim points(0 To 14) As Double ' Define the 2D polyline points points(0) = 1: points(1) = 1: points(2) = 0 points(3) = 1: points(4) = 2: points(5) = 0 points(6) = 2: points(7) = 2: points(8) = 0 points(9) = 3: points(10) = 2: points(11) = 0 points(12) = 4: points(13) = 4: points(14) = 0 ' Create a light weight Polyline object in model space Set plineObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddPolyline(points) ' Find the X and Y coordinates of the ' first vertex of the polyline Dim firstVertex As Variant firstVertex = plineObj.Coordinate(0) ' Find the Z coordinate for the polyline ' using the elevation property firstVertex(2) = plineObj.Elevation ' Change the normal for the pline so that the ' difference between the coordinate systems ' is obvious. Dim plineNormal(0 To 2) As Double plineNormal(0) = 0# plineNormal(1) = 1# plineNormal(2) = 2# plineObj.Normal = plineNormal ' Translate the OCS coordinate into WCS Dim coordinateWCS As Variant coordinateWCS = ThisDrawing.Utility.TranslateCoordinates _ (firstVertex, acOCS, acWorld, False, plineNormal) ' Display the coordinates of the point MsgBox "The first vertex has the following coordinates:" _ & vbCrLf & "OCS: " & firstVertex(0) & ", " & _ firstVertex(1) & ", " & firstVertex(2) & vbCrLf & _ "WCS: " & coordinateWCS(0) & ", " & _ coordinateWCS(1) & ", " & coordinateWCS(2) End Sub
Create 3D Objects
AutoCAD supports three types of 3D modeling: wireframe, surface, and solid. Each type has its own creation and editing techniques.
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For more information about creating 3D objects, see Create 3D Objects in chapter 16, Draw Geometric Objects, in the Users Guide.
Create Wireframes
With AutoCAD you can create wireframe models by positioning any 2D planar object anywhere in 3D space. You can position 2D objects in 3D space using several methods:

Create the object by entering 3D points. You enter a coordinate that defines the X, Y, and Z location of the point. Set the default construction plane (XY plane) on which you will draw the object by defining a UCS. Move the object to its proper orientation in 3D space after you create it.
Also, you can create some wireframe objects, such as polylines, that can exist in all three dimensions. Use the Add3DPoly method to create 3D polylines. For more information on creating wireframes, see Create Wireframe Models in the Users Guide.
Create Meshes
A rectangular mesh (PolygonMesh object) represents an objects surface using planar facets. The mesh density, or number of facets, is defined in terms of a matrix of M and N vertices, similar to a grid consisting of columns and rows. M and N specify the column and row position, respectively, of any given vertex. You can create meshes in both 2D and 3D, but they are used primarily for 3D. Use the Add3DMesh method for creating rectangular meshes. This method takes three values as input: the number of vertices in the M direction, the numer of vertices in the N direction, and a variant array containing coordinates for all the vertices in the mesh. Once the PolygonMesh is created, use the MClose and NClose properties to close the mesh. For more information on creating meshes, see Create Surfaces in the Users Guide. Create a polygon mesh This example creates a 4 4 polygon mesh. The direction of the active viewport is then adjusted so that the three-dimensional nature of the mesh is more easily viewed.
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Sub Ch8_Create3DMesh() Dim meshObj As AcadPolygonMesh Dim mSize, nSize, Count As Integer Dim points(0 To 47) As Double ' create the matrix of points points(0) = 0: points(1) = 0: points(2) = 0 points(3) = 2: points(4) = 0: points(5) = 1 points(6) = 4: points(7) = 0: points(8) = 0 points(9) = 6: points(10) = 0: points(11) = 1 points(12) = 0: points(13) = 2: points(14) = 0 points(15) = 2: points(16) = 2: points(17) = 1 points(18) = 4: points(19) = 2: points(20) = 0 points(21) = 6: points(22) = 2: points(23) = 1 points(24) = 0: points(25) = 4: points(26) = 0 points(27) = 2: points(28) = 4: points(29) = 1 points(30) = 4: points(31) = 4: points(32) = 0 points(33) = 6: points(34) = 4: points(35) = 0 points(36) = 0: points(37) = 6: points(38) = 0 points(39) = 2: points(40) = 6: points(41) = 1 points(42) = 4: points(43) = 6: points(44) = 0 points(45) = 6: points(46) = 6: points(47) = 0 mSize = 4: nSize = 4 ' creates a 3Dmesh in model space Set meshObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ Add3DMesh(mSize, nSize, points) ' Change the viewing direction of the viewport ' to better see the cylinder Dim NewDirection(0 To 2) As Double NewDirection(0) = -1 NewDirection(1) = -1 NewDirection(2) = 1 ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.direction = NewDirection ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport = ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport ZoomAll End Sub
Create a Polyface Mesh

Use the AddPolyfaceMesh method to create a polyface mesh, with each face capable of having numerous vertices. Creating a polyface mesh is similar to creating a rectangular mesh. To create a polyface mesh, specify coordinates for all its vertices then define each face by entering vertex numbers for all the vertices of that face. As you create the polyface mesh, you can set specific edges to be invisible, assign them to layers, or give them colors.
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To make an edge invisible, enter the vertex number for the edge as a negative value. For more information on creating polyface meshes, see the AddPolyfaceMesh method of the ActiveX and VBA Reference. For more information on creating polyface meshes, see Create a Polyface Mesh in the Users Guide. Create a polyface mesh This example creates a Polyface Mesh object in model space. The viewing direction of the active viewport is updated to display the three-dimensional nature of the mesh more easily.
Sub Ch8_CreatePolyfaceMesh() 'Define the mesh vertices Dim vertex(0 To 17) As Double vertex(0) = 4: vertex(1) = 7: vertex(2) = 0 vertex(3) = 5: vertex(4) = 7: vertex(5) = 0 vertex(6) = 6: vertex(7) = 7: vertex(8) = 0 vertex(9) = 4: vertex(10) = 6: vertex(11) = 0 vertex(12) = 5: vertex(13) = 6: vertex(14) = 0 vertex(15) = 6: vertex(16) = 6: vertex(17) = 1 ' Define the face list Dim FaceList(0 To 7) As Integer FaceList(0) = 1 FaceList(1) = 2 FaceList(2) = 5 FaceList(3) = 4 FaceList(4) = 2 FaceList(5) = 3 FaceList(6) = 6 FaceList(7) = 5 ' Create the polyface mesh Dim polyfaceMeshObj As AcadPolyfaceMesh Set polyfaceMeshObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddPolyfaceMesh _ (vertex, FaceList) ' Change the viewing direction of the viewport to ' better see the polyface mesh Dim NewDirection(0 To 2) As Double NewDirection(0) = -1 NewDirection(1) = -1 NewDirection(2) = 1 ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.direction = NewDirection ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport = ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport ZoomAll End Sub
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Create Solids
A solid object (3DSolid object) represents the entire volume of an object. Solids are the most informationally complete and least ambiguous of the 3D modeling types. Complex solid shapes are also easier to construct and edit than wireframes and meshes. You create solids from one of the basic solid shapes of box, cone, cylinder, sphere, torus, and wedge or by extruding a 2D object along a path or revolving a 2D object about an axis. Use one of the following methods to create solids: AddBox, AddCone, AddCylinder, AddEllipticalCone, AddEllipticalCylinder, AddExtrudedSolid, AddExtrudedSolidAlongPath, AddRevolvedSolid, AddSolid, AddSphere, AddTorus, or AddWedge. Like meshes, solids are displayed as wireframes until you hide, shade, or render them. Additionally, you can analyze solids for their mass properties (volume, moments of inertia, center of gravity, and so forth). Use the following properties to analyze solids: MomentOfInertia, PrincipalDirections, PrincipalMoments, ProductOfInertia, RadiiOfGyration, and Volume. The ContourlinesPerSurface property controls the number of tessellation lines used to visualize curved portions of the wireframe. The RenderSmoothness property adjusts the smoothness of shaded and hidden-line objects. For more information on creating solids, see Create 3D Solids in the Users Guide. Create a wedge solid The following example creates a wedge-shaped solid in model space. The viewing direction of the active viewport is updated to display the threedimensional nature of the wedge more easily.
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Sub Ch8_CreateWedge() Dim wedgeObj As Acad3DSolid Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim length As Double Dim width As Double Dim height As Double ' Define the wedge center(0) = 5#: center(1) = 5#: center(2) = 0 length = 10#: width = 15#: height = 20# ' Create the wedge in model space Set wedgeObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddWedge(center, length, width, height) ' Change the viewing direction of the viewport Dim NewDirection(0 To 2) As Double NewDirection(0) = -1 NewDirection(1) = -1 NewDirection(2) = 1 ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport.direction = NewDirection ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport = ThisDrawing.ActiveViewport ZoomAll End Sub
Edit in 3D
This section describes how to edit 3D objects by, for example, rotating, arraying, and mirroring.
Rotate in 3D
With the Rotate method, you can rotate objects in 2D about a specified point. The direction of rotation is determined by the WCS. The Rotate3D method rotates objects in 3D about a specified axis. The Rotate3D method takes three values as input: the WCS coordinates of the two points defining the rotation axis and the rotation angle in radians.
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axis point 2
axis point 1
object to rotate
axis of rotation
result
To rotate 3D objects, use either the Rotate or Rotate3D method. For more information on rotating in 3D, see Rotate Objects in the Users Guide. Create a 3D box and rotate it about an axis This example creates a 3D box. It then defines the axis for rotation and finally rotates the box 30 degrees about the axis.
Sub Ch8_Rotate_3DBox() Dim boxObj As Acad3DSolid Dim length As Double Dim width As Double Dim height As Double Dim center(0 To 2) As Double ' Define the box center(0) = 5: center(1) = 5: center(2) = 0 length = 5 width = 7 height = 10 ' Create the box object in model space Set boxObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddBox(center, length, width, height) ' Define the rotation axis with two points Dim rotatePt1(0 To 2) As Double Dim rotatePt2(0 To 2) As Double Dim rotateAngle As Double rotatePt1(0) = -3: rotatePt1(1) = 4: rotatePt1(2) = 0 rotatePt2(0) = -3: rotatePt2(1) = -4: rotatePt2(2) = 0 rotateAngle = 30 rotateAngle = rotateAngle * 3.141592 / 180# ' Rotate the box boxObj.Rotate3D rotatePt1, rotatePt2, rotateAngle ZoomAll End Sub
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Array in 3D
With the ArrayRectangular method, you can create a rectangular array in 3D. In addition to specifying the number of columns (X direction) and rows (Y direction), you also specify the number of levels (Z direction). For more information on using arrays of objects in 3D, see Create an Array of Objects in the Users Guide. Create a 3D rectangular array This example creates a circle and then uses that circle to create a rectangular array of 4 rows, 4 columns, and 3 levels of circles.
Sub Ch8_CreateRectangularArray() ' Create the circle Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 2: center(1) = 2: center(2) = 0 radius = 0.5 Set circleObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(center, radius) ' Define the rectangular array Dim numberOfRows As Long Dim numberOfColumns As Long Dim numberOfLevels As Long Dim distanceBwtnRows As Double Dim distanceBwtnColumns As Double Dim distanceBwtnLevels As Double numberOfRows = 4 numberOfColumns = 4 numberOfLevels = 3 distanceBwtnRows = 1 distanceBwtnColumns = 1 distanceBwtnLevels = 4 ' Create the array of objects Dim retObj As Variant retObj = circleObj.ArrayRectangular _ (numberOfRows, numberOfColumns, _ numberOfLevels, distanceBwtnRows, _ distanceBwtnColumns, distanceBwtnLevels) ZoomAll End Sub
Mirror in 3D
With the Mirror3D method, you can mirror objects along a specified mirroring plane specified by three points.
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1 2 object to mirror defining a mirror plane result
For more information on mirroring objects in 3D, see Mirror Objects in the Users Guide. Mirror in 3D This example creates a box in model space. It then mirrors the box about a plane and colors the mirrored box red.
Sub Ch8_MirrorABox3D() ' Create the box object Dim boxObj As Acad3DSolid Dim length As Double Dim width As Double Dim height As Double Dim center(0 To 2) As Double center(0) = 5#: center(1) = 5#: center(2) = 0 length = 5#: width = 7: height = 10# ' Create the box (3DSolid) object in model space Set boxObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddBox(center, length, width, height) ' Define the mirroring plane with three points Dim mirrorPt1(0 To 2) As Double Dim mirrorPt2(0 To 2) As Double Dim mirrorPt3(0 To 2) As Double mirrorPt1(0) = 1.25: mirrorPt1(1) = 0: mirrorPt1(2) = 0 mirrorPt2(0) = 1.25: mirrorPt2(1) = 2: mirrorPt2(2) = 0 mirrorPt3(0) = 1.25: mirrorPt3(1) = 2: mirrorPt3(2) = 2 ' Mirror the box Dim mirrorBoxObj As Acad3DSolid Set mirrorBoxObj = boxObj.Mirror3D _ (mirrorPt1, mirrorPt2, mirrorPt3) mirrorBoxObj.Color = acRed ZoomAll End Sub
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Edit 3D Solids
Once you have created a solid, you can create more complex shapes by combining solids. You can join solids, subtract solids from each other, or find the common volume (overlapping portion) of solids. Use the Boolean or CheckInterference methods to perform these combinations.
solids before Boolean intersection
resulting solid from Boolean intersection
Solids are further modified by obtaining the 2D cross section of a solid or slicing a solid into two pieces. Use the SectionSolid method to find cross sections of solids, and the SliceSolid method for slicing a solid into two pieces. Find the interference between two solids This example creates a box and a cylinder in model space. It then finds the interference between the two solids and creates a new solid from that interference. For ease of viewing, the box is colored white, the cylinder is colored cyan, and the interference solid is colored red.
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Sub Ch8_FindInterferenceBetweenSolids() ' Define the box Dim boxObj As Acad3DSolid Dim length As Double Dim width As Double Dim height As Double Dim center(0 To 2) As Double center(0) = 5: center(1) = 5: center(2) = 0 length = 5 width = 7 height = 10 ' Create the box object in model space ' and color it white Set boxObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddBox(center, length, width, height) boxObj.Color = acWhite ' Define the cylinder Dim cylinderObj As Acad3DSolid Dim cylinderRadius As Double Dim cylinderHeight As Double center(0) = 0: center(1) = 0: center(2) = 0 cylinderRadius = 5 cylinderHeight = 20 ' Create the Cylinder and ' color it cyan Set cylinderObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCylinder _ (center, cylinderRadius, cylinderHeight) cylinderObj.Color = acCyan ' Find the interference between the two solids ' and create a new solid from it. Color the ' new solid red. Dim solidObj As Acad3DSolid Set solidObj = boxObj.CheckInterference(cylinderObj, True) solidObj.Color = acRed ZoomAll End Sub
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Slice a solid into two solids This example creates a box in model space. It then slices the box based on a plane defined by three points. The slice is returned as a 3DSolid.
Sub Ch8_SliceABox() ' Create the box object Dim boxObj As Acad3DSolid Dim length As Double Dim width As Double Dim height As Double Dim center(0 To 2) As Double center(0) = 5#: center(1) = 5#: center(2) = 0 length = 5#: width = 7: height = 10# ' Create the box (3DSolid) object in model space Set boxObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddBox(center, length, width, height) boxObj.Color = acWhite ' Define the section Dim slicePt1(0 To 2) Dim slicePt2(0 To 2) Dim slicePt3(0 To 2) plane with three points As Double As Double As Double
slicePt1(0) = 1.5: slicePt1(1) = 7.5: slicePt1(2) = 0 slicePt2(0) = 1.5: slicePt2(1) = 7.5: slicePt2(2) = 10 slicePt3(0) = 8.5: slicePt3(1) = 2.5: slicePt3(2) = 10 ' slice the box and color the new solid red Dim sliceObj As Acad3DSolid Set sliceObj = boxObj.SliceSolid _ (slicePt1, slicePt2, slicePt3, True) sliceObj.Color = acRed ZoomAll End Sub
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Define Layouts and Plot
After youve created your drawing with AutoCAD you , usually plot it on paper. A plotted drawing can contain a single view of your drawing or a more complex arrangement of views. In paper space, you can create windows called floating viewports, which display various views of the drawing. Depending on your needs, you can plot one or more viewports, or set options that determine what is plotted and how the image fits on the paper.
In this chapter
Model Space and Paper Space Layouts Viewports Plot Your Drawing
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Model Space and Paper Space

Model space is the drawing environment in which you create the geometry for your model. Normally, as you begin to draw in model space, you designate your drawing limits to determine the extents of the drawing environment, and you draw in real world units. Paper space represents the paper representation of your model as it will be plotted. In paper space you can lay out different views of your drawing, scale views independently from one another, and arrange the different views of your drawing as you want them to be plotted. There can be many different paper space representations of your drawing. For more information about model space and paper space, see Work in Paper Space and Model Space in the Users Guide.
Layouts
All the geometry of your drawing is contained in layouts. Model space geometry is contained on a single layout named Model. You cannot rename the model space layout, nor can you create another model space layout. There can be only one model space layout per drawing. Paper space geometry is also contained on layouts. You can have many different paper space layouts in your drawing, each representing a different configuration to print. You can change the name of the paper space layouts. In ActiveX Automation the ModelSpace object contains all the geometry in the model space layout. Because there can be more than one paper space layout in a drawing, the PaperSpace object points to the last active paper space layout. For more information about working with paper space layouts, see Create Layouts in the Users Guide.
Layouts and Blocks

The content of any layout is distributed among two different ActiveX objects: the Layout object and the Block object. The Layout object contains the plot settings and the visual properties of the layout as it appears in the AutoCAD user interface. The Block object contains the geometry for the layout.
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Each Layout object is associated with one, and only one, Block object. To access the Block object associated with a given layout, use the Block property. Conversely, each Block object is associated with one, and only one, Layout object. To access the Layout object associated with a given Block, use the Layout property for that block.
Plot Configurations
A PlotConfiguration object is similar to a Layout object, as both contain identical plot information. The difference is that a Layout object is associated with a Block object containing the geometry to plot. A PlotConfiguration object is not associated with a particular Block object. It is simply a named collection of plot settings available for use with any geometry.
Layout Settings
Layout settings control the final plotted output. These settings affect the paper size, plot scale, plot area, plot origin, and the plot device name. Understanding how to use layout settings ensures the layout plots as expected. All the settings for a layout can be changed from the Layout object properties and methods.
Paper Size and Units

The choice of paper size depends on the plotter configured for your system. Each different plotter will have a standard list of available paper sizes. You can change the paper size for a layout by using the CanonicalMediaName property. You can also specify the units for your layout using the PaperUnits property. This property takes one of three values: acInches, acMillimeters, or acPixels. If your plotter is configured for raster output, you must specify the output size in pixels.
Adjust the Plot Origin

The plot origin is the lower-left corner of the specified plotted area and is controlled with the PlotOrigin property. Typically, the plot origin is set to (0, 0). However, you can center the plot on the sheet of paper by setting the CenterPlot property to TRUE. Centering the plot alters the plot origin.
Set the Plot Area

When you prepare to plot a layout, you can specify the plot area to determine what will be included in the plot. To specify the plot area, use the PlotType property. This property requires one of the following values as input:
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acDisplay
Prints everything that is in the current model space display. This option is unavailable when plotting from a paper space layout. Prints everything that falls within the boundaries of the currently selected space. Prints everything that is in the limits of the current space. Prints the view named by the ViewToPlot property. Prints everything in the window specified by the SetWindowToPlot method. Prints everything that falls within the margins of the specified paper size. This option is not available when printing from model space.
acExtents acLimits acView acWindow acLayout
When you create a new paper space layout, the default option is acLayout.
Set the Plot Scale

Generally, you draw objects at their actual size. When you plot the drawing, you can either specify a precise scale or fit the image to the paper. To specify a scale, enter either a standard or custom plot scale. To enter a standard scale, first set the UseStandardScale property to TRUE. You can then enter the desired scale using the StandardScale property. To enter a custom scale, first set the UseStandardScale property to FALSE. You can then enter the custom scale using the SetCustomScale method. When you are reviewing an early draft view, a precise scale is not always important. You can use the acScaleToFit value of the StandardScale property to plot the layout at the largest possible size that fits the paper.
Set the Lineweight Scale

Lineweights can be scaled proportionately in a layout with the plot scale. Typically, lineweights specify the linewidth of plotted objects and are plotted with the linewidth size regardless of the plot scale. Most often, you use the default plot scale of 1:1 when plotting a layout. However, if you want to plot an E-size layout that is scaled to fit on an A-size sheet of paper, for example, you can specify lineweights to be scaled in proportion to the new plot scale. To scale lineweights, set the ScaleLineweights property to TRUE. If you do not want lineweights to be scaled, set this property to FALSE.
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Set the Plot Device

The plot device name is specified in the ConfigName property. You can set this name to any valid device name for your system. If you do not set this property, plots will be sent to the default device for your system.
Viewports
When working in model space you draw geometry in tile viewports (referred to as Viewport objects in ActiveX Automation). You can display one or several different viewports at a time. If several tiled viewports are displayed, editing in one viewport affects all other viewports. However, you can set magnification, viewpoint, grid, and snap settings individually for each viewport. In paper space, you work in floating paper space viewports (referred to as PViewport objects in ActiveX Automation) to contain different views of your model. Floating viewports are treated as objects you can move, resize, and shape to create a suitable layout. You also can draw objects, such as title blocks or annotations, directly in the paper space view without affecting the model itself.
tiled viewports
floating viewports
For more information about viewports, see Set Model Tab Viewports, Display Multiple Views, and Create Layout Viewports in the Users Guide.
Floating Viewports
You cannot edit the model in paper space. To access the model in a PViewport object, toggle from paper space to model space using the ActiveSpace property. As a result, you can work with the model while keeping the overall layout visible. In PViewport objects, the editing and view-changing capabilities are almost the same as in Viewport objects. However, you have more control over the individual views. For example, you can freeze or turn off
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layers in some viewports without affecting others. You can turn an entire viewport display on or off. You can also align views between viewports and scale the views relative to the overall layout. The following illustration shows how different views of a model are displayed in paper space. Each paper space image represents a PViewport object with a different view. In one view, the dimensioning layer is frozen. Notice that the title block, border, and annotation, which are drawn in paper space, do not appear in the Model Space view. Also, the layer containing the viewport borders has been turned off.
the model
the model displayed in floating viewports
When you work in a Viewport object, the ActiveSpace property must always be set to acModelSpace. When you are working in a PViewport object, you can set the ActiveSpace property to either acModelSpace or acPaperSpace, thus allowing you to switch between paper space and model space as needed. PViewport object, Viewport object, and ActiveSpace property settings
Type of viewport PViewport Status ActiveSpace = acPaperspace Usage Arrange the layout by creating floating viewports and adding title block, borders, and annotation. Editing does not affect the model. Work within floating viewports to edit the model or change views. You can turn off or freeze layers in individual viewports. Split the screen into tiled viewports to edit different views of the model.
PViewport
ActiveSpace = acModelspace
Viewport
ActiveSpace = acModelspace
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In AutoCAD ActiveX Automation, the ActiveSpace property is used to control the TILEMODE system variable. Setting ThisDrawing.ActiveSpace = acModelSpace is equivalent to setting TILEMODE = on, and setting ThisDrawing.ActiveSpace = acPaperSpace is equivalent to setting TILEMODE = off. Similarly, the MSpace property is the equivalent of both the MSPACE and PSPACE commands in AutoCAD. Setting ThisDrawing.MSpace = TRUE is the same as using the MSPACE command: it switches to model space. Setting ThisDrawing.MSpace = FALSE is the same as using the PSPACE command: it switches to paper space. In addition, you are required to use the Display method before setting the MSpace property to TRUE. The Display method initializes certain graphic settings that must be set before switching to model space. In AutoCAD this is done behind the scenes. However, in the ActiveX Automation interface, the programmer must take care of this initialization.
Note Remember, you must turn on the display using the Display method for at least one PViewport object before you can set the MSpace property to TRUE. Failure to turn on the display will result in an error being returned when you try to set the MSpace property.
Switch to a Paper Space Layout

From model space, you can switch to the last active paper space layout. To switch to the last active paper space layout 1 Set the ActiveSpace property to acPaperSpace:
ThisDrawing.ActiveSpace = acPaperSpace
2 Toggle the MSpace property to FALSE:

ThisDrawing.MSpace = FALSE
When you are in paper space, AutoCAD displays the paper space UCS icon in the lower-left corner of the graphics area. The crosshairs indicate that the paper space layout area (not the views in the viewports) can be edited.
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Switch to the Model Space Layout

From paper space, you can switch to model space floating viewports or model space tiled viewports. To switch to floating viewports 1 Use the Display method to initialize graphic settings:
ThisDrawing.ActivePViewport.Display TRUE
2 Toggle the MSpace property to TRUE:

ThisDrawing.MSpace = TRUE
This will place you in model space, floating viewports.
Note You must create floating viewports before you attempt to switch to
model space. To switch to tiled viewports To switch to tiled viewports, perform this additional step:
Set the ActiveSpace property to acModelSpace:

ThisDrawing.ActiveSpace = acModelSpace
Create Paper Space Viewports

Paper space viewports are created with the AddPViewport method. This method requires a center point and the width and height of the new viewport. Before creating the viewport, use the ActiveSpace property to set paper space as the current space (normally done by setting TILEMODE to 0). After creating the PViewport object, you can set properties of the view itself, such as viewing direction (Direction property), lens length for perspective views (LensLength property), and grid display (GridOn property). You can also control properties of the viewport itself, such as layer (Layer property), linetype (Linetype property), and linetype scaling (LinetypeScale property).
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Create and enable a floating viewport This example switches AutoCAD to paper space, creates a floating viewport, sets the view, and enables the viewport.
Sub Ch9_SwitchToPaperSpace() ' Set the active space to paper space ThisDrawing.ActiveSpace = acPaperSpace ' Create the paperspace viewport Dim newVport As AcadPViewport Dim center(0 To 2) As Double center(0) = 3.25 center(1) = 3 center(2) = 0 Set newVport = ThisDrawing.PaperSpace. _ AddPViewport(center, 6, 5) ' Change the view direction for the viewport Dim viewDir(0 To 2) As Double viewDir(0) = 1 viewDir(1) = 1 viewDir(2) = 1 newVport.direction = viewDir ' Enable the viewport newVport.Display True ' Switch to model space ThisDrawing.MSpace = True ' Set newVport current ' (not always necessary but a good idea) ThisDrawing.ActivePViewport = newVport ' Zoom Extents in model space ZoomExtents ' Turn model space editing off ThisDrawing.MSpace = False ' ZoomExtents in paperspace ZoomExtents End Sub
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The order of steps in the preceding code is important. In general, things must be done in the same order they would be done at the AutoCAD command line. The only unexpected actions involve defining the view and enabling the viewport.
Note To set or modify aspects of the view (view direction, lens length, and so
forth), the Viewport objects Display method must be set to off (FALSE), and before you can set a viewport current the Display method must be set to on (TRUE). Create four floating viewports This example takes the example from Create and enable a floating viewport on page 269 and continues it by creating four floating viewports and setting the view of each to top, front, right, and isometric views, respectively. Each view is scaled to half the scale of paper space. To ensure there is something to see in these viewports, you may want to create a 3D solid sphere before trying this example.
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Sub Ch9_FourPViewports() Dim topVport, frontVport As AcadPViewport Dim rightVport, isoVport As AcadPViewport Dim pt(0 To 2) As Double Dim viewDir(0 To 2) As Double ThisDrawing.ActiveSpace = acPaperSpace ThisDrawing.MSpace = True ' Take the existing PViewport and make it the topVport pt(0) = 2.5: pt(1) = 5.5: pt(2) = 0 Set topVport = ThisDrawing.ActivePViewport 'No need to set Direction for top view topVport.center = pt topVport.width = 2.5 topVport.height = 2.5 topVport.Display True ThisDrawing.MSpace = True ThisDrawing.ActivePViewport = topVport ZoomExtents ZoomScaled 0.5, acZoomScaledRelativePSpace 'Create and setup frontVport pt(0) = 2.5: pt(1) = 2.5: pt(2) = 0 Set frontVport = ThisDrawing.PaperSpace. _ AddPViewport(pt, 2.5, 2.5) viewDir(0) = 0: viewDir(1) = 1: viewDir(2) = 0 frontVport.direction = viewDir frontVport.Display acOn ThisDrawing.MSpace = True ThisDrawing.ActivePViewport = frontVport ZoomExtents ZoomScaled 0.5, acZoomScaledRelativePSpace 'Create and setup rightVport pt(0) = 5.5: pt(1) = 5.5: pt(2) = 0 Set rightVport = ThisDrawing.PaperSpace. _ AddPViewport(pt, 2.5, 2.5) viewDir(0) = 1: viewDir(1) = 0: viewDir(2) = 0 rightVport.direction = viewDir rightVport.Display acOn ThisDrawing.MSpace = True ThisDrawing.ActivePViewport = rightVport ZoomExtents ZoomScaled 0.5, acZoomScaledRelativePSpace 'Create and set up isoVport pt(0) = 5.5: pt(1) = 2.5: pt(2) = 0 Set isoVport = ThisDrawing.PaperSpace. _ AddPViewport(pt, 2.5, 2.5) viewDir(0) = 1: viewDir(1) = 1: viewDir(2) = 1 isoVport.direction = viewDir isoVport.Display acOn ThisDrawing.MSpace = True ThisDrawing.ActivePViewport = isoVport ZoomExtents ZoomScaled 0.5, acZoomScaledRelativePSpace 'Finish: Perform a regen in all viewports ThisDrawing.Regen True End Sub
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Change Viewport Views and Content

To change the view within a Viewport object, you must be in model space and the viewport must be active. To edit a drawing in a floating viewport 1 In model space, make the viewport active by setting the ActiveViewport property:
Thisdrawing.ActiveViewport = MyViewportObject
2 Edit the drawing. You can also create objects such as annotations, dimensions, and title blocks in paper space. You must, however, set the ActiveSpace property to FALSE, and turn paper space on using the MSpace property. Objects created in paper space are visible only in paper space.
Scale Views Relative to Paper Space

Before you plot, you can establish accurate zoom scale factors for each section of your drawing. Scaling views relative to paper space establishes a consistent scale for each displayed view. For example, the following illustration shows a paper space view with several viewportseach set to different scales and views. To scale the plotted drawing accurately, you must scale each view relative to paper space, not relative to the previous view or to the fullscale model.
When you work in paper space, the scale factor represents a ratio between the size of the plotted drawing and the actual size of the model displayed in the viewports. To derive this scale, divide paper space units by model space units. For a quarter-scale drawing, for example, you specify a scale factor of one paper space unit to four model space units (1:4).
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Use the ZoomScaled method to scale viewports relative to paper space units. This method takes three values as input: the viewport to scale, the scale factor, and how you want that scale factor applied. The third value is optional and determines how the scale is applied:

Relative to the drawing limits Relative to the current view Relative to paper space units
To specify the scale relative to paper space units, enter the acZoomScaledRelativePSpace constant for this value. As shown in the illustrations, if you enter a scale of 2 relative to the paper space units, the scale in the viewport increases to twice the size of the paper space units. A scale of .5 relative to the paper space units sets the scale to half the size of the paper space units. The model is plotted at half its actual size.
current view
zoom to 2xp
zoom to 0.5xp
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Scale Pattern Linetypes in Paper Space

In paper space, you can scale any type of linetype in two ways. The scale can be based on the drawing units of the space in which the object was created (model or paper). The linetype scale also can be a uniform scale based on paper space units. You can use the PSLTSCALE system variable to maintain the same linetype scaling for objects displayed at different zoom scales in different viewports. It also affects the line display in 3D views. In the following illustration, the pattern linetype of the lines in model space is scaled uniformly in paper space by the PSLTSCALE system variable. Notice that the linetype in the two viewports has the same scale, even though the objects have different zoom scales.
psltscale=1, dashes scaled to paper space
psltscale=0, dashes scaled to space where they were created
Use the SetVariable method to set the value of the PSLTSCALE system variable.
Hide Lines in Plotted Viewports

If your drawing contains 3D faces, meshes, extruded objects, surfaces, or solids, you can remove hidden lines from specific viewports when you plot the viewport. To hide lines in plots of paper space viewports (PViewport objects) use the RemoveHiddenLines property for the given viewport. This property takes a Boolean value. Enter TRUE to remove the hidden lines from the plot, enter FALSE to have the hidden lines drawn in the plot. To hide lines in plots of model space viewports (Viewport objects) use the PlotHidden property found on the Layout object. This property takes a Boolean value. Enter TRUE to remove the hidden lines from the plot, enter FALSE to have the hidden lines drawn in the plot.
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Plot Your Drawing

You can plot your drawing as it is viewed in model space, or you can plot one of your prepared paper space layouts. Plotting from model space is often preferable when you want to view or verify your drawing prior to creating a paper space layout. Once your model is ready, you can prepare and plot a paper space layout. Plotting involves working with two ActiveX Automation objects: the Layout object and the Plot object. The Layout object contains the plot settings for a given layout. The Plot object contains the methods and properties that initiate and monitor a plotting sequence.
Perform Basic Plotting

From the Plot object you can use the following methods and properties: PlotToFile PlotToDevice DisplayPlotPreview Displays a preview of the specified plot SetLayoutsToPlot Establish the list of layouts that will be plotted in the next call to PlotToFile or PlotToDevice StartBatchMode Initiates a batch plot QuietErrorMode Toggles the quiet error mode for plot error reporting NumberOfCopies Specifies the number of copies to be plotted BatchPlotProgress Gets the current status of the batch plot, or terminates the batch plot. The SetLayoutsToPlot method must be called before each PlotToDevice or PlotToFile method. If SetLayoutsToPlot is not called, or is called with a NULL input, the active layout will be plotted. Plots to a file Plots to a plotter or printer
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The NumberOfCopies property specifies the number of copies to plot. If this property is not reset before each PlotToDevice call, the last value specified in the NumberOfCopies property will be used. Batch mode plotting is provided to support the BatchPlot utility application. Before initiating a batch plot, set the QuietErrorMode to TRUE to have an uninterrupted plot session. Use the StartBatchMode method to initiate a batch plot. Use the BatchPlotProgress property to check on the progress of the batch plot, or to terminate the batch mode.
Plot from Model Space

Typically, when you plot a large drawing such as a floorplan, you can specify a scale to convert the real drawing units into plotted inches or millimeters. However, when you plot from model space, the defaults that are used if there are no settings specified include plot to system printer, plot the current display, scaled to fit, 0 rotation, and 0,0 offset. To modify the plot settings, change the properties on the Layout object associated with model space. Plot the extents of an active model space layout This example first checks to make sure the active space is model space. The example then establishes several plot settings. Finally, the plot is sent using the PlotToDevice method.
Sub Ch9_PrintModelSpace() ' Verify that the active space is model space If ThisDrawing.ActiveSpace = acPaperSpace Then ThisDrawing.MSpace = True ThisDrawing.ActiveSpace = acModelSpace End If ' Set the extents and scale of the plot area ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.Layout.PlotType = acExtents ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.Layout. _ StandardScale = acScaleToFit ' Set the number of copies to one ThisDrawing.Plot.NumberOfCopies = 1 ' Initiate the plot ThisDrawing.Plot.PlotToDevice End Sub
The device name can be specified using the ConfigName property. This device can be overridden in the PlotToDevice method by specifying a PC3 file.
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Plot from Paper Space

You can plot one or many paper space layouts at a time. You can plot the active layout, as demonstrated in Plot from Model Space on page 276, or you can specify by name the layouts to be plotted. Plot two paper space layouts This example sends the two paper space layouts Layout1 and Layout2 to the default plot device. Note that these two layouts must exist in the drawing for this code to run. This example first creates a string array containing the names of the layouts to be plotted. It then uses this array as input to the SetLayoutsToPlot method. The example then sets the number of copies to be plotted, and finally sends the plot to the default device.
Sub Ch9_PrintPaperSpace() ' Establish the paper space layouts to be plotted Dim strLayouts(0 To 1) As String Dim varLayouts As Variant strLayouts(0) = "Layout1" strLayouts(1) = "Layout2" varLayouts = strLayouts ThisDrawing.Plot.SetLayoutsToPlot varLayouts ' Set the number of copies to one ThisDrawing.Plot.NumberOfCopies = 1 ' Initiate the plot ThisDrawing.Plot.PlotToDevice End Sub
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As you gain experience, you can take advantage of the many advanced features of AutoCAD to further enhance your applications. You can include in your drawing raster images such as aerial, satellite, and digital photographs, as well as computer-rendered images. For information about raster images in addition to the information in this section, see the Users Guide. In addition to enhancing your drawings visual image, AutoCAD provides several features to help you organize data, allowing you to further expand the intelligence of the objects in your drawing.
In this chapter
Work with Raster Images Use Blocks and Attributes Use External References Assign and Retrieve Extended
Data
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Work with Raster Images

With AutoCAD you can add raster images to your vector-based AutoCAD drawings, and then view and plot the resulting file.
Attach and Scale a Raster Image

Images can be placed in a drawing file, but they are not actually part of the file. The image is linked to the drawing file through a path name or a data management document ID. Linked image paths can be changed or removed at any time. To attach an image, you create a Raster object in your drawing using the AddRaster method. This method takes four values as input: the name of the image file to attach, the insertion point in the drawing to place the image, the scale factor of the image, and the rotation angle of the image. Remember, the Raster object represents an independent link to the image, not the image itself. Once youve attached an image, you can reattach it many times, creating a new Raster object for each attachment. Each attachment has its own clip boundary and its own settings for brightness, contrast, fade, and transparency. A single image can be cut into multiple pieces and rearranged independently in your drawing. You can set the raster image scale factor when you create the Raster object so that the images geometry scale matches the scale of the geometry created in the AutoCAD drawing. When you select an image to attach, the image is inserted at a scale factor of 1 image unit of measurement to 1 AutoCAD unit of measurement. To set the image scale factor, you need to know the scale of the geometry on the image, and you need to know what unit of measurement (inches, feet, and so forth) you want to use to define 1 AutoCAD unit. The image file must contain resolution information defining the DPI, or dots per inch, and number of pixels in the image. If an image has resolution information, AutoCAD combines it with the scale factor and the AutoCAD unit of measurement you supply to scale the image in your drawing. For example, if your raster image is a scanned blueprint on which the scale is 1 inch equals 50 feet, or 1:600, and your AutoCAD drawing is set up so that 1 unit represents 1 inch, then to set the scale factor of the image, you enter 600 for the ScaleFactor parameter of the AddRaster method. AutoCAD then inserts the image at a scale that brings the geometry in the image into alignment with the vector geometry in the drawing.
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Note If no resolution information is defined with the attached image file, AutoCAD calculates the images original width as one unit. After insertion, the image width in AutoCAD units is equal to the scale factor.
Attach a raster image This example adds a raster image in model space. This example uses the watch.jpg found in the sample directory. If you do not have this image, or it is located in a different directory, insert a valid path and file name for the imageName variable.
Sub Ch10_AttachingARaster() Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim scalefactor As Double Dim rotationAngle As Double Dim imageName As String Dim rasterObj As AcadRasterImage imageName = "C:/Program Files/AutoCAD 2004/sample/watch.jpg" insertionPoint(0) = 5 insertionPoint(1) = 5 insertionPoint(2) = 0 scalefactor = 2 rotationAngle = 0 On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER ' Attach the raster image in model space Set rasterObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddRaster _ (imageName, insertionPoint, _ scalefactor, rotationAngle) ZoomAll Exit Sub ERRORHANDLER: MsgBox Err.Description End Sub
Manage Raster Images

You can manage raster image name, file name, and file path using the properties of the Raster object.
Change Image File Paths

The path and file name of an image is queried or changed using the ImageFile property. The path set by this property is the actual path where AutoCAD looks for the image.
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If AutoCAD cannot locate the drawing (for example, if you have moved the file to a different directory than the one saved with the ImageFile property), it removes relative or absolute path information from the name (for example, \images\tree.tga or c:\my project\images\tree.tga becomes tree.tga) and searches the paths you have defined using the SetProjectFilePath method on the Preferences object. If the drawing is not located in the paths, it attempts the first search path again. You can remove the path from the file name or specify a relative path by resetting the ImageFile property. Changing the path in the ImageFile property does not affect the project files search-path settings.
Name Images
Image names are not necessarily the same as image file names. When you attach an image to a drawing, AutoCAD uses the file name without the file extension as the image name. You can change the image name without affecting the name of the file. The image file is represented by the ImageFile property on the Raster object. Changing the ImageFile property will change the image in the drawing. The image name is represented by the Name property, and changing the Name property will change the name of the image only, not the file associated with it.
Modify Images and Image Boundaries

All images have an image boundary. When you attach an image to a drawing, the image boundary inherits the current property settings, including color, layer, linetype, and linetype scale. If the image is a bitonal image, the image color and boundary color are the same. As with other AutoCAD objects, you can modify images and their boundary properties. For example, you can:

Display or hide the image boundary Modify the image layer, boundary color, and linetype Change the image location Scale, rotate, and change the width and height of the image Toggle the image visibility Change the image transparency Change the image brightness, contrast, and fade Change the quality and speed of image display
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Show and Hide Image Boundaries

Hiding an image boundary ensures that the image cannot accidentally be moved or modified and prevents the boundary from being plotted or displayed. When image boundaries are hidden, clipped images are still displayed to their specified boundary limits; only the boundary is affected. Showing and hiding image boundaries affects all images attached to your drawing. To show or hide the image boundaries, use the ClippingEnabled property.
Note This property affects only the image boundary. To see a change in the image when toggling this property, look closely at the small boundary surrounding the image.
Change Image Layer, Boundary Color, and Boundary Linetype

You can change the color and linetype of image boundaries and the layer of an image using the following properties: Layer Color Linetype Specifies the layer for the image Specifies the color of the image boundary Specifies the linetype of the image
Change Image Scale, Rotation, Location, Width, and Height

You can change the scale, rotation, location, width, and height of an image using the following methods and properties: ScaleEntity Rotate Origin Width Height ImageWidth ImageHeight ShowRotation Scales the image Rotates the image Specifies the image location Specifies the width of the image in pixels Specifies the height of the image in pixels Specifies the width of the image in database units Specifies the height of the image in database units Determines if the raster is displayed as rotated
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Change Image Visibility

Image visibility affects the redraw speed by hiding images in the current drawing session. Hidden images are not displayed or plotted; only the drawing boundary is displayed. To hide images, set the ImageVisibility property to FALSE. To redisplay the images, set the ImageVisibility property to TRUE.
Modify Bitonal Image Color and Transparency

Bitonal raster images are images consisting only of a foreground color and a background color. When you attach a bitonal image, the foreground pixels in the image inherit the current layer settings for color. In addition to the modifications you can make to any attached image, you can modify bitonal images by changing the foreground color and by turning the transparency of the background on and off.
Note Bitonal images and bitonal image boundaries are always the same color.
To change the foreground color of a bitonal image, use the Color property. To turn the transparency on and off, use the Transparency property.
Adjust Image Brightness, Contrast, and Fade

You can adjust image brightness, contrast, and fade in AutoCAD to the display of the image and to plotted output without affecting the original raster image file. Use the following properties to adjust brightness, contrast, and fade: Brightness Contrast Fade Specifies the brightness level of an image Specifies the contrast level of an image Specifies the fade level of an image
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Clip Images
You can define a region of an image for display and plotting by clipping the image. The clipping boundary must be a 2D polygon or rectangle with vertices constrained to lay within the boundaries of the image. Multiple instances of the same image can have different boundaries. To clip an image 1 Turn on the image boundaries using the ClippingEnabled property. 2 Specify the clipping boundary and perform the clip using the ClipBoundary method. This method takes one value as input: a variant array of 2D WCS coordinates specifying the clipping boundary of a raster image.
Change the Clipping Boundary

To change an existing clipping boundary, simply repeat the previous steps. The old boundary will be deleted and the new boundary will replace the old one.
Show and Hide the Clipping Boundary

You can display a clipped image using the clipping boundary, or you can hide the clipping boundary and display the original image boundaries. To hide a clipping boundary and display the original image, set the ClippingEnabled property to FALSE. To display the clipped image, set the ClippingEnabled property to TRUE. Clip a raster image boundary This example adds a raster image in model space. It then clips the image based on a clip boundary. This example uses downtown.jpg found in the sample directory. If you do not have this image, or it is located in a different directory, insert a valid path and file name for the imageName variable.
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Sub Ch10_ClippingRasterBoundary() Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim scalefactor As Double Dim rotationAngle As Double Dim imageName As String Dim rasterObj As AcadRasterImage imageName = "C:\AutoCAD\sample\downtown.jpg" insertionPoint(0) = 5 insertionPoint(1) = 5 insertionPoint(2) = 0 scalefactor = 2 rotationAngle = 0 On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER ' Creates a raster image in model space Set rasterObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddRaster _ (imageName, insertionPoint, _ scalefactor, rotationAngle) ZoomAll ' Establish the clip boundary with Dim clipPoints(0 To 9) As Double clipPoints(0) = 6: clipPoints(1) = clipPoints(2) = 7: clipPoints(3) = clipPoints(4) = 6: clipPoints(5) = clipPoints(6) = 5: clipPoints(7) = clipPoints(8) = 6: clipPoints(9) = ' Clip the image rasterObj.ClipBoundary clipPoints ' Enable the display of the clip rasterObj.ClippingEnabled = True ThisDrawing.Regen acActiveViewport Exit Sub ERRORHANDLER: MsgBox Err.Description End Sub an array of points 6.75 6 5 6 6.75
Use Blocks and Attributes

AutoCAD provides several features to help you manage objects in your drawings. With blocks you can organize and manipulate many objects as one component. Attributes associate items of information with the blocks in your drawingsfor example, part numbers and prices. Using AutoCAD external references, or xrefs, you can attach or overlay entire drawings to your current drawing. When you open your current drawing, any changes made in the referenced drawing appear in the current drawing.
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Work with Blocks

A block is a collection of objects you can associate together to form a single object, or a block reference. You can insert, scale, and rotate a block reference in a drawing. You can explode a block reference into its component objects, modify them, and redefine the block. AutoCAD updates all future instances of that block reference based on the definition of the block. Blocks can be defined from objects originally drawn on different layers with different colors and linetypes. You can preserve the layer, color, and linetype information of objects in a block. Then, each time you insert the block, you have each object within the block drawn on its original layer with its original color and linetype. For more information about working with blocks, see Create and Insert Symbols (Blocks) in chapter 16, Draw Geometric Objects, in the Users Guide.
Define Blocks
To create a new block, use the Add method. This method requires two values as input: the location in the drawing where the block is added and the name of the block to create. Once created, you can add any geometrical object, or another block, to the newly created block. You can then insert an instance of the block into the drawing. An inserted block is an object called a block reference. You can also create a block by using the WBlock method to group objects in a separate drawing file. The drawing file can then be used as a block definition for other drawings. AutoCAD considers any drawing you insert into another drawing to be a block. For more information on defining blocks, see Create Blocks in chapter 16, Draw Geometric Objects, in the Users Guide.
Insert Blocks
You can insert blocks or entire drawings into the current drawing with the InsertBlock method. The InsertBlock method takes six values as input: the insertion point, the name of the block or drawing to insert, the X-scale factor, the Y-scale factor, the Z-scale factor, and the rotation angle. When you insert an entire drawing into another drawing, AutoCAD treats the inserted drawing like any other block reference. Subsequent insertions reference the block definition (which contains the geometric description of the block) with different position, scale, and rotation settings. If you change the original drawing after inserting it, the changes have no effect on the
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inserted block. If you want the inserted block to reflect the changes you made to the original drawing, you can redefine the block by reinserting the original drawing. This can be done with the InsertBlock method. If you insert a drawing as a block, the file name is automatically used as the name of the block. You can change the name of the block by using the Name property once the block has been created. By default, AutoCAD uses the coordinate (0, 0, 0) as the base point for inserted drawings. You can change the base point of a drawing by opening the original drawing and using the SetVariable method to specify a different insertion base point for the INSBASE system variable. AutoCAD uses the new base point the next time you insert the drawing. If the drawing you insert contains PaperSpace objects, those objects are not included in the current drawings block definition. To use the PaperSpace objects in another drawing, open the original drawing and use the Add method to define the PaperSpace objects as a block. You can insert the drawing into another drawing in either paper space or model space. A block reference cannot be iterated to find the original objects that compose it. However, you can iterate the original block definition, or you can explode the block reference into its original components. You can also insert an array of blocks using the AddMInsertBlock method. This method does not insert a single block into your drawing, as the InsertBlock does, but instead inserts an array of the specified block. This method returns an MInsertBlock object. For more information on inserting blocks, see Insert Blocks in chapter 16, Draw Geometric Objects, in the Users Guide. Define a block and insert the block into a drawing This example defines a block and adds a circle to the block definition. It then inserts the block into the drawing as a block reference.
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Sub Ch10_InsertingABlock() ' Define the block Dim blockObj As AcadBlock Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double insertionPnt(0) = 0 insertionPnt(1) = 0 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockObj = ThisDrawing.Blocks.Add _ (insertionPnt, "CircleBlock") ' Add a circle to the block Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 0 center(1) = 0 center(2) = 0 radius = 1 Set circleObj = blockObj.AddCircle(center, radius) ' Insert the block Dim blockRefObj As AcadBlockReference insertionPnt(0) = 2 insertionPnt(1) = 2 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockRefObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.InsertBlock _ (insertionPnt, "CircleBlock", 1#, 1#, 1#, 0) ZoomAll MsgBox "The circle belongs to " & blockRefObj.ObjectName End Sub
Note After insertion, the external files WCS is aligned parallel to the XY plane of the current UCS in the current drawing. Thus, a block from an external file is inserted at any orientation in space by setting the UCS before inserting it.
Explode a Block Reference

Use the Explode method to break a block reference. By exploding a block reference, you can modify the block or add to or delete the objects that define it. Display the results of an exploded block reference This example creates a block and adds a circle to the definition of the block. The block is then inserted into the drawing as a block reference. The block reference is then exploded, and the objects resulting from the explode process are displayed along with their object types.
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Sub Ch10_ExplodingABlock() ' Define the block Dim blockObj As AcadBlock Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double insertionPnt(0) = 0 insertionPnt(1) = 0 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockObj = ThisDrawing.Blocks.Add _ (insertionPnt, "CircleBlock") ' Add a circle to the block Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 0 center(1) = 0 center(2) = 0 radius = 1 Set circleObj = blockObj.AddCircle(center, radius) ' Insert the block Dim blockRefObj As AcadBlockReference insertionPnt(0) = 2 insertionPnt(1) = 2 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockRefObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.InsertBlock _ (insertionPnt, "CircleBlock", 1#, 1#, 1#, 0) ZoomAll MsgBox "The circle belongs to " & blockRefObj.ObjectName ' Explode the block reference Dim explodedObjects As Variant explodedObjects = blockRefObj.Explode ' Loop through the exploded objects Dim I As Integer For I = 0 To UBound(explodedObjects) explodedObjects(I).Color = acRed explodedObjects(I).Update MsgBox "Exploded Object " & I & ": " _ & explodedObjects(I).ObjectName explodedObjects(I).Color = acByLayer explodedObjects(I).Update Next End Sub
Redefine a Block
Use any of the Block object methods and properties to redefine a block. When you redefine a block, all the references to that block in the drawing are immediately updated to reflect the new definition.
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Redefinition affects previous and future insertions of a block. Constant attributes are lost and replaced by any new constant attributes. Variable attributes remain unchanged, even if the new block has no attributes. Redefine the objects in a block definition This example creates a block and adds a circle to the definition of the block. The block is then inserted into the drawing as a block reference. The circle in the block definition is updated, and the block reference updates automatically.
Sub Ch10_RedefiningABlock() ' Define the block Dim blockObj As AcadBlock Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double insertionPnt(0) = 0 insertionPnt(1) = 0 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockObj = ThisDrawing.Blocks.Add _ (insertionPnt, "CircleBlock") ' Add a circle to the block Dim circleObj As AcadCircle Dim center(0 To 2) As Double Dim radius As Double center(0) = 0 center(1) = 0 center(2) = 0 radius = 1 Set circleObj = blockObj.AddCircle(center, radius) ' Insert the block Dim blockRefObj As AcadBlockReference insertionPnt(0) = 2 insertionPnt(1) = 2 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockRefObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.InsertBlock _ (insertionPnt, "CircleBlock", 1#, 1#, 1#, 0) ZoomAll ' Redefine the circle in the block, ' and update the block reference circleObj.radius = 3 blockRefObj.Update End Sub
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Work with Attributes

An attribute reference provides an interactive label or tag for you to attach text to a block. Examples of data are part numbers, prices, comments, and owners names. You can extract attribute reference information from a drawing and use that information in a spreadsheet or database to produce items such as a parts list or bill of materials (BOM). You can associate more than one attribute reference with a block, provided that each attribute reference has a different tag. You can also define constant attributes. Because they have the same value in every occurrence of the block, AutoCAD does not prompt for a value when you insert the block. Attributes can be invisible, which means the attribute reference is not displayed or plotted. However, information on the attribute reference is stored in the drawing file. For more information about working with attributes, see Overview of Block Attributes in chapter 16, Draw Geometric Objects, in the Users Guide.
Create Attribute Definitions and Attribute References

To create an attribute reference, first you must create an attribute definition on a block by using the AddAttribute method. This method requires six values as input: the height of the attribute text, the attribute mode, a prompt string, the insertion point, the tag string, and the default attribute value. The mode value is optional. There are five constants you can enter to specify the Attribute mode:
acAttributeModeNormal
Specifies that the current mode of each attribute is maintained.

acAttributeModeInvisible
Specifies that attribute values wont appear when you insert the block. The ATTDISP command overrides the Invisible mode.
acAttributeModeConstant
Gives attributes a fixed value for block insertions.
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acAttributeModeVerify
Prompts you to verify that the attribute value is correct when you insert the block.
acAttributeModePreset
Sets the attribute to its default value when you insert a block containing a present attribute. The value cannot be edited in this mode. You can enter none, any combination, or all of the options. To specify a combination of options, add the constants together. For example, you can enter acAttributeModeInvisible + acAttributeModeConstant. The prompt string appears when a block containing the attribute is inserted. The default for this string is the Tag string. Input acAttributeModeConstant for the mode to disable the prompt. The tag string identifies each occurrence of the attribute. You can use any characters except spaces or exclamation points. AutoCAD changes lowercase letters to uppercase. Once the attribute definition is defined in a block, whenever you insert the block using the InsertBlock method you can specify a different value for the attribute reference. An attribute definition is associated to the block upon which it is created. Attribute definitions created on model space or paper space are not considered attached to any given block. Define an attribute definition This example creates a block and then adds an attribute to the block. The block is then inserted into the drawing.
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Sub Ch10_CreatingAnAttribute() ' Define the block Dim blockObj As AcadBlock Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double insertionPnt(0) = 0 insertionPnt(1) = 0 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockObj = ThisDrawing.Blocks.Add _ (insertionPnt, "BlockWithAttribute") ' Add an attribute to the block Dim attributeObj As AcadAttribute Dim height As Double Dim mode As Long Dim prompt As String Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim tag As String Dim value As String height = 1 mode = acAttributeModeVerify prompt = "New Prompt" insertionPoint(0) = 5 insertionPoint(1) = 5 insertionPoint(2) = 0 tag = "New Tag" value = "New Value" Set attributeObj = blockObj.AddAttribute(height, mode, _ prompt, insertionPoint, tag, value) ' Insert the block, creating a block reference ' and an attribute reference Dim blockRefObj As AcadBlockReference insertionPnt(0) = 2 insertionPnt(1) = 2 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockRefObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.InsertBlock _ (insertionPnt, "BlockWithAttribute", 1#, 1#, 1#, 0) End Sub
Edit Attribute Definitions

You can use the Attribute object properties and methods to edit the attribute. Some of the properties on an attribute include the following: Alignment Backward Specifies the horizontal and vertical alignment of the attribute Specifies the direction of attribute text
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FieldLength Height InsertionPoint Mode PromptString Rotation ScaleFactor TagString
Specifies the field length of the attribute Specifies the height of the attribute Specifies the insertion point of the attribute Specifies the mode of the attribute Specifies the prompt string of the attribute Specifies the rotation of the attribute Specifies the scale factor of the attribute Specifies the tag string of the attribute
Some of the methods you can use to edit the attribute include the following: ArrayPolar ArrayRectangular Copy Erase Mirror Move Rotate ScaleEntity Creates a polar array Creates a rectangular array Copies the attribute Erases the attribute Mirrors the attribute Moves the attribute Rotates the attribute Scales the attribute
Redefine an attribute definition This example creates a block and then adds an attribute to the block. The block is then inserted into the drawing. The attribute text is then updated to display backward.
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Sub Ch10_RedefiningAnAttribute() ' Define the block Dim blockObj As AcadBlock Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double insertionPnt(0) = 0 insertionPnt(1) = 0 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockObj = ThisDrawing.Blocks.Add _ (insertionPnt, "BlockWithAttribute") ' Add an attribute to the block Dim attributeObj As AcadAttribute Dim height As Double Dim mode As Long Dim prompt As String Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim tag As String Dim value As String height = 1 mode = acAttributeModeVerify prompt = "New Prompt" insertionPoint(0) = 5 insertionPoint(1) = 5 insertionPoint(2) = 0 tag = "New Tag" value = "New Value" Set attributeObj = blockObj.AddAttribute(height, mode, _ prompt, insertionPoint, tag, value) ' Insert the block, creating a block reference ' and an attribute reference Dim blockRefObj As AcadBlockReference insertionPnt(0) = 2 insertionPnt(1) = 2 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockRefObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.InsertBlock _ (insertionPnt, "BlockWithAttribute", 1#, 1#, 1#, 0) ' Redefine the attribute text to display backwards. attributeObj.Backward = True attributeObj.Update End Sub
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Extract Attribute Information

You can extract attribute information from a drawing using the GetAttributes and GetConstantAttributes methods. The GetAttributes method returns an array of the attribute references attached to a block, along with their current values. The GetConstantAttributes method returns an array of constant attributes attached to the block or external reference. The attributes returned by this method are the constant attribute definitions, not attribute references. You do not need template files to extract attribute information, and no attribute information files are created. Simply iterate the array of attribute references, using the TagString and TextString properties of the attribute reference to examine the attribute information. The TagString property represents the individual tag for the attribute reference. The TextString property contains the value for the attribute reference. For more information on extracting attribute information, see Extract Data from Block Attributes in chapter 16, Draw Geometric Objects, in the Users Guide. Get attribute reference information This example creates a block and then adds an attribute to the block. The block is then inserted into the drawing. The attribute data is then returned and displayed using a message box. The attribute data is then updated for the block reference, and once again the attribute data is returned and displayed.
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Sub Ch10_GettingAttributes() ' Create the block Dim blockObj As AcadBlock Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double insertionPnt(0) = 0 insertionPnt(1) = 0 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockObj = ThisDrawing.Blocks.Add _ (insertionPnt, "TESTBLOCK") ' Define the attribute definition Dim attributeObj As AcadAttribute Dim height As Double Dim mode As Long Dim prompt As String Dim insertionPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim tag As String Dim value As String height = 1# mode = acAttributeModeVerify prompt = "Attribute Prompt" insertionPoint(0) = 5 insertionPoint(1) = 5 insertionPoint(2) = 0 tag = "Attribute Tag" value = "Attribute Value" ' Create the attribute definition object on the block Set attributeObj = blockObj.AddAttribute _ (height, mode, prompt, _ insertionPoint, tag, value)
' Insert the block Dim blockRefObj As AcadBlockReference insertionPnt(0) = 2 insertionPnt(1) = 2 insertionPnt(2) = 0 Set blockRefObj = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.InsertBlock _ (insertionPnt, "TESTBLOCK", 1, 1, 1, 0) ZoomAll ' Get the attributes for the block reference Dim varAttributes As Variant varAttributes = blockRefObj.GetAttributes ' Move the attribute tags and values into a ' string to be displayed in a Msgbox Dim strAttributes As String strAttributes = "" Dim I As Integer For I = LBound(varAttributes) To UBound(varAttributes) strAttributes = strAttributes + " Tag: " + _ varAttributes(I).TagString + vbCrLf + _ " Value: " + varAttributes(I).textString Next
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MsgBox "The attributes for blockReference " + _ blockRefObj.Name & " are: " & vbCrLf _ & strAttributes ' Change the value of the attribute ' Note: There is no SetAttributes. Once you have the ' variant array, you have the objects. ' Changing them changes the objects in the drawing. varAttributes(0).textString = "NEW VALUE!" ' Get the attributes again Dim newvarAttributes As Variant newvarAttributes = blockRefObj.GetAttributes ' Again, display the tags and values strAttributes = "" For I = LBound(varAttributes) To UBound(varAttributes) strAttributes = strAttributes + " Tag: " + _ newvarAttributes(I).TagString + vbCrLf + _ " Value: " + newvarAttributes(I).textString Next MsgBox "The attributes for blockReference " & _ blockRefObj.Name & " are: " & vbCrLf _ & strAttributes End Sub
Use External References

An external reference (xref) links another drawing to the current drawing. When you insert a drawing as a block, the block and all of the associated geometry is stored in the current drawing database. It is not updated if the original drawing changes. When you insert a drawing as an xref, however, the xref is updated when the original drawing changes. A drawing that contains xrefs, therefore, always reflects the most current editing of each externally referenced file. Like a block reference, an xref is displayed in the current drawing as a single object. However, an xref does not significantly increase the file size of the current drawing and cannot be exploded. As with blocks, you can nest xrefs that are attached to your drawing. For more information about xrefs, see Attach, Update, and Bind External References in the Users Guide.
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Update Xrefs
When you open or plot your drawing, AutoCAD reloads each xref to reflect the latest state of the referenced drawing. After you make changes to an externally referenced drawing and save the file, other users can access your changes immediately by reloading the xref.
Attach Xrefs
Attaching an xref links one drawing (the reference file, or xref) to the current drawing. When a drawing references an xref, AutoCAD attaches only the xref definition to the drawing, unlike regular blocks, where the block definition and the contents of the block are stored with the current drawing. AutoCAD reads the reference drawing to determine what to display in the current drawing. If the reference file is missing or corrupt, its data is not displayed in the current drawing. Each time you open a drawing, AutoCAD loads all graphical and non-graphical (such as layers, linetypes, and text styles) objects from referenced files. If VISRETAIN is on, AutoCAD stores any updated xref-dependent layer information in the current drawing. You can attach as many copies of an xref as you want, and each can have a different position, scale, and rotation. You can also control the dependent layers and linetype properties that are defined in the xref. To attach an xref, use the AttachExternalReference method. This method requires you to input the path and file name of the drawing to be referenced, the name the xref is to use in the current drawing, the insertion point, the scale, and rotation information for the xref. The AttachExternalReference method returns the newly created ExternalReference object. For more information on attaching xrefs, see Attach External References in the Users Guide. Attach an external reference to a drawing This example displays all the blocks in the current drawing before and after adding an external reference. This example uses the City map.dwg found in the sample directory. If you do not have this image, or it is located in a different directory, insert a valid path and file name for the PathName variable below.
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Sub Ch10_AttachingExternalReference() On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER Dim InsertPoint(0 To 2) As Double Dim insertedBlock As AcadExternalReference Dim tempBlock As AcadBlock Dim msg As String, PathName As String ' Define external reference to be inserted InsertPoint(0) = 1 InsertPoint(1) = 1 InsertPoint(2) = 0 PathName = "C:/Program Files/AutoCAD 2004/sample/City map.dwg" ' Display current Block information for this drawing GoSub ListBlocks ' Add the external reference to the drawing Set insertedBlock = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AttachExternalReference(PathName, "XREF_IMAGE", _ InsertPoint, 1, 1, 1, 0, False) ZoomAll ' Display new Block information for this drawing GoSub ListBlocks Exit Sub ListBlocks: msg = vbCrLf ' Reset message For Each tempBlock In ThisDrawing.Blocks msg = msg & tempBlock.Name & vbCrLf Next MsgBox "The current blocks in this drawing are: " & msg Return ERRORHANDLER: MsgBox Err.Description End Sub
Overlay Xrefs
Overlaying is similar to attaching, except when a drawing is attached or overlaid. Any other overlays nested in it are ignored and, therefore, not displayed. In other words, nested overlays are not read in. To overlay an xref, set the bOverlay parameter of the AttachExternalReference method to TRUE.
Detach Xrefs
You can detach an xref definition to remove the xrefs completely from your drawing. You can also erase the individual xref instances. Detaching the xref definition removes all dependent symbols associated with that xref. If all the instances of an xref are erased from the drawing, AutoCAD removes the xref definition the next time the drawing is opened.
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To detach an xref, use the Detach method. You cannot detach a nested xref. Detach an xref definition This example attaches an external reference and then detaches the external reference. This example uses the City map.dwg found in the sample directory. If you do not have this image, or it is located in a different directory, insert a valid path and file name for the PathName variable below.
Sub Ch10_DetachingExternalReference() On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER ' Define external reference to be inserted Dim xrefHome As AcadBlock Dim xrefInserted As AcadExternalReference Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double Dim PathName As String insertionPnt(0) = 1 insertionPnt(1) = 1 insertionPnt(2) = 0 PathName = "c:/AutoCAD/sample/City map.dwg" ' Add the external reference Set xrefInserted = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AttachExternalReference(PathName, "XREF_IMAGE", _ insertionPnt, 1, 1, 1, 0, False) ZoomAll MsgBox "The external reference is attached." ' Detach the external reference definition Dim name As String name = xrefInserted.name ThisDrawing.Blocks.Item(name).Detach MsgBox "The external reference is detached." Exit Sub ERRORHANDLER: MsgBox Err.Description End Sub
Reload Xrefs
If someone modifies an externally referenced drawing while you are working on the host drawing to which that xref is attached, you can update that xref drawing using the Reload method. When you reload, the selected xref drawing is updated in your host drawing. Also, if you have unloaded an xref, you can choose to reload that externally referenced drawing at any time.
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Reload an xref definition This example attaches an external reference and then reloads the external reference. This example uses the City map.dwg found in the sample directory. If you do not have this image, or it is located in a different directory, insert a valid path and file name for the PathName variable below.
Sub Ch10_ReloadingExternalReference() On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER ' Define external reference to be inserted Dim xrefHome As AcadBlock Dim xrefInserted As AcadExternalReference Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double Dim PathName As String insertionPnt(0) = 1 insertionPnt(1) = 1 insertionPnt(2) = 0 PathName = "c:/AutoCAD/sample/City map.dwg" ' Add the external reference to the block Set xrefInserted = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AttachExternalReference(PathName, "XREF_IMAGE", _ insertionPnt, 1, 1, 1, 0, False) ZoomAll MsgBox "The external reference is attached." ' Reload the external reference definition ThisDrawing.Blocks.Item(xrefInserted.name).Reload MsgBox "The external reference is reloaded." Exit Sub ERRORHANDLER: MsgBox Err.Description End Sub
Unload Xrefs
To unload an xref use the Unload method. When you unload a referenced file that is not being used in the current drawing, the AutoCAD performance is enhanced by not having to read and display unnecessary drawing geometry or symbol table information. The xref geometry and that of any nested xref is not displayed in the current drawing until the xref is reloaded. Unload an xref definition This example attaches an external reference and then unloads the external reference. This example uses the City map.dwg found in the sample directory. If you do not have this image, or it is located in a different directory, insert a valid path and file name for the PathName variable below.
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Sub Ch10_UnloadingExternalReference() On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER ' Define external reference to be inserted Dim xrefHome As AcadBlock Dim xrefInserted As AcadExternalReference Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double Dim PathName As String insertionPnt(0) = 1 insertionPnt(1) = 1 insertionPnt(2) = 0 PathName = "c:/AutoCAD/sample/City map.dwg" ' Add the external reference Set xrefInserted = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AttachExternalReference(PathName, "XREF_IMAGE", _ insertionPnt, 1, 1, 1, 0, False) ZoomAll MsgBox "The external reference is attached." ' Unload the external reference definition ThisDrawing.Blocks.Item(xrefInserted.name).Unload MsgBox "The external reference is unloaded." Exit Sub ERRORHANDLER: MsgBox Err.Description End Sub
Bind Xrefs
Binding an xref to a drawing using the Bind method makes the xref a permanent part of the drawing and no longer an externally referenced file. The externally referenced information becomes a block. When the externally referenced drawing is updated, the bound xref is not updated. This process binds the entire drawings database, including all of its dependent symbols. Dependent symbols are named objects such as blocks, dimension styles, layers, linetypes, and text styles. Binding the xref allows named objects from the xref to be used in the current drawing. The Bind method requires only one parameter: bPrefixName. If bPrefixName is set to TRUE, the symbol names of the xref drawing are prefixed in the current drawing with <blockname>$x$, where x is an integer that is automatically incremented to avoid overriding existing block definitions. If the bPrefixName parameter is set to FALSE, the symbol names of the xref drawing are merged into the current drawing without the prefix. If duplicate names exist, AutoCAD uses the symbols already defined in the local drawing. If you are unsure whether your drawing contains duplicate symbol names, it is recommended that you set bPrefixName to TRUE.
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For more information on binding xrefs, see Archive Drawings That Contain External References (Bind) in the Users Guide. Bind an xref definition This example attaches an external reference and then binds the external reference to the drawing. This example uses the City map.dwg found in the sample directory. If you do not have this image, or it is located in a different directory, insert a valid path and file name for the PathName variable below.
Sub Ch10_BindingExternalReference() On Error GoTo ERRORHANDLER ' Define external reference to be inserted Dim xrefHome As AcadBlock Dim xrefInserted As AcadExternalReference Dim insertionPnt(0 To 2) As Double Dim PathName As String insertionPnt(0) = 1 insertionPnt(1) = 1 insertionPnt(2) = 0 PathName = "c:/AutoCAD/sample/City map.dwg" ' Add the external reference Set xrefInserted = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AttachExternalReference(PathName, "XREF_IMAGE", _ insertionPnt, 1, 1, 1, 0, False) ZoomAll MsgBox "The external reference is attached." ' Bind the external reference definition ThisDrawing.Blocks.Item(xrefInserted.name).Bind False MsgBox "The external reference is bound." Exit Sub ERRORHANDLER: MsgBox Err.Description End Sub
Clip Blocks and Xrefs

There is no method provided in ActiveX Automation for clipping the boundaries of blocks and xrefs. Use the XCLIP command in AutoCAD, or send the XCLIP command to AutoCAD using the SendCommand method.
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Demand Loading and Xref Performance

Through a combination of demand loading and saving drawings with indexes, you can increase the performance of drawings with external references. Demand loading works in conjunction with the XLOADCTL and INDEXCTL system variables. When you turn on demand loading, if indexes have been saved in the referenced drawings, AutoCAD loads into memory only the data from the reference drawing that is necessary to regenerate the current drawing. In other words, referenced material is read in on demand. To realize the maximum benefits of demand loading, you need to save the referenced drawings with layer and spatial indexes. The performance benefits of demand loading are most noticeable when you

Clip the xref to display a small fraction of it, and a spatial index is saved in the externally referenced drawing. Freeze several layers of the xref, and the externally referenced drawing is saved with a layer index.
To turn on demand loading, use the XRefDemandLoad property. If you turn on demand loading with the acDemandLoadEnabledWithCopy option, AutoCAD makes a temporary copy of the externally referenced file and demand loads the temporary file. You can then demand load the xref while allowing the original reference drawing to be available for modification. When you disable demand loading, AutoCAD reads in the entire reference drawing regardless of layer visibility or clip instances. To turn on layer and spatial indexes, set the INDEXCTL system variable using the SetVariable method. The following settings apply to the INDEXCTL system variable:

0 = no indexes created 1 = layer index created 2 = spatial index created 3 = both spatial and layer indexes created
By default, INDEXCTL is set to 0 when you create a new AutoCAD drawing. For more information on demand loading and xrefs, see Increase Performance with Large Xrefs in the Users Guide.
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Assign and Retrieve Extended Data

You can use extended data (xdata) as a means for linking information with objects in a drawing. Assign xdata to all objects in a selection set This example prompts the user to select objects from the drawing. The selected objects are placed into a selection set, and the specified xdata is attached to all objects in that selection set.
Sub Ch10_AttachXDataToSelectionSetObjects() ' Create the selection set Dim sset As Object Set sset = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Add("SS1") ' Prompt the user to select objects sset.SelectOnScreen ' Define the xdata Dim appName As String, xdataStr As String appName = "MY_APP" xdataStr = "This is some xdata" Dim xdataType(0 To 1) As Integer Dim xdata(0 To 1) As Variant ' Define the values for each array '1001 indicates the appName xdataType(0) = 1001 xdata(0) = appName '1000 indicates a string value xdataType(1) = 1000 xdata(1) = xdataStr ' Loop through all entities in the selection ' set and assign the xdata to each entity Dim ent As Object For Each ent In sset ent.SetXData xdataType, xdata Next ent End Sub
View the xdata of all objects in a selection set This example displays the xdata attached with the previous example. If you attach xdata other than strings (type 1000), you will need to revise this code.
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Sub Ch10_ViewXData() ' Find the selection created in previous example Dim sset As Object Set sset = ThisDrawing.SelectionSets.Item("SS1") ' Define the xdata variables to hold xdata information Dim xdataType As Variant Dim xdata As Variant Dim xd As Variant 'Define index counter Dim xdi As Integer xdi = 0 ' Loop through the objects in the selection set ' and retrieve the xdata for the object Dim msgstr As String Dim appName As String Dim ent As AcadEntity appName = "MY_APP" For Each ent In sset msgstr = "" xdi = 0 ' Retrieve the appName xdata type and value ent.GetXData appName, xdataType, xdata ' If the xdataType variable is not initialized, there ' was no appName xdata to retrieve for that entity If VarType(xdataType) <> vbEmpty Then For Each xd In xdata msgstr = msgstr & vbCrLf & xdataType(xdi) _ & ": " & xd xdi = xdi + 1 Next xd End If ' If the msgstr variable is NULL, there was no xdata If msgstr = "" Then msgstr = vbCrLf & "NONE" MsgBox appName & " xdata on " & ent.ObjectName & _ ":" & vbCrLf & msgstr Next ent End Sub
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Develop Applications with VBA
Many programming tasks involve more than simply working with the AutoCAD ActiveX object model. This chapter provides a brief overview of creating dialog boxes, handling errors, controlling window focus, and distributing your application to others. Remember, the Microsoft documentation for VBA contains more information on these topics.
In this chapter
More VBA Terminology Forms in VBA Handle Errors Encrypt VBA Code Modules Run a VBA Macro from a
Toolbar or Menu
Automatically Load a VBA
Project
Automatically Run a VBA
Macro
Automatically Open the VBA
IDE Whenever a Project Is Loaded

Work in a Zero Document
State
Distribute Your Application
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More VBA Terminology

This chapter expands your exposure to VBA. The following terms will help you understand and work within the VBA environment. Project Module Macro Dialog box Form A set of forms and modules grouped together in a single file. A group of (usually related) subroutines and functions. A public subroutine or function. Macros are exposed to the user as an executable component of your project. A means by which information is displayed or gathered during application execution. Container for dialog box controls.
Forms in VBA
Forms are the basic building blocks through which you create your own custom dialog boxes for your application. Through custom forms you can provide information to users, get information from users, or have your users control activity in the application. Forms are like an artists canvasthey start out blank. To fill your canvas, you need a palette. In this case, your palette is the control toolbox. You, as the artist, place selected controls from the toolbox onto the form. You can add as many controls as you like. At any time you can adjust size and properties of both the controls and even the form itself. Finally, you add the functionality (code) to the controls that brings your form to life.
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Although Visual Basic supports different types of forms, VBA supports only the UserForm. This means some forms have been created and exported in Visual Basic that cannot be imported into VBA. UserFormsor forms, as they are called in this guidecan be modal or modeless. The ShowModal property of a form determines whether it is modal or modeless. Modal forms displayed in your running application must be closed before users can perform any other action in the application. For more information about working with modal forms, see Modal Forms on page 315. To create a new form in your project 1 Open the Project window of the VBA IDE and select the project you want to add the form to. 2 From the Insert menu, choose UserForm. A blank form is created and added to your project. To create a modeless form in your project 1 Open the Project window of the VBA IDE and select the project you want to add the form to. 2 From the Insert menu, choose UserForm, and change the ShowModal property to False. 3 Add the AcFocusCtrl (AcFocusCtrl.dll) to the Toolbox, and drag the control onto the form. The AcFocusCtrl keeps the focus on the form during user interaction.
Design and Run Mode

While you are building your form you are working in design mode, where you can

Add controls to the form Change the properties of the form Change the properties of controls on the form Add code to the form module
While in design mode there is no interaction among the user, the user interface of AutoCAD, and your form. Once you run your application, or your user runs your application, the form is then in run mode. While in run mode you cannot make adjustments to the form directly. However, the form is now displayed in the AutoCAD user interface and the user can interact with the form as part of the normal operation of your application.
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Add Controls to a Form

Adding controls to a form is easy. Simply select a control from the control toolbox and drag it over to the form. When you release your mouse, a copy of the control will be placed on the form. Once the control is on the form, you can change the position and size of the control. You can copy over as many controls as you like. In addition to the drag method previously mentioned, there are other ways of placing controls on a form.
Change the Size and Placement of a Control

To move a control, simply select it and drag it to its new position on the form. To resize a control, first select the control by clicking on it once. When you select a control its border becomes visible. To resize the control, simply select one of the sizing grips now visible on the border and drag the grip to a new position. When you release the grip, the control will resize to that location. (You can resize the form in the same manner.) To move or resize several controls at once, select each control while holding down the SHIFT key. This will highlight all the controls. You can now move or resize the controls as a group. To size a control as you place it 1 Select the desired control in the control toolbox. 2 On the form, press, drag, and release the mouse button. The selected control will be placed on the form. The size of the control depends on how far you drag the mouse. To place several instances of the same control 1 In the control toolbox, double-click on the control you want to place. 2 On the form, click at the location you want a copy of the control placed. Move to another location on the form and click again. Another copy of the control will appear. You can add as many copies of the control as you need. 3 When you are finished with the control, return to the control toolbox and click the control one more time to deselect it.
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Use Formatting Controls

VBA provides several formatting controls to help you lay out your form. These controls can be found on the Format menu of the VBA IDE. These controls allow you to align controls to each other, make two or more controls the same size, change the spacing between controls, and center controls on the form. Remember when using the formatting controls that several controls can be selected at once by using SHIFT .
Change the Properties of a Control

Properties control various characteristics of a control such as its size, shape, color, label, and default values. You can set the properties of a control in design mode by using the Properties window. To change the property of a control 1 On the form, select the desired control. 2 Open the Properties window using F4 if it is not already open. 3 In the Properties window, find the property you want to change and select the current value for that property. 4 Change the value to the new desired value for the property. You can also change the property of a control at runtime by writing code to access that property. See the Microsoft documentation for more information on changing the property of a control at runtime.
Add Code to a Control

Now that you have your form looking the way you want, its time to add some code behind your controls. To open the Code window for a control simply double-click on the control in the Form window. The Code window will open, with a subroutine created for that control and its default event. You can add code to the default event, or choose a different event from the event drop-down list at the top-right corner of the Code window.
Display and Hide Forms

Now you have a beautifully designed form with fully functional code behind all the controls. The last step is getting the form displayed to the user at runtime. Displaying the form is accomplished through the VBA Show method. The Show method can be called from any code module in your application.
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The form you created is modal by default, so the user will not be able to interact with AutoCAD directly while the form is displayed. For example, the user cannot select a point or object in the drawing with the form displayed. To allow the user access to the AutoCAD drawing, use the VBA Hide method. The Hide method hides the form and allows the user limited access to AutoCAD. When using the Hide method it is important to remember the form is not unloaded from memory. It will retain all current values while hidden. The Hide method is called in the same manner as the Show method. Display a form This example will display the form named UserForm1:
Public Sub MyApplication() UserForm1.Show End Sub
The subroutine (and consequently the display of your form) is now callable as a macro from the VBARUN command or from an AutoCAD menu. Hide a form This example hides the form named UserForm1:
Public Sub MyAppHide() UserForm1.Hide End Sub
Load and Unload Forms

There may be times when you want to load a form into memory during runtime, but not show the form. You may choose to do this to better control when the load time occurs in your application, or when you need programmatic access to the form but do not want to display the form to the user. To load a form, but not display it, use the VBA Load method. The Show method can then be used to make the form visible at the appropriate time in your applications execution. Remember, the user cant interact with your form until it is visible. If the Show method is called and the form has not been loaded, it will be loaded automatically. There may also be times when you will want to unload a form specifically. Unloading a form removes that form from memory and all the memory associated with the form is reclaimed. Until the form is loaded again by using either the Load or Show method, a user cant interact with the form, and the
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form cant be manipulated programmatically. You may choose to unload a form when you know the form will not be used again in the application and you want to reclaim the memory. The Hide method does not perform an unload. If your application ends and a form has not been unloaded, it will be unloaded automatically. The following table compares the VBA Show, Hide, Load, and Unload methods: VBA Show, Hide, Load, and Unload methods
Method Show Use Displays a form. If the form has not been loaded, it is loaded automatically. Hides a form. The form is not unloaded from memory. Loads a form into memory but does not display it. Unloads a form from memory. This can be done explicitly from the Unload method, or automatically at the termination of the application.
Hide Load Unload
Modal Forms
When you define a dialog box as modal in AutoCAD VBA, the user must respond to the dialog box before any other part of the application is allowed to continue. No subsequent code is executed until the modal dialog box is closed through either the Hide or Unload method. This requires that you, as the developer of the application, think carefully about how and when you implement dialog boxes. For example, you may have a dialog box that requires the user to select an object in the AutoCAD drawing. For the user to be able to pick the object from the AutoCAD Application window you must hide the form by calling the Hide method. Once the object has been selected you use the Show method to redisplay the form, with all of its data still current, and continue with the application.
Note Although other forms in the application are disabled when a modal
dialog box is displayed, other applications are not.
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Handle Errors
Most development environments provide default error handling. For VB and VBA, the default reaction to an error is to display an error message and terminate the application. While this behavior is adequate during the development phase of your application, it is not productive for your end-user. There may be errors that you want to ignore, or that you want to provide special responses to. There may be errors that you will want to suppress the error message display for, or simply control the message that gets displayed to the user. In addition, automatically terminating the application is hardly ever acceptable to the end-user. In general, error handling is necessary whenever user-input is required and whenever working with file I/O. Remember, even if you are sure a needed file is there and available for processing, there may be conditions you havent thought of that could cause errors.
Note Most of the code examples provided in the AutoCAD documentation do not use error trapping. This keeps the examples simple and to the point. However, as with all programming languages, proper error trapping and handling is essential for a robust application.
Define Application Error Types

There are three different types of errors you can encounter in your applications: compile-time errors, runtime errors, and logic errors.
Compile-time errors occur during the construction of your application. These errors consist mostly of syntax mistakes, variable scoping problems, or data typing problems. In VBA, these types of errors are caught by the development environment. When you enter an incorrect line of code, the line is highlighted and an error message appears telling you the problem. Compile-time errors must be corrected before the application can run. Runtime errors are a little more difficult to find and correct. They occur during the execution of your code, and often involve receiving information from the user. For example, if your application requires the user to enter the name of a drawing and the user enters a name for a drawing that didnt exist, a runtime error occurs. To handle runtime errors effectively, you must predict what kinds of problems could happen, trap them, and then write code to handle these situations.
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Logic errors are the most difficult to find and correct. Symptoms of logic errors include situations in which there are no compile-time errors and no runtime errors, but the outcome of your program is still incorrect. This is what programmers refer to as a bugand a bug can be very easy or very difficult to track down.
Information on finding and correcting all three types of errors can be found in documentation for your development environment. AutoCAD-specific errors fall into the runtime error category, so these types of errors will be covered more fully in this documentation.
Trap Runtime Errors

In VB and VBA, runtime errors are trapped using the On Error statement. This statement literally sets a trap for the system. When an error occurs, this statement automatically detours processing to your specially written error handler. The default error handling for the system is bypassed. The On Error statement has three forms:
On Error Resume Next On Error GoTo Label On Error GoTo 0
The On Error Resume Next statement is used when you want to ignore errors. This statement traps the error and instead of displaying an error message and terminating the program, it simply moves on to the next line of code and continues processing. For example, if you wanted to create a subroutine to iterate through model space and change the color of each entity, you know that AutoCAD will throw an error if you try to color an entity on a locked layer. Instead of terminating the program, simply skip the entity on the locked layer and continue processing the remaining entities. The On Error Resume Next statement lets you do just that. The On Error GoTo Label statement is used when you want to write an explicit error handler. This statement traps the error and instead of displaying an error message and terminating the program, it jumps to a specific location in your code. Your code can then respond to the error in whatever manner is appropriate for your application. For example, you can expand the example above to display a message containing the handle for each entity on the locked layer.
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Handle errors with the On Error Resume Next statement The following subroutine iterates model space and changes the color of each entity to red. Try running this subroutine on a drawing with several entities, some of which are on a locked layer. Next, comment out the On Error Resume Next statement and run the subroutine again. You will notice the subroutine terminates at the first entity on the locked layer.
Sub Ch11_ColorEntities() Dim entry As Object On Error Resume Next For Each entry In ThisDrawing.ModelSpace entry.Color = acRed Next entry End Sub
Handle errors with the On Error GoTo statement The following subroutine iterates model space and changes the color of each entity to red. For each entity on the locked layer, the error handler displays a custom error message and the handle of the entity. Try running this subroutine on a drawing with several entities, some of which are on a locked layer. Next, comment out the On Error GoTo MyErrorHandling statement and run the subroutine again. You will notice the subroutine terminates at the first entity on the locked layer.
Sub Ch11_ColorEntities2() Dim entry As Object On Error GoTo MyErrorHandler For Each entry In ThisDrawing.ModelSpace entry.Color = acRed Next entry ' Important! Exit the subroutine before the error handler Exit Sub MyErrorHandler: Msgbox entry.EntityName + " is on a locked layer." + _ " The handle is: " + entry.Handle Resume Next End Sub
The On Error GoTo 0 statement cancels the current error handler. The On Error Resume Next and On Error GoTo Label statements remain in effect until the subroutine ends, another error handler is declared, or the error handler is canceled with the On Error GoTo 0 statement.
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Respond to Trapped Errors

Now that you have trapped an error, what do you do with it? The answer depends on the nature of your application and the nature of the error. VB and VBA provide information on the type of error that has been trapped by using the Err object. This object has several properties: Number, Description, Source, HelpFile, HelpContext, and LastDLLError. The properties of the Err object get filled in with the information for the most current error. The most important properties are the Number and Description properties. The Number property contains the unique error code associated with the error, and the Description property contains the error message that would normally be displayed. In your error handler you can compare the Number property of the error to an expected value. This will help you determine the nature of the error that has occurred. Once you know what kind of error you are dealing with, you can take the appropriate action.
Respond to AutoCAD User Input Errors

The user-input methods provide a certain amount of inherent error trapping in that they require the user to enter a certain type of data. If the user tries to enter some other data, AutoCAD rejects the input and reprompts the user. Using the InitializeUserInput method with the user input functions provides additional control of the user input but can also introduce additional conditions that must be verified through error trapping. For an example of error trapping that is required with certain types of user-input, see Prompt for User Input on page 73.
Encrypt VBA Code Modules

Although VBA does not support creation of executables, it does offer password protection for the visibility of the project forms, classes, and modules on a project basis. You can find this Project Protection facility in the VBA IDE menu. Choose Tools Project Properties Protection.
Encrypt VBA Code Modules
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Run a VBA Macro from a Toolbar or Menu

You can run a VBA macro from an AutoCAD toolbar or menu by simply changing the Macro property for that toolbar or menu. The Macro property must be set equal to
-VBARUN filename.dvb!modulename.macroname
where filename is the name of the project file, modulename is the name of the module containing the macro to be run, and macroname is the name of the macro. The file name is only required when the file is not loaded in the current session of AutoCAD. If the file name is provided, the file will be loaded. For more information on editing menus and toolbars, see Customize Toolbars and Menus.
Automatically Load a VBA Project

There are two different ways to load a VBA project automatically:

When VBA is loaded it will look in the AutoCAD directory for a project named acad.dvb. This file will automatically load as the default project Any project other than the default, acad.dvb, can be used by explicitly loading that project at startup using the VBALOAD command. The following code sample uses the AutoLISP startup file to load VBA and a VBA project named myproj.dvb when AutoCAD is started. Start notepad.exe and create (or append to) acad.lsp the following lines:
(defun S::STARTUP() (command "_VBALOAD" "myproj.dvb") )
Automatically Run a VBA Macro

You can automatically run any macro in the acad.dvb file by calling it with the command line version of VBARUN from an AutoCAD startup facility like acad.lsp. For example, to automatically run the macro named drawline, first save the drawline macro in the acad.dvb file. Next, invoke notepad.exe and create (or append to) acad.lsp the following lines:
(defun S::STARTUP() (command "_-vbarun" "drawline") )
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You can cause a macro to run automatically when VBA loads by naming the macro AcadStartup. Any macro in your acad.dvb file called AcadStartup will automatically get executed when VBA loads.
Automatically Open the VBA IDE Whenever a Project Is Loaded

There is an option on the Open VBA Project dialog box that allows you to open the IDE automatically. Simply check the box Open Visual Basic Editor found in the lower-left side of the dialog box and the VBA IDE will open automatically whenever a VBA project is loaded. This option will remain set until you turn it off again.
Note To access the Open VBA Project dialog box, enter VBALOAD at the command line. The dialog box will open and allow you to choose a project to load. If you do not see the Open VBA Project dialog box, it is most likely because the system variable FILEDIA is turned off. This system variable turns on and off the display of dialog boxes. To turn FILEDIA back on, set it to 1.
Work in a Zero Document State

A zero document state is when there are no open drawings in AutoCAD. There are several important considerations to keep in mind when you are working with VBA in a zero document state:

The ThisDrawing object is undefined in a zero document state. Any attempt to use ThisDrawing will result in an error. Objects that are document dependent are also not defined in a zero document state. Document dependent objects are those objects that fall below the Document object in the AutoCAD object model. Working with nondocument dependent objects, such as the Application or MenuBar objects, is allowed. AutoCAD does not have a command line in a zero document state. Any attempt to access the AutoCAD command line while AutoCAD is in a zero document state will result in an error.
Automatically Open the VBA IDE Whenever a Project Is Loaded
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Distribute Your Application

VBA applications can be distributed two different ways:

Embedded in an AutoCAD drawing Stored in a VBA project file
You must choose a distribution option that is appropriate for your application. Applications that are applicable to the current drawing, and do not access other drawings, are often embedded in the drawing. By embedding the application in the drawing, you can always be sure the application is loaded, and therefore available to the user whenever the drawing is open. Applications that are used by many people, are updated frequently, need to open and close other drawings, or are not used frequently you may want to store in a VBA project file. In this way, there is one central location for the application, and everyone can be sure to use the latest version. For more information on embedded projects and VBA project files, see Understand Embedded and Global VBA Projects on page 12.
Distribute Visual Basic Applications

Visual Basic applications, or any other out-of-process application, cannot be stored within an AutoCAD drawing. These applications are compiled into standalone executables (EXEs).
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Interact with Other Applications and Windows APIs

ActiveX technology allows you to exchange information easily with other AutoCAD applications and other ActiveX-enabled applications such as Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word. This chapter examines some of the basic procedures for interacting with other applications.
In this chapter
Interact with Visual LISP
Applications
Interact with Other Windows
Applications
Access Windows APIs from
VBA
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Interact with Visual LISP Applications

Visual LISP applications have access to the entire range of ActiveX objects. They can call ActiveX methods, and set and retrieve ActiveX properties. In addition, Visual LISP applications can also run VBA macros through the VBARUN command. ActiveX and VBA applications can execute Visual LISP applications through the SendCommand method. This method allows ActiveX and VBA applications to send a command to the AutoCAD command line. For more information about accessing ActiveX objects through Visual LISP, see the AutoLISP Developers Guide.
Interact with Other Windows Applications

AutoCAD ActiveX technology allows you to exchange information easily with other ActiveX-enabled applications such as Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word. This capability allows you to collect, store, and present AutoCAD information in formats other than the AutoCAD drawing. You can also read information from these applications back into AutoCAD to direct the creation or manipulation of AutoCAD objects. An example of using this technology is to create a bill of materials as a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet from the objects in an AutoCAD drawing. You have already learned how to write code using the AutoCAD ActiveX Object Model. Exchanging information with other ActiveX-enabled applications involves simply referencing the other applications ActiveX Object Model and writing the code necessary to utilize their objects.
Note This chapter provides only a brief introduction to the capabilities of crossapplication programming. This material is not AutoCAD specific, and as such it is discussed in both Microsoft documentation and independent programming guides. To exchange information across ActiveX Object Models 1 Reference the other applications ActiveX Object Model. This will make your code aware of the names and relationships of the objects in the other Object Model.
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2 Create an instance of the other application. This will create (instantiate) valid objects for the basic objects in the other Object Model. 3 Write your code utilizing both the AutoCAD Object Model and the other applications Object Model. This is where the exchange of data takes place.
Reference the ActiveX Object Library of Other Applications

To write code that accesses another application, you must instruct VBA to make the objects in the other application available to you. You do this by setting a reference in the other applications object library. This is a file on your computer where all the objects, methods, properties, constants, and events for that application are defined. You make a reference to an object library through the VBA IDE. In the VBA IDE, under the Tools menu, there is a menu option called References. This menu option will bring up a dialog box that lists all of the object libraries VBA finds on your system. To make a reference to a library, simply select the library from the list. Libraries with check boxes that are selected are already referenced in the current project. For example, to add the Microsoft Excel object library, select the Microsoft Excel object library entry in the list. Once you have created a reference to another applications object library, you can use the VBA Object Browser to view a list of the applications objects.
Note You must set the reference for each VBA project that will use this Object
Model. Setting the reference for one project wont automatically set it for another project. This is for performance reasons. To make a reference to another applications object library 1 In the VBA IDE, open the Tools menu and select the References menu option. 2 Find and select the entry in the list of Available References for the application you want to access. 3 Select OK to close the dialog box with your changes.
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Create an Instance of the Other Application

Once you have referenced an applications object library you must create an instance of the application. This is just a fancy way of saying you need to start the other application programmatically so your code will have valid objects to work with. To do this, first declare a variable that will represent the other application. You do this the same way as built-in objects, by using a Dim statement. You should qualify the type of application in your Dim statement. For example, this Dim statement declares an object variable of type Excel.Application:
Dim ExcelAppObj as Excel.Application
After you declare the variable, use the Set statement with the New keyword to set the variable equal to a running instance of the application. For example, the following Set statement sets the variable declared above equal to the Excel application. The New keyword starts a new session of Excel.
Set ExcelAppObj = New Excel.Application
Note Some applications allow only one running instance of the application at
a time. Using the New keyword on such an application will establish a reference to the existing instance and will not launch a new session of the application.
Program with Objects from Other Applications

Now that you have referenced the object library and created a new instance of the application, you can create and manipulate objects in that application. All the objects, methods, and properties defined by the Object Model are available to you. For example, using the variable declarations from the previous section, the following line of code makes the Excel session visible to the user:
ExcelAppObj.Visible = TRUE
You should familiarize yourself with the Object Model of the application you are writing code for. You can use the VBA Object Browser or the applications help file to learn about any Object Model you are referencing.
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Quit the Other Application

When you start an application programmatically it takes up memory in the computer. You should quit the application when you have finished using it so system resources can be freed up. Although each Object Model is different, most have a Quit method from the Application object that can be used to close the application cleanly. For example, using the variable declarations from the previous section, the following line of code will quit Excel:
ExcelAppObj.Application.Quit
Note Destroying or going beyond the scope of the object variable does not
necessarily cause the application to terminate. You should always quit the application using the appropriate method to assure proper memory cleanup. List AutoCAD attributes on an Excel spreadsheet This subroutine finds all the block references in the current drawing. It then finds the attributes attached to those block references and lists them in an Excel spreadsheet. To run this example, do the following: 1 Open a drawing containing block references with attributes. (The sample drawing sample/activeX/attrib.dwg contains such block references.) 2 Open the VBA IDE using the AutoCAD VBAIDE command. 3 Using the Tools References menu option in the VBA IDE, select Microsoft Excel 8.0 Object Model. 4 Copy this subroutine into a VBA Code window and run it.
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Sub Ch12_Extract() Dim Excel As Excel.Application Dim ExcelSheet As Object Dim ExcelWorkbook As Object Dim Dim Dim Dim Dim RowNum As Integer Header As Boolean elem As AcadEntity Array1 As Variant Count As Integer
' Launch Excel. Set Excel = New Excel.Application ' Create a new workbook and find the active sheet. Set ExcelWorkbook = Excel.Workbooks.Add Set ExcelSheet = Excel.ActiveSheet ExcelWorkbook.SaveAs "Attribute.xls" RowNum = 1 Header = False ' Iterate through model space finding ' all block references. For Each elem In ThisDrawing.ModelSpace With elem ' When a block reference has been found, ' check it for attributes If StrComp(.EntityName, "AcDbBlockReference", 1) _ = 0 Then If .HasAttributes Then ' Get the attributes Array1 = .GetAttributes ' Copy the Tagstrings for the ' Attributes into Excel For Count = LBound(Array1) To UBound(Array1) If Header = False Then If StrComp(Array1(Count).EntityName, _ "AcDbAttribute", 1) = 0 Then ExcelSheet.Cells(RowNum, _ Count + 1).value = _ Array1(Count).TagString End If End If Next Count RowNum = RowNum + 1 For Count = LBound(Array1) To UBound(Array1) ExcelSheet.Cells(RowNum, Count + 1).value _ = Array1(Count).textString Next Count Header = True End If End If End With Next elem Excel.Application.Quit End Sub
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Access Windows APIs from VBA

The Windows API procedures are available to most Windows applications. These procedures allow you to expand the capabilities of your application. Through the Windows APIs you can obtain information about the current system, such as which other programs are installed or running on the system, where information is located on a system, and what the current control settings are for the system. You can also access joystick, multimedia, and sound controls. These tasks represent but a few of the many capabilities provided by the Windows APIs. To use a Windows API, you must first declare the API in your application. This is done through the Visual Basic Declare statement. The Declare statement requires several pieces of information:

The name of the dynamic link library (DLL) containing the procedure you want to use The name of the procedure as it appears in the DLL The name of the procedure as you want to use it in your application The parameters the procedure expects to receive The return value data type (if the procedure you are calling is a function)
You can place the Declare statement in any of your VBA modules. If you place it in a standard module, the procedure will be available to any module in your application, unless you limit its scope by using the keyword Private. If you place the Declare statement in a class or form module, the procedure will only be available in that module. Once a procedure has been declared, you can call that procedure as you would any other procedure in your application. Getting a Declare statement just right is a difficult skill to learn. Getting a Declare statement wrong is easy, but it often comes with dire consequences. Be sure to save any information in active applications before you try out a new Declare statement. To help you with your Declare statements, Microsoft provides a file listing of many of the declarations most commonly used. The file is called Win32api.txt and comes with Visual Basic and Office. You can search this file for the procedure you need and copy the Declare statement provided into your code.
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The Microsoft VBA documentation contains more information on the Declare statement and an example of its use. The Microsoft Windows API Reference is available as part of the Microsoft Developer Network CD subscription and provides a reference to all the available procedures in the Windows APIs. Dan Applemans book Visual Basic Programmers Guide to the Win32 API is also an excellent resource directed at the Visual Basic programmer.
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This tutorial demonstrates how to use ActiveX and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) and how to add a . macro to AutoCAD The tutorial is oriented towards landscape architecture, but the concepts in the tutorial are relevant to any application area. This tutorial is designed for the proficient AutoCAD user who is a novice VBA programmer.
In this chapter
Check Your Environment Define the Goal Write the First Function Get Input Draw the Path Outline Draw the Tiles Tie It All Together Step Through the Code Execute the Macro Add a Dialog Box Interface
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Check Your Environment

For the tutorial, you need the AutoCAD VBA integrated development environment (VBA IDE). The VBA IDE is installed automatically with both the standard and full options of the AutoCAD installation program. If you selected the custom option when you installed AutoCAD, the VBA IDE might not be installed; you might need to install it by running the AutoCAD installation program again. To test if the VBA IDE is installed 1 Start AutoCAD. 2 On the command line, enter vbaide, and press ENTER. If the VBA IDE opens, the VBA IDE is installed. If you receive the message AutoCAD VBA is not currently installed, the VBA IDE is not installed.
Define the Goal

Your goal in this tutorial is to develop a new macro for AutoCAD that draws a garden path and fills it with circular concrete tiles. Your new macro will have the following prompt sequence: Command: gardenpath Start point of path: The user will specify the start point Endpoint of path: The user will specify the endpoint Half width of path: The user will specify a number Radius of tiles: The user will specify a number Spacing between tiles: The user will specify a number Your macro will first prompt the user to enter the start point and endpoint to specify the centerline of a path. Next, it will prompt the user to enter the half width of the path and the radius of the circular tiles. Finally, the user will enter the spacing between the tiles. You are using the half width of the path rather than the full width because it is easier to visualize the half width from the centerline of the path.
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Write the First Function

You develop the Gardenpath macro using a series of functions and subroutines. Many subroutines require the manipulation of angles. Because ActiveX specifies angles in radians, but most users think of angles in terms of degrees, begin by creating a function that converts degrees to radians. To convert degrees to radians 1 On the command line, enter vbaide, and press ENTER. 2 In the VBA IDE, on the View menu, click Code to open the Code window. 3 Enter the following code in the Code window:
Const pi = 3.14159 ' Convert angle in degrees to radians Function dtr(a As Double) As Double dtr = (a / 180) * pi End Function
Notice that as soon as you press ENTER after entering the line Function dtr(a As Double) As Double, End Function is added automatically. This ensures that all subroutines and functions have an associated End statement. Now look at the code. First, the constant pi is defined as the value 3.14159. This allows you to use the word pi instead of typing 3.14159 each time you need to use the value. Next, you are defining a function called dtr (short for degrees to radians). The function dtr takes one argument, a, which is the angle in degrees. The result is obtained by dividing the angle in degrees by 180, and then multiplying this value by pi. The line that begins with a single quote is a comment; VBA ignores all text on a line after a single quote. This function can now be used in other subroutines throughout your project. 4 Save your work. Click File Save Global1. Name the project gardenpath.dvb. Next, add a function to calculate the distance between points.
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To calculate the distance between two points 1 Enter the following code after the dtr function:
' Calculate distance between two points Function distance(sp As Variant, ep As Variant) _ As Double Dim x As Double Dim y As Double Dim z As Double x = sp(0) - ep(0) y = sp(1) - ep(1) z = sp(2) - ep(2) distance = Sqr((Sqr((x ^ 2) + (y ^ 2)) ^ 2) + (z ^ 2)) End Function
2 Save your work.
Get Input
The Gardenpath macro asks the user where to draw the path, how wide to make the path, how large the concrete tiles are, and how closely to space those tiles. You define a subroutine that asks the user for all of these items and then computes various numbers to use in the rest of the macro. In this subroutine, you use the user input methods found in the Utility object.
Declare Variables
The next subroutine uses several variables. All variables must be declared before the subroutine can access them. In the VBA IDE, enter the following code in the Code window, immediately after the line Const pi = 3.14159:
Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private Private sp(0 To 2) As Double ep(0 To 2) As Double hwidth As Double trad As Double tspac As Double pangle As Double plength As Double totalwidth As Double angp90 As Double angm90 As Double
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Now look at the two drop-down lists at the top of the Code window. These lists are called the Object Box and the Procedure/Event Box and currently display the terms (General) and (Declarations), respectively. These lists display the current section of the code you are working in, and enable you to move quickly to a different section by simply selecting one from the list. The (Declarations) section is the appropriate place to declare variables that you will use in more than one subroutine.
Enter the gpuser Subroutine

The gpuser subroutine prompts the user for information necessary for drawing a garden path. Enter the following code after the distance function:
' Acquire information for garden path Private Sub gpuser() Dim varRet As Variant varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint( _ , "Start point of path: ") sp(0) = varRet(0) sp(1) = varRet(1) sp(2) = varRet(2) varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint( _ , "Endpoint of path: ") ep(0) = varRet(0) ep(1) = varRet(1) ep(2) = varRet(2) hwidth = ThisDrawing.Utility. _ GetDistance(sp, "Half width of path: ") trad = ThisDrawing.Utility. _ GetDistance(sp, "Radius of tiles: ") tspac = ThisDrawing.Utility. _ GetDistance(sp, "Spacing between tiles: ") pangle = ThisDrawing.Utility.AngleFromXAxis( _ sp, ep) totalwidth = 2 * hwidth plength = distance(sp, ep) angp90 = pangle + dtr(90) angm90 = pangle - dtr(90) End Sub
In the gpuser subroutine, the line Dim varRet As Variant declares the variable varRet. Because this variable is used only in this subroutine, it can be declared here locally, instead of in the (Declarations) section.
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The next line, varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.GetPoint( , "Start point of path: "), calls the GetPoint method. The underscore in the line is intended to make a long line easier to read, and tells VBA to read the next line as if it were on the same line. You can remove the underscore by placing the code all on one line. To access the GetPoint method, you must first go through the ThisDrawing object that represents the current drawing. After entering ThisDrawing you enter a period (.), which means that you are going to access something within that object. After you type the period, you enter Utility and another period. Once again, you are going to access something within the Utility object. Finally, enter GetPoint, which is the name of the method you are calling. The GetPoint method takes two parameters. The first parameter is optional and wont be used. Leave the parameter blank and simply type a comma to mark its spot. The second parameter is the prompt, which is also optional. For this parameter, you entered a string prompting the user to enter the start point. The point the user enters is put into the varRet variable. The next three lines of the subroutine copy the point returned by the user into the sp array. The endpoint is returned in the same manner. The GetDistance method is used to obtain the half width of the path (hwidth), the tile radius (trad), and the spacing between the tiles (tspac). The GetDistance method takes two parameters. The first parameter is a base point. For this value, you supply the start point. The second parameter is the prompt, for which you provide a string prompting the user for the appropriate input. The interesting thing about the GetDistance method is that it can return either a value entered on the command line or the distance between a point selected in AutoCAD and the start point.
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The subroutine goes on to calculate several variables used later in the macro. The pangle variable is set to the angle from the start point to the endpoint and is found by using the AngleFromXAxis method. The width of the path is found by multiplying the half width by two. The plength variable is set to the length of the path and is found using the distance function you entered earlier. Finally, calculate and save the angle of the path plus and minus 90 degrees in angp90 and angm90, respectively. The following illustration shows how the variables obtained by gpuser specify the dimensions of the path.
Save your work.
Get Input
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Draw the Path Outline

Now that you have acquired the location and width of the path, you can draw its outline. Add the following code below the gpuser subroutine:
' Draw outline of path Private Sub drawout() Dim points(0 To 9) As Double Dim pline As AcadLWPolyline Dim varRet As Variant varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.PolarPoint( sp, angm90, hwidth) points(0) = varRet(0) points(1) = varRet(1) points(8) = varRet(0) points(9) = varRet(1) varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.PolarPoint( varRet, pangle, plength) points(2) = varRet(0) points(3) = varRet(1) varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.PolarPoint( varRet, angp90, totalwidth) points(4) = varRet(0) points(5) = varRet(1) varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.PolarPoint( varRet, pangle + dtr(180), plength) points(6) = varRet(0) points(7) = varRet(1) Set pline = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points) End Sub
This subroutine draws the outline of the path using the AddLightweightPolyline method. This method takes one parameter: an array of points that make up the polyline. You must find all the points that make up the polyline object and place them into an array in the order they are to be drawn. For this polyline, the points needed are the corners of the path.
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To find the corners of the path, use the PolarPoint method. This method finds a point that is a given angle and distance from a base point. Begin with the start point (sp) and find the first corner of the path, working in a counterclockwise direction. This corner will be at a distance of half the width of the path (hwidth) and at 90 degrees from the path angle. Because you want to draw a closed rectangle for the path, this point becomes the first and last point in the array. Hence, the X and Y coordinates returned from the PolarPoint method are moved into the first and last positions in the points array. The remaining corners of the path are found in the same manner using the length and width of the path (plength and width), and the angle of the path. Every time the PolarPoint method is called, the coordinates returned (varRet) are copied into the points array. Once all the corners have been identified in the points array, the AddLightweightPolyline method is called. Notice that this method is called from the ModelSpace object. If you were to run this macro, you would also notice that the polyline is not yet visible in AutoCAD. The polyline will not become visible until you update the display, which you will do later.
Draw the Tiles

Now that you have developed the user input subroutine, along with the subroutine to draw the outline, you are ready to fill the path with circular tiles. This task requires some geometry. In the VBA IDE, enter the following code in the Code window, after the drawout subroutine:
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' Place one row of tiles the given distance along path ' and possibly offset it Private Sub drow(pd As Double, offset As Double) Dim pfirst(0 To 2) As Double Dim pctile(0 To 2) As Double Dim pltile(0 To 2) As Double Dim cir As AcadCircle Dim varRet As Variant varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.PolarPoint( _ sp, pangle, pd) pfirst(0) = varRet(0) pfirst(1) = varRet(1) pfirst(2) = varRet(2) varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.PolarPoint( _ pfirst, angp90, offset) pctile(0) = varRet(0) pctile(1) = varRet(1) pctile(2) = varRet(2) pltile(0) = pctile(0) pltile(1) = pctile(1) pltile(2) = pctile(2) Do While distance(pfirst, pltile) < (hwidth - trad) Set cir = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle( _ pltile, trad) varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.PolarPoint( _ pltile, angp90, (tspac + trad + trad)) pltile(0) = varRet(0) pltile(1) = varRet(1) pltile(2) = varRet(2) Loop varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.PolarPoint( _ pctile, angm90, tspac + trad + trad) pltile(0) = varRet(0) pltile(1) = varRet(1) pltile(2) = varRet(2) Do While distance(pfirst, pltile) < (hwidth - trad) Set cir = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle( _ pltile, trad) varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.PolarPoint( _ pltile, angm90, (tspac + trad + trad)) pltile(0) = varRet(0) pltile(1) = varRet(1) pltile(2) = varRet(2) Loop End Sub
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' Draw the rows of tiles Private Sub drawtiles() Dim pdist As Double Dim offset As Double pdist = trad + tspac offset = 0 Do While pdist <= (plength - trad) drow pdist, offset pdist = pdist + ((tspac + trad + trad) * Sin(dtr(60))) If offset = 0 Then offset = (tspac + trad + trad) * Cos(dtr(60)) Else offset = 0 End If Loop End Sub
To understand how these subroutines work, refer to the following illustration. The subroutine drow draws a row of tiles at a given distance along the path specified by its first argument, and offsets the row perpendicular to the path by a distance specified by its second argument. You want to offset the tiles on alternate rows to cover more space and make a more pleasing arrangement.
TSPAC + 2 * TRAD 30 degrees 60 degrees
The drow subroutine finds the location for the first row by using the PolarPoint method to move along the path by the distance specified by the first argument. The subroutine then uses the PolarPoint method again to move perpendicularly to the path for the offset. The subroutine uses the While statement to continue to draw circles until the edge of the path is encountered. The PolarPoint method in the first While statement moves on to the next tile location by spacing a distance of two tile radii (trad) and one intertile space (tspac). A second while loop then draws the tiles in the row in the other direction until the other edge is encountered.
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The drawtiles subroutine calls drow repeatedly to draw all the tile rows. The subroutine While loop steps along the path, calling drow for each row. Tiles in adjacent rows form equilateral triangles, as shown in the previous illustration. The edges of these triangles are equal to twice the tile radius plus the spacing between the tiles. Therefore, by trigonometry, the distance along the path between rows is the sine of 60 degrees multiplied by this quantity, and the offset for odd rows is the cosine of 60 degrees multiplied by this quantity. The If statement is used in drawtiles to offset every other row. If the offset is equal to 0, set it to the spacing between the centers of tiles multiplied by the cosine of 60 degrees, as explained earlier. If the offset is not equal to 0, set it to 0. This alternates the offset on the rows as you want. Save your work.
Tie It All Together

You are ready to combine the subroutines into the Gardenpath macro. In the VBA IDE, enter the following code in the Code window, after the drawtiles subroutine:
' Execute command, calling constituent functions Sub gardenpath() Dim sblip As Variant Dim scmde As Variant gpuser sblip = ThisDrawing.GetVariable("blipmode") scmde = ThisDrawing.GetVariable("cmdecho") ThisDrawing.SetVariable "blipmode", 0 ThisDrawing.SetVariable "cmdecho", 0 drawout drawtiles ThisDrawing.SetVariable "blipmode", sblip ThisDrawing.SetVariable "cmdecho", scmde End Sub
The path subroutine calls gpuser to gather the necessary input. The GetVariable method is then used to obtain the current values of the BLIPMODE and CMDECHO system variables, and saves these values as sblip and scmde. The subroutine then uses the SetVariable method to set both of these system variables to 0, thereby disabling blips and command echoing. Next, the path is drawn using the drawout and drawtiles subroutines. Finally, the SetVariable method is used to reset the system variables to their original values.
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You may notice that this is the only subroutine you have entered that did not begin with a Private keyword, which ensures the subroutine can only be called from within the current module. Because the gardenpath subroutine must be available to the user, you should omit the Private keyword. Save your work.
Step Through the Code

Now run the macro, stepping through the code as it executes. From the AutoCAD Tools menu, click Macro Macros. From the Macros dialog box select ThisDrawing.gardenpath and click Step Into. The VBA IDE is brought to the front of the screen, with the first line of the
gardenpath macro highlighted. The highlighted line is the line of code that is about to be executed. To execute the line, press F8 . The next line of code to be executed is the gpuser subroutine. To step into the gpuser subroutine, press F8 again.
Now you are at the beginning of the gpuser routine. Press F8 one more time to highlight the first GetPoint method. Before you execute this line, open the Locals window by clicking View Locals Window. This window is displayed at the bottom of the VBA IDE. All the local variables and their values are displayed in the Locals window while the macro is executing. Now press F8 to execute the GetPoint method. Notice that the highlight disappears and no new code is presented. This is because the GetPoint method is waiting for the user to enter a point in AutoCAD. Switch back to the AutoCAD window. You see the prompt you specified in the GetPoint call on the command line. Enter a point. Control now returns to the macro. The line following the call to the GetPoint method is highlighted. Continue stepping through the code by pressing F8 . Remember to switch back to the AutoCAD window when you are entering information.
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Execute the Macro

You dont need to step through the code whenever you run the macro. You can run the macro from the Tools menu by clicking Macro Macros, selecting a macro, and then clicking Run. This allows you to see the flow of execution the way a user would see it. Run the macro from AutoCAD, entering the following values: Start point of the path: Endpoint of the path: Half width of the path: Radius of tiles: .2 Spacing between tiles: 2, 2 9, 8 2 .1
This example should draw a garden path as shown in the following figure:
You can experiment with the Gardenpath macro by specifying the various inputs.
Add a Dialog Box Interface

The Gardenpath macro has been written to accept command line input. To add dialog boxes, you use forms in the VBA IDE. First, copy the finished version of gardenpath.dvb to another file, gpdialog.dvb. Then drag gpdialog.dvb into AutoCAD.
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Create the Dialog Box

The dialog box you create contains two option buttons (if you select one, the other is cleared) for choosing the tile shape: circle or polygon. The dialog box also contains three text boxes for entering the following numeric values: the radius of the tiles, the spacing between the tiles, and the number of sides on the tile (which is available only if the Polygon option button is selected). To create a dialog box from the VBA IDE 1 On the Insert menu, click User Form to open a new form. Two windows, a toolbox, and a blank user form are displayed. 2 One by one, select and drag the following controls from the toolbox and place them on the user form. You should place two option buttons ( ), three labels ( ), three text boxes ( ), and two command buttons ( ), as illustrated on the following form:
3 Close the toolbox. To set the properties for the radio button controls 1 On the user form, select the OptionButton1 control. On the View menu, click Properties Window, and change the following properties for OptionButton1: (Name) = gp_poly Caption = Polygon ControlTipText = Polygon Tile Shape Accelerator = P
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2 On the user form, select the OptionButton2 control. In the Properties window, change the following properties for OptionButton2: (Name) = gp_circ Caption = Circle ControlTipText = Circle Tile Shape Accelerator = I To set the properties for the label controls 1 On the user form, select the Label1 control. In the Properties window, change the following properties for Label1: (Name) = label_trad Caption = Radius of tiles TabStop = True 2 On the user form, select the Label2 control. In the Properties window, change the following properties for Label2: (Name) = label_tspac Caption = Space between tiles TabStop = True 3 On the user form, select the Label3 control. In the Properties window, change the following properties for Label3: (Name) = label_tsides Caption = Number of sides TabStop = True To set the properties for the text box controls 1 On the user form, select the TextBox1 control. In the Properties window, change the following property for TextBox1: (Name) = gp_trad 2 On the user form, select the TextBox2 control. In the Properties window, change the following property for TextBox2: (Name) = gp_tspac 3 On the user form, select the TextBox3 control. In the Properties window, change the following property for TextBox3: (Name) = gp_tsides
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To set the properties for the command button controls and the form window 1 On the user form, select the CommandButton1 control. In the Properties window, change the following properties for CommandButton1: (Name) = accept Caption = OK ControlTipText = Accept the options Accelerator = O Default = True 2 On the user form, select the CommandButton2 control. In the Properties window change the following properties for CommandButton2: (Name) = cancel Caption = Cancel ControlTipText = Cancel the operation Accelerator = C 3 Select the user form itself by clicking on the background of the form, away from any control. In the Properties window, change the following properties for the form: (Name) = gpDialog Caption = Garden Path Your form should now look like this:
4 Save your work.
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Use the Project Window to Navigate Your Project

In the VBA IDE, the Project window contains the name and location of the project, a folder named AutoCAD Objects, and a folder named Forms. (You might need to click Toggle Folders to see the folders.) When you open the AutoCAD Objects folder (it may already be open), you see a drawing icon and the name ThisDrawing. When you open the Forms folder (it may already be open), you see a form icon and the name gpDialog, the form you created. You can use the Project window to navigate through code and help you identify where you are working. For example, to view the code associated with the form you created, highlight gpDialog in the Project window and click View Code. The Code window for the form is displayed. Now highlight ThisDrawing in the Project window. You can view the code by clicking View Code. All the code you have already entered is in this window.
Update the Existing Code

Now that you have created a dialog box, you can modify and add code. To modify the existing code 1 Open the code for ThisDrawing, if it is not already open. 2 Update the following lines in the Declarations section:
Public Public Public Public trad As Double tspac As Double tsides As Integer tshape As String ' ' ' ' Updated Updated Add Add
Because the code in the form accesses trad and tspac, you update their definitions to make them public. Private variables are available only in the module in which they are defined, so the variables need to be changed to public. Additionally, you have added tsides for the number of polygon tile sides and tshape for the users choice of tile shape, which is either circle or polygon. 3 Go to the gpuser subroutine. Remove the two lines that obtain the radius of the tiles and the spacing between the tiles, because this information comes from the form. Specifically, remove the following:
trad = ThisDrawing.Utility. _ GetDistance(sp, "Radius of tiles: ") tspac = ThisDrawing.Utility. _ GetDistance(sp, "Spacing between tiles: ")
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4 Add the lines that load and display the form. Add the following lines in place of the lines removed in step 3:
Load gpDialog gpDialog.Show
5 Add a subroutine to the end of the code file that draws either the circular tiles or the polygon tiles:
'Draw the tile with the designated shape Sub DrawShape(pltile) Dim angleSegment As Double Dim currentAngle As Double Dim angleInRadians As Double Dim currentSide As Integer Dim varRet As Variant Dim aCircle As AcadCircle Dim aPolygon As AcadLWPolyline ReDim points(1 To tsides * 2) As Double 'Branch based on the type of shape to draw Select Case tshape Case "Circle" Set aCircle = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddCircle(pltile, trad) Case "Polygon" angleSegment = 360 / tsides currentAngle = 0 For currentSide = 0 To (tsides - 1) angleInRadians = dtr(currentAngle) varRet = ThisDrawing.Utility.PolarPoint(pltile, _ angleInRadians, trad) points((currentSide * 2) + 1) = varRet(0) points((currentSide * 2) + 2) = varRet(1) currentAngle = currentAngle + angleSegment Next currentSide Set aPolygon = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace. _ AddLightWeightPolyline(points) aPolygon.Closed = True End Select End Sub
This subroutine uses a Select Case statement to branch control of the program based on the type of shape to draw. The tshape variable is used to determine the type of shape. 6 Next, go to the drow subroutine. Find the two occurrences of the following line:
Set cir = ThisDrawing.ModelSpace.AddCircle(pltile, trad)
Change these lines to draw the appropriate shape tile, as follows:

DrawShape (pltile) ' Updated
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Add Code to the Dialog Box

Now you remove the code for the circular tile creation and call the DrawShape subroutine to draw the appropriate shape instead. To add event handlers for the dialog box 1 Open the Code window for gpDialog. 2 Enter the following code at the top of the window:
Private Sub gp_poly_Click() gp_tsides.Enabled = True ThisDrawing.tshape = "Polygon" End Sub Private Sub gp_circ_Click() gp_tsides.Enabled = False ThisDrawing.tshape = "Circle" End Sub
Notice that the subroutines gp_poly_Click() and gp_circ_Click() are named after the two option controls you added earlier, with the addition of _Click. These subroutines are automatically executed when the user clicks the respective control. Also notice that the Object Box lists the controls on the form, sorted alphabetically by Name property.
3 Place your cursor on the Private Sub gp_poly_Click() line and open the Procedure/Event Box. You see a list of all the events that you can respond to for the gp_poly option control. The two subroutines you entered handle the Click event. You can also add code to respond to the DblClick event that would automatically execute when the user double-clicked the control. You can add code for any of the events listed. These types of subroutines are called event handlers.
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Look at the code you entered for these two event handlers. The first event handler responds to the Click event for the gp_poly option control. The first line of code enables the text box for the number of sides. This text box is available only for polygons, so it is not enabled unless you select the Polygon control. The next line of code sets the tshape variable to Polygon. The second event handler responds to the Click event for the gp_circ option control. This handler disables the text box for the number of sides and sets the tshape variable to Circle. 4 Add the following event handler for the OK button:
Private Sub accept_Click() If ThisDrawing.tshape = "Polygon" Then ThisDrawing.tsides = CInt(gp_tsides.text) If (ThisDrawing.tsides < 3#) Or _ (ThisDrawing.tsides > 1024#) Then MsgBox "Enter a value between 3 and " & _ "1024 for the number of sides." Exit Sub End If End If ThisDrawing.trad = CDbl(gp_trad.text) ThisDrawing.tspac = CDbl(gp_tspac.text) If ThisDrawing.trad < 0# Then MsgBox "Enter a positive value for the radius." Exit Sub End If If (ThisDrawing.tspac < 0#) Then MsgBox "Enter a positive value for the spacing." Exit Sub End If GPDialog.Hide End Sub
This code tests whether the final choice of shape was polygon. If so, the code retrieves the number of sides from the gp_tsides control. The value the user enters is stored in the Text property. Because it is stored as a text string, you convert the string to the integer equivalent using the Visual Basic CInt function. Once obtained, the event handler tests the range of the value to make sure it is between 3 and 1024. If it is not, a message is displayed and the event handler is exited without further processing. The result is that a message is displayed and the user is given an opportunity to change the value. After the OK button is clicked again, this event handler triggers and tests the value again.
351
The macro obtains radius and spacing values, but these values are doubles, not integers, and are obtained using the CDbl function. These values are also tested to make sure they are positive. After the values are obtained and verified, the gpDialog.Hide statement hides the form, passing control back to the subroutine that first called the form. 5 Add the following event handler for the Cancel button:
Private Sub cancel_Click() Unload Me End End Sub
This simple event handler unloads the form and ends the entire macro. The only thing you havent done is add the initial values for the form. There is an event called Initialize that applies to the form. It is executed when the form is first loaded. 6 Add the following event handler for the form initialization:
Private Sub UserForm_Initialize() gp_circ.Value = True gp_trad.Text = ".2" gp_tspac.Text = ".1" gp_tsides.Text = "5" gp_tsides.Enabled = False ThisDrawing.tsides = 5 End Sub
This code sets the initial values for the form and for the tsides variable. The tsides variable must be set to a positive number greater than 3, even if the user selects a circle. To understand this, look in the DrawShape subroutine that you entered earlier. There is a variable there called points that is defined using the number of sides for the polygon. That variable gets memory allocated to it whether or not a polygon shape has been requested. Because of this, tsides must have a valid range defined for it. The user is free to change this value during macro execution. You can now save and run the macro from AutoCAD.
352
Chapter 13
Visual LISP and ActiveX/ VBA Comparison
Most of the capabilities found in the Visual LISP interface can also be found in the ActiveX and VBA interface. This appendix serves as a reference to help developers familiar with Visual LISP find the equivalent ActiveX and VBA functionality.
In this appendix
AutoLISP and ActiveX/VBA
Comparison
353
AutoLISP and ActiveX/VBA Comparison

The following table compares AutoLISP functions with the similar ActiveX or Visual Basic functions and operators. The ActiveX Automation equivalents are indicated by AutoCAD.Application. and the Visual Basic equivalents are listed as a function or operator. Paper space, model space, and TILEMODE settings
AutoLISP function + (addition) (subtraction) * (multiplication) / (division) = (equal to) /= (not equal to) < (less than) <= (less than or equal to) /= (not equal to) > (greater than) >= (greater than or equal to) ~ (bitwise not) 1+ (increment) 1 (decrement) abs acad_colordlg acad_helpdlg acad_strlsort ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent + (addition operator) (subtraction operator) * (multiplication operator) / (division operator) = (equal to comparison operator) <> (not equal to comparison operator) < (less than comparison operator) <= (less than or equal to comparison operator) <> (not equal to comparison operator) > (greater than comparison operator) >= (greater than or equal to comparison operator)
Not operator Use + (addition operator) Use (subtraction operator) Abs function Not provided Search for HELP in the online Help index Search for SORT in the online Help index
354
Paper space, model space, and TILEMODE settings (continued)

AutoLISP function action_tile add_list ads alert and angle ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor AutoCAD.Application.ListADS method MsgBox function And operator AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility. AngleFromXAxis method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.AngleToReal method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility. AngleToString method Use Visual Basic array manipulation functions Not provided AutoCAD.Application.ListARX method AutoCAD.Application.LoadARX method AutoCAD.Application.UnloadARX method Asc function Not provided Atn function CDbl Function CInt Function Search for IS in the online Help index Not provided Not provided Not provided
angtof
angtos
append apply arx arxload arxunload ascii assoc atan atof atoi atom atoms-family autoarxload autoload
355

AutoLISP function Boole boundp car/cdr chr client_data_tile close command cond cons ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent Use Visual Basic logical operators Search for IS in the online Help index Use Visual Basic array manipulation functions Chr function Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor AutoCAD.Application.Documents.Close method AutoCAD.ActiveDocument.SendCommand method Select Case statement Use array manipulation functions or AutoCAD.Application.collection.Add<entityname> method Cos function Use the conversion functions The Visual Basic keywords Function and End Function AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Dictionaries.Add method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Dictionaries.Item method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Dictionaries. Dictionary.Delete method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Dictionaries. Dictionary.Rename method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Dictionaries. Dictionary.GetName and GetObject methods Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor AutoCAD.Application.Utility.GetDistance for interactive method. Not provided
cos cvunit defun dictadd
dictnext
dictremove
dictrename
dictsearch
dimx_tile and dimy_tile distance
distof
356

AutoLISP function done_dialog end_image end_list entdel ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.collection_object. Delete method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.collection_object. property properties AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Modelspace. Item(count-1) AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Modelspace. Add<entityname> method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Modelspace. Add<entityname> method Use any of the read-write properties for the object AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.collection.Item method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.SelectionSets object/methods/properties AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Modelspace.object. Update method Not provided Eqv operator Error object/method/properties Not provided AutoCAD.Application.Quit method Exp function Not provided
entget
entlast
entmake
entmakex
entmod entnext
entsel
entupd
eq equal *error* eval exit exp expand
357

AutoLISP function expt fill_image findfile fix float foreach gc gcd get_attr get_tile getangle ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent ^ (exponentiation operator) Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Dir function Fix, Int, Cint functions CDbl Function For Each...Next statement AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.PurgeAll Not provided Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.GetAngle method AutoCAD.Application.Preferences.property property Not provided AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.GetCorner method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.GetDistance method AutoCAD.Application.Preferences.property property Use Visual Basic file dialog AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.GetInteger method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.GetKeyword method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility. GetOrientation method
getcfg getcname getcorner
getdist
getenv getfiled getint
getkword
getorient
358

AutoLISP function getpoint ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.GetPoint method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.GetReal method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.GetString method AutoCAD.Application.GetVariable method AppActivate AutoCAD.Application.Caption Obsolete function Not provided Not provided AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.Prompt Not provided AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.ModelSpace.object. Handle property Search for HELP in the online Help index If Then Else statement AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility. InitializeUserInput AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Modelspace.object. IntersectWith Str function Not provided arrayname(UBound(arrayname)) UBound function ReDim statement
getreal
getstring
getvar graphscr grclear grdraw grread grtext grvecs handent
help if initget
inters
itoa lambda last length list
359

AutoLISP function listp load_dialog load log logand logior lsh mapcar max mem member menucmd menugroup min minusp mode_tile namedobjdict ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent IsArray function Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor AutoLISP is not supported through Automation Log function And function Or function Imp function Not provided Max function Not provided Use collection AutoCAD.Application.MenuBar object AutoCAD.Application.MenuGroup object Min function Use < 0 syntax Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Dictionaries collection AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.SelectionSets. SelectionSet.SelectAtPoint method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.SelectionSets. SelectionSet.SelectAtPoint method Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Use the logical operators Use object(n) syntax
nentsel
nentselp
new_dialog not nth
360

AutoLISP function null numberp open or osnap ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent IsNull function TypeName function Open function Use the logical operators Not provided (You can use the SetVariable method to control the OSMODE system variable.) AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.PolarPoint method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.Prompt AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.Prompt AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.Prompt Not provided AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.Prompt AutoCAD.Application.Quit method Not provided Not provided Input function Line Input function AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Modelspace.object. Update method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument. RegisteredApplications.Add method Mod function ForEach, While, Not provided
polar
prin1 princ print progn prompt quit quote read read-char read-line redraw
regapp
rem repeat reverse
361

AutoLISP function rtos ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility.RealToString method Set function Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor AutoCAD.Application.Preferences.property property Not provided Set function AutoCAD.Application.SetVariable method Sin function AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Viewports.Viewport. SetView method Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Not provided Sqr function AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.SelectionSets.Add method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.SelectionSets. SelectionSet.Delete method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.SelectionSets. SelectionSet.SelectOnScreen method Not provided AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.SelectionSets. SelectionSet.Count method Compare ID of object with the SelectionSet members AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.SelectionSets. SelectionSet.Name property Not provided
set set_tile setcfg setfunhelp setq setvar sin setview
slide_image snvalid sqrt ssadd
ssdel
ssget
ssgetfirst sslength
ssmemb ssname
ssnamex
362

AutoLISP function sssetfirst startapp start_dialog start_image start_list strcase strcat strlen subst substr tablet tblnext ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.PickfirstSelectionSet Shell function Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor StrConv function & operator Len function Not provided Mid function Not provided AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.collection_object. Item method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.collection_object. Name method AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.collection_object. Name method Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Not provided AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.space.object. GetBoundingBox method Not provided Not provided Not provided AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Utility. TranslateCoordinates method
tblobjname
tblsearch
term_dialog terpri textbox
textpage textscr trace trans
363

AutoLISP function type unload_dialog untrace vector_image ver vports wcmatch while write-char write-line xdroom xdsize zerop ActiveX or Visual Basic equivalent TypeName function Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor Not provided Use the Visual Basic Dialog Editor AutoCAD.Application.Version property AutoCAD.Application.ActiveDocument.Viewports collection Like operator WhileWend Print function Print function Not provided Not provided Use = 0 syntax
364
Index
2D objects editing, 104 positioning, 249 3D modeling 3DSolid object, 252 Add 3DPoly method, 249 mirroring (illustration), 255 rectangular arrays (illustration), 255 rotating (illustration), 253 solids analyzing properties (list), 252 combining, 257 methods for creating (list), 252 wireframes, creating, 249 3D polylines, creating, 249 3DMesh object example code, 249 3DSolid object defined, 252 example code, 252, 254, 256
A
acad.dvb project file, 13 acad.tlb type library, migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 9 ACAD_LAYERSTATE dictionary, 145 ACADProject file, 15 acAttributeModeConstant constant, 292 acAttributeModeInvisible constant, 292 acAttributeModeNormal constant, 292 acAttributeModePreset constant, 293 acAttributeModeVerify constant, 293 acax16enu.tlb type library, migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 9
acByBlock constant, 137 acByLayer constant, 137 AcCmColor object assigning colors to objects, 138 changing objects' colors, 142 example code, 143 properties and methods, 7 acDisplay, 264 acExtents, 264 ACI numbers assigning colors to objects, 138 changing objects' colors, 142 layers, 136 acIntersection constant, 89 acLayout, 264 acLimits, 264 acSubtraction constant, 89 Activate event, 234 Active UCS property, 65 ActiveDimStyle property, 180 ActiveLayer property, example code, 134 ActiveLinetype property, 139 ActivePViewport property, example code, 269 ActiveSpace property example code, 267 view changing, 265, 266 ActiveTextStyle property, 65 ActiveUCS property, User Coordinate System, 244 ActiveViewport property current viewport, 62 example code, 65, 249 resetting objects, 65
365
ActiveX Automation interface automation projects. See automation projects changed items in AutoCAD 2004, 7 migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 8, 9 new objects in AutoCAD 2004, 7 ActiveX interface advantages with AutoCAD, 2 and AutoCAD objects, 4 and VBA applications, 4 types of objects, 2 acUnion constant, 89 acView, 264 acWindow, 264 Add method blocks, example code, 288 collections, 35, 41 dimension styles, 180 Documents collection, 52 example code, 52 Layers collection, 133 layers, example code, 105, 134 leader lines, 189 menu groups, example code, 197 menus, example code, 200 selection sets, example code, 94 text styles, 151 toolbars, example code, 210 UCS, example code, 244 User Coordinate System, 244 Add3DMesh method creating rectangular meshes, 249 example code, 249 Add3DPoly method, 3D modeling, 249 AddArc method, 84 AddAttribute method defining blocks, 292 AddBox method creating solids, 252 example code, 254, 256, 257 AddCircle method creating circles, 84 example code, 87, 88 AddCone method, 252 AddCylinder method creating solids, 252 example code, 257 AddDimAligned method example code, 180, 186 linear dimensions, 173 AddDimAngular method angular dimensions, 176 example code, 177 AddDimDiametric method, 175
AddDimOrdinate method example code, 178 ordinate dimensions, 178 AddDimRadial method, 175 example code, 175 radial dimensions, 174 AddDimRotated method, 173, 174 AddEllipse method, 84 AddEllipticalCone method, 252 AddEllipticalCylinder method, 252 AddExtrudedSolid method, 252 AddExtrudedSolidAlongPath method, 252 AddFitPoint method, splines, 127 AddHatch method creating objects, 90 example code, 92, 129, 131 AddItem method, 94 AddLeader method creating leader lines, 188 example code, 188, 189 AddLightweightPolyline method example code, 83, 109 Garden Path tutorial, 338 AddLine method example code, 120, 123 object hierarchy, 38 AddMenuItem method creating menu items, 202 example code, 197 AddMInsertBlock method, 7, 288 AddMText method example code, 162, 163, 189 multiline text, 161 AddPoint method, example code, 85 AddPolyfaceMesh method creating meshes, 250 example code, 251 AddPViewport method example code, 269 paper space, 268 AddRaster method attaching images, 280 example code, 281, 285 AddRegion method, 87 calculating total number of regions, 87 example code, 87, 88 AddRevolvedSolid method, 252 AddSeparator method, using Type property, 202 AddSolid method creating solids, 252 example code, 86 solid-filled area, 86 AddSphere method, 252 AddSpline method, example code, 84, 128 AddSubMenu method, example code, 204 AddText method example code, 154
366
Index
AddTolerance method example code, 191 geometric tolerance, 191 AddToolbarButton method, 210 creating flyout toolbars, 213 example code, 211, 214 AddTorus method, 252 AddVertex property, polylines, 125 AddWedge method creating solids, 252 example code, 252 AddXLine method, in 3D, 68 AddXLine object, example code, 68 Alignment property, 158, 294 example code, 159 in text, 159 AltFontFile property, 166 AngleFromXAxis method, 70, 337 AngleToReal method, 70 AngleToString method, 71 angular dimensions creating, 176 illustration, 170 annotations, and leader lines, 187 AppActivate event, 230 AppDeactivate event, 230 AppendInnerLoop method boundaries, 91 example code, 129 hatches, 129 AppendOuterLoop method boundaries, 91 example code, 92, 129, 131 hatches, 129 application level events declaring objects with events, 232 enabling, 230 events (list), 230 Application object collections, accessing, 41 declaring objects with events, 232 events (list), 230 example code, 232, 327 root object, accessing, 34 Application window changing visibility, 34 finding state, 55 finding status, example code, 55 modifying, 34 sizing, 55 Visible property, 56 applications declaring Windows APIs, 329 distribution options, 322 exchanging data with AutoCAD, 324 instances, creating, 326 object model referencing, 324
applications (continued) quit methods, 327 referencing application objects, 326 variables, declaring, 326 applicaton-level events enabling, 231 Arc object creating, 84 Area property, 89 calculating for closed objects, 71 example code, 72, 88 splines, 127 array data, converting to variants, 45 arraying, patterns, 105 ArrayPolar method attributes, 295 creating arrays, 112 dimension editing, 179 Text object, 161 ArrayRectangular method, 113, 255 attributes, 295 dimension editing, 179 Text object, 161 arrays polar arrays, 112 rectangular, 113 rectangular arrays, 112 ARXLoaded event, 230 ARXUnloaded event, 230 associative dimensions, defined, 173 AssociativeHatch property, 128 AttachExternalReference method example code, 300, 302, 303 AttachExternalReference method, changes in AutoCAD 2004, 7 AttachmentPoint property, 162 AttachToolbarToFlyout method, example code, 214 Attribute object editing, 294 example code, 297 attributes associating, 292 in blocks (illustration), 292 constants (list), 292 creating references, 292 and definitions, 297 editing methods (list), 295 editing properties (list), 294 extracting, 292 and references, 297 for text, 292 visibility, 292 Auto Data Tips, Code window, 26 auto embedding, setting for VBA projects, 18 Auto Indent, Code window, 26 Auto List Member, Code window, 26 Auto Quick Info, Code window, 26
Index
367
Auto Syntax Check, Code window, 26 AutoCAD exchanging data, 324 reinstalling, 4 AutoCAD Color Index numbers. See ACI numbers automation projects migrating to AutoCAD 2004, 8, 9 See also ActiveX Automation interface
B
backslash (\) in macros, 222 Backward property attributes, 294 base point, rotating objects, 116 BasePoint property, 68 BatchPlotProgress property, 275 BeginClose event, 234 BeginCommand event, 228, 230, 234 BeginDoubleClick event, 234 BeginFileDrop event defined, 230 example code, 232 BeginLISP event, 230, 234 BeginModal event, 230 BeginOpen event, 228, 230 BeginPlot event, 230, 234 BeginQuit event, 230 BeginRightClick event, 234 BeginSave event, 230, 234 BeginShortcutMenuCommand event, 234 BeginShortcutMenuDefault event defined, 234 example code, 237 BeginShortcutMenuEdit event, 234 BeginShortcutMenuGrip event, 234 BeginShortcutMenuOsnap event, 235 Big Font files, 153 BigFontFile property example code, 154 TextStyle object, 151 Bind method example code, 305 external references, 304 bitonal images. See raster images BLIPMODE system variable, 342 Block object example code, 288, 289 in layouts, 262 Block property, in layouts, 263 block references arrays and, 288 base points, 288 exploding, 287, 289 fastener (illustration), 288 iterating, 288
block references (continued) listing attributes, 327 naming, 288 redefining, 288 See alsoblocks BlockReference object example code, 289, 297, 327 leader lines, 189 See also block references blocks attributes, 292 binding, 304 creating new blocks, 287 creating objects, 82 defined, 287 exploding, 123 inserting, 287 and layers, 137, 142 nesting (illustration), 287 organizing objects, 286 redefining, 290 referencing in ActiveX code, 82 BMP files exporting to, 78 importing, 78 Boolean intersection (illustration), 257 Boolean method, 257 calculating area, 71 composite regions, 88 creating regions, 88 example code, 88 boundaries, Hatch object, 90 Boundary Hatch dialog box pattern option, 131 boxes adding, example code, 254, 257 mirroring, example code, 256 slicing, example code, 259 Break mode, defined in VBA, 18 break on errors, for VBA projects, 18 Brightness property, 284
C
calculations AddRegion method, 87 performing in drawings, 65 CanonicalMediaName property, 263 cascading menus. See submenus CELTSCALE system variable, 140 Center property example code, 270 WCS coordinate, 43 character formatting, example code, 163 CheckInterference method, 257 example code, 257 child object relation to root object, 43
368
Index
Circle object, 43 creating, 84 example code, 87, 88, 106 circular references, 25 Clear method in selection sets, 103 ClipBoundary method, 285 example code, 285 ClippingEnabled property, 283, 285 example code, 285 Close method Documents collection, 52 Closed property polylines, 125 splines, 126 CMDECHO system variable, 342 Code window Garden Path tutorial in, 333 margin indicator bar, 22 Object Box, 335 Procedure/Event Box, 335 resizing, 22 settings, 26 split bar, 22 collections adding members, 35 Application object, accessing, 41 available in AutoCAD (list), 39 Count Property, 36 defined, 39 Document object, accessing, 40 Documents, 34 Item method, 36 MenuBar, 194 MenuGroup, 194 as object groups, 35 Color property example code, 94 layers, 137 obsolescence in AutoCAD 2004, 7 raster images, 283 See also TrueColor property colors assigning to objects, 138, 141 changing objects' colors, 142 changing, example code, 143 overriding layers' color settings, 143 command line controlling user input, 75 in zero document state, 321 prompting user, 73 compile time errors in VBA, 316 object referencing, 43 ConfigName property, 265, 276
construction lines modifying, 67 rays, 67 xlines, 67 ContourlinesPerSurface property, 252 Contrast property, 284 control codes, text formatting (table), 165 ControlPoints property, splines, 126 controls for forms adding code, 313 adding to forms, 312 control toolbox, 312 formatting in VBA for, 313 modifying, 312 conversion functions, operation methods, 37 converting coordinates, 245 coordinates converting between systems, 245 Coordinates property polylines, 125 Copy method, 106, 161, 179, 295 copying arraying, 105 from one drawing to another, 106, 107 mirroring, 105 multiple objects, 106 objects to other drawings, 106, 107 offsetting, 105 single object, 106 CopyObjects method, 106 example code, 106, 107 Count property, 36 for menus, 200 CreateObject function migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 8, 9 CreatePoint object example code, 85 CreateRegion, example code, 87 CreateSolid object example code, 86 CreateSpline object example code, 84 CreateTypedArray method, 45, 71 creating lines Add Polyline, 83 AddLightweightPolyline method, 83 AddLine method, 83 AddMLine method, 83 creating objects blocks in, 82 graphical, 36 model space in, 82 nongraphical, 36 paper space in, 82 crosshairs resizing, 54
Index
369
cursor restricting with Ortho mode, 66 restricting with Snap mode, 66 cursor menus adding new items, 225 creating, 199, 200 deleting, 200 on graphics screen, 199 Shortcut menu property, 225 truncating, 199 CursorSize property crosshairs, resizing, 54 curved objects arcs, 83 circles, 83 ellipses, 83 spline curves, 83 CustomDictionary property, 167 cylinder, example code for adding, 257
D
DatabasePreferences object storing options, 54 DCS converting coordinates, 247 definition, 247 DDIM Annotation dialog box, 180 DDIM Format dialog box, 180 DDIM Geometry dialog box, 180 Deactivate event, 235 Declare statement, 329 Default to Full Module View Project window, 27 default VBA project name, 15 Degree property splines, 127 degrees converting from radians, 333 Delete method, 61 collections, 117 deleting views, example code, 61 example code, 206 in selection sets, 104 layers, 137 linetypes, 140 DeleteFitPoint method splines, 127 deleting collection member, 42 demand loading and indexes, 306 performance benefits, 306 Description property example code, 140 linetypes, 140 design mode, VBA environment and, 311
Detach method example code, 302 external references, 302 dialog boxes in modal forms, 315 macro, 16 options for VBA IDE, 26 Save Project, 25 VBA Manager, 13 dialog controls. See controls DIESEL string expressions, 201 DimAligned object example code, 180, 186 DimAngular object example code, 177 DIMASSOC system variable, 173 DIMCLRD system variable, 192 DIMCLRT system variable, 190, 192 dimension lines illustration, 171 dimension styles active, 173 Add method, 180 creating dimensions, 180 modifying, 180 parent, 180 dimension styles (illustration), 180 dimension system variables list, 171, 174 dimensions and geometry, 187 angular, 170 angular (illustration), 176 annotations, 172 associative, 173 hook lines (illustration), 175, 188 in model space, 187 in paper space, 187 leader lines (illustration), 172, 187 LeaderLength setting, 176 linear, 170 methods, editing, 179 modifying, 173 ordinate (illustration), 177 properties, editing, 179 radial, 170 creating, 174 rotating, 174 text styles, 172 illustration, 172 types of illustration, 170 DIMFIT system variable, 174 DIMGAP system variable, 192 DIMJUST system variable, 171, 174 DIMLFAC system variable, 187 DimOrdinate object example code, 178
370
Index
DimRadial object example code, 175 DIMTAD system variable, 171, 174 DIMTIH system variable, 171, 174 DIMTOFL system variable, 171, 174 DIMTOH system variable, 171, 174 DIMTXSTY system variable, 190 DIMTXT system variable, 190, 192 DIMTXTSTY system variable, 192 DIMUPT system variable, 171, 174 Direction property, 268 example code, 249, 269 DirectionVector property, 68 example code, 68 displacement vector, 115 Display Coordinate System definition, 247 Display method in viewports, 267 Display preference, Options dialog box, 53 Display property example code, 268, 269 DisplayPlotPreview method, 275 DisplayScreenMenu property, 54 DisplayScrollBar property, 54 DistanceToReal method, 71 distributing applications VB, 322 VBA, 322 Dock method docking toolbars, 215 example code, 215 document level events and Document object, 236 coding, 237 declaring objects with events, 236 document- level events enabling, 233 Document object ActiveViewport property, 62 as AutoCAD drawing, 34 declaring objects with events, 236 enabling events, 233 events (list), 233 example code, 237, 267, 269 model space, accessing, 34 modifying drawings, 52 paper space, accessing, 34 ZoomAll method, 60 ZoomExtents method, 60 Document window creating views, 60 Delete method, 61 displaying views, 56 maximizing, 56 minimizing, 56 modifying position, 56
Document window (continued) Regen method, 64 sizing, 56 Split method, 62 status of active document, 56 Update method, 64 viewports, 61 WindowState property, 56 Zoom option, 57 zoom scale, specifying, 58 ZoomAll method, 59 ZoomCenter method, 59 ZoomExtents method, 59 ZoomPickWindow, 57 ZoomWindow, 57 document-level events events (list), 233 right-clicking, 233 Documents collection links to drawing, 34 Drafting preference, Options dialog box, 53 Drag and Drop Text Editing Project window, 27 drawing display, defined, 32 drawing extents and rays, 69 zooming to, 59 drawings assigning colors to objects, 138 changing objects' colors, 142 performing calculations, 65 text styles, 151 drawing-stored options, setting, 54 dtr function in Garden Path tutorial, 333 DVB files, migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 8 DWF files exporting to, 78 DXF codes, and filter types (table), 95 DXF files exporting to, 78 importing, 78
E
editing 2D objects, 104 macros, 17 nongraphical objects, 104 ElevateOrder method splines, 127 Ellipse object creating, 84 embedded projects auto embed feature, 18 ThisDrawing object, 38
Index
371
enabling, application-level events, 231 EndAngle property, 123 EndCommand event, 228, 230, 235 EndLISP event, 230, 235 EndModal event, 231 EndOpen event, 228, 231 EndPlot event, 231, 235 EndPoint property, 123 example code, 123 EndSave event, 231, 235 EndShortcutMenu event, 235 example code, 237 EndTangent property splines, 126 EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) files exporting to, 78 ERASE command macros, 224 Erase method, 110, 161, 179, 295 in selection sets, 103 leader lines, 189 Err object, 319 errors at runtime, 316 Break mode, 18 at compile time, 316 Err object, 319 error messages, 316 error trapping, 316 ignoring errors, 317 user input control, 319 Evaluate method, 92 example code, 92, 129 in hatches, 128 leader lines, 190 event handlers and infinite loops, 229 and interactive functions, 229 and parameters, 228 and subroutines, 228 Begin events, 228 creating objects, 229 deleting objects, 229 enabling doc-level eventsdocument-level events, 233 End events, 228 writing guidelines, 228 events document level, coding, 237 enabling application-level events, 231 enabling object-level events, 238 handling, 233 in AutoCAD, 228 InitializeEvents procedure, 237 Excel, extracting attributes, example code, 327 Explode method, 289 example code, 289
exploding blocks, 123 objects, 123 polylines, 123 Export method, 78 for saved layer settings, 149 extended data uses of, 36 with graphical objects, 36 external references attaching, 300 binding, 304 defined, 299 demand loading, 306 detaching, 301 and indexes, 306 overlaying, 301 reloading, 302 unloading, 303 updating, 300 ExternalReference object example code, 300, 302, 303, 305
F
Fade property, 284 FieldLength property, 295 FileDependencies object, 7 FileDependency object, 7 Files preference, Options dialog box, 53 FILLMODE system variable, 86 filter lists, 95101 example code, 96101 filter types, and DXF codes (table), 95 filtering example code, 96 selection sets, 95101 FitPoints property splines, 126 FitTolerance property splines, 126 Float method floating toolbars, 215 flyout button, 211 Flyout property ToolbarItem object, 218 flyout toolbars AddToolbarButton method, 213 example code, 214 FontFile property, 151, 153 example code, 154 FontFileMap property, 166 fonts alternative, specifying, 166 and text styles, 166 assigning in drawings, 152 Big Font files, 153
372
Index
fonts (continued) exporting in drawings, 153 font mapping tables, 166 SHX fonts, 153 substituting, 166 substitution rules, 166 TEXTFILL system variable, 153 TrueType, 153 Unicode, 153 form controls. See controls Format menu VBA IDE, 313 formatting characters example code, 163 forms adding controls, 312 control toolbox, 312 displaying, 314 formatting controls in VBA, 313 hiding, 314 hiding in Garden Path tutorial, 352 importing into VBA, 21 loading at runtime, 314 as macros, 314 modal dialog boxes, 315 modal versus modeless, 311 modal, defined, 314 mode, setting, 311 modifying controls, 312 unloading, 314 VBA environment, 311 VBA project component, 20 visibility at runtime, 313 Freeze property, 136
G
Garden Path tutorial adding dialog boxes, 344 AddLightweightPolyline method, 338 Code window (illustration), 350 creating dialog boxes (illustration), 345 creating new macro, 332 determining corners, 339 determining values, 351 dtr function, 333 entering code, 333 event handling, 351 GetDistance method, 336 GetPoint method, 336 gpuser subroutine, 335 hiding forms, 352 installing VBA environment, 332 locating rows, 341 macro control, 343
Garden Path tutorial (continued) option controls, 350 pangle variable, 337 Garden Path tutorial (continued) PolarPoint method, 339 prompt sequence, 332 running macros, 344 saving files, 333 setting parameters, 336 stepping through code, 343 text edit box, 351 ThisDrawing object, 336 using prompts, 332 Utility object, 334 geometric tolerances creating, 191 modifying, 191 GetAttributes method, 297 example code, 297, 327 GetBitmaps method, 212 example code, 212 GetDistance method, 71 example code, 71 Garden Path tutorial, 336 GetFitPoint method splines, 127 GetFont method example code, 152 GetInterfaceObject method migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 9 GetKeyword method, 74 example code, 74 GetObject function migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 8, 9 GetPoint method, 74, 343 defined, 74 example code, 74, 244 Garden Path tutorial, 336 GetString method, 74 example code, 73 GetUCSMatrix method, 244 GetVariable method, 65 GetXData method example code, 307 global projects defined, 12 ThisDrawing object, 38 graphical objects defined, 32 editing commands, 36 properties, 36 visible objects, 36 GridOn property, 268
Index
373
H
Hatch object AppendInnerLoop method, 91 AppendOuterLoop method, 91 AssociativeHatch property, 128 associativity, 90, 128 boundaries, 91 Boundary Hatch dialog box, 131 creating, 90 editing, 128, 131 example code, 92, 129, 131 handling islands, 91 patterns, 90, 131 specifying loops, 90 hatches, editing, 128 HatchStyle property definitions (table), 91 handling islands, 91 Height property, 151, 154, 283, 295 example code, 154, 270 Help, status line for menus and toolbars, 224 HelpString property ToolbarItem object, 211, 217 hierarchy accessing objects in VBA, 38 referencing objects, 38 hook lines illustration, 188
InsertBlock method, changes in AutoCAD 2004, 8 InsertInMenuBar method, 195 example code, 198, 202204, 208, 224 from PopupMenu object, 197 InsertionPoint property, 158, 295 InsertLoopAt method, 129 InsertMenuInMenuBar method, 195 example code, 197 from PopupMenus collection, 197 intersecting regions Region object, 89 IsPeriodic property splines, 127 IsPlanar property splines, 127 IsRational property splines, 127 Item method, 36 iterating collections, 41 iterating collections example code, 133
K
keywords command line, 75 user input keywords, 75 Knots property splines, 126
I
image boundaries, defined, 282 ImageFile property, 281 ImageHeight property, 283 ImageVisibility property, 284 ImageWidth property, 283 Import method file conversions, 78 for saved layer settings, 149 importing forms, 21 modules, 21 Index property ToolbarItem object, 217 INDEXCTL system variable, 306 indexes and demand loading, 306 and external references, 306 InitializeUserInput example code, 75 InitializeUserInput method, 73, 319 (list), 75 defining keywords, 75 InsertBlock method, 287 example code, 288, 289
L
Label property accelerator key, 203 Labels for menus captions, 201 special codes, 201 LAYER command macros, 222 Layer object example code, 105, 134, 135 layer properties, saving. See layer settings, saving Layer property, 142, 268 raster images, 283 layer settings deleting saved settings example code, 148 exporting saved settings, 149 example code, 150 importing saved settings, 149 example code, 150 listing saved settings, 145 managing, 146 renaming saved settings example code, 148 restoring saved settings, 148
374
Index
layer settings (continued) example code, 149 saving, 144, 147 example code, 148 illustrated, 145 storing, 144, ??147 LayerOn property, 135 example code, 135 layers, 133 ACI number, 136 ActiveLayer property, 134 assigning colors to, 138 assigning linetypes, 137 assigning to objects, 141 and blocks, 137 changing layers, 142 color and, 132 Color property, 137 color, assigning, 136 color, settings, 143 freezing, 135 linetypes and, 132 locking, 136 plotting, 135 turning off (illustration), 135 Layers collection, 133 example code, 133 saved layer settings and, 145 LayerStateManager object, 145, 146 accessing, 146 associating database with, 147 Layout object, 262 example code, 276 layouts Block object, 262 Block property, 262 CanonicalMediaName property, 263 Layout object, 262 lineweight scale, 264 in model space, 262 paper size, 263 in paper space, 262 PaperUnits property, 263 plot elements, 263 PlotConfiguration object, 263 plotting input values (list), 263 switching model space and paper space, 267 LayoutSwitched event, 235 leader lines annotations, 189 associativity and editing, 190 associativity with annotations, 189 color, 187 creating, 187 determining type, 188
leader lines (continued) illustration, 187 modifying, 187 scale, 187 scaling, 191 updating geometry, 190 Leader object example code, 188, 189 LensLength property, 268 LicenseServer property, removed in AutoCAD 2004, 8 LightweightPolyline object, 125 creating, 83 example code, 83, 109, 111 LIN library files and linetypes, 139 Line object creating, 83 example code, 120, 123 linear dimensions aligning, 174 creating, 173 illustration, 170 modifying properties (illustration), 173 rotating, 174 lines creating, 83 lengthening, 123 Ray object, 67 Xline object, 67 Linetype object example code, 139, 140 Linetype property, 137, 268 defining for layers, 143 example code, 143 raster images, 283 linetypes active, 139 assigning to layers, 137 assigning to objects, 141 changing descriptions, 140 complex, 139 continuous (illustration), 143 deleting, 140 examples of (illustration), 139 LIN library files, 139 Load method, 139 new object properties, 139 renaming, 140 scales (illustration), 140 x-ref dependent, 139 Linetypes collection, 133 LinetypeScale property, 140, 268 lineweights scaling in layouts, 264 LISPCancelled event, 231, 235
Index
375
Load method example code, 139, 195 linetypes, 139, 143 MenuGroups collection, 195 loading ObjectARX applications, 34 VBA projects on startup, 320 loading projects in AutoCAD, 13 in VBA, 25 Lock property, 136 loops defining regions, 87 LowerLeftCorner property illustration, 62 LTSCALE system variable, 140
M
macro libraries, 25 Macro property, 202, 320 ToolbarItem object, 211, 217 macros and projects, 12 backslash character, 222 canceling commands, 222 command handling, 223 creating in tutorial, 332 delays (list), 222 editing, 17 enabling virus protection, 19 ERASE command, 224 guidelines for writing, 218 in menus, 218 in toolbars, 218 in VBA, 18 LAYER command, 222 naming, 16 object selection, single, 223 running, 17 running on startup, 320 SELECT command, 222 setting Break mode, 18 special characters (table), 219 stepping into, 18 terminating, 220 use of repetition, 223 user input, 221 Macros dialog box, 16 VBARUN command, 30 MainDictionary property, 167 matrix See transformation matrices maximizing, Document window, 56 MAXSORT system variable, 65 MClose property, 249
menu macros special characters (table), 219 menu objects ActiveX (illustration), 194 See also PopupMenu objects MenuBar collection, 194 inserting menus, 197 object model (illustration), 195 rearranging menus, 198 removing menus, 198 MenuBar object example code, 198 MenuBar property example code, 198 MenuGroup object example code, 195, 196, 197 MenuGroups collection, 194 Load method, 195 modifying (list), 195 new groups, creating, 196 object model (illustration), 194 popup menus and, 194 and toolbars, 194 See also menu objects menus assigning menu items, 208 checking, 207 creating submenus, 203 deleting, 205 disabling, 207 enabling, 207 menu macros, special characters, 208 positioning, 207 returning submenus, 208 type of menu item, 208 meshes density, defined, 249 polyface mesh, creating, 250 rectangular, defined, 249 and solids, 249 and wireframes, 249 methods. See specific method names migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 8, 9 minimizing, Document window, 56 MInsertBlock object, 288 Mirror method, 110, 161, 179 example code, 111 illustration, 110 Mirror3D method, 255 example code, 256 mirroring example code, 111 in 3D, 255 objects, 105 Text objects, 110 with two coordinates, 110
376
Index
MIRRTEXT system variable, 110, 161 MLine object creating, 83 Mode property, 295 model space accessing objects, 35 and paper space, switching, 267 creating objects, 82 defined, 262 dimensioning in, 187 example code, 82 hidden lines, 274 layouts, 262 plot settings, modifying, 276 plotting, 275 referencing in ActiveX code, 82 returning objects, 39 viewports, 265 ModelSpace property, 82 Modified event, 238 module VBA object component, 20 modules importing into VBA, 21 MomentOfInertia property, 252 Move method, 161, 179, 191 vectors, 115 Move object example code, 116 illustration, 115 MSpace property, 267 example code, 267, 269 mtext control codes (table), 165 creating, 161 in drawings, 150 modifying, 161 Unicode fonts (table), 165 uses for, 161 MText object, 161 creating text, example code, 163 example code, 162, 189 formatting options, 162 justification (illustration), 162 leader lines, 189 modifying, 162 orientation options, 162 overriding default, 162 text boundary, 162 multiline text. See mtext
Name property (continued) PopupMenus collection, 200 raster images, 282 setting active viewport, 62 ToolbarItem object, 210, 217 toolbars, 209 named colors assigning colors to objects, 138 changing objects' colors, 142 color names (table), 138 named objects character length, 104 purging, 104 renaming, 104 specifying, 104 naming macros, 16 naming projects, in VBA IDE, 24 NClose property, 249 NewDrawing event, 231 nongraphical objects, editing, 104 NumberOfControlPoints property splines, 127 NumberOfCopies property, 275 example code, 276, 277 NumberOfFitPoints property splines, 127 NURBS, AddSpline method, 84
O
Object Coordinate System definition, 246 object level events and event handlers, 239 and VBA keywords, 238 class modules, 238 enabling, 238 object libraries AutoCAD as Automation controller, 3 referencing in VBA IDE, 325 object methods, defined, 42 object model MenuBar collection (illustration), 195 MenuGroups collection (illustration), 194 ObjectAdded event, 235 ObjectARX applications specific actions, 34 ObjectARXPath property, obsolescence in AutoCAD 2004, 8 ObjectErased event, 235 ObjectModified event, 235 object-oriented, VBA interface, 3 objects active, resetting, 65 assigning colors, 138 changing colors, 142 changing layers, 142
N
Name property example code, 105 layers, 133 linetypes, 140
Index
377
objects (continued) closed calculating area (illustration), 71 defining from user input points, 71 creating, 82 enabling events, 238 existing, modifying, 104 exploding, 123 extending, 122 for menus, 194 graphical, 36 in ActiveX, 32 in ActiveX (list), 2 moving along a vector, 115 named, specifying, 104 nongraphical, 36 object component, 20 offsetting, 109 open, calculating area (illustration), 71 properties, defined, 42 removing from selection sets, 103 rotating in 3D, 253 scale factor, 118 scaling, 118 ThisDrawing, 17 transforming, 119 trimming, 122 See also specific object names ObliqueAngle property, 151, 155, 158 obliquing angles, in text illustration, 155 OCS converting coordinates, 246 creating polylines, 83 definition, 246 Offset method, 109 creating objects, 43 example code, 109 offsetting, objects, 105 On Error forms of (list), 317 VBA statement, example code, 318 Open method Documents collection, 52 example code, 52 Open method, changes in AutoCAD 2004, 8 Open VBA Project dialog box, 321 opening VBA IDE from command line, 19 from menu bar, 19 OpenSave preference, Options dialog box, 53 operating system rebooting, 4 options setting for VBA projects, 18
Options dialog box in VBA IDE, 26 preferences objects (list), 53 ordinate dimensions and error preventing, 177 creating, 177 leader lines, 177 organizational structures, defined, 32 organizing projects, with VBA Manager, 13 Origin property, 283 Ortho mode cursor movement, 66 defining axes (illustration), 67 example code, 67 OrthoOn property, 67 Output preference, Options dialog box, 53 overlaying, external references, 301
P
paper space accessing objects, 35 and model space, switching, 268 creating objects, 82, 272 defined, 262 dimensioning in, 187 editing models, 265 example code, 82 hidden lines, 274 layouts, 262 plotting, 275 referencing in ActiveX code, 82 returning objects, 39 scaling linetypes, 274 scaling views, 272 viewports, floating, 265 zooming (illustration), 274 Paper Space Display Coordinate System definition, 247 PaperSpace property, 82 PaperUnits property, 263 parent objects relation to root object, 43 Parent property ToolbarItem object, 218 PatternAngle property, 131 PatternDouble property, 131 PatternName property, 131 patterns asssigning hatch patterns, 90 PatternScale property, 131 PatternSpace property, 131 example code, 131 PatternType constants defined, 91
378
Index
pausing macros delays (list), 222 PDMODE system variable illustration, 84 PDSIZE system variable illustration, 84 PICKADD system variable, 219 PICKAUTO system variable, 219 Plot object, 275 example code, 276, 277 Plot dialog box, 37 PlotConfiguration object, 263 PlotHidden property, 274 plotting in model space, 275, 276 in paper space, 275, 277 layout input values (list), 263 methods (list), 275 properties (list), 275 PlotToDevice method, 275 example code, 276, 277 PlotToFile method, 275 PlotType property example code, 276 Point object controlling appearance of, 84 creating, 84 example code, 85 polar arrays center point, specifying, 112 creating, 112 example code, 112 reference points, 112 PolarPoint method, 71, 339 PolyfaceMesh object example code, 251 PolygonMesh object, 249 Polyline object, 125 creating, 83 defining from user input points, 72 polylines creating in OCS, 83 editing, 125 exploding, 123 fit and spline fit, 125 modifying, 125 PopupMenu object creating submenus, 203 deleting menu items, 205 example code, 197, 198, 200 InsertInMenuBar method, 197 menu items, ordering (illustration), 201 PopupMenuItem object accelerator keys, assigning, 203 AddSeparator method, 202 Caption property, 207
PopupMenuItem object (continued) Check property, 207 creating, 200 deleting menu items, 205 editing labels, 201 Enable property, 207 example code, 197 HelpString property, 207 Index property, 207 index, defined, 201 Label property, 206 label, defined, 201 Macro property, 207 macro, defined, 202 new menu items, adding, 200 Parent property, 207 position menu, changing, 201 status-line Help message, 224 Submenu property, 207 Tag property, 206 tag, defined, 201 Type property, 207 writing macros, 218 PopupMenus collection cursor menus, 200 InsertMenuInMenuBar method, 197 Name property, 200 new menus, creating, 200 RemoveMenuFromMenuBar method, 198 PostScript files, importing, 78 preferences in AutoCAD accessing, 54 CursorSize property, 54 drawing-stored options, 54 properties, 54 registry-stored options, 54 Preferences object, Options dialog box, 36 Preferences objects, accessing, 54 PrincipalDirections property, 252 PrincipalMoments property, 252 Procedure Separator Display Project window, 27 ProductOfInertia property, 252 Profiles preference, Options dialog box, 53 ProgIDs migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 8, 9 project components forms, 20 importing, 21 modules, 20 new, 20 references, 20 Project window defined in VBA IDE, 19 settings, 26
Index
379
projects .dvb file, 24 automation. See automation projects circular references, 25 components in VBA, 20 embedded, 12, 14, 29 extracting, 15 global, 12, 29 importing, 21 loading in AutoCAD, 13 migrating to AutoCAD 2004, 8, 9 naming in VBA IDE, 24 referencing, 25 setting options for VBA, 18 unloading, 14 VBA default name, 15 VBA terms defined, 29 prompts for user input Garden Path tutorial, 332 PromptString property, 295 Properties window VBA IDE, 24 properties. See specific property names PSDCS converting coordinates, 247 definition, 247 PSLTSCALE system variable, 274 pull-down menus creating, 199 from menu bar, 199 truncating, 199 PurgeAll method example code, 104 purging, named objects, 104 PViewport object, 265 example code, 268, 269, 270
Q
QuietErrorMode property, 275 Quit method example code, 327
R
radial dimensions creating, 174 illustration, 170 TextPosition property, 174 radians converting degrees, 333 RadiiOfGyration property, 252 raster images and vector files, 280 attachments, 280 bitonal images, 284 clipping (illustration), 285
raster images (continued) clipping boundaries, 285 display properties (list), 284 display, adjusting, 284 DPI, defined, 280 file naming, 282 geometry scale, 280 hiding boundaries, 283 image boundaries, defined, 282 image names vs. file names, 282 linking paths, 280 modifying (list), 282, 283 Name property, 282 path, modifying, 282 properties for modifying (list), 283 redraw speed, 284 resolution, 280 scale factor, 280 showing boundaries, 283 vectors, 284 visibility, 284 Raster object, 280 example code, 281, 285 Ray object, 67, 69 BasePoint property, 69 DirectionVector property, 69 example code, 69 rectangular arrays, 113 creating in 3D, 255 example code, 114 in 3D (illustration), 255 snap rotation angle, 114 reference points, in polar arrays, 112 referenced projects, loading in AutoCAD, 25 referencing objects calling hierarchy, 38 type library, 43 Regen method example code, 270 for text styles, 152 Region object Boolean method, 88 calculating total number, 87 creating composite, 88 defining loops, 87 example code, 87, 88 intersecting regions, 89 subtracting, 88 uniting regions, 89 registry-stored settings, 53 accessing, 34 Reload method example code, 303 external references, 302 RemoveFromMenuBar method example code, 198 RemoveHiddenLines property, 274
380
Index
RemoveItems method in selection sets, 103 RemoveMenuFromMenuBar method from PopupMenus collection, 198 RenderSmoothness property, 252 Require Variable Declaration Code window, 26 Reverse method splines, 127 RGB values assigning colors to objects, 138 changing objects' colors, 142 right-click menu. See cursor menu root object accessing, 39 hierarchy, 39 relation to parent object, 43 See also Application object Rotate method, 116, 161, 179 example code, 117 Rotate3D method, 253 example code, 254 rotating objects, 116 illustration, 116 rotation angles, 155 Rotation property, 158, 162, 179, 295 run mode, in VBA environment, 311 running macros, 17 runtime error trapping, 317 errors in VBA, 316 object referencing, 43
S
sample code, finding for ActiveX and VBA, 6 SAT files exporting to, 78 importing, 78 SAVE command from VBA IDE, 25 Save method for layer settings, 147 verifying changes, 53 Save Project dialog box accessing, 25 VBAUNLOAD command, 30 SaveAs method, 52 example code, 196 SaveAs method, changes in AutoCAD 2004, 8 saved layer settings. See layer settings saving projects, in VBA IDE, 25 scale factor illustration, 118 object dimensions, 118 ScaleEntity method, 118, 179, 191, 283, 295 example code, 119
ScaleFactor property, 158, 295 scaling in layouts, 264 in paper space, 272 leader lines, 191 linetypes, 274 objects, 118 viewports (illustration), 272 SecurityParams object, 7 SELECT command macros, 222 Select method, 94 SelectAtPoint method, 94 SelectByPolygon method, 94 Selection preference, Options dialog box, 53 selection sets filter lists, 95101 removing objects, 103 SelectionChanged event, 235 SelectionSet object, 93 example code, 94, 96, 307 SelectionSets collection, 93 SelectOnScreen method, 94 example code, 94, 307 separators adding to menus, 202 adding to toolbars, 212 SetBitmaps method, 212 LargeIconName parameter, 212 SmallIconName parameter, 212 SetBulge method polylines, 125 SetControlPoint method example code, 128 splines, 127 SetCustomScale method, 264 SetDatabase method, 147 SetFitPoint method splines, 127 SetFont method example code, 152 SetLayoutsToPlot method, 275 example code, 277 SetPattern method, 131 SetProjectFilePath method, 282 SetVariable method, 65, 85 example code, 159 for dimensioning, 171 linetypes, 140 SetWeight method splines, 127 SetWidth method polylines, 125 SetXData method example code, 307 sharing code by referencing projects in VBA, 25 ShortcutMenu property, 225
Index
381
ShowRotation method, 283 SHX fonts, 153 Single object selection in macros, 223 sizing Application window, 55 Document window, 56 SliceSolid method example code, 259 snap angle illustration, 66 Snap mode cursor movement, 66 snap rotation angle rectangular arrays, 114 SnapBasePoint property, 66 example code, 66 SnapRotationAngle property, 66, 114 example code, 66 Solid object analyzing properties, 252 Boolean intersection (illustration), 257 CheckInterference method, 257 combining solids, 257 creating, 86 creating solids, 252 example code, 86 properties (list), 252 solid-filled areas illustration, 86 See also Solid object spell checking, 166 Spline object creating, 84 example code, 84, 128 splines editing, 126 querying, 127 SPLINETYPE system variable, 125 split bar, in Code window, 22 Split method, 62 viewports, example code, 62 splitting viewports example code, 63 spreadsheets, extracting attributes to, example code, 327 standard color names. See named colors StandardScale property, 264 example code, 276 StartAngle property, 123 StartBatchMode method, 275 StartPoint property, 123 StartTangent property splines, 126 startup loading VBA projects, 320 running a macro, 320 status-line Help, for menus and toolbars, 224
stepping into macros, 18 style settings, 32 StyleName property, 158, 163, 179 submenus adding, 203 populating, 204 positioning, 203 subtracting regions Boolean method, 88 Region object, 89 System preference, Options dialog box, 53 SysVarChanged event, 231
T
Tag property, 201 ToolbarItem object, 217 TagString property, 295 attribute references, 297 example code, 297 terminating macros code examples, 220 terminology in VBA environment (list), 310 Text object aligning in drawings (illustration), 159 angles, setting, 155 displaying backward, 156 displaying upside down, 156 example code, 154, 156, 159 formatting, 158 height settings, 154 line text, 150 line text, creating, 157 methods (list), 161 mirroring text, 110 modifying, 161 mtext, 150 ObliqueAngle property, 155 properties (list), 158 spell check, 166 text generation flag, 156 used in drawings, 150 text styles changing properties, 152 creating, 151 current, 151 default, 151 for dimensions, 172 properties (table), 151 TextAlignmentPoint property, 158 example code, 159 TEXTFILL system variable, 153 TextGenerationFlag property, 151, 152, 156, 158 example code, 155, 156 TextOverride property example code, 180
382
Index
TextPosition property, 179 TextRotation property, 179 TextString property, 158 attribute referrences, 297 example code, 297 TextStyle object, 151 example code, 154 properties (list), 151 TextStyles collection, 151 TextSuffix property example code, 186 This, 289 ThisDrawing object, 29 accessing Document object, 38 Garden Path tutorial, 336 in embedded objects, 17, 38 in global objects, 17 in global projects, 38 working in zero document state, 321 TILEMODE system variable, 267 Tolerance object example code, 191 leader lines, 189 tolerances geometric, 191 system variables (list), 192 toolbar macros special characters (table), 219 Toolbar object AddSeparator method, 212 AddToolbarButton method, 210 Dock method, 215 Docked property, 215 example code, 210, 211, 214, 215 Float method, 215 flyout toolbars, creating, 213 naming, 209 using Type property, 212 ToolbarItem object, 210 creating flyout button, 211 deleting, 216 example code, 211, 212, 214 Flyout property, 218 GetBitmaps, 212 HelpString property, 211, 217 Index property, 217 Macro property, 211, 217 Name property, 210, 217 Parent property, 218 positioning toolbar buttons, 210 SetBitmaps method, 212 status-line Help message, 224 Tag property, 217 Type property, 218 writing macros, 218 toolbars modifying, 195
Toolbars collection Add method, 209 Name property, 209 transformation matrices assigning matrix to variable, 120 rotation (table), 121 scaling (table), 121 transforming objects translation (table), 121 transformation matrix user coordinate system, 244 world coordinate system, 244 TransformBy method, 119 example code, 120 TranslateCoordinates method, 71 converting coordinates, 245 example code, 244, 247 true colors assigning to objects, 138 changing objects' colors, 142 changing, example code, 143 overriding layers' color settings, 143 TrueColor property changing objects' colors, 142 example code, 143 new properties in AutoCAD 2004, 7 See also Color property TrueType fonts, 153 height settings, 154 tutorial See Garden Path tutorial type libraries adding reference, 43 defined, 43 type libraries, migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 9 Type property example code, 212 ToolbarItem object, 218 TypeName function, 46
U
UCS converting coordinates, 246 definition, 246 UCSIconAtOrigin property, 244 UCSIconOn property, 244 UCSORG system variable, 244 Unicode fonts, 153 table, 165 uniting regions Region object, 89 Unload method example code, 303 external references, 303
Index
383
unloading ObjectARX applications, 34 Update method, 123 example code, 64 for text styles, 152 redrawing objects, 104 Text object, 159 UpperRightCorner property illustration, 62 User Coordinate System axis location, 244 definition, 246 origin point location, 244 viewports, 244 user input Garden Path tutorial, 332, 334 user input functions prompting, 37 user input methods GetInteger method, 73 GetKeyword, 74 GetPoint, 74 GetPoint method, 73 GetString, 74 GetString method, 73 user input pausing macros, 221 User preference, Options dialog box, 53 UserForm window editing forms, 22 UseStandardScale property, 264 Utility object calculating area, 71 calculation methods (list), 70 example code, 244 functions, 37 TranslateCoordinates method, example code, 247 user input methods, 73
VBA ActiveX Automation interface changed items, 7 new objects, 7 automation projects. See automation projects VBA environment accessing applications, 325 application distribution, 322 control toolbox (illustration), 310 design mode, 311 dialog boxes, creating, 310 End statement, 333 forms, 310, 311 installing for tutorial, 332 password protection, 319 referencing object libraries, 325 run mode, 311 running macros, 320 terminology (list), 310 Windows API procedures, accessing, 329 working in a zero document state, 321 VBA Hide method, 314 VBA IDE "Hello World" exercise, 28 defined, 29 macro execution, 18 opening, 19 opening on project load, 321 Properties window, 24 referencing object libraries, 325 SAVE command, 25 viewing project data, 19 VBA interface advantages with ActiveX, 4 with AutoCAD, 3 elements of, 4 environment, 3 implementing in AutoCAD, 3 VB, similarities with, 3 with ActiveX interface, 3 VBA Load method, 314 VBA Manager creating projects, 15 defined, 30 dialog box, 13 embedding projects, 14 extracting projects, 15 loading projects, 13 saving projects, 15 unloading projects, 14 VBA methods, (table), 315 VBA Object Browser, 325 VBA programming using ActiveX, 4 VBA projects acad.dvb file, 320
V
variants CreateTypedArray method, 45 defined, 44 input arrays, 44 output arrays, 44 polyline editing, 124 Typename function, 46 VarType function, 46 VarType function, 46 VB ActiveX Automation interface changed items, 7 new objects, 7 automation projects. See automation projects
384
Index
VBA projects (continued) defined, 12 loading on startup, 320 running macros on startup, 320 VBA Show method, 313 VBA statements On Error, example code, 318 VBAIDE command, 30 VBALOAD command, 13, 30 VBAMAN command, 30 VBARUN command, 16, 30 VBASTMT command, 30 VBAUNLOAD command, 14, 30 VBP files, migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 9 vector files, and raster images, 280 vectors moving objects, 115 version, accessing, 34 version-dependent ProgIDs migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 8, 9 version-independent ProgIDs migrating automation projects to AutoCAD 2004, 8, 9 Viewport object, 265 example code, 249 LowerLeftCorner property, 62 UpperRightCorner property, 62 viewports changing views (illustration), 272 detail view, 61 displaying, 265 floating (illustration), 265 full view, 61 hidden lines, 274 horizontal display (illustration), 62 in model space, 265 in paper space, 265 models (illustration), 266 modifying, 270 properties (list), 268 scale factor, 272 setting active, 62 settings (table), 266 splitting, example code, 63 tiled (illustration), 265 vertical display (illustration), 62 views creating, 60 Views collection, 60
virus protection enabling for macros, 19 setting for VBA projects, 19 using project code, 14 Visible property, 56 example code, 214 setting, example code, 56 Visual Basic, 47 Visual Basic automation projects migrating to AutoCAD 2004, 8, 9 Visual Basic for Applications. See entries beginning with VBA Visual Basic. See VB Visual LISP accessing objects, 324 calling methods, 324 retrieving methods, 324 Volume property, 252
W
WBlock method, 287 leader lines, 189 WCS converting coordinates, 246 definition, 246 wedges adding, example code, 252 Width property, 151, 283 example code, 270 WindowChanged event, 231, 235 WindowMovedOrResized event, 231, 235 Windows APIs accessing from VBA, 329 WindowState property, 56 WithEvents declaring objects with events, 232, 236 enabling objects with events, 239 GetObject, VBA function example code, 232 VBA Keyword, example code, 232, 236 WMF files exporting to, 78 World Coordinate System definition, 246 entering coordinates, 242
X
xdata. See extended data Xline object, 67 XLOADCTL system variable, 306 XMLDatabase object, removed in AutoCAD 2004, 8 XRefDemandLoad property, 306 xrefs. See external references
Index
385
Z
zero document state, 321 Zoom Center method illustration, 59 zoom scale, specifying, 58 Zoom window example code, 57 ZoomAll method, 59 example code, 60, 83, 85, 86 illustration, 60 ZoomCenter method, 59 example code, 59
ZoomExtents method example code, 60, 270 illustration, 60 in active viewport, 59 zooming defined, 57 in paper space (illustration), 274 scale factors, 272 zoom scales, 274 ZoomPickWindow method, 57 example code, 57 ZoomScaled method, 58, 273 example code, 58, 270 ZoomWindow method, 57
386
Index

Programming - AutoCAD 2004 Activex and VBA Developer's Guide

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AutoCAD

ActiveX and VBA Developers Guide

Copyright 2003 Autodesk, Inc.

Autodesk Canada Inc. Trademarks

Third Party Trademarks

Third Party Software Program Credits

Getting Started with VBA .

ActiveX Automation Basics

Control the AutoCAD Environment

Create and Edit AutoCAD Entities

150 151 157 161 164 166 166

Dimensions and Tolerances .

Customize Toolbars and Menus .

Work in Three Dimensional Space .

Define Layouts and Plot .

Advanced Drawing and Organizational Techniques

Develop Applications with VBA .

Interact with Other Applications and Windows APIs .

Design the Garden PathAn ActiveX/VBA Tutorial

Appendix A Visual LISP and ActiveX/VBA Comparison

Basic for Applications (VBA) Interface

Overview of AutoCAD ActiveX Technology

AutoCAD ActiveX Objects

AutoCAD Application drawing.dwg

There are two advantages to implementing an ActiveX interface for AutoCAD:

Overview of AutoCAD Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Interface

How VBA Is Implemented in AutoCAD

Overview of AutoCAD Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) Interface

Dependencies and Restrictions

AutoCAD ActiveX and VBA Together

How This Guide Is Organized

Conventions Used in This Guide

How This Guide Is Organized

Migrating Automation Projects

Migrating Automation Projects

Changed methods and properties (continued)

XMLDatabase object LicenseServer property

How to Migrate Projects

Migrating Automation Projects

Getting Started with VBA

Global VBA Projects

the VBA Manager

Understand Embedded and Global VBA Projects

Getting Started with VBA

Organize Your Projects with the VBA Manager

Load an Existing Project

Organize Your Projects with the VBA Manager

Embed a Project into a Drawing

Getting Started with VBA

Extract a Project from a Drawing

Create a New Project

Save Your Project

Organize Your Projects with the VBA Manager

Handle Your Macros

Use the Macros Dialog Box

Getting Started with VBA