Hurricane Requirements
Hurricane Setup
AutoCAD Setup
Purchasing Hurricane
Hurricane Admin Tool
Hurricane Support
Hurricane Features Explained
Hurricane General Questions
Hurricane Tools & Wizards
Hurricane Watch
Hurricane Batch Script Help
TroubleShooting Hurricane
TroubleShooting AutoCAD
Other AutoCAD Related Info
Hurricane Features Explained
What does Hurricane do? and why do I need it?Hurricane is designed to SAVE YOU TIME, whereby SAVING YOU MONEY.
It does this in two ways.
1. It generates "batch" script files (for use with AutoCAD) (which allow you do perform the same tasks on as many drawings as you like). It takes care of the OPEN and SAVEing of the drawings, and stores all your user-script files for easy assembly.
2. It is a replacement file selector/organizer for AutoCAD.
If you or your company uses AutoCAD on a regular basis, and you don't have an automation utility, you probably haven't explored the amounts of time you could be saving by using a tool such as Hurricane.
Just think how many times a day you perform the same tasks on the same drawings... Just imagine doing those same changes effortlessly... the beauty with Hurricane is that the more you use it, the faster you will become, and the more scripts you will have created... as each script you create gets stored away for the next time you need it... no wasted work...
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Why is Hurricane the best scripting utility for AutoCAD?If a utility doesn't save time, then why bother using it?
Some of the features that are not usually found in other utlities are:
All users current session settings will be saved on exit, and will be restored on restart. These includes all application settings. Don't waste time hunting for directories! Commonly accessed directories will be memorized for easy recall by the user. All files that Hurricane accesses or stores information in are readable/editable by any text editor, and can be edited while Hurricane is running. Hurricane does NOT store it's information in a database, or encrypt it in any way. Hurricanes File Queue is the most flexible around, you can sort in a variety of ways, and adding and removing files is easy. When creating a script, all files are checked for "Read-Only" status, and the output script is adjusted accordingly. No more stalled scripts because someone was working on a drawing. You can easily "Append" user scripts together to create larger scripts. This can keep your script library organized into small chunks of specific scripts, then chain them together to perform more complicated tasks. Hurricane settings are the most flexible around. You can adjust any section of the script to your particular needs. Everyone works differently, why have a utility that makes you work "it's" way. Hurricane is Network installable, and the same executable can be shared with an entire office, allowing all scripts to be shared. Drag and Drop files into Hurricane to add them to the File Queue, or easily change Hurricane to your Current directory in Windows Explorer. With "filters" in all script selectors and file selectors, it's very easy to save even more time when trying to find what you are looking for. "Drawing Preview" allows you to see the file before you add it to a script. Hurricanes development follows the users needs. User comments and suggestions are taken very seriously. For a complete list of features see Feature List
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What are the steps to creating a Hurricane Batch script?Firstly, make sure Hurricane is installed and setup properly.
1) Run Hurricane
2) Select the files you want to process by adding them to the queue.
3) Select/Edit the script you want to apply to each of the drawings. (You can use a generic script)
4) Press the "Create Script" button, and you should see Notepad open with your "Compiled" script (you can disable this automatic display feature in the "Tools -> Options" menu and PREFS Tab)
5) Open AutoCAD, and run the script... (you can run it using several methods... see AutoCAD Setup - Add Hurricane Button in AutoCAD)
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Why "scripting", why not access AutoCAD through Active-X or VBA?Hurricane was written with a couple of general ideas in mind...
For repetitive processes, scripting is simpler than VBA/ActiveX automation... here's why..
AutoDesk initially included scripting as a form of automation some years ago, so the concept is sound, and well supported through the different versions of AutoCAD. Scripting seems to be the most stable form of automation that AutoCAD offers, as VBA and ActiveX rely on the specific version of AutoCAD it is implemented on. Hurricane will work with ANY version of AutoCAD the supports "scripting", you don't need a special version of Huricane for each version of AutoCAD. Because scripting doesn't "poke-around" in the innards of AutoCAD and it's memory model, there is very little chance of drawing/memory corruption taking place. If you want to use VBA then you can easily call it from a script. If you want to use a Lisp routine, then you CAN easily call it from a script. (See Can a script call a Lisp routine? )If you want to access AutoCAD System Variables, then you can set them from a script. With the above in mind, here is what we ensured:
Hurricane is to be totally non-intrusive to the users current AutoCAD setup. (Unlike other software) It shall not alter any of the users settings, or mess with any of the AutoCAD settings. Hurricane is to be "stand-alone". Hurricane will not only be transparent to AutoCAD, but will not modify the users operating system in any way. By keeping Hurricane script based, we keep Hurricane as simple as possible, and flexible to work with ANY version of AutoCAD the supports scripting (which is basically all of them, including LT).
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Upgrade PolicyALL upgrades to the newest version of Hurricane are FREE.
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What are the system requirements to run Hurricane?Hurricane has been tested to run on the following Operating Systems:
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows ME
Windows NT
Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows VistaNOTE: Please disable "UAC" (User Account Control) in Windows Vista. Instructions-> Link #1 Link #2 Disabling UAC will stop all the annoying confirmation boxes asking you again and again if you know what you are doing.
It's safe to say, that if AutoCAD is installed and running, then Hurricane can go there too!
Hurricane's main menu needs a resolution of at least 1024x768
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What are my software requirements to run Hurricane?Hurricane is a stand-alone program.
Hurricane is not dependent on any other software, nor does it tie-in directly to AutoCAD. Hurricane generates a batch SCRIPT file, which it then "hands-off" to AutoCAD to perform repetitive tasks.
Of course we recommend having AutoCAD on the same PC as Hurricane, but it is not necessary.
Because Hurricane generates batch script files, these files can be generated on any computer, and written to a location of your choice. But remember, Hurricane doesn't process the files... AutoCAD does.
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Can I use Hurricane with Mechanical Desktop, Land Desktop or other verticals?Yes,
Hurricane will work with any AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT base system, including Mechanical Desktop, Architectural Desktop, and Land Desktop.
Please Download Hurricane and give it a try with your system.
Of course, depending on your systems configuration, Hurricane may have to have it's settings adjusted to suit your particular needs.
You may have to edit your PREBATCH command.
See How do I configure the SETTINGS Tab, accordingly.Please contact us if you need some assistance.
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What version of AutoCAD do I need?Hurricane works with ANY version of AutoCAD which supports scripting.
This includes AutoCAD R14 through 2008, Architectural Desktop, Mechanical Desktop etc... and is LT compatible.
- AutoCAD 14
- AutoCAD 2000
- AutoCAD 2002
- AutoCAD 2004
- AutoCAD 2005
- AutoCAD 2006
- AutoCAD 2011
NOTE: AutoCAD LT users should take advantage of their ability to use SCRIPTS as a form of automation, as they do not have the ability to run lisp routines. Also see... AutoCAD LT won't run lisp... BUT...
Although Hurricane will work with older versions of AutoCAD, it is not covered in our documentation. If you wish to use Hurricane with AutoCAD v13 or under please consult us so we can assist you. Please contact Support.
If you would like to try Hurricane with a version of AutoCAD NOT listed above, feel free to do so. It won't harm your AutoCAD setup to give it a try.
Remember, Hurricane just generates a script file that AutoCAD runs. So, if AutoCAD can't understand the script, it just won't run it.
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Installation Options (Network or Local Installation)When you download the Hurricane.Zip file, you will find a single file inside the ZIP named hurricane-#.#.#-setup.exe (where #.#.# is the version number)
Note: This "installer" serves only two functions
It copies all relevant files to the destination you specify and
Creates all required shortcuts in your Start menu. (It DOES NOT install any system files or make changes to your system) To Install Hurricane
Step #1 - Extract and double-click on the hurricane-#.#.#-setup.exe file to launch the installation process.Step #2 - Following the prompts, you will be able to choose where to put the Hurricane installation.
Because of the way Hurricane is designed, you can specify ANY directory, Local, Network or Shared. You can even install it on a USB Flash DriveNote: Once Hurricane is "installed", only the PC which performed the installation will have the shortcuts created in the Start menu.
Step #3 - All other PC's need to have a shortcut created, pointing to the hurricane.exe file on the Shared Drive/Network Server.
The benefits of installing to a Shared or Network Drive over a Local installation:
1) Everyone will have access to the same Scripts, FileLists, Favorites.
2) Managing licenses becomes simplified, as you can use a single instance of the Admin Tool to view all license keys and demo users.
3) When it's time to upgrade, you only have to upgrade a single location.
Note: Once Hurricane is installed, it's folder (and contents) can be moved to any other location without the need to uninstall and re-install.
Please see the Licensing Methods to learn about the many options for authorizing Hurricane in your office.
Tip: If you choose to install to a Shared Drive or Network Server, ensure that others have write access to the root "Hurricane" directory and all it's sub directories.
The very first time the hurricane.exe is run from each of the different PC's, the main executable and support files will be extracted in real-time (unless they have already been extracted from a previous run), and a check is made to ensure the PC has installed the correct drawing viewer OCX, if it is not installed it will be copied over and registered.
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Hurricane Setup - What do I do first?Once you install Hurricane and run it, make sure to set up the OPTIONS. Do this by selecting the Tools-->Options menu in Hurricane.
Please see the following Hurricane Setup Presentation, or continue below.
The most important settings are
1)"Compatibility"
2)"AutoCAD Executable Location" and
3)"Hurricane Output Script Output Location"(Note: You can leave the Switches/Parameters and Alternate Batch Script Output blank)
Also, look over the PREFS tab, and select any options you require.
"Show Drawing Preview Window when program starts Option - You may want the Drawing Preview window to automatically appear when Hurricane Starts... (Recommended setting is checked)
"Auto-minimize on creation of a batch script Option - Also, power users may want Hurricane to Auto-Minimize as soon as a script is created, this should save you yet another 2 seconds, as you won't have to ALT-TAB back to AutoCAD to run the script, if AutoCAD is your underlying application, then it will become focused. (Recommended setting is UNchecked (for beginners))
"Launch Script in Text Editor when Created" Option - When you create a script, you may want to take a look at it's contents as soon as you click the "Create" button. (Recommended setting is checked)
"Delay Value" - Setting - Allows you to specify a DELAY time in milliseconds that is automatically inserted in the script when the "Delay" Checkbox is selected.
"Automatically Add Directory Names to Recent Folders List" Option - Hurricane has the ability to "remember" where you selected files from... (don't you hate having to HUNT for the same files and directories all day long!?) With this option checked, the directories of the files you generate a script with are automatically added to the "Recent Folders" list. If you ever want to hunt down that job you did but was buried in 20 subdirectories, then you should leave this checked. (Recommended setting is checked)
"Display Script Syntax Warnings" Option - Does a basic scan of the script for double-spaces, and empty lines that have spaces on them (which would be hard to notice unless you were looking for them) (Recommended setting is checked)
Make sure you press "OK" to save your changes.
If you are done setting up Hurricane, why not check out the rest of the FAQ to learn how to use Hurricane and it's time-saving features?
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How do I configure the SETTINGS Tab?There are a number of things that can be accomplished in the SETTINGS tab:
You have several text boxes that can contain script commands. Each is listed with the possibilities:
PREBATCH COMMAND - This text box allows you to run a default set of commands BEFORE the rest of the batch script. This command is run BEFORE the first drawing is opened in the script. Typically, you can set your SDI variable, see Setup AutoCAD 2000 (and higher) - SDI system variable
(command "_new" ".") - will open a new drawing without using a template.
(command "_new" "Y" " ") - this can open a new drawing discarding the currently opened drawing.(The above two command sequences are handy if your AutoCAD loads a default template and runs commands on it each time you start AutoCAD. You will experience the "Save Changes?" prompt, and your batch script will not run because of this.)
PREUSERSCRIPT - This text box allows you to run a default set of commands AFTER the drawing is opened, but BEFORE the rest of the USER SCRIPT. This is handy if you always want to ensure that every drawing processed has certain System Variables set, or each drawing is ZOOM Extents. Please see AutoCAD System Variables Listing for a list of all AutoCAD system variables which you can set.
POSTUSERSCRIPT - This text box allows you to run a default set of commands AFTER the USER SCRIPT is executed and the drawing is saved.
POSTBATCH COMMAND - This text box allows you to run a default set of commands AFTER the BATCH SCRIPT. Here you would reset your SDI variable back to 0 (if that is your preference).
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AutoCAD Setup - Running a ScriptThere are a few ways to run a script generated with Hurricane.
1) Hurricane can launch a new session of AutoCAD and run the script all in one step (by pressing the "CREATE AND RUN" button) (Assuming the user has properly SETUP Hurricane)
2) If you would like to add the toolbar buttons to AutoCAD to launch the Hurricane script, included with Hurricane in the /Hurricane/MENU/ directory:
hurricane.mnu
hurricane.bmp3) Copy these to your AutoCAD/SUPPORT directory
4) Using the MENULOAD command, install the mnu file. Simply clicking the Hurricane button will invoke the last script generated by Hurricane. Please see your Help file for more detailed instructions if you wish to use this.
CLICK "YES"
You should see the HURRICANE name in the MENU GROUPS, and the Hurricane ToolBar should show up in your AutoCAD session.
Click this toolbar AFTER you have created a Hurricane Batch Script to run it.
5) The least popular method is to manually run a script by either selecting "Run Script..." from the Tools menu (in AutoCAD), or by typing "script" at the AutoCAD command prompt, where you will be presented with a file-selector, then navigate to the AutoCAD/SUPPORT/ folder and select the "hurricane.scr" file to run it.
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Setup AutoCAD 2000 (and higher) - SDI system variablePlease note the new system variable "SDI"
SDI stands for "Single Document Interface"
By default AutoCAD 2000 and up are set to MDI (Multiple Document Interface, whereby you can open more than one drawing at a time)
As AutoCAD version 2000 introduced the ability to have several drawings open at once, AutoDesk included the system variable to enable/disable this ability.
If using AutoCAD 2000/(i)/LT, it is recommended that you set SDI to 1. (You don't have to, but you may see some performance issues with AutoCAD)
If you have SDI set to 0, then when you start a batch script created with Hurricane, you will end up opening ALL the files simultaneously that you are attempting to process, rather than opening one at a time.
You can put the SDI 1 system variable in the "SETUP" tabs "PREBATCH COMMAND" field, and SDI 0 in the "SETUP" tabs "POSTBATCH COMMAND" field. See How do I configure the SETTINGS Tab for more information.
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How much does Hurricane cost?Current pricing information can be found at the Order Page.
Or order directly from:
Hurricane at SWReg.com
(http://usd.swreg.org/soft_shop/47387/index.shtml)There are discounts for multiple seats, please Enter a value in the SWReg site order screen, check the site for up-to-date information.
Hurricane also has "Domain" level licensing, please contact us for pricing.
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How do I purchase Hurricane?Our secure merchants accept a wide variety of payment options.
Online - Credit-card
Fax - Fax Credit-card
Phone - Phone Credit-card
Purchase Order - Fax request
Check/Money Order - Mail request
Wire Transfer - Fax requestPlease see the Order Page for ordering options.
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How the licensing worksWhen Hurricane is run for the first time, it generates a serial number based on the current users information (Default). This serial number is viewable from the "Help -> Serial Number & Unlock Code" menus.
Please select the method you wish to use to license Hurricane. This serial number is specific to your installation option (User or Machine)(If licensing to USB Flash Drive please click here.
If you feel your company has a lot of staff "turnover", then please consider licensing to the "Machine" or "USB Flash Drive". This way, your employees can come and go, and your license is tied to your Network ID, or "USB Flash Drive", rather than their UserName.
In all cases:
A ".DMO" file is generated based on your serial number.
The format of the file is [serial number].DMO.If you select "License to the Machine", then your DMO file will have the format [serial number]-PC.DMO.
If you select "License to USB Flash Drive", then your DMO file will have the format [serial number]-USB.DMO.
This is YOUR serial number. When you wish to purchase Hurricane, provide this serial number (DMO File) and you will be returned a KEY file. Your generated KEY file, when placed in the /KEYS/ directory will ACTIVATE the full version of Hurricane.
If purchasing multiple seats of Hurricane please retrieve the serial numbers (DMO files) from each seat you wish to license. The serial number will be different depending on which option you choose (License to USER/PC/USB Flash Drive).
Also, see Network Installation, and the Administrator Tool to retrieve multiple serial numbers (DMO files), or simply press the "Get .DMO file" button to open the /KEYS/ directory where the DMO(s) are stored.
Please make sure you read the license agreement at Hurricane License Agreement.
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Licensing OptionsHurricane is designed to be flexible in many ways. There are a couple of options when licensing Hurricane.
1) License to the USER - With this method the Serial Number is generated based on the USERS identification, NOT the computers identification. The user is free to change PC's, hardware etc, and as long as the user is logged into Windows, then their Serial Number and Unlock code combination will function.
(See What is my UserName?)
Please Note: We will not release Unlock Codes for "generic" login names like "administrator", "user", "guest", "anybody", "winuser" etc...2) License to the PC - With this method, the Serial Number is generated based on the PC's Identification, NOT the user. Once registered, ANY user can run Hurricane locally from the registered PC. You are still free to make hardware upgrades to the PC. Note: If you re-install the OS, you will have to make sure that your Network Identification is the same as previously specified, or Hurricane will not unlock.
(See What is my Computer ID?)
Please Note: We will not release Unlock Codes for "generic" computer names like "Win2KBox", "UserPC", "MyPC", etc...3) License to Removable Media (USB Flash Drive) - With this method Hurricane is locked to the physical USB drive. You can move Hurricane from computer to computer by physically moving the USB drive. Hurricane runs directly from the USB drive. Once registered to the drive, the drive is permanently registered to run Hurricane (unless you reformat the drive).
(See License to USB Flash Drive)4) License to Domain - Have Hurricane run on your serves WITHOUT the need for managing KEYS, or pushing updates/licenses.
This is the ideal solution for large corporations. Please contact us for more information.When installing to a Network installation, your users will be able to use methods 1 & 2 above (any combination of which) to authorize their seat.
In other words, you could have 10 license installation; with 7 licensed to username, and 3 licensed to the PC's. The 7 users would be able to exchange/share PC's (move around the office), and the 3 licenses to PC's would remain stationary (ie. dedicated plotter PC's)Also, please see Admin Tool for easy management of user registrations. (See What is a ".DMO" file?)
Using the Admin Tool, you can restrict each Hurricane interface to Simple Mode, for preventing some users from editing scripts. This way you can have some users in "admin" mode, that can edit/administer the scripts, and you can have some users in "Simple" mode, where they can only run them, but not edit them.
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How do I retrieve Hurricane's .DMO file (serial number)?The serial number for your particular installation is found under Hurricane's
"Help" menu, under
"Serial Number & Unlock Code"
This serial number is specific to your installation based on the Licensing Options you select.
The serial number is coded into a file, we call a "DMO" file. We require you to SEND US this file so we can generate the appropriate KEY file.
So please provide the .DMO file for the user you wish to license, or the Machine you wish to license.
If purchasing multiple seats of Hurricane please retrieve the .DMO files from each seat you wish to license.
Please see How do I order Hurricane?
If you are interested in an "Enterprise License", please contact us for instructions.
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What is my UserName?Your username is the name you "login" to your Network with.
Typically it is a lot like your name, like John Smith, might be "jsmith".
You can find your Network Login name by clicking on the
button, then click on
.
DO NOT LOGOFF, but instead look in the dropdown menu to see an entry to "Log off _______". Your username will be after the logout.
(Your OS may be slightly different)Press CANCEL to return without Logging Off.
Tip: Please ensure that you are logged in as yourself (not administrator) before documenting your Serial Number when purchasing Hurricane.
To retrieve multiple serial numbers please see Admin Tool.
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What is my Computer ID?Your Computer ID can be found by RIGHT-Clicking on your "My Computer" icon on your desktop, then clicking on "Properties".
Clicking on the "Network" Tab, you should see something like this...
Your computer name can be changed, typically by an "administrator". So after you upgrade your PC, you may want to make sure that your "new" computer has the SAME Network ID as the last one (if possible).
If you would rather lock Hurricane to your Computers ID, or to a USB Flash Drive then please see How do I retrieve Hurricane's .DMO file (serial number)?
Also, please see Admin Tool.
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I've rebuilt my PC. What do I do?If you have licensed to USER:
Simply log-in to your new PC with the same UserName you previously used, and place the .KEY file into the /KEYS/ directory, and Hurricane will become unlocked.If you have licensed to Machine (PC)
Simply rename your Computer Network ID to the one you previously used (see your IT administrator), place your old .KEY file into the /KEYS/ directory, and Hurricane will become unlocked.Although we do our best to keep your unlock information handy, we cannot guarantee that it is on record.
It is up to YOU to backup your unlock information. If you follow the above, you will NEVER have a problem.
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License to USB Flash DriveHurricane can be run from, and licensed to, a USB Flash Drive, and once the drive is removed from the PC, so is Hurricane.
Pluses:
+This can be convenient for contractors that want to use Hurricane on several different PC's while not actually installing Hurricane on a clients PC.+You can carry your USB Drive with you, and always have Hurricane available to be "plugged-in" at a moments notice.
+Never have to worry about your license KEY.
Negatives:
-If you lose/damage your USB Flash Drive, you lose Hurricane (anyone who aquires your USB drive will be able to plug it into their machine, and have fully licensed Hurricane).To use this method of Licensing:
1) Insert a USB Flash Drive into your PC.2) Download Hurricane and run the setup program. When asked for a location to install Hurricane to, specify an appropriate directory on the USB Flash Drive.
3) Once Hurricane is executed from the USB Flash Drive, it will sense this, and allow you to 'lock' the installation to the USB Flash Drive. To do this, go to the "Help->Serial Number & Unlock Code" menu, and select "License to USB Flash Drive" from the list of available options. (It should NOT be greyed out like the screenshot below).
4) Click on "Get .DMO File" to isolate your DMO file.
5) Once you select one of the Registration Services, and complete payment, please make sure to send us the ".DMO" file. (If you forget to send it, you will receive an e-mail requesting it).
6) We will return a "KEY" file, which you will place in your /KEYS/ directory (on the USB Flash Drive), and that drive will now run Hurricane forever.
IMPORTANT - Before selecting the USB licensing option you must FIRST make sure your USB Flash drive is COMPATIBLE. Do this by following the above steps (1 through 5). If you see a serial number, then the USB Flash drive is compatible, if you don't see a serial number, then that USB Flash drive is NOT compatible. You will need to source yourself another USB Flash drive.
Please remember your KEY files are unique, and are tied to the 'fingerprint' of your USB Flash Drive. We are not responsible if you should lose or break your USB Flash Drive. The KEY will work for the life of the drive. If you kill your drive, Hurricane dies along with it.
NOTE: Any time you plug your USB Flash Drive into a new computer, and wish to activate Hurricane, you must launch Hurricane and go to the "Help->Serial Number and Unlock Code" screen, and SELECT "License to USB Flash Drive", and click "Close". Once you restart Hurricane, it will become activated on the new PC. You will only need to do this once per PC, as the licensing method will be stored in that computers registry. If at a later time you wish to license Hurricane to the PC, simply install Hurricane to the local PC, and go to the "Help->Serial Number and Unlock Code" screen, and select the method of licensing you wish to use... then return the .DMO file to us.
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License to EnterpriseHurricance can be setup to run fully licensed on large corporate systems.
Hurricane will run fully licensed from your users PC's or Network (or both) displaying your corporations name in the Title-Bar, no strings attached.
Pluses:
+This can be convenient for large CAD departments, or where AutoCAD users are dispersed around the country.+Never have to worry about licensing, or KEYS, as Hurricane will come up fully enabled every time.
+Never have to worry about "pushing" updates/patches to users. Simply update one executable, and you are done.
Please Contact us to use this method of Licensing.
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License to Enterprise - Lease OptionMuch like License to Enterprise, Hurricane can be licensed to run for a period of time, and then expire.
This an more affordable method of licensing for people who need to expense Hurricane on a particular project, or for a known period of time.
Pluses:
+This can be convenient for large CAD departments, or where AutoCAD users are dispersed around the country, and Hurricane is only needed for the length of a project.+Never have to worry about licensing, or KEYS, as Hurricane will come up fully enabled every time.
+Never have to worry about "pushing" updates/patches to users. Simply update one executable, and you are done.
+Licensing can be easily extended at any time.
+If running off a Network Drive, never have to worry about "pushing" updates/patches to users. Simply update one executable, and you are done.
For more information regarding this method of licensing, please contact us.
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Is it safe to purchase online?Ordering is completely safe because our online stores reside on secure servers and your credit card details are protected at all times using state of the art encryption technology.
Please note that we do not store credit card information. Period.
Before transferring, all information (including your name, credit card number, expiration date and so on) is encrypted using SSL industry-standard encryption to one of our secure online merchants.
We offer a variety of ways to purchase Hurricane... Please click here for more information
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What is the Admin Tool?The "Admin Tool" is a small utility that comes with Hurricane (accessible either through the Windows START menu or by launching it directly from the KEYS directory)
It is used to "retrieve" your serial numbers, making it easier to manage everything.
It is most useful when used on a Network installation where multiple users are accessing the same Hurricane executable, as it allows you to:
1) See WHO has run Hurricane from the network drive, and is in DEMO mode (and needs/wants to be licensed).
2) See WHO is licensed.
3) Retrieve multiple serial numbers from your system, to easily manage your Hurricane users.
4) Count the number of Licensed Users.
5) Put users of your choice into "Simple Mode", which removes the ability for them to directly edit a script. This is for administrators who want to create scripts that are FINALIZED and everyone will use.
(See "Simple Mode" Explained)
(See What is a .simple file?)
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What is the "/SCRIPTS-SIMPLE/" directory?If you decide to put Hurricane into "Simple Mode", you will be limiting the interface of Hurricane to only allow the user to run "predefined" scripts.
The /SCRIPTS-SIMPLE/ directory is where you would put those scripts.
Whatever script you put in the /SCRIPTS-SIMPLE/ directory becomes visible in Simple Mode, in the script selection box.
The other /SCRIPTS/ directory is not used by any user running in Simple Mode.
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What is a ".DMO" file?If you look inside your "C:/Program Files/Hurricane/KEYS" directory (or wherever you put Hurricane, such as a network drive) you will notice that after you have run Hurricane (at least once), there will be at least one file with a ".DMO" extension.
The filename will be a series of numbers, i.e. - #######.DMO
This file is your Personal Serial Number. It was generated based on your Network User Name (default), or can be changed to be based on your Computers Network ID.
You MAY DELETE these files at any time, as they will be recreated each time you restart Hurricane.
The DMO and SN files are used only by the Admin Tool to list all the active Hurricane users serial numbers as either still being in DEMO Mode, or being registered.
The Admin Tool looks in the directory it was launched from and lists all DMO files in the DEMO or "UnRegistered Serial Numbers" list, and lists all .SN files in the "Registered Serial Numbers" list. (See What is a ".SN" file?)
This allows you to easily see how many, and who is licensed and unlincensed.
Note: You will only see multile DMO and SN files if you are running Hurricane in a Network configuration.
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What is a ".SN" file?Once you purchase Hurricane and place a ".KEY" file in the Huricane directory. Hurricane will no longer create a ".DMO" file (What is a ".DMO" file?) What is the ".KEY" file?
After Hurricane deletes the .DMO file it creates a ".SN" file, which tells the Admin Tool that serial number ######.SN has been licensed, and to display it in the "Licensed" column of the Admin Tool, allowing you to distinguish between licensed and unlicensed seats of Hurricane.
In fact, Hurricane will remove the DMO file for any LICENSED serial number that it finds. This way the Admin Tool list (when viewed) is kept up to date.
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What is the ".KEY" file?When you purchase Hurricane you will receive a "Name + unlock code" along with a .KEY file.
The above information together with your SERIAL NUMBER will unlock Hurricane.
The "KEY" file contains this information, and when placed in the Hurricane directory, will unlock Hurricane without having to enter any information manually.
Once Hurricane is licensed, you can delete the .KEY file, but we recommend that you leave it in the Hurricane directory.
If you ever swap computers, or login remotely, the .KEY file will AUTO-ACTIVATE Hurricane if the license information is lost by switching PC's.
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What is a .simple file?This file is created by the admin tool when you select a particular users serial number/name and put them into "Simple Mode".
When Hurricane runs, it will see this file, and put itself into Simple Mode.
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How do I contact support?Before contacting support, to save yourself some time, please...
Make sure you read the help files, and you can also try the FAQ found at FAQ
(But your probably already reading it!)The FORUM is a good place to meet-up with other Hurricane users. The updates/patches, tricks and tips are also posted there. It has a good search functionality.
Hurricane Tutorials are now available.
The website 74mph.com has a search functionality (off the drop-down menu on the far right), so if you are looking for something particular, you can put the keyword in the search engine and hopefully you should get some results. (This search doesn't search the FORUM)
Then please with your questions, comments or suggestions.If you have a scripting issue/question, please include a detailed description of what is going on...
AND in a ZIP file, please include
-your user script
-your output script (hurricane.scr)
-any DWG files that are pertinant to your issues...This should quicken the time it takes to solve your issue/question...
Thanks!
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Is there a Newsletter?Yes.
Subscribing to the newsletter is as easy as creating a free user account on our forum.
Please Join the Forum, and you will be notified every time there is a new release, bug-fix or other news pertaining to getting even more out of Hurricane.
Plus you have the added bonus of being able to communicate with other Hurricane users, and hopefully help expand your knowledge of AutoCAD, and automation techniques.
Newsletters will be sent out as information becomes available.
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Can I contribute to this FAQ?Yes, please do!
Please see the contact page, and feel free to write us an e-mail!! We welcome your comments!
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Can I link to this FAQ?Sure,
Here is the direct link:
http://www.74mph.com/faq/faq.html
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What is the meaning of "74mph"?Read this document to find out (and learn a few things!)
Tropical Disturbance
Unorganized mass of thunderstorms that lasts for more than 24 hours. Very little, if any, organized wind circulation.Tropical Depression
Closed wind circulation around a center with sustained wind from 20-34 knots (23-39mph).Tropical Storm
Distinct circulation. Maximum sustained winds are from 35-64 knots (40-74mph). The storm is named once it reaches this strength.Hurricane
Pronounced circulation. Maximum sustained winds exceed 64 knots (74mph).Catagory One Hurricane
Minimal Hurricane. Winds of 64-83 knots (74-95mph). Minimum surface pressure is higher than 980mb. Storm surge of 3-5 feet.Catagory Two Hurricane
Moderate Hurricane. Winds of 84-96 knots (96-110mph). Minimum surface pressure is between 979-965mb. Storm surge of 6-8 feet.Catagory Three Hurricane
Extensive Hurricane. Winds of 97-113 knots (111-130mph). Minimum surface pressure is between 964-945mb. Storm surge of 9-12 feet.Catagory Four Hurricane
Extreme Hurricane. Winds of 114-135 knots (131-155mph). Minimum surface pressure is between 944-920mb. Storm surge of 13-18 feet. Example: Hurricane Andrew (1992).Catagory Five Hurricane
Catastrophic Hurricane. Winds greater than 135 knots (155mph). Storm surge greater than 18 feet. Example: Hurricane Mitch (1998).Gale Warning
Issued when winds of 39-54 mph are expected.Hurricane Watch
Issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.Hurricane Warning
Issued when hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours or less. Includes winds of 74mph and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Take action immediately.Flash Flood Watch
Flash flooding possible...stay alert.Flash Flood Warning
Flash flood imminent. Take action immediately.Tornado Watch
Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.Tornado Warning
Tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take action immediately.Severe Thunderstorm Watch
Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area. Tornadoes possible in or around this area.Severe Thunderstorm Warning
Severe thunderstorms are occuring. Tornadoes possible in or around this area.Fujita Tornado Scale (F-Scale)
Classification system for tornadoes. Developed in 1971 by Dr. Theodore Fujita.F-0 Tornado
Minimal Tornado. Winds of 40-72mph. Frequency: 29%.F-1 Tornado
Moderate Tornado. Winds of 73-112mph. Frequency: 40%.F-2 Tornado
Major Tornado. Winds of 113-157mph. Frequency: 24%.F-3 Tornado
Severe Tornado. Winds of 158-206mph. Frequency: 6%.F-4 Tornado
Devastating Tornado. Winds of 207-260mph. Frequency: 2%.F-5 Tornado
Incredible Tornado. Winds of 261-318mph. Frequency: less than 1%.
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File RenamerHurricanes built-in File Renamer allows you to rename your files in a variety of ways.
First, populate your Queue with the files you wish to rename. Then press CTRL-R or select "Tools->Utilities->File Renamer" from Hurricane's menu.
Select the method you wish to use, enter the details and press "Preview".
This will generate a list showing the output.Notes
1) The lists are synchronized, so if you scroll down in one, the other will follow.2) Hold you mouse over a filename in the "Before" list to show it's full path as a tool-tip.
3) DoubleClick filenames in the "After" list to manually edit the names.
When you are happy with the new names, press "Finalize It!" at the bottom, and if there are no filename conflicts, your files will be renamed.
TIP: If there are any conflicts, you may have to rename your files to an intermediate name. i.e. If you are renumbering files and find the filenames overlap with existing files, you might have to first rename them into a range of numbers outside your working range, then rename them back to the range you
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TAGSUser Tags are a quick way to substitute text in your script for any dynamic information that may change from drawing to drawing, or day to day.
There are three types of TAGS, each of which has their own uses.
1) Static TAGS
2) Dynamic TAGS
3) Project TAGSOnce you are familiar with using TAGS, you may want to take a look at Hurricanes META-Commands. All these features bring a level of customization not found in any other AutoCAD scripting software.
Tip: You can combine and even nest TAGS in some cases!
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Static TAGSHurricane has 40 user definable STATIC Tags as well as Dynamic TAGS and Project TAGS.
You can place these TAGS anywhere in the Hurricane script, and once compiled, the $TAG#$ will be substituted with whatever text you have defined in the Setup Screen (shown below).
The benefits of using STATIC TAGS in your scripts enable you to have CONSTANT data between your scripts. In other words, if you had several scripts, each of which contained the same Customer Name text, you could replace the Customer Name with a STATIC TAG. Then when your Customer Name changes, you don't have to edit several user scripts, you just edit the TAG reference.
All user scripts will update automatically each time they are used.
Here is the Static Tags Setup Screen which is accessible by either clicking on the "TOOLS->User Tag Manager" menu, or by clicking the "Editor" Button, and then clicking on the "SETUP" button beside the "Dynamic and Static" TAGS buttons.
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Dynamic TAGSDynamic Tags such as these update themselves based on current system information (date/time), or drawing specific information, filename/path etc.
$DATE$ - Substitutes the current date in Long format.
eg. "Monday January 21, 2002".$DD/MM/YY$ - Substitutes the current date in DAY/MONTH/YEAR format.
eg. "21/1/02".$MM/DD/YY$ - Substitutes the current date in MONTH/DAY/YEAR format.
eg. "1/21/02".$YY/MM/DD$ - Substitutes the current date in YEAR/MONTH/DAY format.
eg. "02/1/21".$YYYY$ - Substitutes the current full Year .
eg. "2003".$YY$ - Substitutes the current two digit Year.
eg. "03".$MM$ - Substitutes the current Month.
eg. "01".$DD$ - Substitutes the current Day.
eg. "31".You can combine tags to create more complex date formats like $MM$-$DD$-$YYYY$
$TIME_12$ - Substitutes the current time in 12 hour format (AM/PM)
eg. "12:00 PM".$TIME_24$ - Substitutes the current time in 24 hour format
eg. "13:00".$FILEPATH$ - Substitutes the currently opened files PATH
eg. "C:\BACKUP\DRAWINGS\PROJECT_5\"$FILEPATH-1$ - Substitutes the currently opened files path PARENT directory,
eg. if the file was in "C:\BACKUP\DRAWINGS\PROJECT_5\", then $FILEPATH-1$ = "C:\BACKUP\DRAWINGS\"$FILEPATH-x$ - (x can be any value from 1 to 9) Substitutes the currently opened files path x PARENT directory.
$FILEDRIVE$ - Substitutes the currently opened files DRIVE (or ROOT directory).
eg. if the file was in "C:\BACKUP\DRAWINGS\PROJECT_5\", then $FILEDRIVE$ is "C:\"$FILENAME$ - Substitutes the currently opened files FILENAME
eg. "DRAWING005" (does NOT include the files EXTENSION i.e. DWG)$FILENAME-PREV$ - Substitutes the PREVIOUS file in the Queue's FILENAME
eg. "DRAWING005" (does NOT include the files EXTENSION i.e. DWG)$FILENAME-NEXT$ - Substitutes the NEXT file (in the Queue) FILENAME
eg. "DRAWING005" (does NOT include the files EXTENSION i.e. DWG)Note: You can combine TAGS to form whatever combinations of text you wish. If you want to put the files full path and filename in your drawing, use the following format: $FILEPATH$$FILENAME$.DWG
$FILECOUNTINQUEUE$ - Substitutes the current filecount in the Queue
eg. "124"
eg. "1452"$FIRSTFILECHARS$ - Substitutes the currently opened files FIRST x characters of the filename. (has Options in "Configure Tags" screen. eg. DRAWING005.DWG with a setting of 2 will substitute "DR".
$SHEET$ - Substitutes the currently opened files LAST x characters of the filename (NOT INCLUDING THE EXTENSION). (has Options in "Configure Tags" screen. eg. DRAWING005.DWG with a setting of 2 (and "trim leading zeros" is checked, will substitute "5" (if the last characters are numeric), otherwise zeros will not be stripped)
$SHEET-PREV$ - Substitutes the previously opened files LAST x characters of the filename
(NOT INCLUDING THE EXTENSION).$SHEET-NEXT$ - Substitutes the next drawing (in the Queues') LAST x characters of the filename (NOT INCLUDING THE EXTENSION).
$COUNTER$ - Substitutes the value of a counter (has Options in "Configure Tags" screen. You can set the start-point, and the step-value.
$HUR_PATH$ - Substitutes the directory path from which Hurricane was started.
eg. "C:/Program Files/Hurricane/"$USER$ - Substitutes the current users network login name.
eg. "John Smith"$COMPUTER$ - Substitutes the current computers network name.
eg. "ARD1528-6"and $TAG1$ through $TAG40$ (user definable STATIC TAGS) can be placed anywhere in a script, and when the main Hurricane "CREATE" button is pressed, the appropriate "real-time" value for those tags will be substituted into the main batch script.
This tag configuration screen is accessible from several locations in Hurricane. One being being from within the Editor (See "Editor" Button)
Make sure you check out the Title-Block Update Wizard for some cool TAG useage examples.
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Project TAGSProject TAGS are an advanced feature. They take the concept of "STATIC TAGS" to a new level, by allowing you to define STATIC TAGS on a Project by Project basis (defined by the DIRECTORY that the Project resides in) This works especially well when you have Hurricane in SIMPLE MODE.
In other words, if you had two projects, one in N:\Project1\ and another in N:\Project2\, you could define a set of TAGS for each project with the SAME names, in the SAME scripts, and they would automatically be substituted into each project depending on which directory the project was defined in.
You can access the Project Tags Setup screen by selecting it from the TOOLS menu
Once selected the Projec TAG Manager Setup screen appears.
In the example above, you may wish to define your "Associated Path" as ?:\Project1\ rather than N:\Project1\ as each user using the script may have the drive mapped to a different letter.
You can make certian projects "Active" or "Inactive", depending on how thoroughly you wish Hurricane to search through the Project data files to try to find a match when compiling a script.
Once a PRJ file is defined (along with the Associated path, and respective $PROJECTDATA#$ TAGS), you only have to add the $PROJECTDATA#$ TAGS to your user script to have them function.
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META-CommandsThis FAQ is still work in progress...
MetaCommands allow the user some control over Hurricanes application settings (The Hurricane Interface)
By adding certain MetaCommands (commands that are invisible to AutoCAD because they are considered remarks in a normal script, denoted by the line starting with the ";" character)
Basically, the way a MetaCommand works, is that by adding certain "commands" to your script, by "hiding" them as a remark in your AutoCAD script, make it possible for you to control the way Hurricane behaves.
The format of the META Commands is quite simple. The first half is the Screen Element (Control) that you wish to set, and the second half (after the equal sign) is what you would like to set it to.
Screen Elements can be set True, False, or (in the case of a text box) to a TEXT string.
By adding the remark:
;SAVEAS=FALSE
Will set the SAVEAS checkbox (on the main screen) to be UNCHECKED ;SAVEAS=TRUE Will set the SAVEAS checkbox (on the main screen) to be CHECKED. ;TESTRUN=TRUE ;TESTRUN=FALSE ;DELAY=FALSE ;DELAY=TRUE ;SAVEAS.PREFIX="" (On the SAVEAS Tab) Will set the drawing prefix to whatever is contained in the quotes. example ;SAVEAS.PREFIX="REV2=" ;SAVEAS.SUFFIX="" ;SAVEAS.THISLOCATION="" ;SAVEAS.OVERWRITE=TRUE ;SAVEAS.OVERWRITE=FALSE ;TAGS.TEMPLATE="" Loads a particular Tag Template file (case sensitive) ;SORT.AUTO Sorts the Queue to the setting in Options->GUI->AutoSort ;SORT.ASCENDING ;SORT.DESCENDING ;SMARTSORT.ASCENDING ;SMARTSORT.DESCENDING Note that these commands are invisible to AutoCAD (because they are part of a commented line), and only Hurricane pays them attention.
More MetaCommands as you need them....
Feel free to suggest a MetaCommand to be added...
Tip: Use META-Commands in conjunction with Simple Mode for user/admin network scenarios.
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How to Launch FilesYou can launch ANY registered file-type by double-clicking on it in the File Selector or the Queue. Just change the "drawing" filter to any other file type, like *.TXT for example, and scan your hard drive for all TXT files, double clicking on them will load them into the registered app that handles TXT, in most cases this would be Notepad.exe.
You can also select/highlight files in the queue, then "right-click", and then left-click on "OPEN". You can highlight and open as many files as you like, but Hurricane will prompt you to continue after every 5 files.
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How to Drag and Drop Files
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How to Drag and Drop Folders (to Navigate Hurricane)
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How to Drag and Drop TXT files that contain lists of files into QueueIf you have another application that can generate file-lists in TXT format, just make sure the format is like the one shown here eg.filelist-example.txt
(If you need to import a different format, let me know, I can add your very easily)
Also See How can I import a list of files from another application?
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What are the "Filters" for?Think of the "filter" boxes as a place where you can type your "wildcard" entries. These will help narrow the scope of files to display in the respective windows.
There are two "filters". One is located in the drawing selector area, and the other is in the script file selector area. Both filters function in the same manner.
Filter - File Selector The drawing filter can narrow the scope of any file listed. The usual wildcards apply (* = everything, and ? for a particular character)
For instance, if you wanted to display all drawing files that began with the letter "A" then you would type a filter in such as:
A*.DWG
Filter - Script Files
There may come after time, where you may potentially have hundreds of scripts to choose from, and would like to be able to narrow-down the list quickly. The same thing applies to the script filter as above however, you don't need a * at the beginning or end of your string. So if you want to narrow your list of scripts to just those that have the word "PLOT" in their name, then just type PLOT in the filter box. Don't forget to clear the filter after you are done, or you might wonder why your list is so small! (Note: you can clear the SCRipt Filter quickly just by double-clicking on the filter text box)
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The "+" ButtonThe "+" button will add everything in all sub-directories (matching the file filter) to your file queue, starting at the currently selected directory in the drawing selector.
Think of it as a quick way to ad an entire project and it's sub directories to your file queue.
This saves you time by eliminating the repetitive work of entering each sub-directory on your hard-drive and manually adding all files to the queue.
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"SAVEAS Options" TabThis tab allows you to edit the settings for the SAVEAS option.
The feature is useful when you want to save your modified files to a NEW location. You can also, at the same time, alter the NAME of the drawing. The script on the "User Script" Tab still is applied, however the normally simple QSAVE command is REPLACED by a SAVEAS with options specified on the "SAVEAS Options" Tab.
When the SAVEAS checkbox is selected the settings in this tab become active. (This only matters when you press the "CREATE" button.
When the SAVEAS checkbox is UNChecked the settings on the SAVEAS TAB are ignored.
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"SAVEAS" Checkbox
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"Delay" CheckboxThe "Delay" check box is used to add a delay to the script
This is only useful when you want to "watch" what your script is doing, or stop it (by pressing the ESC key) after the first drawing is run, just to make sure everything worked the way you expected.
You can edit the DELAY time in the Tools->Options screen.
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"Test Run" CheckboxThe "Test Run" check box allows the user to apply a script to files without saving the changes.
In essence, "test run" the batch script. The drawing is exited cleanly, WITHOUT SAVING, after the changes are made.
Basically, Hurricane suppresses the QSAVE command.
So the general idea is this...
Here is an example:
This function is especially useful for when you are unsure if your script will function as expected. (Debug)
(If your script is very complex, you may want to run a "Test Run" on the first few drawing, to make sure things go smoothly)When a script is compiled with "Test Run" enabled, we recommend you select "Delay" as well.
(The Delay is settable on the "Tools -> Options -> Prefs Tab")
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"Display Scripts in DWG Directory" Checkbox
This checkbox will change the listed view to scripts that are stored in the currently selected directory (in the drawing file selector)
This way, you can store scripts designed to work with specific projects in that projects directory. For instance, you may have a project that requires a special plot script. This way, instead of keeping that script in your library, you can put it where it makes sense, with the project.
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"Explorer" ButtonWhen you press the "Explore" button, Hurricane launches Windows Explorer in the currently selected directory.
If you have a single file selected in Hurricane, the file will be highlighted in Explorer when it launches.
This is useful for file manipulations, renaming/copying etc...
Also see, What are some of Hurricanes "not-so apparent" features?
You can also right-click on the file queue area to display a menu, which will allow you to open any of the selected files in Windows Explorer.
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"Quick Pick" ButtonWhen you press the "Quick Pick" button, Hurricane is minimized and only the files displayed in the file selector are displayed in a floating tool window. This makes it very quick and easy to select drawings and load them into your AutoCAD session.
When you close the "Quick Pick" box, Hurricane will reappear.
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"Quick Queue" ButtonMuch like the "Quick Pick" button, the Quick Queue button hides the main Hurricane window and instead displays a "floating" file list/selector window, which has all the files listed that were in the file queue.
This allows you to easily navigate files in the queue and double-click them to open in AutoCAD.
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"Editor" ButtonWhen you click the "Editor" button (in the lower right hand corner of the script window), Hurricanes full script editor will appear. This will give you easy access to insert and configure user TAGS and insert code to load and run a lisp routine.
Clicking on the "Configure Tags" button with display the "User Tag Configuration" window.
Clicking on the "Load Lisp" button will display a dialog box requesting your lisp file to create the "load" code for.
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"Command Capture" ToolHurricane comes with the "Command Capture" feature which allows you to capture your most recent commands on a file and quickly create a script.
If you click on the "Tools -> Capture AutoCAD Commands to Script" menu item, you will be presented with the Command Capture Screen. Using this Tool, you can "record" your previous commands into a Hurricane Script.
Note: Mouse movements are not saved, only text items are.
Here is an example of a capture from a -PLOT command.
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"Favorites" ButtonPressing this button will display a list of recently used directories.
(This feature will only add directories automatically if you have the "Auto-Add directory names to "Favorites" folders list" option enabled... see Hurricane Setup - What do I do first? (Tools Menu -> OPTIONS)
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FileListsFile Lists are a quick way to save-off the files listed in your Queue.
You have the ability to "append" lists of files together, and even search for TXT files that contain lists of files.
Pressing the FileLists button will display the FileLists selector.
After you append many file-lists together, it is a good idea to "Remove Duplicates"
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"Preview" ButtonThe Preview button shows/hides the drawing preview window. This window makes it easy to see which drawing you currently have highlighted, and allow you to quickly add/remove files from your queue.
The Preview window floats over your Hurricane session, and shouldn't get in the way (if you position/size it to your liking). The size/position of the preview window are saved on Exit of Hurricane.
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"Verify" the Files in QueueThis is very handy in a large office situation, where many people can be working on many files. It's a pain having a script interrupted by a drawing that is "locked", so this will give you a warning.
This feature serves two purposes.
It checks to make sure all files in your queue:
EXIST (cause you never know when loading a FileList), and
are AVAILABLE to EDIT, (i.e. another AutoCAD user isn't working on the file, which will give you an error in AutoCAD saying "file is in-use or is read-only") When the check is performed, and a file is found to be either missing or "locked", a list is presented to the user and they can select to remove the offending files from the Queue, copy the list to clipboard.
Either way, the batch script is still created, but the warning message is displayed with options for the user.
You can access this feature in a couple of locations...
From the Main Menu:
From the context menu (Right click the Queue window)
"Always verify files" upon creation of a Batch Script has been added to the "Tools -> Options" menu. The user has the option to turn this off, and only have Hurricane verify the files if they select the option from the "Queue" menu.
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Removing Duplicate files in QueueBy right-clicking on files in the File Queue, a context menu will appear (or click menu Queue->Remove Duplicates).
The files in the Queue will be compared, and all duplicates will be removed.
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"Edit" and "Append" ModesWhen Edit mode is selected:
Each script you click on is placed into the script editor window, here they can either be edited, or just left as they are.When Append mode is selected
Each script you click on is ADDED to the end of the script which is already displayed in the script editor window. You are still free to edit the script in the script editor window, however each script you click on will be added to the end of the one already displayed.By keeping your scripts small (much like subroutines), you can add them together to create larger tasks.
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"Settings" TabThe "Setings" Tab allows you to specify a command to perform before the main portion of the batch script., as well as after the script is done.
For instance, if you put the QSAVE command in the PREBATCH Command, the next time you generate a script, the first thing that will happen is AutoCAD will save the currently open drawing.
Similar can be done with the POSTBATCH COMMAND string.
In the PREUSERSCRIPT Command string, you can put in any number of commands that you wish to use on every drawing, regardless of the script you select. We recommend using ZOOM E to start, or leave it blank.
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"Create and Run Batch Script" ButtonOnce you have:
1) Placed the appropriate filenames in the File Queue.
2) Either selected a script from the User Script List, or created one in the User Script Window.
3) Confirmed your settings
You can press the "Create and Run" button.
Pressing the button will launch AutoCAD and pass the script name (specified in the Hurricane options) to AutoCAD.
AutoCAD will then proceed to run the script until all commands are completed.
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"Create Batch Script" ButtonMuch like the "Create and Run Batch Script" button, this button only Creates the script, but does not automatically run it.
This is useful if you want to re/view the output of the script before actually commiting it to run.
If you have the option enabled to "Launch Script in Text Editor when Created", enabled. You will have your current text editor appear with the current batch script loaded.
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Sort the filenames in the QueueYes,
Simply right-click on the file-queue area and a menu will appear with many options.
* Sort -> Ascending/Descending
* Reverse
* Change Case
* Copy file names to clipboard
* <- Goto Dir (Changes the file selector view to the currently selected file)
* Open Explorer in Directory (Opens Windows Explorer in the currently selected files directory)(Also see "Smart-Sort" Explained)
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"Smart-Sort" Explained"Smart-Sort" is another way to sort your filenames.
This will allow the user to effectively sort all files in either "normal" sorting methods, or using "Smart-Sort". When used in conjunction with the "$SHEET$, $COUNTER$ and $FILECOUNTINQUEUE$" tags, the user has even more control over the output of their batch scripts.
You can edit your "Smart-Sort" settings in the GUI Tab of Hurricanes Options.
This chart explains the differences between regular sorting and Hurricanes "Smart-Sort".
c:\test\10.dwg
c:\test\11.dwg
c:\test\12.dwg
c:\test\13.dwg
c:\test\14.dwg
c:\test\15.dwg
c:\test\16.dwg
c:\test\17.dwg
c:\test\18.dwg
c:\test\19.dwg
c:\test\2.dwg
c:\test\20.dwg
c:\test\21.dwg
c:\test\22.dwg
c:\test\23.dwg
c:\test\24.dwg
c:\test\25.dwg
c:\test\26.dwg
c:\test\27.dwg
c:\test\28.dwg
c:\test\29.dwg
c:\test\3.dwg
c:\test\30.dwg
c:\test\31.dwg
c:\test\4.dwg
c:\test\5.dwg
c:\test\6.dwg
c:\test\7.dwg
c:\test\8.dwg
c:\test\9.dwg
c:\test\1.dwg
c:\test\2.dwg
c:\test\3.dwg
c:\test\4.dwg
c:\test\5.dwg
c:\test\6.dwg
c:\test\7.dwg
c:\test\8.dwg
c:\test\9.dwg
c:\test\10.dwg
c:\test\11.dwg
c:\test\12.dwg
c:\test\13.dwg
c:\test\14.dwg
c:\test\15.dwg
c:\test\16.dwg
c:\test\17.dwg
c:\test\18.dwg
c:\test\19.dwg
c:\test\20.dwg
c:\test\21.dwg
c:\test\22.dwg
c:\test\23.dwg
c:\test\24.dwg
c:\test\25.dwg
c:\test\26.dwg
c:\test\27.dwg
c:\test\28.dwg
c:\test\29.dwg
c:\test\30.dwg
c:\test\31.dwg
aa10.dwg
aa100.dwg
aa4.dwg
ba4.dwg
ba4.dwg
aa10.dwg
aa100.dwg
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Can Hurricane run in the Background?Yes.
There may come a time when you want to process several thousand drawings, but don't want to tie-up a workstation all day.
Because Hurricane DOES NOT take over AutoCAD like some other applications. It generates a SCRIPT which is USED by AutoCAD to do the work you can easily run a second session of AutoCAD
Maybe minimize the "batching AutoCAD session" and run another AutoCAD session to perform manual edits, or get your e-mail, or other daily tasks without having to worry about your batch.
Depending on the power of your workstation, this can be easily achieved. (Actually once AutoCAD has started processing your files (using the hurricane.scr file), you can safely CLOSE Hurricane completely), and minimize AutoCAD. You can then start a second session of AutoCAD, and perform edits on OTHER files.
(Note: Hurricane can be automatically minimized when you create a batch script... see the Tools->Options menu, and look on the GUI Tab)
We have done testing with two sessions of AutoCAD, (each running a different script generated by Hurricane), both AutoCAD sessions being independent of the other, and a third session doing manual edits. (The number of AutoCAD sessions that can run together is dependant on the power/memory of your workstation)
Basically, once the script is created and AutoCAD is running it, you don't even need Hurricane running at all. AutoCAD uses the script file generated, so at that point you can either start the script in AutoCAD and shut down Hurricane, or create a whole new script and start another AutoCAD session and run the second script. (See the Options->Config Tab, as there is an "Alternate Output Script" location you can specify)
When you want to create a "second" script, just specify it's location and give it a different name, and if you want to run that from your second AutoCAD session, you can just type SCRIPT and select the [differentnamedscript].scr to run.
If your workstation doesn't have enough power/memory, you can adjust AutoCAD's application "priority" level to "Normal" or "Below Normal"
(Note: Use the taskmanager, CTRL-ALT-DEL -> Taskmananger in Windows 2000 (and right-click the acad.exe application and change it's priority. This way, things being done in the foreground (your manual AutoCAD session) will take precedence over what is happening in the background)
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How do I update the text in all my TitleBlocks?First, you will have to create a common block that will reside in your drawings that will contain all the information and the format in which to display it. Be it a title-block for this example.
Inside that block (lets call it "TB"), have the "attributes" with tag names declared using the AutoCAD "ATTDEF" command. Lets assume that you have an attribute with a "Tag Name" of DRAWING_NAME, and another "Tag Name" of "DRAWN_BY".
(Note: These AutoCAD Tag/Attributes are not to be confused with Hurricanes TAGS (which I will always CAPITALIZE for emphasis)
(I've created a ZIP file with the TB.dwg file)
INSERT TB.dwg into your other drawings. You will notice that when you "INSERT" you will get some prompts like "DRAWN_BY:"... you can just hit [ENTER] to both prompts, and you should just see an empty box appear in your drawing.
Note: If you don't want AutoCAD to prompt you for the text attributes, then you can set ATTREQ to 0.
Once inserted into your drawing, if you type DDATTE in AutoCAD you should get a screen appear like this.
If you enter text into either of the boxes, and click OK, you will see it appear in your box.
(Note: If you explode the block in AutoCAD you will notice that the attribute names appear... this will be useful later on when you can't remember all the different attributes in a block. Just explode it to see, then UNDO)
How does Hurricane fit into this?
Hurricane has a built-in script creation Wizard, called "Title-Block Update Wizard". It has an interface that looks similar to the DDATTE edit window in AutoCAD. In it, you can specify the Title-Blocks (or any block with attributes) name, and specify what text should go where.
In our example, you might want to fill the boxes in the Hurricane Title-Block Update Wizard like this.
If you press the "CREATE" button in the Wizard, you should get a script created that looks like this...
(LOAD "C:/PROGRAM FILES/HURRICANE/LISP/TB_WIZ1.LSP")
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
DRAWN_BY
John Smith
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
DRAWING_NAME
$FILENAME$
REGEN
;-------------This script loads a lisp routine that will (in the open DWG file) take the block specified, and pass the text to the AutoCAD attributes/tag name.
You can then save the script for later use.
Notice the use of the $FILENAME$ (Hurricane TAG). When you then "CREATE and RUN" the script in Hurricane, the $FILENAME$ portion will be REPLACED by the actual filename of the drawing being worked on in the Queue. Just perform a CREATE SCRIPT on a bunch of drawings with the above user script and see what the output looks like. You will notice that in each repetition of the user script the $FILENAME$ has been updated with the REAL drawing name.
(Note: To test this out, and see the results in the "output script", without actually making changes to your drawing. Click the "Create Batch Script" in Hurricane and NOT the "Create and Run Batch Script" button. (Make sure you have "Launch Batch Script in Text Editor when Created" checkbox selected (in the Tools->Options menu, GUI Tab), as this let you see the results each time you press the "Create Batch Script Button))
Now, with this in mind, what happens when our mysterious "John Smith" is no longer with the company and we need to update many MANY user script that have had "John Smith" hard coded into them??
This is where Hurricanes "STATIC TAGS" come into play. These are TAGS like $TAG1$ through $TAG40$.
Note: These tags normally would NOT go into your TB Block, they should reside in Hurricane only.
So, in the onset you could have declared that $TAG1$ was equivalent to John Smith in the User Tag Manager like this...
Then, inside your Title-Block Update Wizard, you can (instead of putting in "John Smith" as the Text for DRAWN_BY, you could have put "$TAG1$
And if "John Smith" has to be changed to any other text, you just update the Template file, and ALL USER SCRIPTS that contain $TAG1$ become updated each time they are run!
Try it now!
In which case your script would look like this...
(LOAD "C:/PROGRAM FILES/HURRICANE/LISP/TB_WIZ1.LSP")
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
DRAWN_BY
$TAG1$
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
DRAWING_NAME
$FILENAME$
REGEN
;-------------When Hurricane runs this script, it will substitute both the $TAG1$ and the $FILENAME$ TAGS into the script before writing the "Batch Script" to the Hard Drive.
Once you are familiar with the power of these features, you may want to look at META-Commands, as with the ;TAG.TEMPLATE="" META Command, you can control which TAG Template is loaded depending on the script.
And once you get familiar with META Commands, take a look at Project TAGS!!
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How can I easily import a script from some other location?The easy way is to:
Click on the "Browse" button. You will be able to navigate your Hard Drive (or any other mapped drives) looking for script files.
Once a script file is selected, it's contents are displayed in the window. If you are happy with what you are displaying, then click the "Copy..." button, and the contents of the window will be copied into Hurricane's script window where the script text can be saved.
Or, you can also just use Windows Explorer and notepad, to cut and paste the contents of an existing script file into Hurricane, but why do this when Hurricane can do it more easily?
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How can I import a list of files from another application?Importing a list of files is fairly easy.
First you will have to generate a file which contains a list of files you want to import into Hurricane's Queue.
Make sure the file is in this format filelist-example.txt
Once the file has been generated, you can drag/drop it into the Queue area, and all filenames within the TXT file will be imported into the Queue. (If files already exist in the Queue, the imported files will be ADDED to the list)
You can also create a file of the same format with the ".LST" extension, and place it in the /DATA/ directory. (See FileLists)
When you click the "FileLists" button, the file will appear in the list. If you save it with a ".TXT" extension, you can click
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How to create a File-List using the Windows command prompt.There may come a time when you need to generate a file list (or more) and want these file-lists to be up-to date, all the time.
You can easily generate Hurricane LST files at the Windows command prompt, rather than setting up a filter, navigating to a root directory, and using the "+" button to generate a new Queue list, then saving it off to a FileList (.LST file) into the Hurricane /DATA/ directory.
First launch the Windows command line by clicking the START button, then click RUN, then type CMD in the prompt (This may vary depending on your version of windows... you might have to type COMMAND)
Navigate to your "root" directory, from where you would like to scan for the files to include in your FileList. Lets say that your top directory is "F:\DWG\DWGTest\", and you'd like to scan for *.DWG and add all filenames to the LST file.
You'd type at the windows command prompt:
DIR *.DWG /s /b > "C:/Program Files/Hurricane/DATA/DWGTest.LST"
(You can use the usual wildcards (* & ?), or specify file attributes using the /A switch, to specify which files to add to your list)The /s tells the DIR command to include all subdirectories
The /b tells the DIR command to use bare format (no heading info, or summary)
The > character tells the results of the DIR command to be directed to a textfile called DWGTest.LST.
(If your destination path has spaces, then you must put the path in quotes (like above))(There are a whole bunch of other switches, but /s /b are a safe choice)
Here is the complete list of switches for DIR
DIR [drive:][path][filename] [/A[[:]attributes]] [/B] [/C] [/D] [/L] [/N]
[/O[[:]sortorder]] [/P] [/Q] [/S] [/T[[:]timefield]] [/W] [/X] [/4][drive:][path][filename]
Specifies drive, directory, and/or files to list./A Displays files with specified attributes.
attributes D Directories R Read-only files
H Hidden files A Files ready for archiving
S System files - Prefix meaning not
/B Uses bare format (no heading information or summary).
/C Display the thousand separator in file sizes. This is the
default. Use /-C to disable display of separator.
/D Same as wide but files are list sorted by column.
/L Uses lowercase.
/N New long list format where filenames are on the far right.
/O List by files in sorted order.
sortorder N By name (alphabetic) S By size (smallest first)
E By extension (alphabetic) D By date/time (oldest first)
G Group directories first - Prefix to reverse order
/P Pauses after each screenful of information.
/Q Display the owner of the file.
/S Displays files in specified directory and all subdirectories.
/T Controls which time field displayed or used for sorting
timefield C Creation
A Last Access
W Last Written
/W Uses wide list format.
/X This displays the short names generated for non-8dot3 file
names. The format is that of /N with the short name inserted
before the long name. If no short name is present, blanks are
displayed in its place.
/4 Displays four-digit yearsSwitches may be preset in the DIRCMD environment variable. Override
preset switches by prefixing any switch with - (hyphen)--for example, /-W.
Now, when you go into Hurricane, and press the "FileLists" button, you will see that there will be a file by the name of DWGTest.LST listed. (See FileLists)
Click on this file and then click VIEW below. You should see the contents of the file appear in notepad (or whatever text editor you have specified)
You can also DRAG and DROP the file into the Queue (but the file must have the TXT extension)
(See How to Drag and Drop TXT files that contain lists of files into Queue)The beauty of this method is that you can put several of these commands together in a .BAT file and have your filelists generate at a regular interval (using Windows Scheduler, or even in your StartUp folder).
You could put these .BAT files in your project directories and just double-click them to regenerate the .LST file.
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How to COPY all filenames in the file-queue to the clipboard?Right click on the File-Queue area and a menu will appear with many options...
One of which is the copy filenames...
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How can I "LOG" my Hurricane Batch Scripting usage?Please see
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Other "hidden" featuresYou can refresh any file list-box by clicking on the "frame" that surrounds the file-list box. You can clear the "User-Script Filter" by double-clicking on the filter text box You can change the order of single files in the file-queue by selecting the file, then using the keyboards CTRL+UP/DOWN arrow keys to move it's position in the list. (The up/down arrows alone allow you to quickly scroll through the list. If you have the preview window enabled, you can quickly preview/confirm the files you wish to work on) You can press the keyboard "insert" key when you have files selected in the file selector. The file names/paths will then be moved into the queue. To remove files from the queue, you can select them, then press the keyboard "delete" key. In most list boxes that allow multiple items to be selected, you can use the SHIFT+CLICK method to select more than one item at a time, and CTRL+CLICK methods to select individual items independantly of the others selected. To refresh any file file-list, just click on the frame surrounding the listbox you want to refresh.
Make sure you check out MetaCommands
Also, check out TAGS
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Simple ModeBeing in Simple Mode does two things:
1) Hides the "script editor" portion of Hurricane and "greys-out" many of the Hurricane editing features.
2) Will only display scripts that are placed in the "SCRIPTS-SIMPLE" directory.
(Please note, once you are in "Simple Mode", you are NOT locked in... You are free to go in and out of simple mode, using the Admin Tool)
As you'll notice in this screenshot, Hurricanes script editor is replaced by a script selector.
Why would anyone want this??
This feature was requested by a CAD Manager/System Administrator who wanted to ensure that some users didn't edit the scripts, but only used completed, tried and tested scripts.
You may want to check out Hurricanes TAG features, used in conjuntion with the META Commands, to truly understand the benefit of "Simple Mode", as it allows you to created a script that is generic, or self-adjusting, based on the drawings it is run upon.
For more information on administering "Simple Mode", please click on What is the Admin Tool?
You can also "push" a user into SIMPLE-MODE by setting their local PC's Registry setting value:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\HurricanePowerTool\Startup\SimpleMode to "1".You can also "push" the default directory displayed to being the normal "/SCRIPTS/" directory by setting the
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\HurricanePowerTool\Startup\SimpleScriptPathOverride to "1".
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ALT+Key ListingHurricanes features are all tied to ALT-Key combinations. If you would rather use your keyboard than your mouse, you might find this chart useful.
There are other ALT-KEYs on the various other screens (too many to list), so when you are on a screen in Hurricane, take note of which items have a letter underlined. You can always press ALT+letter of the item you wish to highlight.
Also see How do I enable the "underscores" for alt-key navigation?
ALT+A Toggles between: Adding currently displayed directory to the "Favorites" list and Selecting the "SAVEAS" checkbox. (Press Enter after selecting) ALT+B Opens the "Script Browser". ALT+C Creates the "Batch Script" ALT+D Deletes current user script. ALT+E Opens the "Script Editor". ALT+F Opens the "Favorites" list. ALT+K Opens the "QuickQueue" selector. ALT+L Opens the "FileLists" dialog ALT+P Shows/Hides the drawing "Preview" window. ALT+Q Opens the "QuickPick" selector. ALT+R Creates and RUNS the "Batch Script". ALT+S Saves current user script. ALT+X Opens Windows Explorer into the currently displayed directory.
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What is "Night Run"?NightRun allows the user to set the "time" that Hurricane will Create and Run a batch script.
Once "NightRun" is activated, all the user must do is confirm the files in the list are the ones that should be altered, and make sure that the script to run is currently displayed.
However, when using "Night Run", the user must manually ensure that all files listed in the Queue exist and are available for editing. (They could use the "Verify" feature before envoking the NightRun feature
The "Verify" function that normally occurs when a batch script is created is DISABLED when "NightRun" is envoked. This is for obvious reasons (you wouldn't want the "file access error report" to appear at midnight when you have your batch scheduled to run and sit there all night long). Instead the processing will commence without a check, and stop if a file that does not exist is attempted to be opened. Changes made to files that are read-only, will obviously not be saved.
The user is free to edit the Queue and the user script up to the final moment in time before the timer expires.
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AutoCAD Command CapturePlease See
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Reset AutoCAD System Variables ToolThis tool allows you to "Reset" system variables to whatever settings you prefer.
Consider it a quick way of changing your most common drawing settings quickly and easily.
The script which is called is editable by pressing the "EDIT" button when the tool is activated. There are many example system variables that can be enabled/disabled depending on your needs.
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Vintage DWG Search ToolThis feature allows you to search a drive (starting at the directory of your choice), and all sub-directories, for AutoCAD DWG files created with a cerrtain VERSION of AutoCAD.
Simply check the appropriate boxes, indicating WHICH versions you are interested in, and press "START SCAN", Hurricane will then scan each drawing found for version information, and build the list appropriately.
The list can then be copied directly into the Hurricane file queue for conversion to the latest version of AutoCAD (or whatever you wish).
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Import PageSetup WizardFound under the Hurricane "Wizards" menu:
The "PageSetup Wizard" will allow you to quickly import a PageSetup from another drawing into your selected files.
You must specify the "Source Drawing" and the "PageSetup" name to import.
After you press the "Create Script" button, a script is created. Much like the one below:
;-------------
_EXPERT 2
_-PSETUPIN
"F:\AUTOCAD DWGS\PROJECT 1\MACH555.DWG"
"STANDARD"
_EXPERT 0
;-------------
You can then create a batch script by adding your files to the Queue, and then pressing "Create Batch Script" button on the main Hurricane screen.
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Purge WizardFound under the Hurricane "Wizards" menu:
This should be pretty self-explanatory.
Just select what you want to purge, and press CREATE. The appropriate purge commands are added to the user-script window, and you are ready to run this script across your drawings.
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Report Limits to File WizardYou can use this Wizard to generate a report of the limits of the files in the drawing queue quickly and easily.
By default a CSV file is created to be opened by Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet program.
** This Wizard requires that you have AutoCAD with LISP
(So in other words, this won't work with LT unless you have an add-on package. Please seelike AutoCAD LT won't run lisp... BUT... **
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Search and Replace Text WizardFound under the Hurricane "Wizards" menu:
This tool allows you to enter text to search for, and text to replace it with. You can specify whether you want to look for Normal Text only, Dimension text, and/or look in Block Attributes.
It generates a script that calls a lisp routine, something like this:
(LOAD "C:/PROGRAM FILES/HURRICANE POWERTOOL/LISP/REPTEXT.LSP")
;-------------
REPTEXT
JOHN SMITH
BILL JONES
Y
N
Y
Y
ALL;-------------
(but who cares? The Wizard does it for you...)
** This Wizard requires that you have AutoCAD with LISP
(So in other words, this won't work with LT unless you have an add-on package. Please seelike AutoCAD LT won't run lisp... BUT... **
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Search and LOG text to file WizardThis Wizard allows you to scan your drawings for a specific text string, and report all occurences of that text to a text file.
The Search string is Case Sensitive, and you can use wildcards like * and ?.
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Title-Block Update WizardFound under the Hurricane "Wizards" menu:
The Title-Block Update Wizard is a tool which will help you write a script to update any title-blocks (that are BLOCKS that contain ATTRIBUTES) in batch format.
Firstly, please see What are User TAGS? to become familiar with Hurricanes "User TAGS" feature.
The Title-Block Update Wizard will allow you to specify the Title-Block name you wish to process in each drawing, and assign particular text (or TAG) to each of the attributes in your title-block.
You may then save the "template" for recall at a later time.
SIDENOTE:
To find the name of the "block" to update, in AutoCAD, select the block, and then type LIST. The block name will appear in AutoCADs text window: (something like this)
BLOCK REFERENCE Layer: "0"
Space: Model space
Handle = 41A3
"TB1" <---- This is your blocks nameTo find the names of the TAGS that you wish to edit in the block, EXPLODE the block (temporarily), and the names of the TAGS will be displayed. Note: Don't confuse "Prompt" values (which appear when you use DDATTE to edit a block), as these are non-unique.
Using USER TAGS, you can have Hurricane create a script that automatically updates any title-block information that may change from drawing to drawing, such as the filename, date, time, sheet number. Using STATIC TAGS (See above) you can easily assign a different description to your title-block, without having to edit your script.
When completed the Title-Block Update Wizard will create a script such as this:
(LOAD "C:/PROGRAM FILES/HURRICANE/LISP/TB_WIZ1.LSP")
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
DATE
$DATE$
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
S
$SHEET$
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
SH_TOT
45
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
FNAME
$FILENAME$
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
DRAWNBY
$TAG5$
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
CHECKEDBY
$TAG6$
;-------------The first line of the script loads a lisp routine that edits the blocks and the remaining portion runs the lisp routine, specifies the blockname, the tag and the value to substitute.
When you press the main Hurricane "CREATE" button, all the TAGS are substituted based on the current drawing, date, time etc, and the final script looks something like below, with the ACTUAL values substituted (shown in bold)
(LOAD "F:/BACKUP/VB PROJECTS/HURRICANE/DELIVERABLES/LISP/TB_WIZ1.LSP")
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
DATE
01/03/02
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
S
101
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
SH_TOT
45
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
FNAME
MACH101
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
DRAWNBY
J. SMITH
;-------------
TB_WIZ1
TB
CHECKEDBY
R. EVANS
;-------------** This Wizard requires that you have AutoCAD with LISP
(So in other words, this won't work with LT unless you have an add-on package. Please see AutoCAD LT won't run lisp... BUT... **
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What is Hurricane Watch? and how do I set it up?Hurricane Watch is a companion program to Hurricane.
It allows you to LOG:
a) WHEN a Hurricane Batch Script was run
b) How long it took to run
c) How many files were processed
d) Average Files/Second and Seconds/FileHurricane watch can help give you some indication as to how much time you are saving.
It can be downloaded from http://www.74mph.com/hurricanewatch.zip
1) Hurricane Watch should be installed to the same directory that Hurricane resides in (i.e.-C:\Program Files\Hurricane\)
2) You can place a shortcut in the "C:\Documents and Settings\[USERNAME]\Start Menu\Programs\Startup" folder to launch Hurricane Watch every time you computer starts. (There is a shortcut placed on your desktop to launch Hurricane Watch manually)
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How do I add comments to my scripts?Simply put a ; (semicolon) as the first character on a line in your script.
This will cause AutoCAD to ignore everything after that character until the next line.
Example:
;This script Zooms Extents
ZOOM
E
;This ends the script
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Why don't some of the example scripts work for me?The example scripts provided in Hurricane are GENERIC scripts. Which means they have some text in them that may not be exactly what YOUR AutoCAD system requires.
Often, there are "placeholders" like "yourlisp.lsp" or "original text" and "replacement text" which should be edited to suit your particular needs.
If you have any trouble getting a script to work, please see How do I contact support?
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How do I batch PLOT? (A2K+)In AutoCAD 2K (and up), the PLOT command has gone under some major rework by AutoDesk, and they have made it a lot harder to script a simple plot, as many of the options are now saved within the drawing itself.
Basically, the logic is the same for the PLOT command as any other AutoCAD commands...
(Actually, you can step yourself through the commands yourself to develop the script rather quickly): by typing
-PLOT
(with the dash in front) at the AutoCAD command line. This will give you the command-line version of the PLOT command (without the dialog box). The prompts provided by AutoCAD are what you will need to respond to with your script. So yes, you are on the right track. (See Also Which AutoCAD commands have command-line functionality?)
Here is the AutoCAD "Text" window (F2), by just typing everything in...
Command: -PLOT
Detailed plot configuration? [Yes/No]: Y
Enter a layout name or [?]: MODEL
Enter an output device name or [?]: pdf-exchange 2.pc3
Enter paper size or [?]: LETTER
Enter paper units [Inches/Millimeters]: INCHES
Enter drawing orientation [Portrait/Landscape]: LANDSCAPE
Plot upside down? [Yes/No]: NO
Enter plot area [Display/Extents/Limits/View/Window]: DISPLAY
Enter plot scale (Plotted Inches=Drawing Units) or [Fit]: FIT
Enter plot offset (x,y) or [Center] <0.00,0.00>: 0,0
Plot with plot styles? [Yes/No]: NO
Enter plot style table name or [?] (enter . for none) <>: .
Plot with lineweights? [Yes/No]: YES
Remove hidden lines? [Yes/No]: YES
Write the plot to a file [Yes/No]: N
Save changes to model tab [Yes/No]?N
Proceed with plot [Yes/No]: Y (The above has been "cleaned-up" a bit, removing some extraneous carriage returns)
Once you have it in this format, take it an cut/paste it in the "Command Capture Utility"
Please See How can I record my commands in AutoCAD? (as a script)
(just press the "Capture" button on the far right of Hurricane (about half way down), and press the "Get Scrollback text from Clipboard" button, which should then make it look like the attached file(s). Press the "Capture AutoCAD Commands" button, and it basically strips out the "question" portion of the AutoCAD text window, and outputs the script in the window on the right.
(Sometimes some minor editing is required due to AutoCAD adding extra "Carriage Returns" here and there...)So here is the output for the above... (of course you could change any of your answers above to suit)
;BEGIN SCRIPT
-PLOT
Y
MODEL
PDF-EXCHANGE 2.PC3
LETTER
INCHES
LANDSCAPE
NO
DISPLAY
FIT
0,0
NO
.
YES
YES
N
Y
;END SCRIPTYou could easily add remarks to this script to identify what all the different lines mean.
For instance:;BEGIN SCRIPT
-PLOT
Y
MODEL
PDF-EXCHANGE 2.PC3
LETTER
INCHES
;Orientation (Portrait/Landscape)?
LANDSCAPE
;Plot upside down (Yes/No)?
NO
;Enter Plot Area (Display/Extents/Limits/View/Window)
DISPLAY
FIT
0,0
NO
.
;Plot with Lineweights? (Yes/No)
YES
;Remove Hidden Lines? (Yes/No)
YES
N
Y
;END SCRIPT
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How do I batch PLOT? (r14)If you are using AutoCAD r14 it is quite simple.
Your script would consist of the following:
;PLOT SCRIPT FOR R14
;REMEMBER TO CHECK THE "NO SAVE BOX"
;FOR ADDED SPEED!
PLOT
E
0
;DONE!This, of course, assumes that you want to plot your drawings Extents, if you would like to plot to limits instead, then substitute the "E" for an "L".
Using the Command Capture Utility provided with Hurricane to create your plot script is a breeze. (Found under the TOOLS->Utilities menu) Just remember to use the -PLOT command and follow all the prompts, then copy your text windows (see How do I view the AutoCAD "text window"?) contents to the clipboard and use the Hurricane Command Capture Utility. See (How can I record my commands in AutoCAD? (as a script) if you need more assistance.
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How do I batch PURGE?Hurricane comes with a couple of scripts for purging.
Take a moment to look at the contents of the scripts by clicking on their names in the user-script library. They have the word "purge" in their file names.
You can probably use any of them "as-is" or may want to modify them to suit your needs.
But you might want to try out the PURGE WIZARD as this tool makes purging scripts very easy.
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How do I "redefine" a block?You may have come across the need to do this in the following situation...:
You inserted a block into hundreds of drawings (AS A BLOCK, NOT exploded), and it turns out that the block has an error in it. How do you fix the error?
You might try to use Hurricane to go through each of the drawings and "select" the block, erase it, purge the drawing, then re-insert the corrected block (but only if you know the coordinates of the original block! like with a title-block), but that could turn out to be a nightmare if each of your drawings contain more than one instance of the block, and/or each of the drawings scales are different!)
You may have inserted it in several places in the drawing, all at different coordinates.
So, is there a way to UPDATE a block which may appear multiple-times in a drawing in one shot?
YES.
Cut and paste this script into Hurricane and give it a name like SUBSTITUTE BLOCK.
Of course you will have to edit the word "SOURCEBLOCK" and PATH of the REPLACEMENT Block.
(To get the NAME of the sourceblock, select the block you wish to replace in your drawing, and type LIST, it's name will be displayed in your text window.
Set the path of the replacement block, and you should be all ready to run on multiple drawings.The cool thing to note, is that after the block redefinition, the block name does not change, just it's visible contents.
AND - If the block contains any attributes, the attribute data is kept intact!;SCRIPT TO SUBSTITUTE A BLOCK.
;THE SOURCE BLOCK MAY EXIST IN MANY
;PLACES IN THE DRAWING, ALL INSTANCES
;WILL BE REPLACED.
;BEGIN -------------------
ATTREQ 0
INSERT
"SOURCEBLOCK=C:\PATH\TO\YOUR\REPLACEMENTBLOCK.DWG"
0,0ERASE
(SETQ en (ENTLAST));END ------------------------
NOTES:
-The ATTREQ system variable turns off any prompts asking you to fill in Attribute information as the block is inserted.
-This script uses the regular INSERT command, and the command must finish cleanly for the script to complete cleanly. the use of in-line Lisp with the SETQ command selects the LAST entity in the drawing database.
Basically, because the INSERT command MUST insert a block to be able to complete the command/redefine a block, you end up with an extra instance of the new block at coordinates 0,0. The SETQ command is used with the ERASE to erase the last entity in the drawing database, hence erasing the last added block (which you didn't need anyway)
Notes:
1) Your new title-block will be inserted at the same coords as the old one, so make sure that you used the old one as a template to create the new one (so it aligns properly when you re-define it)2) The "0,0" shown in the script is just a dummy coordinate, as the instance of the block inserted at 0,0 is erased anyhow. You might want to make it "-100,-100" so it stands out a bit more.
3) You can TEST your script with Hurricane, just select the "Abort" checkbox, this way your edited drawings won't be saved, but the functions will be performed.
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How do I DELETE a block from all drawings?Have you ever wanted to go through all your drawings and ERASE a particular block... maybe it was a bad title-block, or a bad company logo, or you just don't need a date/time stamp anymore.
Well, here is a handy lisp file that works excellently with Hurricane.
When you run DELBLK from the command line, then just give it the name of the block you want to blow-away. It will go through and ERASE all instances of it (very quickly too)
If you want delete a block, but don't know WHAT the name of the block is, then just select the block and type "LIST", there you should get your AutoCAD "Text Window", or scrollback buffer. And the contents should look something like this...
Command: LIST
1 found
BLOCK REFERENCE Layer: 0
Space: Model space
Handle = 80C
DEMOBLOCK1 <-- This is the block name !!
at point, X= 0.0000 Y= 0.0000 Z= 0.0000
X scale factor 1.0000
Y scale factor 1.0000
rotation angle 0
Z scale factor 1.0000From this example, the block is called DEMOBLOCK1, so this is what you would type at the DELBLK prompt when asked for the block name.
So here is an example you can cut and paste into Hurricane using DEMOBLOCK1 above... (of course you would change the name from DEMOBLOCK1 to whatever your block name is!)
;BEGIN SCRIPT
(LOAD "DELBLK.LSP") (assuming delblk.lsp is in your AutoCAD path)
DELBLK
DEMOBLOCK1
;ENDAnd say goodbye to DEMOBLOCK1... As simple as that...
NOTE: You might want to follow this script-up with a PURGE script to make sure the sucker is out of your drawing for good.
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How do I specify a different PC2 file when plotting? (R14)Here is an example script defining a PC2 file to use. (R14)
Notice that the slashes are FORWARD slashes...
(Don't ask me why... AutoCAD has some strange legacy "features" ;);PLOT WITH SPECIFIC PC2 FILE
;THIS WORKS IN AUTOCAD R14
PLOT
E
2
"C:/PROGRAM FILES/AUTOCAD R14/SUPPORT/8X11.PC2"
E
0
;DONE
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How do I load PAGESETUP files into drawings? (A2K+)The need to manage PAGESETUP information is growing with the addition of this option in AutoCAD 2000. Here is a way to "import" pagesetup information from an example drawing which contains the pagesetup info, into all your other drawings.
(The lines in italics must be changed to suit your requirements)
;THIS ROUTINE UPDATES
;THE PAGE SETUP FILES
;FOR 11 x 17 DRAWINGS
LAYOUT
S
LAYOUT1
-PSETUPIN
SOURCE.DWG
"HCB 11 x 17 HP5000 PCL"
Y
Y
CLOSE
Y
;END OF USER SCRIPTAlso, please see Import PageSetup Wizard
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How can I Extract Attribute Contents to a Text File?You can use the EATTEXT command or (-EATTEXT) when scripting.
A typical Hurricane script would be as follows:
;BEGIN SCRIPT
;Command: -EATTEXT
-EATTEXT
;Enter the extraction type, [Objects/Currentdwg/Selectdwg]:C
C
;Extract data from external reference drawing? [Yes/No]:N
N
;Extract data from nested blocks? [Yes/No]:Y
Y
;Enter Template file path:;Enter the output filetype[Csv/Txt/Xls/Mdb]
:CSV
CSV
;Enter output filepath:
$FILEPATH$$FILENAME$.CSV
;[Yes/No]:
;END SCRIPTPlease note the use of the $FILEPATH$ & $FILENAME$ TAGS. (More info Dynamic TAGS here.)
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How do I run a Lisp routine on all my files?Yes, Lisp can be executed in two different ways.
1) Lisp can be placed "inline" in the script as in:
(SETQ en (ENTLAST))2) Or they can be loaded and executed from within the script:
(LOAD "lispfile.lsp")
lispfileWhere "lispfile.lsp" is your lisp routine. (of course your lisp must be located in one of the AutoCAD path directories, like "/SUPPORT/")
Of course, if you are calling a lisp that requires responses to it's prompts, then you would include those as well, as if it were a normal AutoCAD command.
You can also use the Hurricane"Editor" and click the "Load Lisp" button which will present your with a dialog to select the lisp file of your choice.
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AutoCAD LT won't run lisp... BUT...AutoCAD LT has never included functionality with LISP routines...
BUT, there is a company that does sell an add-on package for about $300US that will allow an LT user to run LISP on their AutoCAD LT installation.
To read an article Click Here
To go to the company website Click Here
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How do I erase everything outside the drawing limits?Here is an example script that will erase everything outside the drawings limits...
First it uses the ERASE command, and selects ALL.Then while the ERASE command is still invoked, is uses the R for REMOVE, then uses the W for WINDOW, the supplies the Max limit value, and the Min limit values, whereby selecting everything inside the window (limits) and removing them from the selection set.
The command is concluded and the remaining items are erased.
;START
ERASE ALL
R
W
(GETVAR "LIMMAX") (GETVAR "LIMMIN");DONE
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How do I "search and replace" TEXT in a drawing?The easiest way to search and replace text is to use the SEARCH AND REPLACE TEXT WIZARD found under Hurricanes "Wizards" menu.
Just fill in the blanks, and check off what you require it to search through, and press CREATE. A user-script will be created that you can use on more than one drawing...
You can also do things the "manual way", and call your favorite search and replace lisp routine. The one that came with most early versions of AutoCAD is CHText.lsp.
To load the routine into your current AutoCAD session, type
(APPLOAD "CHT.LSP")
at the command prompt, or type APPLOAD and follow the dialog box to select CHT.LSP file, and make sure you click on LOAD.
(As long as CHT.LSP is in your SUPPORT directory, then you won't have to specify a path when using the APPLOAD command)At this point, if you type CHT at the command prompt, you will invoke the CHT.LSP routine. Here is an example script
;YOU MUST HAVE CHTEXT.LSP
;LOADED FOR THIS TO WORK
CHT
ALLT
ORIGINAL TEXT
REPLACEMENT TEXT;End of Script
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How do I select entities in a script?Selecting entities in a script can be a tricky thing. There are several ways to go about it.
1) If the entity is in the same location in every drawing, you can select it using screen coordinates. There are many different ways to go about this. The best thing to learn how to select objects is to initiate a command. "ERASE" for example. After typing ERASE, your prompt will be "Select objects:" If you type "?" at this point you will get:
Window/Last/Crossing/BOX/ALL/Fence/WPolygon/CPolygon/Group/Add/Remove/Multiple/Previous/Undo/AUto/SIngle
These are:
Window
Last
Crossing
BOX
ALL
Fence
WPolygon
CPolygon
Group
Add
Remove
Multiple
Previous
Undo
AUto
SIngleNotice how some of the letters are CAPITALIZED? By typing the letter of the TYPE of selection you wish to use at this point will result in a new prompt... like "F" for FENCE, you will be asked for a "First fence point:", which you can provide coordinates to, then an ENDPOINT for the line, and then finally provide a single
to tell AutoCAD you are done entering points. To select entities by using "Fence" will result in all entities that touch the fenceline to be selected. 2) Use the SSX command to specify a selection set.
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How do I make my drawing settings consistent?1) When you are attempting to make your drawings consistent, you can set some system variables to make working in each drawing easier.
Below are some examples Try setting these to a known value across all your drawings using Hurricane.
OSMODE (sets your Running Object Snap settings) When you find your best Object Snap settings, just type OSMODE in AutoCAD to reveal the code that describes your settings... it will be a number between 0 and 4095.
I find that if you turn on Endpoint, Midpoint, Center, Intersection, Insertion and Perpendicular, working in a drawing becomes simpler. This translates to an OSMODE value of 231.
Here is an example script to set some drawing parameters to a known value. You can add/delete/edit this to suit your needs. OSMODE 231 SNAP ON SNAP 0.0625 ORTHO ON GRID OFF BLIPMODE OFF ZOOM E
2) Try to use the same titleblock, and if possible use attributes (tags) for the various text entities in the titleblock, or plain text. If you insert unexploded blocks, then your drawings become very difficult (but not impossible) to perform batch edits on. If you want to insert a block, make sure you "explode" it while inserting it.
Please see How do I insert a block in every drawing?
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How do I insert a block in every drawing?To insert a block, use the INSERT command.
Here is an example:
INSERT
*blockname
0,0
1
1
0
INSERT <-AutoCAD command
*blockname <-The name of the block, (to be exploded upon insertion)
0,0 <-The insertion coordinates
1 <-The X scale factor
1 <-The Y scale factor
0 <-The rotation angle
There are a couple of extra things you should know when inserting blocks into a drawing.
1) Notice the "*" before the blockname? This causes AutoCAD to explode the block while inserting it.
3) Instead of specifying the X and Y scale factors, you can just leave an(or blank line) in the script. Any blank line (is equivalent to hitting ) accepts the default prompt in AutoCAD. If you want to turn off the "Enter attribute values:" prompt see When I insert a block, AutoCAD keeps asking "Enter attribute values"...
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When I insert a block, AutoCAD keeps asking "Enter attribute values"...If you are intentionally wanting the block to be inserted and NOT exploded, you may get some more prompts generated by AutoCAD asking you to "Enter attribute values:". You can specify these in the script (as long as you know what the values for each of the attributes is), or you can set the ATTREQ system variable to 0 to turn off these prompts. To turn the prompting back on set ATTREQ to 1.
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How do I interrupt a script while it is running?You can interrupt a script by pressing the "ESC" key.
(If AutoCAD doesn't stop, then make sure that when you are pressing "ESC", AutoCAD is the active application, and no other windows have popped up such as the text window, or your plotters progress bar)
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How can I make AutoCAD show the batch scripts progress?You can add the following line of code to either
1)The User Script
2)The Settings Tab -> PreUserScript
(setvar "modemacro" "Drawing $COUNTER$ of $FILECOUNTINQUEUE$")
This will display a small message in the AutoCAD Status-bar which will indicate which drawing is currently being processed, while the script is being run.
You will notice in your compiled script that the $COUNTER$ and $FILECOUNTINQUEUE$ values have been substituted to values, and this line of code changes as the script progresses. Please see User TAGS for more information.
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How do I "resume" an interrupted script?Once you have used the ESC key to temporarily stop a script, use the RESUME command, or 'RESUME commands to continue execution.
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How do I "slow-down" a script?There will be the odd time when you want to slow the execution of your scripts down.
(I often using it when debugging lengthy scripts)The command you are looking for is DELAY
The proper syntax is:
DELAY x
Where x is a number between 0 and 32767.
Entering DELAY 1000 in your script delays the start of execution of the next command for about one second.
NB - The longest delay available is 32767, which is slightly less than 33 seconds
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How do I make a never-ending slide-show?An example script is included named "MAKE SLIDE" for you to use as a template.
This is the general idea... change to suit your needs.
ZOOM .75
;CREATE SLD FILE IN
;DWG'S CURRENT DIRECTORY
_MSLIDE;END
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Can a script call another script?No,
Normally, AutoCAD will stop execution of a script if another SCRIPT command is invoked.
However, the way around this limitation is to write small scripts, and use the Hurricane "Append" mode to tie them all together.
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Where do I enter a QSAVE command?QSAVE is one of the commands that Hurricane handles automatically.
You have some control over the QSAVE command in the Hurricane options, but generally speaking, the order of operations are as follows...
1) The Hurricane script opens the file
2) The file is processed using the commands you specify in Hurricane
3) The file is saved by the QSAVE command that Hurricane automatically applies in the script.You can disable the QSAVE command: See What is the "Test" checkbox for?, or What is the "SAVEAS Options" Tab for?, or What is the "Delay" checkbox for? for more information.
Also, you can add a QSAVE command at any point in your script. AutoCAD will do whatever you tell it to!
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I can't get a script to work, what should I do!?Before you think that AutoCAD can't do what you need, please try the User Forum.
You can contact our Support E-Mail. We can help you accomplish your most complex tasks.
We are happy to help!
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Which AutoCAD commands have command-line functionality?The following commands are "hyphenated" which means that without the hyphen, a dialog box appears. With the hyphen, a command-line version of the command is requested, and all interaction with the command can be done via scripts.
-ATTDEF (-att)
-ATTEDIT (-ate)
-ATTEXT
-BHATCH
-BLOCK (-b)
-BOUNDARY (-bo)
-COLOR
-DIMSTYLE
-GROUP (-g)
-HATCHEDIT
-HYPERLINK
-IMAGE (-im)
-IMAGEADJUST
-INSERT (-I)
-LAYER (-la)
-LINETYPE(-lt, -ltype)
-LWEIGHT
-MTEXT (-t)
-OSNAP (-os)
-PAN (-p)
-PLOT,
-PLOTSTYLE
-PSETUPIN
-RENAME (-ren)
-STYLE
-TOOLBAR
-UNITS (-un)
-VBALOAD
-VBARUN
-VIEW (-v)
-WBLOCK (-w)
-XBIND
-XREF
If you discover any other commands to add to this list, please let us know!
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When I attempt to run a script I get "_.OPEN Nil" on the command line.The above is a result of having your AutoCAD SDI (Single Document Interface) set to 0 (zero).
This means that SDI is off, and AutoCAD will not recognize the _OPEN command that is used by default.
There are a couple of solutions.
1) Enable the SDI 1 option on the SETTINGS tab.
(Note: You can press the "Use SDI on/off" default button to set it back to default)2) Go into the Tools->Options menu, and select the Prefs Tab and select "To Load Drawings.. Other", and put "_OPEN" in the field.
(Note: because SDI is 0 (off), you will load ALL the drawings in the Queue into your active AutoCAD session. This is NOT a good idea, we HIGHLY recommend that you set SDI 1 by default in the "PreBatch Command" on the SETTINGS tab)
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When I try to run a script, a DIALOG Box appears and the script stops...When creating a script to process many files it is important to make sure that no dialog boxes appear.
This is an issue if the command you want to use, uses a dialog box to request information from the user. A couple of these commands are LAYER and XREF (just to name a couple)
To call these commands and "suppress" the dialog boxes, AutoDesk was kind enough to have "command line only" versions of these commands. The LAYER command is replaced with -LAYER and the XREF command is replaced with -XREF (the only difference being the "-" sign.
Many other commands have this same functionality, however in newer versions of AutoCAD there are two that you DON'T have to worry about. They are OPEN and PLOT. When AutoCAD sees that it is running a script, it automatically suppresses the OPEN dialog box as well as the PLOT dialog box. So the question remains, how do you debug a PLOT script then, when you are NOT running a script, but just typing it in?
-PLOT will suppress the plot dialog box and present you with a multitude of command-line based options.
To see a list of commands that also have a "Command Line" version, click Which AutoCAD commands have command-line functionality?
You can also play with system variables, but I don't recommend that, as these variables eventually have to be reset.
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When I "DRAG AND DROP" Files into Hurricane, ALL files are added?It looks like your file selector filter is set to "*.*"
Make sure you change your file selector "filter" to "*.DWG" or similar, depending on which files you want to add.
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Message: "hurricane.scr file not found"... message when the Hurricane button is pressed in AutoCADYou have done either of two things...
1) You didn't generate a hurricane.scr file yet, and have pressed the Hurricane button in AutoCAD without the file being present.
2) The generated hurricane.scr file is not located in one of AutoCAD's search paths. (You can check/edit these by typing PREFERENCES at the AutoCAD command prompt)
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Message: "Previous working directory renamed/missing..."?When Hurricane is shut-down, it saves the last directory you were grabbing files out of. If you then rename or delete this directory, the next time Hurricane boots up, it will attempt to set itself to this directory. If the directory is not found then the message will be displayed, and Hurricane will default itself back to the root directory.
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When I double-click on a file in Hurricane ANOTHER AutoCAD session is started!?AutoCAD R14 is limited to loading one drawing at a time.
Unfortunately if you attempt to open another drawing by double-clicking on it in windows explorer, you will invoke a second instance of AutoCAD.
You can avoid multiple sessions of AutoCAD R14 by setting it up as a DDE application. When a DWG file is opened from Windows Explorer, AutoCAD will then use the existing AutoCAD R14 session. Even after AutoCAD R14 is set up as a DDE application, you can still start further sessions using shortcuts on the desktop or Windows Start menu.
To set up AutoCAD R14 as a DDE application, follow these steps:
Step 1. In the menu bar of Windows Explorer, select View | Options.
Step 2. Select the File Types tab.
Step 3. From the list, select AutoCAD Drawing.
Step 4. Click Edit.
Step 5. In the Actions list, select Open. Select Edit.
Step 6. Select Use DDE.
Step 7. In the DDE Message field, enter: [_FILEOPEN "%1" ] It is important that you include the single space before and after the quotation marks.
Step 8. In the Application field, enter: AutoCAD.R14.DDE
Step 9. In the Topic field, enter: SYSTEM
Step 10. Click OK. Click Close twice to exit the Options dialog box.
AutoCAD 2000 (and up) can either load one drawing at a time (when SDI 1), and a new AutoCAD session will start up each time you double-click a file in Hurricane, OR
By setting SDI to 1 in your PreBatch and SDI to 0 at your PostBatch Command, you can allow AutoCAD to load MULTIPLE drawings at the same time (when NOT running a batch). (See "Settings" Tab)
Note: If you are at the AutoCAD command line you can just type SDI 0, then double-click a file in Hurricane, and it should load into that same AutoCAD session.
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What changes does Hurricane make to the System Registry?Hurricane stores some setup information in the system registry.
Things such as:
-Registration Name and Unlock Code
-Current screen position for all the different screens
-Show preview window on/off
-Last used directory
-Selected text editor
-Script location
etc...All these settings can be manually edited by using REGEDIT (while Hurricane is NOT running) and going to the following key:
"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\Hurricane PowerTool"
(NOTE: Edit these entries at your own risk, if you enter values that Hurricane doesn't understand, Hurricane will write default values back to the registry) If you severely mess things up, then just delete the enture "Hurricane PowerTool" entry, and Hurricane will rebuild it's registry entries the next time you boot/exit Hurricane)
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How do I reset Registry Entries?There are three ways to clear the registry of Hurricane settings...
1) Uninstall Hurricane using the included Uninstall program. This should clear the registry entries.
2) If you don't wish to uninstall, Hurricane version 5.8.10 (or higher) has an added button under the "Tools -> Options -> Reset Tab" menus, that allow you to reset the Hurricane registry entries to the defaults.
3) (Some of the older versions did not remove registry information properly, so this is how you remove them manually)
If you don't know what you are doing in Regedit at this point, or have never heard of it, please turn back now.
Firstly, make sure Hurricane isn't running.
For those of you who are familliar with REGEDIT, then please exercise caution when making changes to your systems registry.
To run REGEDIT click on "START" in your taskbar, and clicking on "RUN", then type "REGEDIT" into the box provided.
Up should pop REGEDIT (if you have permissions), and then navigate through to the following key, and delete everything under the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\VB and VBA Program Settings\HurricanePowerTool
This can be sub-keys like:
Compatible
Paths
Programs
Startup
User(If it doesn't reside in exactly that location, please perform a Find on HurricanePowerTool...)
Restart Hurricane, and any keys that need to be created will be created.
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I can't see my Network Paths in the file selector?Make sure all your "Network Paths" are MAPPED to a DRIVE LETTER, Hurricanes file selector is NOT able to browse your network neighborhood, only fully qualified MAPPED DRIVES.
To MAP a network path to a drive letter:
1) In Windows Explorer, under the Tools Menu, click on "MAP Network Drive"
2) Select the drive letter and the path you wish to map to it.
3) Select the "Reconnect at login" (if you wish this path to always be mapped to that drive)
4) Your new drive letter should appear in Windows Explorer, and is now accessible through the Hurricane file selector.
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The "Hurricane Preview" window doesn't work?The Hurricane Preview window allows you to preview the drawing before adding it to the filequeue, or opening it.
More information on the Drawing Preview Window
There are a few possible that the preview window displays a grey screen (blank) when drawings are selected...
1) You are attempting to view and AutoCAD r12 file (or older), as these DWG files didn't have the drawing preview bitmap. The preview window will not work on pre-R13 drawings. If you are using an older version of AutoCAD You can turn off the drawing preview window in the Hurricane Options screen (on the Prefs tab).
2) The OCX that does the viewing on your system is not correctly being registered in your Operating System.
3) If you install other software that uses the same OCX, and that programs installer doesn't check the version of the OCX, it may install a version that is older and incompatible with Hurricane.
To correct this...
1) Make sure Hurricane is not running.
2) Search your Windows installation path for a file named DWGPREV.OCX and delete it. Your windows path may be something like "C:/WINNT/" or "C:/WINDOWS/" or similar.
3) Restart Hurricane. Your drawing preview should work now.
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How do I upgrade Hurricane to the most current version?1) Download the most current version of Hurricane located at Here
2) Backup any SCR or DATA files in your Hurricane directory. If you have previously purchased Hurricane, have your registration "name" and "unlock code" handy.
3) Uninstall Hurricane using the uninstall feature accessible by either the:
START menu
or the Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs
(make sure you backup any important SCR files first)
3) Inside your NEW hurricane.zip file is the installer executable.
UnZip and Run the installer, and follow the prompts.
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How do I install a Hurricane Update/Patch?Applying an update to Hurricane is as easy as replacing your current EXE file with the newer updated EXE.
However, there are a number of things to consider before doing this.
First: Make sure you backup your full hurricane.exe. You can do this be renaming it, or moving it to another directory, or "Zipping" it up somewhere safe.
-The "patch" file is typically much smaller (about 400Kb total) than your usual Hurricane.exe file (about 1.3Mb). The patch is smaller because all the necessary support files are missing. I will refer to these as "patch" and "full".
-You typically don't need the support files to be "checked", because you have run the "full" exe file previously, and all the support files were automatically installed, and should exist on the current PC.
However, if your current Hurricane installation located on a network drive, then any NEW users (PC has never had Hurricane run before) will note that there may be errors when run for the first time. Make sure that new users run the full exe before attempting to run a patch.
If it is, make sure that all intended users have already run the "full" install to install all necessary files, THEN have them use the patch.
--End-
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How do I enable the "underscores" for alt-key navigation?In Windows 2000
To view the underscores for alt-key navigation. (Also See ALT-KEY Listing)
1) Right click on an empty area of your desktop and left-click "Properties"
2) On the screen that comes up, click on the "Effects" tab.
3) Then disable the "Hide keyboard navigation until I use the alt-key" (shown below)
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When I run a script it stalls after the "(if (/= (getvar..." command.There could be a number of reasons for this...
1) See When I attempt to run a script I get "_.OPEN Nil" on the command line.
2) Make sure you have configured Hurricane correctly (selected the right AutoCAD version in the "Compatibility" section of the Tools->Options menu)
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When I run a script it stalls with a "Y" on the command prompt.This means that when the script was created, Hurricane thought the file was "Write Protected", but in the meantime has become available.
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Revision ListPlease see Revision Log
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How do I view the AutoCAD "text window"?The AutoCAD "text window", often also called the "scroll-back" buffer, is viewable in AutoCAD by pressing the F2 key.
To close the window, either press F2 once again, or right-click on "hide" in it's icon in the Windows task-bar.
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When I try to run a particular lisp routine, it stops with a bunch of garbage on the screen...Sometimes there are conflicts in the naming of lisp routines. You may have two routines loaded, and each has a function called "retext". So if you attempt to run the first lisp routine, and it calls function "retext", yet the first lisp already had that function defined, then your lisps are stomping on each others memory.
This often happens when programmers run out of ideas for function names...
There are a couple of things that you can try...
Sometimes just renaming the function itself works... ie.Change the first line "(defun c:retext ...." to something different like
"(defun c:retext21 ...", then save the lsp file as the same name "retext21.lsp"
Then load it fresh as retext21.lsp, and run it as retext21.lsp, this will ensure that there is no other routine on your system with the same name. (Unless you already have something called reptext21!!)
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After I generate a new script, AutoCAD always runs the same script!The problem is probably your "Hurricane Script Location".
Please check the Hurricane options to make sure that you are writing your script to your current running AutoCAD SUPPORT directory. Also make sure that the script name (hurricane.scr by default) is the same script name being called in your AutoCAD Hurricane button.
If you play with your settings often, you might have accidentally changed the script name.
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When I try to run a Hurricane script, I get "Cannot Set SDI to that value".You may see this:
Command: SDI
Enter new value for SDI <0>: 1
The SDI variable cannot be reset unless there is only one drawing open.
Cannot set SDI to that value.
*Invalid*What this means is that you currently have SDI set to 0, and have more than one drawing open, and are attempting to set SDI to 1.
Hurricane defaults to putting the "SDI 1" command at the beginning of it's script to allow AutoCAD to open only one file at a time, for obvious reasons!
If you are attempting to run a hurricane script and have the above, make sure you only have one drawing open (Goto AutoCAD's "Window" menu, to see the listing of currently open files). Close all files except for one, and make sure that the one you have open has had no changes made (or you can just QSAVE it)
You need EXACTLY one file open to run a script, and it must be "unedited"
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How do I prevent AutoCAD R14 from opening multiple instances of itself?AutoCAD 2000 (and above) can load multiple files (at a time) if the SDI system variable is set to 0. If you leave this set to 0, then an new files will be added to the currently open files in AutoCAD.When using Hurricane for batching it is recommended that you set your SDI to 1. You can do this a couple of ways.
Option 1. Type SDI 1 at the AutoCAD command prompt. To change it back, set SDI to 0.Option 2. In Hurricane, on the SETTINGS Tab, set the PREBATCH command to SDI 1 and the POSTBATCH command to SDI 0. This will turn SDI on and off before and after running a Hurricane script.
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AutoCAD R14 is limited to loading one drawing at a time. Unfortunately if you attempt to open another drawing by double-clicking on it in windows explorer, you will invoke a second instance of AutoCAD. You can avoid multiple sessions of AutoCAD R14 by setting it up as a DDE application. When a DWG file is opened from Windows Explorer, AutoCAD will then use the existing AutoCAD R14 session. Even after AutoCAD R14 is set up as a DDE application, you can still start further sessions using shortcuts on the desktop or Windows Start menu.To set up AutoCAD R14 as a DDE application, follow these steps:
Step 1. In the menu bar of Windows Explorer, select View | Options.
Step 2. Select the File Types tab.
Step 3. From the list, select AutoCAD Drawing.
Step 4. Click Edit.
Step 5. In the Actions list, select Open. Select Edit.
Step 6. Select Use DDE.
Step 7. In the DDE Message field, enter: [_FILEOPEN "%1" ] (It is important that you include the single space before and after the quotation marks)
Step 8. In the Application field, enter: AutoCAD.R14.DDE
Step 9. In the Topic field, enter: SYSTEM
Step 10. Click OK. Click Close twice to exit the Options dialog box.
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Script Writing ResourcesThe following are a couple of resources I have found for script writing.. if you need them...
1. Ralph Grabowski's "How to Write a Script File
Of course with Hurricane you can do much more than is shown in these documents, as Hurricane takes care of the "OPENing" and "QSAVEing" of the drawings, as well as all your script file management.
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AutoCAD Command Listing
Hurricane Batch Script Generator for AutoCADAutoCAD 2000 Commands
#
3D Creates three-dimensional polygon mesh objects
3DARRAY Creates a three-dimensional array
3DCLIP Invokes the interactive 3D view and opens the Adjust Clipping Planes window
3DCORBIT Invokes the interactive 3D view and enables you to set the objects in the 3D view into continuous motion
3DDISTANCE Invokes the interactive 3D view and makes objects appear closer or farther away3DFACE Creates a three-dimensional face
3DMESH Creates a free-form polygon mesh
3DORBIT Controls the interactive viewing of objects in 3D
3DPAN Invokes the interactive 3D view and enables you to drag the view horizontally and vertically
3DPOLY Creates a polyline with straight line segments using the CONTINUOUS linetype in three-dimensional space
3DSIN Imports a 3D Studio (3DS) file3DSOUT Exports to a 3D Studio (3DS) file
3DSWIVEL Invokes the interactive 3D view and simulates the effect of turning the camera
3DZOOM Invokes the interactive 3D view so you can zoom in and out on the viewA
ABOUT Displays information about AutoCAD
ACISIN Imports an ACIS file
ACISOUT Exports AutoCAD solid objects to an ACIS file
ADCCLOSE Closes AutoCAD DesignCenter
ADCENTER Manages content
ADCNAVIGATE Directs the Desktop in AutoCAD DesignCenter to the file name, directory location, or network path you specify
ALIGN Aligns objects with other objects in 2D and 3D
AMECONVERT Converts AME solid models to AutoCAD solid objects
APERTURE Controls the size of the object snap target box
APPLOAD Loads and unloads applications and defines which applications to load at startup
ARC Creates an arc
AREA Calculates the area and perimeter of objects or of defined areas
ARRAY Creates multiple copies of objects in a pattern
ARX Loads, unloads, and provides information about ObjectARX applications
ATTDEF Creates an attribute definition
ATTDISP Globally controls attribute visibility
ATTEDIT Changes attribute information
ATTEXT Extracts attribute data
ATTREDEF Redefines a block and updates associated attributes
AUDIT Evaluates the integrity of a drawingB
BACKGROUND Sets up the background for your scene
BASE Sets the insertion base point for the current drawing
BHATCH Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern
BLIPMODE Controls the display of marker blips
BLOCK Creates a block definition from objects you select
BLOCKICON Generates preview images for blocks created with Release 14 or earlier
BMPOUT Saves selected objects to a file in device-independent bitmap format
BOUNDARY Creates a region or a polyline from an enclosed area
BOX Creates a three-dimensional solid box
BREAK Erases parts of objects or splits an object in two
BROWSER Launches the default Web browser defined in your system's registryC
CAL Evaluates mathematical and geometric expressions
CAMERA Sets a different camera and target location
CHAMFER Bevels the edges of objects
CHANGE Changes the properties of existing objects
CHPROP Changes the color, layer, linetype, linetype scale factor, lineweight, thickness, and plot style of an object
CIRCLE Creates a circle
CLOSE Closes the current drawing
COLOR Defines color for new objects
COMPILE Compiles shape files and PostScript font files
CONE Creates a three-dimensional solid cone
CONVERT Optimizes 2D polylines and associative hatches created in AutoCAD Release 13 or earlier
COPY Duplicates objects
COPYBASE Copies objects with a specified base point
COPYCLIP Copies objects to the Clipboard
COPYHIST Copies the text in the command line history to the ClipboardCOPYLINK Copies the current view to the Clipboard for linking to other OLE applications
CUTCLIP Copies objects to the Clipboard and erases the objects from the drawing
CYLINDER Creates a three-dimensional solid cylinderD
DBCCLOSE Closes the dbConnect Manager
DBCONNECT Provides an AutoCAD interface to external database tables
DBLIST Lists database information for each object in the drawing
DDEDIT Edits text and attribute definitions
DDPTYPE Specifies the display mode and size of point objects
DDVPOINT Sets the three-dimensional viewing direction
DELAY Provides a timed pause within a scriptDIM AND DIM1 Accesses Dimensioning mode
DIMALIGNED Creates an aligned linear dimension
DIMANGULAR Creates an angular dimension
DIMBASELINE Creates a linear, angular, or ordinate dimension from the baseline of the previous dimension or a selected dimension
DIMCENTER Creates the center mark or the centerlines of circles and arcs
DIMCONTINUE Creates a linear, angular, or ordinate dimension from the second extension line of the previous dimension or a selected dimensionDIMDIAMETER Creates diameter dimensions for circles and arcs
DIMEDIT Edits dimensions
DIMLINEAR Creates linear dimensions
DIMORDINATE Creates ordinate point dimensions
DIMOVERRIDE Overrides dimension system variables
DIMRADIUS Creates radial dimensions for circles and arcs
DIMSTYLE Creates and modifies dimension styles
DIMTEDIT Moves and rotates dimension text
DIST Measures the distance and angle between two pointsDIVIDE Places evenly spaced point objects or blocks along the length or perimeter of an object
DONUT Draws filled circles and rings
DRAGMODE Controls the way AutoCAD displays dragged objects
DRAWORDER Changes the display order of images and other objects
DSETTINGS Specifies settings for Snap mode, grid, and polar and object snap tracking
DSVIEWER Opens the Aerial View window
DVIEW Defines parallel projection or perspective viewsDWGPROPS Sets and displays the properties of the current drawing
DXBIN Imports specially coded binary filesE
EDGE Changes the visibility of three-dimensional face edges
EDGESURF Creates a three-dimensional polygon mesh
ELEV Sets elevation and extrusion thickness properties of new objects
ELLIPSE Creates an ellipse or an elliptical arc
ERASE Removes objects from a drawing
EXPLODE Breaks a compound object into its component objects
EXPORT Saves objects to other file formats
EXPRESSTOOLS Activates the installed AutoCAD Express Tools if currently unavailableEXTEND Extends an object to meet another object
EXTRUDE Creates unique solid primitives by extruding existing two-dimensional objectsF
FILL Controls the filling of multilines, traces, solids, all hatches, and wide polylines
FILLET Rounds and fillets the edges of objects
FILTER Creates reusable filters to select objects based on properties
FIND Finds, replaces, selects, or zooms to specified text
FOG Provides visual cues for the apparent distance of objectsG
GRAPHSCR Switches from the text window to the drawing area
GRID Displays a dot grid in the current viewport
GROUP Creates a named selection set of objectsH
HATCH Fills a specified boundary with a pattern
HATCHEDIT Modifies an existing hatch object
HELP (F1) Displays online help
HIDE Regenerates a three-dimensional model with hidden lines suppressed
HYPERLINK Attaches a hyperlink to a graphical object or modifies an existing hyperlink
HYPERLINKOPTIONS Controls the visibility of the hyperlink cursor and the display of hyperlink tooltips
I
ID Displays the coordinate values of a location
IMAGE Manages images
IMAGEADJUST Controls the image display of the brightness, contrast, and fade values of images
IMAGEATTACH Attaches a new image to the current drawing
IMAGECLIP Creates new clipping boundaries for an image object
IMAGEFRAME Controls whether AutoCAD displays the image frame or hides it from view
IMAGEQUALITY Controls the display quality of imagesIMPORT Imports files in various formats into AutoCAD
INSERT Places a named block or drawing into the current drawing
INSERTOBJ Inserts a linked or embedded object
INTERFERE Creates a composite 3D solid from the common volume of two or more solids
INTERSECT Creates composite solids or regions from the intersection of two or more solids or regions and removes the areas outside of the intersection
ISOPLANE Specifies the current isometric planeL
LAYER Manages layers and layer properties
LAYOUT Creates a new layout and renames, copies, saves, or deletes an existing layout
LAYOUTWIZARD Starts the Layout wizard, in which you can designate page and plot settings for a new layout
LEADER Creates a line that connects annotation to a feature
LENGTHEN Lengthens an object
LIGHT Manages lights and lighting effects
LIMITS Sets and controls the drawing boundaries and grid displayLINE Creates straight line segments
LINETYPE Creates, loads, and sets linetypes
LIST Displays database information for selected objects
LOAD Makes shapes available for use by the SHAPE command
LOGFILEOFF Closes the log file opened by LOGFILEON
LOGFILEON Writes the text window contents to a file
LSEDIT Edits a landscape object
LSLIB Maintains libraries of landscape objects
LSNEW Adds realistic landscape items, such as trees and bushes, to your drawingsLTSCALE Sets the linetype scale factor
LWEIGHT Sets the current lineweight, lineweight display options, and lineweight unitsM
MASSPROP Calculates and displays the mass properties of regions or solids
MATCHPROP Copies the properties from one object to one or more objects
MATLIB Imports and exports materials to and from a library of materials
MEASURE Places point objects or blocks at measured intervals on an object
MENU Loads a menu file
MENULOAD Loads partial menu files
MENUUNLOAD Unloads partial menu files
MINSERT Inserts multiple instances of a block in a rectangular arrayMIRROR Creates a mirror image copy of objects
MIRROR3D Creates a mirror image of objects about a plane
MLEDIT Edits multiple parallel lines
MLINE Creates multiple parallel lines
MLSTYLE Defines a style for multiple parallel lines
MODEL Switches from a layout tab to the Model tab and makes it current
MOVE Displaces objects a specified distance in a specified direction
MSLIDE Creates a slide file of the current viewport in model space, or of all viewports in paper spaceMSPACE Switches from paper space to a model space viewport
MTEXT Creates multiline text
MULTIPLE Repeats the next command until canceled
MVIEW Creates floating viewports and turns on existing floating viewports
MVSETUP Sets up the specifications of a drawingN
NEW Creates a new drawing file
O
OFFSET Creates concentric circles, parallel lines, and parallel curves
OLELINKS Updates, changes, and cancels existing OLE links
OLESCALE Displays the OLE Properties dialog box
OOPS Restores erased objects
OPEN Opens an existing drawing file
OPTIONS Customizes the AutoCAD settings
ORTHO Constrains cursor movement
OSNAP ets object snap modesP
PAGESETUP Specifies the layout page, plotting device, paper size, and settings for each new layout
PAN Moves the drawing display in the current viewport
PARTIALOAD Loads additional geometry into a partially opened drawing
PARTIALOPEN Loads geometry from a selected view or layer into a drawing
PASTEBLOCK Pastes a copied block into a new drawingPASTECLIP Inserts data from the Clipboard
PASTEORIG Pastes a copied object in a new drawing using the coordinates from the original drawing
PASTESPEC Inserts data from the Clipboard and controls the format of the data
PCINWIZARD Displays a wizard to import PCP and PC2 configuration file plot settings into the Model tab or current layout
PEDIT Edits polylines and three-dimensional polygon meshesPFACE Creates a three-dimensional polyface mesh vertex by vertex
PLAN Displays the plan view of a user coordinate system
PLINE Creates two-dimensional polylines
PLOT Plots a drawing to a plotting device or file
PLOTSTYLE Sets the current plot style for new objects, or the assigned plot style for selected objects
PLOTTERMANAGER Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can launch the Add-a-Plotter wizard and the Plotter Configuration EditorPOINT Creates a point object
POLYGON Creates an equilateral closed polyline
PREVIEW Shows how the drawing will look when it is printed or plotted
PROPERTIES Controls properties of existing objects
PROPERTIESCLOSE Closes the Properties window
PSDRAG Controls the appearance of a PostScript image as it is dragged into position with PSIN
PSETUPIN Imports a user-defined page setup into a new drawing layoutPSFILL Fills a two-dimensional polyline outline with a PostScript pattern
PSIN Imports a PostScript file
PSOUT Creates an encapsulated PostScript file
PSPACE Switches from a model space viewport to paper space
PURGE Removes unused named objects, such as blocks or layers, from the drawing database
Q
QDIM Quickly creates a dimension
QLEADER Quickly creates a leader and leader annotation
QSAVE Quickly saves the current drawing
QSELECT Quickly creates selection sets based on filtering criteria
QTEXT Controls the display and plotting of text and attribute objects
QUIT Exits AutoCADR
RAY Creates a semi-infinite line
RECOVER Repairs a damaged drawing
RECTANG Draws a rectangular polyline
REDEFINE Restores AutoCAD internal commands overridden by UNDEFINE
REDO Reverses the effects of the previous UNDO or U command
REDRAW Refreshes the display in the current viewport
REDRAWALL Refreshes the display in all viewports
REFCLOSE Saves back or discards changes made during in-place editing of a reference (an xref or a block)REFEDIT Selects a reference for editing
REFSET Adds or removes objects from a working set during in-place editing of a reference (an xref or a block)
REGEN Regenerates the drawing and refreshes the current viewport
REGENALL Regenerates the drawing and refreshes all viewports
REGENAUTO Controls automatic regeneration of a drawing
REGION Creates a region object from a selection set of existing objectsREINIT Reinitializes the digitizer, digitizer input/output port, and program parameters file
RENAME Changes the names of objects
RENDER Creates a photorealistic or realistically shaded image of a three-dimensional wireframe or solid model
RENDSCR Redisplays the last rendering created with the RENDER command
REPLAY Displays a BMP, TGA, or TIFF image
RESUME Continues an interrupted script
REVOLVE Creates solids by revolving two-dimensional objects about an axisREVSURF Creates a revolved surface about a selected axis
RMAT Manages rendering materials
ROTATE Moves objects about a base point
ROTATE3D Moves objects about a three-dimensional axis
RPREF Sets rendering preferences
RSCRIPT Creates a script that repeats continuously
RULESURF Creates a ruled surface between two curvesS
SAVE Saves the drawing under the current file name or a specified name
SAVEAS Saves an unnamed drawing with a file name or renames the current drawing
SAVEIMG Saves a rendered image to a file
SCALE Enlarges or reduces selected objects equally in the X, Y, and Z directions
SCENE Manages scenes in model space
SCRIPT Executes a sequence of commands from a script
SECTION Uses the intersection of a plane and solids to create a regionSELECT Places selected objects in the Previous selection set
SETUV Maps materials onto objects
SETVAR Lists or changes the values of system variables
SHADEMODE Shades the objects in the current viewport
SHAPE Inserts a shape
SHELL Accesses operating system commands
SHOWMAT Lists the material type and attachment method for a selected object
SKETCH Creates a series of freehand line segmentsSLICE Slices a set of solids with a plane
SNAP Restricts cursor movement to specified intervals
SOLDRAW Generates profiles and sections in viewports created with SOLVIEW
SOLID Creates solid-filled polygons
SOLIDEDIT Edits faces and edges of 3D solid objects
SOLPROF Creates profile images of three-dimensional solids
SOLVIEW Creates floating viewports using orthographic projection to lay out multi- and sectional view drawings of 3D solid and body objects while in a layoutSPELL Checks spelling in a drawing
SPHERE Creates a three-dimensional solid sphere
SPLINE Creates a quadratic or cubic spline (NURBS) curve
SPLINEDIT Edits a spline object
STATS Displays rendering statistics
STATUS Displays drawing statistics, modes, and extents
STLOUT Stores a solid in an ASCII or binary file
STRETCH Moves or stretches objects
STYLE Creates or modifies named styles and sets the current style for text in your drawingSTYLESMANAGER Displays the Plot Style Manager
SUBTRACT Creates a composite region or solid by subtraction
SYSWINDOWS Arranges windowsT
TABLET Calibrates, configures, and turns on and off an attached digitizing tablet
TABSURF Creates a tabulated surface from a path curve and a direction vector
TEXT Displays text on screen as it is entered
TEXTSCR Opens the AutoCAD text window
TIME Displays the date and time statistics of a drawing
TOLERANCE Creates geometric tolerances
TOOLBAR Displays, hides, and customizes toolbars
TORUS Creates a donut-shaped solidTRACE Creates solid lines
TRANSPARENCY Controls whether background pixels in an image are transparent or opaque
TREESTAT Displays information about the drawing's current spatial index
TRIM Trims objects at a cutting edge defined by other objectsU
U Reverses the most recent operation
UCS Manages user coordinate systems
UCSICON Controls the visibility and placement of the UCS icon
UCSMAN Manages defined user coordinate systems
UNDEFINE Allows an application-defined command to override an internal AutoCAD command
UNDO Reverses the effect of commands
UNION Creates a composite region or solid by addition
UNITS Controls coordinate and angle display formats and determines precisionV
VBAIDE Displays the Visual Basic Editor
VBALOAD Loads a global VBA project into the current AutoCAD session
VBAMAN Loads, unloads, saves, creates, embeds, and extracts VBA projects
VBARUN Runs a VBA macro
VBASTMT Executes a VBA statement on the AutoCAD command line
VBAUNLOAD Unloads a global VBA projectVIEW Saves and restores named views
VIEWRES Sets the resolution for objects in the current viewport
VLISP Displays the Visual LISP interactive development environment (IDE)
VPCLIP Clips viewport objects
VPLAYER Sets layer visibility within viewports
VPOINT Sets the viewing direction for a three-dimensional visualization of the drawing
VPORTS Divides the drawing area into multiple tiled or floating viewportsVSLIDE Displays an image slide file in the current viewport
W
WBLOCK Writes objects or a block to a new drawing file
WEDGE Creates a 3D solid with a sloped face tapering along the X axis
WHOHAS Displays ownership information for opened drawing files
WMFIN Imports a Windows metafile
WMFOPTS Sets options for WMFIN
WMFOUT Saves objects to a Windows metafileX
XATTACH Attaches an external reference to the current drawing
XBIND Binds dependent symbols of an xref to a drawing
XCLIP Defines an xref or block clipping boundary and sets the front or back clipping planes
XLINE Creates an infinite line
XPLODE Breaks a compound object into its component objects
XREF Controls external references to drawing filesZ
ZOOM Increases or decreases the apparent size of objects in the current viewport
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AutoCAD Command line switchesYou can use command line switches to specify certain options when AutoCAD starts.
You can set these switches in Hurricanes Options menu. (Or you can leave them blank)
For example, AutoCAD can run a script, start with a specified template drawing, and display a specified view when a drawing is opened. With command line switches, you can also set up several AutoCAD icons on your Desktop, each with different start-up options.
Valid switches are listed in the following table.
/t
Template file name
Creates a new drawing based on a template or prototype drawing. A DWT file type is assumed.
/c
Configuration folder
Specifies the path for the hardware configuration file that you want to use. You can specify a directory or a particular file. A CFG file type is assumed. If you don't set the /c switch, AutoCAD searches the executable directory and uses the ACADCFGW or ACADCFG environment variable as a way to define the configuration file and directory location.
/v
View name
Designates a particular view of the drawing for display at startup of AutoCAD.
/s
Support folders
Designates support folders other than the current folder. Support files include text fonts, menus, AutoLISP files, linetypes, and hatch patterns. The maximum number of folders you can specify in the path is 15. Each folder name is delimited by semicolons.
/r
Default system pointing
deviceRestores the default system pointing device. It creates a new configuration file (acad2002.cfg) and renames the previous acad2002.cfg file to acad2002.bak.
/nologo
No AutoCAD logo screen
Starts AutoCAD without first displaying the logo screen.
/p
User-defined registry profile for starting AutoCAD
Specifies a user-defined registry profile for starting AutoCAD. The selected profile is in effect only for the current session of AutoCAD, unless you make another profile current in the Options dialog box during that session.
You create or import Profiles on the Profiles tab in the Options dialog box. With the /p switch, you can only specify those profiles that are listed in the Options dialog box. If the profile does not exist, AutoCAD uses the current profile.The syntax for using command line switches is:
"drive:pathname\acad.exe" ["drawing name"] [/switch "name"]
Note: When entering switches into the Hurricane options screen, you don't need to specify the AutoCAD Executable or Drawing Name.
When using a switch option, you must follow the switch with a space and then the name of a file, path, or view within quotation marks.
AutoCAD resolves the environment settings in the following way:
- If you use a command line switch to specify an environment setting, the command line switch overrides the settings specified in either the Options dialog box or the environment variable.
- If a command line switch is not set, the corresponding value set in the Options dialog box is used.
- If neither a command line switch nor an Options value is set, the environment variable value is used.
Note: Command line switches and environment variables override Options values for the current session only. They do not alter the system registry.
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AutoCAD System Variables Listing
Hurricane Batch Script Generator for AutoCAD
Click here for main site.
AutoCAD 2000
System VariablesA
ACADLSPASDOC Controls whether AutoCAD loads the acad.lsp file into every drawing or just the first drawing opened in an AutoCAD session
ACADPREFIX Stores the directory path, if any, specified by the ACAD environment variable, with path separators appended if necessary
ACADVER Stores the AutoCAD version number
ACISOUTVER Controls the ACIS version of SAT files created using the ACISOUTcommand
AFLAGS Sets attribute flags for ATTDEF bit-codeANGBASE Sets the base angle 0 with respect to the current UCS
ANGDIR Sets the positive angle direction from angle 0 with respect to the current UCS
APBOX Turns the AutoSnap aperture box on or off
APERTURE Sets object snap target height, in pixels
AREA Stores the last area computed by AREA, LIST, or DBLIST
ATTDIA Controls whether -INSERT uses a dialog box for attribute value entry
ATTMODE Controls display of attributesATTREQ Determines whether INSERT uses default attribute settings during insertion of blocks
AUDITCTL Controls whether AUDIT creates an audit report (ADT) file
AUNITS Sets units for angles
AUPREC Sets the number of decimal places for angular units
AUTOSNAP Controls AutoSnap marker, tooltip, and magnetB
BACKZ Stores the back clipping plane offset from the target plane for the current viewport
BINDTYPE Controls how xref names are handled when binding xrefs or editing xrefs in-place
BLIPMODE Controls whether marker blips are visibleC
CDATE Sets calendar date and time
CECOLOR Sets the color of new objects
CELTSCALE Sets the current object linetype scaling factor
CELTYPE Sets the linetype of new objects
CELWEIGHT Sets the lineweight of new objects
CHAMFERA Sets the first chamfer distance
CHAMFERB Sets the second chamfer distance
CHAMFERC Sets the chamfer length
CHAMFERD Sets the chamfer angle
CHAMMODE Sets the input method by which AutoCAD creates chamfersCIRCLERAD Sets the default circle radius
CLAYER Sets the current layer
CMDACTIVE Stores the bit-code that indicates whether an ordinary command, transparent command, script, or dialog box is active
CMDECHO Controls whether AutoCAD echoes prompts and input during the AutoLISP (command) function
CMDNAMES Displays the names of the active and transparent commands
CMLJUST Specifies multiline justification
CMLSCALE Controls the overall width of a multilineCMLSTYLE Sets the multiline style
COMPASS Controls whether the 3D compass is on or off in the current viewport
COORDS Controls when coordinates are updated on the status line
CPLOTSTYLE Controls the current plot style for new objects
CPROFILE Stores the name of the current profile
CTAB Returns the name of the current (model or layout) tab in the drawing. Provides a means for the user to determine which tab is activeCURSORSIZE Determines the size of the crosshairs as a percentage of the screen size
CVPORT Sets the identification number of the current viewportD
DATE Stores the current date and time
DBMOD Indicates the drawing modification status using bit-code
DCTCUST Displays the path and file name of the current custom spelling dictionary
DCTMAIN Displays the file name of the current main spelling dictionary
DEFLPLSTYLE Specifies the default plot style for new layers
DEFPLSTYLE Specifies the default plot style for new objects
DELOBJ Controls whether objects used to create other objects are retained or deleted from the drawing databaseDEMANDLOAD Specifies if and when AutoCAD demand loads a third-party application if a drawing contains custom objects created in that application
DIASTAT Stores the exit method of the most recently used dialog box
DIMADEC Controls the number of places of precision displayed for angular dimensions
DIMALT Controls the display of alternate units in dimensions
DIMALTD Controls the number of decimal places in alternate units
DIMALTF Controls the multiplier for alternate unitsDIMALTRND Determines rounding of alternate units
DIMALTTD Sets the number of decimal places for the tolerance values in the alternate units of a dimension
DIMALTTZ Toggles suppression of zeros in tolerance values
DIMALTU Sets the units format for alternate units of all dimension style family members except angular
DIMALTZ Controls the suppression of zeros for alternate unit dimension values
DIMAPOST Specifies a text prefix or suffix (or both) to the alternate dimension measurement for all types of dimensions except angularDIMASO Controls the associativity of dimension objects
DIMASZ Controls the size of dimension line and leader line arrowheads
DIMATFIT Determines how dimension text and arrows are arranged when space is not sufficient to place both within the extension lines
DIMAUNIT Sets the units format for angular dimensions
DIMAZIN Suppresses zeros for angular dimensions
DIMBLK Sets the arrowhead block displayed at the ends of dimension lines or leader linesDIMBLK1 Sets the arrowhead for the first end of the dimension line when DIMSAH is on
DIMBLK2 Sets the arrowhead for the second end of the dimension line when DIMSAH is on
DIMCEN Controls drawing of circle or arc center marks and centerlines by DIMCENTER, DIMDIAMETER, and DIMRADIUS
DIMCLRD Assigns colors to dimension lines, arrowheads, and dimension leader lines
DIMCLRE Assigns colors to dimension extension linesDIMCLRT Assigns colors to dimension text
DIMDEC Sets the number of decimal places displayed for the primary units of a dimension
DIMDLE Sets the distance the dimension line extends beyond the extension line when oblique strokes are drawn instead of arrowheads
DIMDLI Controls the spacing of dimension lines in baseline dimensions
DIMDSEP Specifies a single character decimal separator to use when creating dimensions whose unit format is decimalDIMEXE Specifies how far to extend the extension line beyond the dimension line
DIMEXO Specifies how far extension lines are offset from origin points
DIMFIT Obsolete. Replaced by DIMATFIT and DIMTMOVE
DIMFRAC Sets the fraction format when DIMLUNIT is set to 4 or 5
DIMGAP Sets the distance around the dimension text when the dimension line breaks to accommodate dimension text
DIMJUST Controls the horizontal positioning of dimension textDIMLDRBLK Specifies the arrow type for leaders
DIMLFAC Sets a scale factor for linear dimension measurements
DIMLIM Generates dimension limits as the default text
DIMLUNIT Sets units for all dimension types except Angular
DIMLWD Assigns lineweight to dimension lines
DIMLWE Assigns lineweight to extension lines
DIMPOST Specifies a text prefix or suffix (or both) to the dimension measurementDIMRND Rounds all dimensioning distances to the specified value
DIMSAH Controls the display of dimension line arrowhead blocks
DIMSCALE Sets the overall scale factor applied to dimensioning variables that specify sizes, distances, or offsets
DIMSD1 Controls suppression of the first dimension line
DIMSD2 Controls suppression of the second dimension line
DIMSE1 Suppresses display of the first extension line
DIMSE2 Suppresses display of the second extension lineDIMSHO Controls redefinition of dimension objects while dragging
DIMSOXD Suppresses drawing of dimension lines outside the extension lines
DIMSTYLE Shows the current dimension style
DIMTAD Controls the vertical position of text in relation to the dimension line
DIMTDEC Sets the number of decimal places to display in tolerance values for the primary units in a dimension
DIMTFAC Sets a scale factor used to calculate the height of text for dimension fractions and tolerancesDIMTIH Controls the position of dimension text inside the extension lines for all dimension types except ordinate
DIMTIX Draws text between extension lines
DIMTM When DIMTOL or DIMLIM is on, sets the minimum (or lower) tolerance limit for dimension text
DIMTMOVE Sets dimension text movement rules
DIMTOFL Controls whether a dimension line is drawn between the extension lines even when the text is placed outsideDIMTOH Controls the position of dimension text outside the extension lines
DIMTOL Appends tolerances to dimension text
DIMTOLJ Sets the vertical justification for tolerance values relative to the nominal dimension text
DIMTP When DIMTOL or DIMLIM is on, sets the maximum (or upper) tolerance limit for dimension text
DIMTSZ Specifies the size of oblique strokes drawn instead of arrowheads for linear, radius, and diameter dimensioningDIMTVP Controls the vertical position of dimension text above or below the dimension line
DIMTXSTY Specifies the text style of the dimension
DIMTXT Specifies the height of dimension text, unless the current text style has a fixed height
DIMTZIN Controls the suppression of zeros in tolerance values
DIMUNIT Obsolete. Replaced by DIMLUNIT and DIMFRAC
DIMUPT Controls options for user-positioned text
DIMZIN Controls the suppression of zeroes in the primary unit valueDISPSILH Controls display of silhouette curves of solid objects in Wireframe mode
DISTANCE Stores the distance computed by DIST
DONUTID Sets the default for the inside diameter of a donut
DONUTOD Sets the default for the outside diameter of a donut
DRAGMODE Controls the display of objects being dragged
DRAGP1 Sets the regen-drag input sampling rate
DRAGP2 Sets the fast-drag input sampling rate
DWGCHECK Determines whether a drawing was last edited by a product other than AutoCADDWGCODEPAGE Stores the same value as SYSCODEPAGE (for compatibility reasons)
DWGNAME Stores the drawing name as entered by the user
DWGPREFIX Stores the drive/directory prefix for the drawing
DWGTITLED Indicates whether the current drawing has been named
E
EDGEMODE Controls how TRIM and EXTEND determine cutting and boundary edges
ELEVATION Stores the current elevation relative to the current UCS for the current viewport in the current space
EXPERT Controls whether certain prompts are issued
EXPLMODE Controls whether EXPLODE supports nonuniformly scaled (NUS) blocks
EXTMAX Stores the upper-right point of the drawing extents
EXTMIN Stores the lower-left point of the drawing extentsEXTNAMES Sets the parameters for named object names (such as linetypes and layers) stored in symbol tables
F
FACETRATIO Controls the aspect ratio of faceting for cylindrical and conic ACIS solids
FACETRES Adjusts the smoothness of shaded and rendered objects and objects with hidden lines removed
FILEDIA Suppresses display of the file dialog boxes
FILLETRAD Stores the current fillet radius
FILLMODE Specifies whether multilines, traces, solids, all hatches (including solid-fill), and wide polylines are filled in
FONTALT Specifies the alternate font to be used when the specified font file cannot be locatedFONTMAP Specifies the font mapping file to be used
FRONTZ Stores the front clipping plane offset from the target plane for the current viewport
FULLOPEN Indicates whether the current drawing is partially openG
GRIDMODE Specifies whether the grid is turned on or off
GRIDUNIT Specifies the grid spacing (X and Y) for the current viewport
GRIPBLOCK Controls the assignment of grips in blocks
GRIPCOLOR Controls the color of nonselected grips (drawn as box outlines)
GRIPHOT Controls the color of selected grips (drawn as filled boxes)
GRIPS Controls the use of selection set grips for the Stretch, Move, Rotate, Scale, and Mirror grip modesGRIPSIZE Sets the size of the grip box in pixels
H
HANDLES Reports whether object handles can be accessed by applications
HIDEPRECISION Controls the accuracy of hides and shades
HIGHLIGHT Controls object highlighting; does not affect objects selected with grips
HPANG Specifies the hatch pattern angle
HPBOUND Controls the object type created by BHATCH and BOUNDARY
HPDOUBLE Specifies hatch pattern doubling for user-defined patternsHPNAME Sets a default hatch pattern name
HPSCALE Specifies the hatch pattern scale factor
HPSPACE Specifies the hatch pattern line spacing for user-defined simple patterns
HYPERLINKBASE Specifies the path used for all relative hyperlinks in the drawingI
IMAGEHLT Controls whether the entire raster image or only the raster image frame is hightlighted
INDEXCTL Controls whether layer and spatial indexes are created and saved in drawing files
INETLOCATION Stores the Internet location used by BROWSER and the Browse the Web dialog box
INSBASE Stores insertion base point set by BASE
INSNAME Sets a default block name for INSERT
INSUNITS When you drag a block from AutoCAD DesignCenter, specifies a drawing units valueINSUNITSDEFSOURCE Sets source content units value
INSUNITSDEFTARGET Sets target drawing units value
ISAVEBAK Improves the speed of incremental saves, especially for large drawings
ISAVEPERCENT Determines the amount of wasted space tolerated in a drawing file
ISOLINES Specifies the number of isolines per surface on objectsL
LASTANGLE Stores the end angle of the last arc entered
LASTPOINT Stores the last point entered
LASTPROMPT Stores the last string echoed to the command line
LENSLENGTH Stores the length of the lens (in millimeters) used in perspective viewing for the current viewport
LIMCHECK Controls the creation of objects outside the drawing limits
LIMMAX Stores the upper-right drawing limits for the current space
LIMMIN Stores the lower-left drawing limits for the current spaceLISPINIT When single-document interface is enabled, specifies whether AutoLISP-defined functions and variables are preserved when you open a new drawing
LOCALE Displays the ISO language code of the current AutoCAD version
LOGFILEMODE Specifies whether the contents of the text window are written to a log file
LOGFILENAME Specifies the path and name of the log file
LOGFILEPATH Specifies the path for the log files for all drawings in a sessionLOGINNAME Displays the user's name as configured or as input when AutoCAD is loaded
LTSCALE Sets the global linetype scale factor
LUNITS Sets linear units
LUPREC Sets the number of decimal places displayed for linear units
LWDEFAULT Sets the value for the default linweight
LWDISPLAY Controls whether the lineweight is displayed in the Model or Layout tab
LWUNITS Controls whether lineweight units are displayed in inches or millimetersM
MAXACTVP Sets the maximum number of viewports that can be active at one time in the display
MAXSORT Sets the maximum number of symbol names or block names sorted by listing commands
MBUTTONPAN Controls the behavior of the third button or wheel on the pointing device
MEASUREINIT Sets the initial drawing units as English or metric
MEASUREMENT Sets drawing units as English or metric for the current drawing onlyMENUCTL Controls the page switching of the screen menu
MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits
MENUNAME Stores the menu file name, including the path for the filename
MIRRTEXT Controls how MIRROR reflects text
MODEMACRO Displays a text string on the status line
MTEXTED Sets the primary and secondary text editors to use for multiline text objectsN
NOMUTT Suppresses the message display (muttering) when it wouldn't normally be suppressed
O
OFFSETDIST Sets the default offset distance
OFFSETGAPTYPE Controls how to offset polylines when a gap is created as a result of offsetting the individual polyline segments
OLEHIDE Controls the display of OLE objects in AutoCAD
OLEQUALITY Controls the default quality level for embedded OLE objects
OLESTARTUP Controls whether the source application of an embedded OLE object loads when plottingORTHOMODE Constrains cursor movement to the perpendicular
OSMODE Sets running object snap modes using bitcodes
OSNAPCOORD Controls whether coordinates entered on the command line override running object snaps
P
PAPERUPDATE Controls the display of a warning dialog when attempting to print a layout with a paper size different from the paper size specified by the default for the plotter configuration file
PDMODE Controls how point objects are displayed
PDSIZE Sets the display size for point objects
PERIMETER Stores the last perimeter value computed by AREA, LIST, or DBLIST
PFACEVMAX Sets the maximum number of vertices per facePICKADD Controls whether subsequent selections replace the current selection set or add to it
PICKAUTO Controls automatic windowing at the Select Objects prompt
PICKBOX Sets object selection target height
PICKDRAG Controls the method of drawing a selection window
PICKFIRST Controls whether you select objects before or after you issue a command
PICKSTYLE Controls the use of group selection and associative hatch selectionPLATFORM Indicates which platform of AutoCAD is in use
PLINEGEN Sets how linetype patterns generate around the vertices of a 2D polyline
PLINETYPE Specifies whether AutoCAD uses optimized 2D polylines
PLINEWID Stores the default polyline width
PLOTID Obsolete, has no effect in AutoCAD 2000 except to preserve the integrity of pre-AutoCAD 2000 scripts and LISP routines
PLOTROTMODE Controls the orientation of plots
PLOTTER Obsolete. Has no effect in AutoCAD 2000 except to preserve the integrity of pre-AutoCAD 2000 scripts and LISP routinesPLQUIET Controls the display of optional dialog boxes and nonfatal errors for batch plotting and scripts
POLARADDANG Contains user-defined polar angles
POLARANG Sets the polar angle increment
POLARDIST Sets the snap increment when the SNAPSTYL system variable is set to 1 (polar snap)
POLARMODE Controls settings for polar and object snap trackingPOLYSIDES Sets the default number of sides for POLYGON
POPUPS Displays the status of the currently configured display driver
PRODUCT Returns the product name
PROGRAM Returns the program name
PROJECTNAME Assigns a project name to the current drawing
PROJMODE Sets the current Projection mode for trimming or extending
PROXYGRAPHICS Specifies whether images of proxy objects are saved in the drawingPROXYNOTICE Displays a notice when you open a drawing containing custom objects created by an application that is not present
PROXYSHOW Controls the display of proxy objects in a drawing
PSLTSCALE Controls paper space linetype scaling
PSPROLOG Assigns a name for a prolog section to be read from the acad.psf file when you are using PSOUT
PSQUALITY Controls the rendering quality of PostScript images
PSTYLEMODE Indicates whether the current drawing is in a Color-Dependent or Named Plot Style modePSTYLEPOLICY Controls whether an object's color property is associated with its plot style
PSVPSCALE Sets the view scale factor for all newly created viewports
PUCSBASE Stores the name of the UCS that defines the origin and orientation of orthographic UCS settings in paper space onlyQ
QTEXTMODE Controls how text is displayed
R
RASTERPREVIEW Controls whether BMP preview images are saved with the drawing
REFEDITNAME Indicates whether a drawing is in a reference-editing state and stores the reference file name
REGENMODE Controls automatic regeneration of the drawing
RE-INIT Reinitializes the digitizer, digitizer port, and acad.pgp file
RTDISPLAY Controls the display of raster images during Realtime ZOOM or PANS
SAVEFILE Stores the current auto-save file name
SAVEFILEPATH Specifies the path to the directory for all automatic save files for the AutoCAD session.
SAVENAME Stores the file name and directory path of the current drawing after you save it
SAVETIME Sets the automatic save interval, in minutes
SCREENBOXES Stores the number of boxes in the screen menu area of the drawing area
SCREENMODE Stores a bitcode indicating the graphics/text state of the AutoCAD displaySCREENSIZE Stores current viewport size in pixels (X and Y)
SDI Controls whether AutoCAD runs in single- or multiple-document interface
SHADEDGE Controls the shading of edges in rendering
SHADEDIF Sets the ratio of diffuse reflective light to ambient light
SHORTCUTMENU Controls whether Default, Edit, and Command mode shortcut menus are available in the drawing area
SHPNAME Sets a default shape nameSKETCHINC Sets the record increment for SKETCH
SKPOLY Determines whether SKETCH generates lines or polylines
SNAPANG Sets snap and grid rotation angle for the current viewport
SNAPBASE Sets the snap and grid origin point for the current viewport relative to the current UCS
SNAPISOPAIR Controls the isometric plane for the current viewport
SNAPMODE Turns Snap mode on and off
SNAPSTYL Sets snap style for the current viewportSNAPTYPE Sets the snap style for the current viewport
SNAPUNIT Sets the snap spacing for the current viewport
SOLIDCHECK Turns the solid validation on and off for the current AutoCAD session
SORTENTS Controls the OPTIONS command (from the Selection tab) object sort order operations
SPLFRAME Controls the display of splines and spline-fit polylines
SPLINESEGS Sets the number of line segments to be generated for each spline-fit polylineSPLINETYPE Sets the type of curve generated by the Spline option of the PEDIT command
SURFTAB1 Sets the number of tabulations to be generated for RULESURF and TABSURF
SURFTAB2 Sets the mesh density in the N direction for REVSURF and EDGESURF
SURFTYPE Controls the type of surface-fitting to be performed by the Smooth option of the PEDIT command
SURFU Sets the surface density for PEDIT Smooth in the M directionSURFV Sets the surface density for PEDIT Smooth in the N direction
SYSCODEPAGE Indicates the system code page specified in acad.xmfT
TABMODE Controls the use of the tablet
TARGET Stores the location of the target point for the current viewport
TDCREATE Stores the local time and date the drawing was created
TDINDWG Stores the total editing time
TDUCREATE Stores the universal time and date the drawing was created
TDUPDATE Stores the local time and date of the last update/save
TDUSRTIMER Stores the user-elapsed timerTDUUPDATE Stores the universal time and date of the last update/save
TEMPPREFIX Contains the directory name for temporary files
TEXTEVAL Controls the method of evaluation for text strings
TEXTFILL Controls the filling of TrueType fonts while plotting, exporting with the PSOUT command, and rendering
TEXTQLTY Sets the resolution tesselation fineness of text outlines for TrueType fonts while plotting, exporting with the PSOUT command, and renderingTEXTSIZE Sets the default height for new text objects drawn with the current text style
TEXTSTYLE Sets the name of the current text style
THICKNESS Sets the current 3D solid thickness
TILEMODE Makes the Model tab or the last layout tab current
TOOLTIPS Controls the display of tooltips
TRACEWID Sets the default trace width
TRACKPATH Controls the display of polar and object snap tracking alignment pathsTREEDEPTH Specifies the maximum depth, that is, the number of times the tree-structured spatial index can divide into branches
TREEMAX Limits memory consumption during drawing regeneration by limiting the number of nodes in the spatial index (oct-tree)
TRIMMODE Controls whether AutoCAD trims selected edges for chamfers and fillets
TSPACEFAC Controls the multiline text line spacing distance measured as a factor of text heightTSPACETYPE Controls the type of line spacing used in multiline text
TSTACKALIGN Controls the vertical alignment of stacked text
TSTACKSIZE Controls the percentage of stacked text fraction height relative to selected text's current height
U
UCSAXISANG Stores the default angle when rotating the UCS around one of its axes using the X, Y, or Z options of the UCS command
UCSBASE Stores the name of the UCS that defines the origin and orientation of orthographic UCS settings
UCSFOLLOW Generates a plan view whenever you change from one UCS to another
UCSICON Displays the UCS icon for the current viewport
UCSNAME Stores the name of the current coordinate system for the current viewport in the current spaceUCSORG Stores the origin point of the current coordinate system for the current viewport in the current space
UCSORTHO Determines whether the related orthographic UCS setting is restored automatically when an orthographic view is restored
UCSVIEW Determines whether the current UCS is saved with a named view
UCSVP Determines whether the UCS in active viewports remains fixed or changes to reflect the UCS of the currently active viewportUCSXDIR Stores the X direction of the current UCS for the current viewport in the current space
UCSYDIR Stores the Y direction of the current UCS for the current viewport in the current space
UNDOCTL Stores a bitcode indicating the state of the Auto and Control options of the UNDO command
UNDOMARKS Stores the number of marks that have been placed in the UNDO control stream by the Mark option
UNITMODE Controls the display format for unitsUSERI1–5 Stores and retrieves integer values
USERR1–5 Stores and retrieves real numbers
USERS1–5 Stores and retrieves text string dataV
VIEWCTR Stores the center of view in the current viewport
VIEWDIR Stores the viewing direction in the current viewport
VIEWMODE Controls the View mode for the current viewport using bitcode
VIEWSIZE Stores the height of the view in the current viewport
VIEWTWIST Stores the view twist angle for the current viewport
VISRETAIN Controls the visibility, color, linetype, lineweight, and plot styles (if PSTYLEPOLICY is set to 0) of xref-dependent layers and specifies whether nested xref path changes are savedVSMAX Stores the upper-right corner of the current viewport's virtual screen
VSMIN Stores the lower-left corner of the current viewport's virtual screenW
WHIPARC Controls whether the display of circles and arcs is smooth
WMFBKGND Controls the background of the output Windows metafile resulting from the WMFOUT command, and for the metafile format of objects placed on the Clipboard or dragged and dropped into other applications
WORLDUCS Indicates whether the UCS is the same as the WCS
WORLDVIEW Determines whether input to the 3DORBIT, DVIEW, and VPOINT commands is relative to the WCS (default), the current UCS, or the UCS specified by the UCSBASE system variableWRITESTAT Indicates whether a drawing file is read-only or can be written to, for developers who need to determine write status through AutoLISP
X
XCLIPFRAME Controls the visibility of xref clipping boundaries
XEDIT Controls whether the current drawing can be edited in-place when being referenced by another drawing
XFADECTL Controls the fading intensity for references being edited in-place
XLOADCTL Turns xref demand loading on and off and controls whether it opens the original drawing or a copy
XLOADPATH Creates a path for storing temporary copies of demand-loaded xref filesXREFCTL Controls whether AutoCAD writes external reference log (XLG) files
Z
ZOOMFACTOR Controls the incremental change in zoom with each IntelliMouse wheel action, whether forward or backward
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AutoCAD Command & System Variable History - UnofficialThis is a great document from AutoDesks "Unofficial" site of AutoCAD Command map History.
It details every AutoCAD system variable right up to the most current version of AutoCAD.
Also check out the AutoCAD TimeLine.
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