Saving & Printing in AutoCAD

[bz1801]

I'm looking to create a routine in AutoLISP or VBA in AutoCAD that will allow me to save a file and then print it, with one click of the mouse or with one keystroke. When I save certain drawings, I need to create a duplicate PDF for others to view, and I think it would be easier to make AutoCAD automatically prompt me to print immediately after saving. Ideally, I'd like to just click Save in a toolbar, save the file to its destination, and then have the print menu pop up immediately afterwards. Or something to that effect. Is this something that can be done?

[ger21]

Probably easier in AutoLisp than VBA. Shouldn't be too hard if you know AutoLisp. The save part is very easy, just use (command "save" "") If you haven't already saved it, it will be saved as Drawing1.dwg.

If you're in a paperspace layout with everything all set up to plot, the following should work

(Command "plot" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" )

[ger21]

In my previous plot example, the "" are "enter" in responce to AutoCAD prompts.

If you enter into the command line, (command "plot"), you'll see the prompts and you can replace the "" with the appropriate responses.

[bz1801]

Thanks a lot, it worked. Here's what I entered in the text file:

(command "save" "~" "plot" "" "" "" "PDF" "" "" "")

This way I can save the file where I want, and name it what I want, and then my PDF writer is automatically chosen as the printer.

I have one other question: Is there a quicker way to execute this besides typing 'appload'? Such as assigning the appload command to a button in a toolbar?

[ger21]

In the button properties, under macro associated with this button, just enter the following:
^C^C (command "save" "~" "plot" "" "" "" "PDF" "" "" "")

[bz1801]

It worked! Thanks again for the help.

[ChrisJ]

Hi Gerry,

I have read a lot of your posts/help on Autocad questions and I have to say you really know the insides Autocad very well.

I have been using Autocad for 20 years and did a lot of the lisp writing and custom menus early on in my career, but I have lost my proficiency and knowledge over time since I am forbidden at work to do those types of things anymore. I guess they think I get payed too much for doing Cad customization. :frown:

At least I know where to go if I have an AutoCAD question. BTW: What version are you using?

Chris

[ger21]

I'm self taught, and have been learning for about 7 years now. I like to think I know quite a bit, but I still learn new things all the time. I use mostly 2002, but will be switching to 2006 after the first of the year when I get a faster computer.