Levels of AutoCAD customisation
| Level | Tools | Skill needed |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Templates (DWT), CUI ribbons, tool palettes, dynamic blocks, sheet sets | CAD manager |
| Scripting | Script files (.scr), action recorder, macros | Power user |
| AutoLISP / Visual LISP | Custom commands and routines | CAD programmer |
| .NET API | C# / VB.NET add-ins with forms, palettes, database access | Software developer |
| ObjectARX | C++ custom objects and high-performance tools | C++ developer |
| Cloud | APS Design Automation for AutoCAD | Web / cloud developer |
Configuration first
Good templates with layers, text and dimension styles, plus a library of dynamic blocks and a company ribbon, deliver a large share of the benefit with no code. Always start here.
AutoLISP
Fast to write and supported in AutoCAD and most verticals (though not in AutoCAD LT versions before 2024). Ideal for drawing utilities, attribute updates and repetitive editing. Read AutoLISP automation use cases.
.NET API
The .NET API gives full access to the drawing database with modern language features, user interfaces, Excel and database connections, and web APIs. It is the best choice for most professional add-ins. Read what the .NET API can automate.
ObjectARX
ObjectARX (C++) offers the deepest access, including custom entities with their own behaviour and grips, and the best performance. Read ObjectARX development.
Batch and server automation
- Script files run command sequences on many drawings.
- AutoCAD Core Console (accoreconsole.exe) processes drawings without the user interface, very fast.
- APS Design Automation runs AutoCAD engines in the cloud for web applications.
accoreconsole.exe /i "C:\dwg\plan-01.dwg" /s "C:\scripts\cleanup.scr"AutoCAD verticals
AutoCAD Mechanical, Electrical, MEP, Plant 3D, Map 3D and Civil 3D add domain objects and their own APIs, allowing specialised automation.
How to choose
- Can configuration solve it? Do that.
- Small utility for your own team? AutoLISP.
- Professional add-in with UI and integration? .NET.
- Custom objects or extreme performance? ObjectARX.
- Web or unattended processing? Core Console or Design Automation.
Choose the simplest technology that can grow with the requirement.
AutoCAD development with ENGIMANDI
As an Autodesk Development Partner, we build AutoCAD tools at every level. See AutoCAD customisation, automation and integration and AutoCAD API development.