Level 1: Use built-in features properly
Before writing code, make sure you are using what the CAD software already offers: templates, dynamic blocks and tool palettes in AutoCAD, design tables and configurations in SOLIDWORKS, iParts and iAssemblies in Inventor, families and view templates in Revit. Well-built templates alone can remove a surprising amount of repetition.
Level 2: Macros and scripts
Scripts automate sequences of commands. They are quick to write and great for individual tasks.
AutoLISP example: set standard layers in any drawing.
(defun c:STDLAYERS ()
(foreach lay '(("DIM" 1) ("TEXT" 7) ("HIDDEN" 8) ("CENTER" 4))
(if (not (tblsearch "LAYER" (car lay)))
(command "_.-LAYER" "_M" (car lay) "_C" (cadr lay) "" "")
)
)
(princ "\nStandard layers created.")
(princ)
)Inventor iLogic example: fill a property from parameters.
iProperties.Value("Project", "Description") = _
"PLATE " & Parameter("Length") & " x " & Parameter("Width") & " x " & Parameter("Thickness")Level 3: Add-ins
When a task is used by many people, needs a proper interface or connects to other systems, build an add-in in C# or C++. Add-ins provide ribbon buttons, dialogs, error handling, logging and professional deployment.
Level 4: Batch and unattended automation
For large volumes, standalone tools process folders of files without user interaction: exports, property updates, validations or conversions. Cloud services such as Autodesk Platform Services Design Automation can run AutoCAD, Inventor and Revit processing on servers.
Choosing the right level
| Situation | Recommended level |
|---|---|
| Task done by one person, simple steps | Level 1 or 2 |
| Team-wide task, needs inputs and UI | Level 3 |
| Hundreds of files, no user decisions | Level 4 |
| Critical business process with integrations | Level 3 + 4 |
Tips for success
- Record the manual steps precisely before automating.
- Test on copies of real files, including old and messy ones.
- Keep scripts in version control, not on one person's desktop.
- Document how to use and update each tool.
Automate the boring parts first. Quick wins build support for bigger projects.
Need help automating?
ENGIMANDI writes scripts, add-ins and batch tools for AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, Revit and more.