AutoCAD .NET Plugin Development in C# and VB.NET
We build professional AutoCAD plugins on the .NET API: custom commands, modern WPF palettes, ribbon tabs and fast DWG database automation that your drafting team can rely on every day.
Why the .NET API is the standard for serious AutoCAD tools
The AutoCAD .NET API gives managed access to almost everything inside a drawing: the database, entities, blocks, layers, layouts, dictionaries, events and the editor. With C# you get a modern language, strong typing, rich user interfaces and access to the whole .NET ecosystem for Excel, databases, web services and PDF.
ENGIMANDI builds .NET plugins that are loaded automatically, integrate with the ribbon and behave like native AutoCAD features. We follow Autodesk's transaction model, handle document locking correctly and test on your real drawings, so the plugin is stable across large files and multiple AutoCAD versions. Newer AutoCAD releases moved to .NET 8, and we plan builds so one codebase can target both older .NET Framework releases and current versions where needed.
Not sure whether .NET is the right choice? Our guide on AutoLISP vs .NET vs ObjectARX explains the trade-offs, and what can be automated with the AutoCAD .NET API shows real examples.
What you get
- Custom commands with prompts & jigs
- Ribbon tabs, panels & icons
- WPF palettes and modern dialogs
- Block, attribute & layer automation
- Event handlers & overrules
- Excel, SQL & REST API connectivity
- Autoloader bundle & installer
- Full C# source code & documentation
What our AutoCAD .NET plugins do
From small productivity commands to complete engineering applications.
Custom Commands
Commands with keyword prompts, selection filters, jigs for dynamic placement and undo-friendly transactions.
Palettes & UI
Dockable WPF palette sets, property panels, search tools and dialogs that match the AutoCAD look and feel.
Blocks & Attributes
Insert, update and read blocks, dynamic block properties and attributes across layouts and drawings.
Events & Overrules
React to saves, opens and object changes, and customise how entities draw, grip or behave with overrules.
Data Connectivity
Read and write Excel, SQL Server, SQLite and REST APIs to drive drawings from business data.
Migration & Upgrades
Move VBA, COM or LISP tools to .NET and upgrade older plugins to current AutoCAD releases.
.NET plugin stack
Autodesk-native APIs and proven .NET libraries.
Typical projects
- One-click title block fill from a project database
- Equipment or panel layout generator from Excel
- Layer and standards checker with auto-fix
- Block library palette with search and preview
- Quantity take-off and report export to Excel
- Upgrade of a legacy plugin to AutoCAD 2025 and later
How we deliver an AutoCAD .NET plugin
Discover
Your workflow, drawings, standards and AutoCAD versions.
Specify
Commands, UI, inputs, outputs and acceptance tests.
Build
Iterative C# development with regular demo builds.
Test
Validation on your real DWGs with your drafters.
Deploy
Installer, training, documentation and support.
AutoCAD .NET plugin questions
Will the plugin work in AutoCAD LT?
No. AutoCAD LT does not load .NET plugins. The plugin needs full AutoCAD or a vertical such as AutoCAD Mechanical, Electrical, MEP, Architecture or Civil 3D.
Can one plugin support several AutoCAD versions?
Usually yes. We structure the project so shared code is reused, and build separate targets where AutoCAD changed its .NET runtime or API.
How is the plugin installed?
We package it as an Autoloader bundle, so AutoCAD loads it automatically at start-up, with an optional installer for IT deployment across many PCs.
Do we get the source code?
Yes. You receive the full C# source code, build instructions and documentation, and you own the result.
Can you work on our existing plugin?
Yes. We regularly debug, extend and upgrade plugins written by other developers or former employees.