Commands

Hi guys

Ok this is a typical beginners question.

I browse many of the topics on this site and often the answer to the questions posed is given in the form of a command which is to be typed. The most recent being the ATTSYNC command for a problem someone had.

For each of these commands which are given, is there a corresponding button on the user interface which does the same thing and the command is simply a quicker way to do it. Or is there a list of commands who's function can only be performed by typing the command out?

I hope that makes sense.

Regards

Rob

What you think may be commands could be system variables.

Examples of system variables:

APBOX

CMDDIA

FILEDIA

FONTALT

PICKFIRST

There is no corresponding button or icon for these.

Also some older commands can be limited to command line input.

I try to mention wheter it is a command or a variable I'm referring to, but not always. Most variables have a tickbox somwhere that does the same, or nearly the same as the variable. And most commands have a button or is in a pulldown menu somwhere.

You can usually spot the difference, a variable is often given with a On/off or number-value along with them.

variables I find easier to change via typing them.

Wheter you use buttons for commands or type them (most commands also have a shorter version like M for Move (most often)) is a question of preference, I use buttons for some and type the rest.

Ok so a command is really any function which can be performed via buttons on the user interface while system variables are inputted into the command line?

The purpose of my question is to find out if there is a set list of these system variables as there may be functions there which I am not aware of.

That ATTSYNC just got me thinking of how I wouldve gotten around that particular problem without knowing that "command"

No, all commands can be inputted by command line also.

As far as a list is concerned, I got this link a while back which you might find useful. Also you can find commands out by starting with a few letters of a command and then "tabbing" through the options.

ha, my bad! express commands not needed!

Sorry, but the OP is using AutoCAD LT 2007. He does not have Express Tools. We're talking about the difference between commands and system variables.

I use a full version of AutoCAD so I am unsure if you can get to the System Variables Editor via the Tools menu or not. But if you want to see a list of those variables try this (type what is in italics):

Command: setvar

Enter variable name or [?]: ?

Enter variable(s) to list : *

Ok so a command is really any function which can be performed via buttons on the user interface while system variables are inputted into the command line?

 

The purpose of my question is to find out if there is a set list of these system variables as there may be functions there which I am not aware of.

That ATTSYNC just got me thinking of how I wouldve gotten around that particular problem without knowing that "command"

You can type MOVE or you can go Modify > Move or you can find the Move button on the Modify toolbar - same thing, both start the command MOVE

You can type VISRETAIN and change between 1 and 0 or you can go Tools > Options > Open and Save tab > and tick/untick the box for Retain changes to Xref layers - same thing, both change the variable VISRETAIN

What you choose to do depends on you, nothing is wrong.

As to how you would have gotten around a problem when you don't know the command/variable to fix it - that's what this forum is for

ReMark- The link I provided also lists all system variables, and covers different versions of ACAD.

Zorg - Theyre system variables, not express commands. only kidding.

Thanks that list is exactly what I was asking for.

GE - That list is perfect, thanks a stack.

GE: Just providing another option. Your list was perfect...just like you.

You're welcome MrJ!

GE: Just providing another option. Your list was perfect...just like you.

Hahaha far from it ReMark, far, far far from it!

While all these lists provide hundreds of these variables, why do none contain the ATTSYNC which got me going in the first place?

ATTSYNC is a command...

EDIT- I'm guessing you're also after a list of commands? Have a look in F1 or look in the CUI File.

A small handful of commands and variables are known to be undocumented as well. Bet you did not know that. But now you do.

Haha indeed. Ok I think I now have a comprehensive list of documented system variables. Some useful ones such as BLOCKREPLACE unfortunately appear not to be available on Autocad LT but thats ok, Ill see how I go in time and will get familiar with the ones I can use.

I presume those shown in F1 will be the ones I can use for my version which is helpful.