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I've now updated this program to support resetting components of the incrementing string back to a given value with a given frequency - the latest version can be downloaded from my site: https://lee-mac.com/numinc.html

@masao_8 Here is a solution for a simple single selection add and SHIFT-Select to remove. Perhaps this will give you a basis for starting: ;; Function to do a simple Select/Deselect using grread. ;; By PJK - 6/16/2026 (defun pjk-grread-Select (/ done en grl grc grv ss) (if acet-load-expresstools (acet-load-expresstools)) (setq ss (ssadd)) (princ "\nSelect to add objects or SHIFT+Select to remove from selection set: ") (while (not done) (setq grl (grread T 15 2) grc (car grl) grv (cadr grl) ) (cond ((= grc 3) (if (setq en (car (nentselp grv))) (if (acet-sys-shift-down) (progn (if (ssmemb en ss)(ssdel en ss)) (redraw en 4) ) (progn (ssadd en ss) (redraw en 3) ) ) ) ) ((= grc 2) (setq done (if (vl-position grv '(13 32)) T nil)) ) ((= grc 25)(setq done T)) ) ) (if (> (sslength ss) 0) (progn (foreach i (mapcar 'cadr (ssnamex ss))(redraw i 4)) ss ) nil ) )

Just to add something more from me, as I did try to understand this problem as much as I could back then when I was working on my solution. Boundary command probably uses Pixel-Based Areas (Boundary Fill) method, that's why you have to see whole area on your screen. You can google what that is and how it works, but it makes sense to me considering there is a precision problem depending on "zoom" level. As for Hatch, it works the same for "pick points" method (boundary command + add hatch for that polyline), but if you choose "select objects" then it works as completely different method (just math without graphics part) and that's why its more accurate in this example. It all depends what you have as starting variables and what you need in the end. If you can, and its not a problem to select all lines, then CBoundray function from post above will work okay. This works like the Hatch by selecting objects... Of course clicking just one point inside area is simpler and faster, but can give wrong result because of its limitation. And I don't think its an issue with Autocad, its just a method that has its limitation. And it actually works really good otherwise, if you think about it, considering how much zoomed out you have to be and have a short segment to get the error. For example I work with topology, and have area centroids, and I needed to work some analysis with polylines for certain areas. In 99% cases boundary command was good, but with large areas with small boundary segments (like in OP example) I had this problem and needed to avoid it.

I think there’s other reasons too! CAD, VisualLISP, have been around for more than a quarter century, AutoLISP, like 40 years, either people have moved on to other software packages, or use an already existing solution People at stack overflow started to complain about it being toxic, people downvote legitimate questions where the question was a bit hard to understand, i.e. where the OP’s first language isn’t English. I use the heck out of AI though; I even run local models. The issue is, people expect LLMs to “one shot” solutions, it’s unlikely to happen. If you spend time and find a system to work with the models, they are amazing.

;;;You can call Master Leemac's code, but do not modify it (defun c:ttt(/ CPB NEW-PT OBJ PT) (c:cb) (setq cpb (entlast)) (setq pt (cdr(assoc 10 (entget cpb)))) (setq obj (vlax-ename->vla-object cpb)) (setq new-pt (vlax-3d-point (getpoint pt "\n Specify the new location"))) (vla-move obj (vlax-3d-point pt) new-pt) (princ) )

This has been talked before if I understood the problem correctly: https://www.cadtutor.net/forum/topic/61468-boundary-precision/ To create a boundary you have to have the whole area visible in your model, everything needs to be visible in display area So it has to do something with your "viewing resolution" (zoom), that's how command works. What is the limit I don't know, I never did tests like they did in topic mentioned above. But I also had the same problems with large areas like you posted, when I have one short line, or polyline segment, one of the boundary vertices would be wrong (bad precision). The solution for me was to create lisp working with regions, then convert region to polyline. When creating regions you don't need to see the whole area on your screen, you select the lines and its just pure math from there

@darshjalal Thanks for your program contribution. I don't want to take away for your obvious hard work, but I somewhat agree with @BIGAL. I have read the extensive comments that are very detailed and technical, but there is no summary of what it is used for, or how it is useful. For the casual LISP user, they would not understand the value in such a program. I think a simple paragraph would be help instead of blindly evaluating it. Your title does explain the purpose of the program, but it's too vague and some plain language on how the features are helpful would be nice - just a friendly critique

Perhaps it's easier than it seems. If it is an integrated receiver and Windows is able to obtain location data from it, then you should be able to access that data through the 'Windows Location API'. In that case, it should be possible to write a script to be executed from PowerShell that creates a loop to poll the receiver and write the data to a file. That loop would run in parallel with AutoCAD, allowing Lisp to read the new data as it is written. This method would be "intrusive", since it would occupy AutoCAD's command stream for as long as the command is running. However, there is another, less intrusive option that could operate in the "background": write the data to a system variable ('USERS#') and create a reactor that responds to changes in that variable: 'vlr-sysvar-reactor'. If the script is executed in a background PowerShell instance, you would also need to write a Lisp command capable of closing that instance when necessary. Once the script has been debugged, it could be incorporated into the Lisp code itself, making the whole solution completely self-contained. I haven't had much free time lately, but I'll try to investigate all of this a bit further.

What are you trying to accomplish with this code? First and foremost vla-CopyObjects doesn't support Layouts in the manner you are attempting, AFAIK. You need to use -LAYOUT command or pretty much need to use LeeMac's Steal or at least determine the method he uses for Layouts, which if I am looking at it correctly uses the Block Table record maybe more as I quickly glanced at it.

I have noticed the drop in posts in forums like Lisp, here, Autodesk and Theswamp, I think it's because people are using AI more to write code. Even I try AI now and again when stuck, it is successful some times. The most obvious here is when the AI code does not work help is asked for here. Maybe Admin could comment about number of posts say compared to 1 or 2 years ago ? Or is it that a lot of new users just don't ask for help ? I know I push for process improvement and have often tried to influence people into saving time but the majority just don't care. Any body else want to comment ?

I worry that information will become like entertainment. We used to have a few TV channels, they were free, and we trusted their information. Then came cable, which grew into a mess of garbage that came through one provider, so you paid for things you mostly didn't want. Then came streaming, which is turning into a handful of providers with even more garbage, and you pay for each provider. AI may turn out like that: a few providers, with answers of questionable quality, at prices we can't afford. What would make sense to me is to create repositories of knowledge, curated by an AI. As it is, you have to ask similar questions, and the AI starts from scratch every time. Wouldn't it make more sense to treat the AI like someone with institutional knowledge? If you had a repository for AutoLISP code, for instance, all of us could contribute to it and maintain it. You might have to pay for your answer, but you would know it was correct and useful.

Like @Steven P How do you look at the data now ? Is it just displayed when you run a program ? If so what is the program ? Some one must have written it.

I think you would need Python, .NET, or ObjectARX as Autolisp does not have an on idle event that I can see. According to AI, you can read the input stream in a background thread, then use AutoCAD’s on idle event to update geometry in AutoCAD. I asked AI about using PyRx and it spit out a bunch of code converting $GPGGA $GNGGA to Lat/Log and stuff, I attached it. scratch.txt

Like @mhupp may need to run an external program that writes current location to a file, then you can read that file and update say text. Depending on the program may run a BAT file or run the program or use powershell to run. I think can look at a file date has changed via reactor but manual much easier. I did a Google and did start to find hints of save to a txt or csv file but that is as far as I went. It is something you need to do, yje googling. Talk to who you bought the device from they may have something.

Would need a Reactor and connect to some type of database.

Not sure, can the GNSS write / overwrite or updated a text file continuously? Reading a text file is easy with CAD, copy that to a block and the rest is all possible - not sure the interface yet. BigAl might know something later today.

I think the issue is more generational than anything else. In the forums I keep up with, including here, theswamp.org, and MikeHolt.com, I've noticed that most of the core group have been Boomers. As a whole, younger generations have seemed to visit to get help, but not stay to help others. [There are notable exceptions like Lee.] AI is being oversold. I've tried both Claude and ChatGPT for programming help with LISP. Neither has produced code that worked on the first pass for anything more than a trivial case. We're about even on times when I've had to point out syntax errors in AI code and times AI has found syntax errors in my code. AI is a great replacement for most search engines, but it is not all that great at writing code, at least on the free tiers. AI output is only as good as the instructions it is given. Writing good instructions is hard. AI and the dot com bubble have a lot in common. In five years I expect we will have fewer AI companies, mostly paid tiers, and lots of empty data centers.

I have mixed feelings about Clippy the AI , at least the one from Google , sure its fast and it can give some relevant answers but you have to double check everything. I am trying to create a dcl editor. Wasn't sure where to start so asked Clippy and it gave me some good ideas on where to begin. But as things got complexer it really started to mess things up. And every time you use it you need to explain every thing all over again because at least the free / unregistered version remembers (saves) nothing . But I learned from my mistakes and started to write a very extensive manual so next time I can upload that so we can better pick up from where we started. My biggest concern is that it creates a black box. You ask something , it gives you something back and you paste and test the code , great , moving on to next part. After a while you end up with a bunch of working code until it doesn't any more and that's where the trouble begins and you notice you have lost your grip on the code because Clippy did it all for you. Like your daddy did all your homework for you and you have to take the exam and ...oops , daddy aint around now is he?

There is no doubt that AI is replacing (and will do so even more in the future) the need to interact with something or someone in order to find ideas and the motivation to pursue them. I don’t know which AI tools are the best for programming (I’ve only used Chatgpt so far), but my experience has been positive in terms of how stimulating it is to have someone to discuss ideas with and refine them while solving problems. This was something that, in the past, could only be found in forums like this one. However, the code suggested by Chatgpt is almost always lengthy and often fails. I suppose that will change over time.

I also think that its AI, especially for new users. I mean AI is good at coding or spotting errors and asking an AI often gets you an answer way faster than starting a forum post. For example here is a chart of stack overflows posts

Perhaps you could use the undocumented (acet-sys-shift-down) express tools function within the grread loop? Then you would have to manipulate highlighting with (redraw [3/4]) and use (ssadd) and (ssdel) to update the selection set.

Isn't that how CAD works already? you select something either by mouse clicke or window it will be highlighted hold shift to deselect it the same way. I know if you have to many things selected they are no longer highlighted.

I think you would need to test for 'shift' being pressed and the test for a left mouse entity selection. Do a 'princ' on your grread loop to display what you are doing, shift and select something - which should give you what you want to test for.

I would maybe start again, if you look at this https://www.lee-mac.com/polyinfo.html it will find arcs etc in plines So if you want to label Lines, Arcs, Circles and Plines, you may need different code that looks at each entiity and correctly labels. I had a quick google and found a few programs I know that Kent Cooper has something similar to Lee's, but labels each segment. Search also "forums/autodesk".

@mhupp I use Bricscad V25 and it did not work ? Old name stayed there did I miss a step. I tried old fashioned method, it may not be the best solution, if block has attributes then could add a extra sub function to copy the existing values to the new inserted block. Also wants a "Does block exist check". ; https://www.cadtutor.net/forum/topic/99155-insert-a-copy-of-the-block-at-the-specified-point-copyrenameblockv1-5lsp-lee-mac/ ; rename a existing block to a new name ; By AlanH June 2026 (defun c:AHRenblk ( / attreqold bname ent entg inspt oldangdir oldangunits rot scx scy) (setq attreqold (getvar 'attreq)) (setq attreq 0) (setq oldangunits (getvar 'aunits)) (setvar 'aunits 3) (setq oldangdir (getvar 'angdir)) (setvar 'angdir 0) (setq ent (car (entsel "\nPick block to rename "))) (setq entg (entget ent)) (setq bname (cdr (assoc 2 entg))) (setq inspt (cdr (assoc 10 entg))) (setq scx (cdr (assoc 41 entg))) (setq scy (cdr (assoc 42 entg))) (setq rot (cdr (assoc 50 entg))) (setq newname (getstring T "\nenter new block name ")) (command "Bedit" bname "Bsaveas" newname "N" "Bclose" "S") (command "erase" ent "") (command "-insert" newname inspt scx scy rot) (setvar 'aunits oldangunits) (setvar 'angdir oldangdir) (princ) ) (c:AHRenblk) Yes will see flash on screen as Bedit is called.

A few i had laying around ;;----------------------------------------------------------------------------;; ;; ZOOM TO OBJECT AND OUT 5% (defun C:ZZ (/ SS) (if (setq SS (ssget)) (progn (vl-cmdf "_.Zoom" "OB" SS "") (vl-cmdf "_.Zoom" "0.95x") ) ) ) ;;----------------------------------------------------------------------------;; ;; ZOOM TO OBJECT THEN OUT 25% (defun C:ZX (/ SS) (if (setq SS (ssget)) (progn (vl-cmdf "_.Zoom" "OB" SS "") (vl-cmdf "_.Zoom" "0.75x") ) ) )

Yes, I tend to zoom object then zoom out another 10%, catches most things

If it can be fixed with zooms then you can record the current zoom, zoom object, make the boundary and zoom back 'current' zoom - I think that method is online somewhere to copy / paste else can find it on Monday if needed.

divcurve-lisp-all-option.mp4

Idk about that this is a super simple lisp that will allow you to select multiple entites. But if they aren't within the fuzz distance of each other they wont connect. ;;----------------------------------------------------------------------------;; ;; Copy Boundary Entities to join as a single polyline fuzz is 0.1 units ;; https://www.cadtutor.net/forum/topic/99146-boundary-command/ mhupp:06/04/26 (defun C:CBoundray (/ ss ss1 obj) (setq ss1 (ssadd)) (while (setq ss (ssget '((-4 . "<OR") (0 . "LINE") (0 . "ARC") (0 . "LWPOLYLINE") (-4 . "OR>")))) (foreach obj (mapcar 'vlax-ename->vla-object (vl-remove-if 'listp (mapcar 'cadr (ssnamex ss)))) (vla-copy obj) ) (command "_.PEDIT" "_M" ss "" "_J" "0.1" "W" "0" "") ) (princ) )

It's supposed to use the HPGAPTOL as far as I know. This has been an issue for sometime, now that I looked back into from a few years ago, this problem also occurs with Hatch command. I just tried Boundary and Hatch on a closed polyline object at Zoom Extents and got ... And despite the first instruction, Zooming In resolved the issue. I normally resolve this with Hatch by using Select Object, maybe Hatch, Select Object, delete the Hatch and keep the Boundary could work for the OP. @lastknownuser's post brought it back to my memory. There is a thread around from a while back on this issue and needing to use Select Object option for Hatch.

Was reading up on this too. apparently AutoCAD boundary command doesn't have a tolerance setting but BricsCAD does. That is why people opt to use hatching and then you can create the boundary from the hatch. and then delete the hatch. I'm confused since their isn't a gap/vertex at that location.

There was a post a couple of years ago now, if it is a closed shape without crossing lines, hatching the area then recreate the boundary and delete the hatch leaves the boundary... as a last resort since it is long winded way to go. I haven't had time this week to look at this properly - you're in safe hands with the other posters though... (The post I am thinking about was using LISP to do something, click in the area to get boundary, might have been to measure area, perimeter or something but that was the idea behind it, LISP is ok if it is a bit long winded, fractions of a second longer process)

@Danielm103, I'm on rev. 8.9.3 so does not apply to me. Thanks for the warning nonetheless. ymg

if Nothing else it would show up in peoples searches. just posting a file even tho it has great documentation will not show up in searches. if you take all the time to write things up and share here make it so people can find your lisp files. or just copy all the ;; lines. someone in 6 months to a year will post looking for a divide lisp with points and I won't be able to find this post. -Edit like you did here

If your offering something a good idea is to provide images or a movie about what the program does, else the "Why bother" will occur. Just attaching a lisp is not really describing why you should download the program. Think of it as if I was selling the program how would I get people interested.

@rlx Your Kung-Fu is Strong! Nice work!

As usual this was born out of necessity. Had a 46Mb pdf , no tools on work laptop to convert it because also no adobe (reader only). PdF was all images so AutoCad pdf attach / import won't work either. Have a (legal) tool on my own computer but pdf wouldn't fit through the mail because of IT limitations. We used to have something like One-drive / Sharepoint but also blocked now , so I wrote this app. It chops up pdf in to 10MB pieces (or any size you want) , it can also email them at the same time and at the other end of the line you can put the pieces back again with the same app. So if your IT department tries to make your life a living hell , hell , maybe this app can give you some relief. RlxSplit.lsp

Haven't checked in a while, but we can't receive any .zip, .rar, etc. in emails here, but can send them, which is useless if sending internally. They had some ridiculously low email attachment file sizes when I first came here, I got them to go to 10MB, that's most likely what it is now. I put large files to share on the network and send a link (which IT has it where it cannot be clicked on), either they figure out how to get it or they don't. Being retirement age has it's perks.

Reminds me of when I had to move a file before networking or USB drives. had to use winrar and split up the zip file between 12 floppy disks! Was curious and it only took 17 lines of code in python lol minus the emailing and join parts.

Incremental Numbering Suite Version 4.0 Released. The main feature of the new version is the introduction of a dedicated 'Content Builder' to facilitate the construction of an incrementing string from an arbitrary number of incrementing and/or static components. With this feature, the user now has the ability to independently control the increment amount and increment frequency for each component of the string, enabling multiple sections of the string to increment by different amounts and at different rates to one another. The new version also introduces the ability to load & save application configurations, streamlining the operation of the program for multiple numbering systems.

Having a bit of spare time, I thought I would make a hatch pattern similar to the OS marsh block marsh1.pat

Some suggestions. Go back to who you bought the device from, they may have something. If it was say Amazon not sure. Look on the manufacturers web site for more info contact them. Brand, model etc ?

Hi Daniel (Its_Alive) and everyone in this thread, I have been analyzing this project thoroughly, and the architectural concept behind your SQLiteLsp extension is brilliant. Having a dedicated BRX module with an embedded SQLite engine that exposes clean AutoLISP functions like (DSQL_OPEN), (DSQL_ASSOCQUERY), and (DSQL_CLOSE) is exactly how professional data-driven CAD/CAM applications should be built. However, after running a deep compatibility check for our current enterprise furniture design engine (project ZEN PRACA V2B34), we hit a classic deployment bottleneck. The original module was compiled for BricsCAD V12 around 2011. Even looking at later iterations for IntelliCAD, relying on a pre-compiled binary extension (.brx / .irx) creates a heavy production risk regarding x64 architecture alignment, modern compiler library dependencies, and strict binary compatibility with newer host CAD versions. Because we are currently stabilizing our central parametric engine, we have made a strategic decision not to plug the old V12 BRX module as a production dependency right now. Introducing an external binary at this critical stage could create a second "source of truth" and lead to dependency hell, distracting us from core geometric validation. That being said, the SQLite philosophy is absolutely a GO for our next development phase, but as a clean data persistence layer structured into a strict three-tier architecture: Data Layer (SQLite): To store externalized project profiles, global cabinet variables (PARAMETRY_SZAF), construction tolerances (PROFILE_KORPUSU), zoning maps (MODULE_MAP), internal equipment payloads (shelves, rods, drawers), and manufacturing logs (BUILD_MANIFEST, BOM). SQLite is the perfect serverless, file-based standard for this, especially with the engine being actively developed (up to version 3.53.2 in mid-2026). Logic Layer (Central LISP Engine): Our pure AutoLISP core that reads these parameters, validates manufacturing constraints, and calculates the exact spatial coordinate plans. Presentation Layer (DWG): The clean, visual 3D output generated by a fully controlled and audited geometry builder. Our Roadmap: We are first finalizing the central engine and rule registry using native, structured LISP association lists (which perfectly mimic the flat row-and-column layout of a relational database). Once the geometry is 100% robust, we plan to write a lean, modern SQLite adapter tailored specifically for our V2B34 schema, completely free of legacy binary dependencies. Thank you for this thread—it completely validated our choice to move towards a relational database structure for complex parametric wood-engineering projects! Best regards, Zen

AI really is helpful but often takes re.ques. Without having been so inspired and learning from y'all, I would have no language to com with. One recent review wow for me is HATCHB.lsp. Without it (JTB) ..I'd Not be able to get a hatch boundary period.

Why the error occurs The PAUSE limitation: In AutoLISP, pause only stops the command to let the user interact (e.g., click a point). It does not return the string value to the command sequence. When you reach the attribute part, AutoCAD expects a string, but since pause doesn't provide one, the sequence breaks.Multiline Attribute Format: Multiline attributes in a command-line sequence require specific formatting. If there are line breaks, they must be represented by \P. In Lisp, you must escape the backslash: \\P .Command vs -Command: When using Lisp, it is safer to use the hyphenated version (e.g., -INSERT ) to force the command-line interface and bypass dialog boxes entirely. The Corrected Lisp Routine This routine replaces your DIESEL script. It captures the date automatically (matching your DIESEL format) and prompts for the initials and notes. (defun c:REVNOTE (/ insPt dateStr userInitials revNote) ;; Save current ATTDIA and turn it off (setq oldAttdia (getvar "ATTDIA")) (setvar "ATTDIA" 0) ;; 1. Get Insertion Point (setq insPt (getpoint "\nSpecify insertion point: ")) ;; 2. Get Date (Mimicking your Diesel formatting) ;; This uses a Lisp trick to call the Diesel 'edtime' function directly (setq dateStr (menucmd "M=(edtime,$(getvar,date),DD.MO.YYYY)")) ;; 3. Get User Initials (getstring T allows spaces) (setq userInitials (getstring T "\nEnter Initials: ")) ;; 4. Get Revision Note (for the multiline attribute) (setq revNote (getstring T "\nEnter Revision Note: ")) ;; 5. Execute the Insert command ;; Sequence: BlockName, Point, ScaleX, ScaleY, Rotation, Attr1, Attr2, Attr3, Attr4 (command "-INSERT" "REVNOTE" ; Block name insPt ; User picked point "1" "1" "0" ; Scale and Rotation "P01" ; Attribute 1: Rev Index dateStr ; Attribute 2: Date userInitials ; Attribute 3: Initials revNote ; Attribute 4: Multiline Note ) ;; Restore ATTDIA and Regen (setvar "ATTDIA" oldAttdia) (command "REGEN") (princ "\nRevision inserted successfully.") (princ) ) Key Differences & Improvements: menucmd: This is the best way to get the exact edtime format you used in DIESEL without writing a complex date-parsing routine in Lisp. getstring T: The T flag allows the user to enter spaces (e.g., if the user wants to type "First issue - revised"). Without it, pressing the Spacebar would finish the command. -INSERT: Using the hyphen ensures that AutoCAD doesn't try to pop up a browser window for the block file.Multiline Support: If your revNote contains multiple lines, make sure to type \P where you want the line break, or modify the code to join multiple strings with \\P.

Updated first post , added a few new options and killed a little bug in the get-subfolders routine.

3PS.LSP

Another way to get the text from a pdf is the AI option 'OCR text & table from Microsoft PC manager, normally just available in the US store. But if you have VPN or are a really good singer (Queen : Oh...yes , I'm the great pretender lalala.. applause , oh thank you , you're so kind) you should be able to get it. Open pdf , use button et voila... but its still manual labor

Before I used this : (defun GetFolder ( m / f s) (if (and (setq s (vlax-create-object "Shell.Application")) (setq f (vlax-invoke s 'browseforfolder 0 m 65536 "")))(setq f (vlax-get-property (vlax-get-property f 'self) 'path)) (setq f nil))(vl-catch-all-apply 'vlax-release-object (list s)) f) (defun wait (sec / stop)(setq stop (+ (getvar "DATE") (/ sec 86400.0)))(while (> stop (getvar "DATE")))) (defun findstring ( / a b c d e) (setq a (GetFolder "Select folder for string search")) (setq b (getstring "\nEnter string to search for : " T)) (setq c (getstring "\nFile extension (lsp) : ")) (if (eq c "") (setq c "lsp")) (setq d (strcat a "\\result.txt")) (setq e (strcat "findstr /i /s \"" b "\" " a "\\*." c " > " d)) (command "shell" e) (gc)(gc) ;;; natural delay for system to clear cache and write file to disk (alert "search completed") (startapp "notepad" d) (princ) ) (defun c:dfs ()(findstring)) (defun c:t1 ()(findstring)(princ)) This code only works for text based files. Have updated code in my first post with Excel support. Valid extensions are now lsp , txt , dwg , xls and xlsx I have a license for able2extract on my home computer and also written something that uses pdfattach and import for readable pdf's. Though I can take that route, it's not like shoot & forget , often more than one step is needed. But it is what it is... most pdf's I get are pretty poor quality , some by accident and some not because a 3rd party wants you as a returning client if you know what I mean.