Need help with a dimension macro

[Tuns]

Before I start I need to let everyone know that I am using AutoCAD LT.

Now what I am trying to do is make my dimension command do the following:

 

1. Change the current layer to the dimension layer

2. Use the Linear Dimension command

3. Follow up that command with the Dimension Continue command

4. Change the layer back to the previous layer

 

^C^C-layer set P-DIMENSIONS Dimlinear \\\dimcontinue \^CLayerP

 

There are several problems that I have with this. First problem is that with this current macro I can only continue the dimension one time before it clears the command. Second is if I take out the escape command before the Previous Layer command it will stay in the Dimension Continue command and will not change back to the previous layer. I want it to have an endless Dimension Continue until I hit enter and then have it change back to the previous layer. I'm fairly new to 2014 AutoCAD because the company I work for has been using 2002 ACAD and we recently updated it about a week ago. If anyone could help me it would save alot of guesswork.

[Dadgad]

Welcome to CADTutor.

 

Sorry to hear that you are using LT, because if you were not then you should use Lee Mac's LAYER DIRECTOR lisp.

http://www.lee-mac.com/layerdirector.html

 

Thanks Lee!

 

Be that as it may, you should read the description of the program, as it may help you to solve some of your macro issues.

[steven-g]

I think you will have to forgoe the last part of your script, the way you are wanting it to operate is by breaking a running command, with the enter button, unfortunately that stops the macro as well at that point. I hope someone can prove me wrong, but I doubt it.

[Tuns]

Yeah, that's what I did. I took it out but it would be nice if it could change it back to the previous layer. I simply put that one there to see if someone could tell me what I need to add/remove to make the Previous Layer command work with the Dimension Continue. Also, I don't want to use anyone's programs if I had the full version. I'd prefer to write my own so I could learn something new you know? However, that's irrelevant because I'm stuck with LT.

Edited June 21, 2013 by Tuns

[YZ]

Rather than changing the layer at the start, you could perhaps finish the macro selecting the last object and changing its layer.

 

Something like

SELECT;LAST;CHANGE;LAYER;DIMS;;

Or to include dimcontinue, your macro would become:

 

^C^CDimlinear;\\\Change;Last;;Properties;LAyer;P-DIMENSIONS;;dimcontinue;

[YZ]

I never knew about the DIMCONTINUE command, it looks very helpful.

 

However, the macro will only put the first dimension into the required layer, while leaving all the dims created using DIMCONTINUE in the current layer.

 

If you want the macro to repeat until you hit enter or escape, then try adding a star (*) at the front and lose the DIMCONTINUE at the end.

 

*^C^CDimlinear;\\\Change;Last;;Properties;LAyer;P-DIMENSIONS;;

 

This will loop the whole process: 1. Add new Dimlinear; 2. Put last into new layer; 3. Repeat.

[Tuns]

I never knew about the DIMCONTINUE command, it looks very helpful.

 

However, the macro will only put the first dimension into the required layer, while leaving all the dims created using DIMCONTINUE in the current layer.

 

If you want the macro to repeat until you hit enter or escape, then try adding a star (*) at the front and lose the DIMCONTINUE at the end.

 

*^C^CDimlinear;\\\Change;Last;;Properties;LAyer;P-DIMENSIONS;;

 

This will loop the whole process: 1. Add new Dimlinear; 2. Put last into new layer; 3. Repeat.

I already have my standard dimension command set to do this but it isn't very useful when I need 10 dimensions. I like to be able to whip out a bunch of dimensions so something like you suggested wouldn't be very good for speed but it did give me an idea on how to possibly make this work... Or so I thought... Thanks for your input.

Edited July 1, 2013 by Tuns