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[AQucsaiJr]

I want the ability to set up a button, that I can import on every computer in my office, that will enable me to push it to plot drawings. I want it to have the plot settings already in it so no matter what computer im on that button can be pressed and the plot will be the same settings. Anyone know how I can do this?

[ReMark]

I was going to suggest a macro but it would have to pause for user input as the drawing will be different each time. Right?

[A1DWG]

Not done the button, but I've just set up standard page setups and pc3 files, so all anyone has to do is select the plot output ie "1050C A1 Draft" and the settings (quality, ctb file, paper size etc) and plotter are all set up for you.

 

I shared the files by adding the page setups to the template drawings, so they can be added to existing drawings using Design Centre, and shared pc3 files using Windows Briefcases as our server isnt the most reliable.

[AQucsaiJr]

Ya each drawing is different. I have the pc3 files set up as well because right now I import the settings to each drawing before ploting them. I just want to be able to click a button and have an 11x17 plot setting already be set up each time I click it no matter what drawing im on.

[ReMark]

Maybe this Lisp routine will help:

 

http://cadtips.cadalyst.com/manager/quick-plot-command-set

[AQucsaiJr]

I went to this website and downloaded the .lsp file but I could not find enough information on how to use it or where to place it, so I couldn't figure it out.

[A1DWG]

Ya each drawing is different. I have the pc3 files set up as well because right now I import the settings to each drawing before ploting them. I just want to be able to click a button and have an 11x17 plot setting already be set up each time I click it no matter what drawing im on.

 

Set them up in your template drawing file and all new drawings will have the settings, dont forget the Page Setups, as well as the pc3's. I simply import the page setups to any old drawings. Its all set up then to select and print.

[skipsophrenic]

To use LISP functions

 

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1390

[AQucsaiJr]

Thanks for the .lsp help. I was able to figure it out.

I dont use a template drawing. We recieve the drawings from our clients edit them and plot them to be checked then send them back. We can import settings to there drawings for plotting but we try not to even do that much.

[smorales02]

Are you always plotting to the same printer with the same settings? I have a button set up to print my black and white construction documents. so if your always plotting with the same settings you can use the macro below, you would just have to change the things in RED to fit your pc3 and ctb files. If you need help making the button, than we can walk you through that.

 

^C^C-PLOT;YES;LAYOUT1;C17_HP8150N.pc3;11X17;INCHES;LANDSCAPE;NO;EXTENTS;FIT;CENTER;YES;CMX_HPLJET.CTB;YES;NO;NO;NO;NO;NO;YES

[AQucsaiJr]

I do use the same plot settings with the same printer for just about every plot. I do somtimes use two other settings on occation but if I could just get help setting up this button for one plot setup I'm sure I can figure out how to make one for the other plot setups if its needed. I will need help with how to set up this button. I do know quite a bit about computers but programing is not my strong point.

[smorales02]

Go into your CUI and where it says Command List there should be a button for NEW. Once you hit that you will see the right portion open a propetries box. fill in the name, descripion with what ever you like. where it says MACRO paste the above macro there (make sure it reads exactly how i posted it) As far as the image on the button goes, you can edit an existing one, use an existing one, or just use any .bmp that you might have...than you should just be able to add the button to your toolbar..

 

Let me know if you get stuck

[AQucsaiJr]

Awsome... This is what I was looking for. I had to adjust what you had pasted because my comand line is a little different but it runs through the command fine. It will not plot however. It will run through all the commands and when it gets to the point of sending off the job to the plotter, AutoCAD gets an error that shuts CAD down entirely. Have you had any problems like this? This is the code I adjusted yours too.

^C^C-PLOT;YES;model;HP LaserJet M5035 MFP PCL (BackOffice).pc3;11X17;INCHES;LANDSCAPE;NO;EXTENTS;FIT;CENTER;YES;MONOCHROME.CTB;NO;WIREFRAME;NO;NO;YES

[AQucsaiJr]

The error is:

FATAL ERROR: Unhandled Access Violation Reading 0x0c40 Exception at 4f486130h

[smorales02]

I cant see anything wrong with the code you have, but you can try to plot the drawing through the command line and see if it plots or gives you the same error...that should tell you if its a code thing or an acad thing...let me know what happens

[rkent]

I like to have my pagesetups defined in a single template file and then import them just prior to plotting.

So you would load the file attached and call it with the macro also in the lisp file but remarked out with ;.

 

So you would create a button in CUI, put in the macro I have given you, edited for your unique setup names for your plotters, sizes, etc. Just another way of doing the same thing, but the macro isn't nearly as long, less to mess up.

 

The lisp file is not one of mine, just one I found along the way like so many others.

11x17 plot.lsp

[AQucsaiJr]

I was able to take all this information and customize a button for what I needed. I thank all of you for your help. Without your help it probly would have been weeks, maybe months, before I was able to figure this out. Again, I thank All of you!!!