Automate repetitive tasks and plot multiple drawings efficiently using AutoCAD scripts and the Batch Plot (PUBLISH) tool.
📚 What You’ll Learn
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Create and run simple AutoCAD script files (.SCR)
Automate sequences of commands across drawings
Use the PUBLISH command for batch plotting
Save time and reduce manual errors when handling large drawing sets
🧠 Why It Matters
In large projects, repetitive tasks such as plotting dozens of sheets or applying changes to multiple files can consume hours. Scripts and batch plotting allow you to automate tasks, ensure consistency, and work more efficiently, especially in production or construction documentation phases.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Use
Tool / Feature
Description
.SCR Script Files
Simple text files with a list of AutoCAD commands
SCRIPT Command
Runs the script in the current drawing
PUBLISH Command
Batch plot multiple layouts or drawings
Sheet Set Manager (SSM)
Optional: Manages large collections of sheets for plotting
🧭 Lesson Structure
1️⃣ Introduction to Script Files
What is a .SCR file?
How AutoCAD reads scripts line-by-line
When to use scripts vs. macros or LISP
2️⃣ Writing a Basic Script
Use any text editor (e.g., Notepad)
Example: Zoom Extents, Set layer, Plot
ZOOM E -LAYER SET NOTES PLOT Y
Save the file with .SCR extension
3️⃣ Running a Script in AutoCAD
Use the SCRIPT command
Browse to select your .SCR file
Watch AutoCAD execute the commands automatically
4️⃣ Tips for Script Success
No syntax errors: typos will break the script
Use pauses or newlines for inputs
Test on sample files before running on production drawings
5️⃣ Batch Plotting with PUBLISH
Use PUBLISH command
Add multiple layouts or files
Choose printer, page setup, and plot style
Save a DSD (Drawing Set Description) for future use
Optional: Use Sheet Set Manager for advanced publishing
6️⃣ Automating Plot Sets
Combine scripts and .DSD files
Example: A script that opens a file and runs PUBLISH
OPEN C:\Project\Sheet01.dwg PUBLISH Y CLOSE
✅ Lesson Checklist
Task
Completed
Created a basic .SCR file
☐
Executed a script using the SCRIPT command
☐
Used PUBLISH to batch plot multiple layouts
☐
Saved and reused a .DSD file for batch plotting
☐
📌 Quick Tips
Tip
Why It Helps
Keep scripts simple
Easier to debug and maintain
Use full file paths in scripts
Avoids path errors when accessing drawings or files
Use comments in your text editor (not supported in .SCR)
Helpful during editing (remove before saving)
Save test files
Prevents loss of work during script testing
🧩 Real-World Applications
Scenario
Automation Advantage
Update multiple files
Run the same commands on 100+ drawings in minutes
Weekly construction sets
Use PUBLISH to batch print updated drawings fast
Standards enforcement
Scripts ensure layer names, zoom levels, and text height are consistent
📁 Files and Resources
File / Resource
Description
zoom_plot.scr
A script that zooms to extents and plots the layout
project_sheets.dsd
A saved DSD file for batch plotting 10 project drawings
publish_guide.pdf
Step-by-step visual guide to using the PUBLISH command
