🖥️ Lesson 5.2 – Setting Up the AutoLISP Environment
Learn how to write, load, and test AutoLISP code inside AutoCAD using the right tools.
📚 What You’ll Learn
By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:
- Choose a tool for writing AutoLISP code
- Load and run
.LSPfiles inside AutoCAD - Open and use the Visual LISP Editor (VLIDE)
- Understand the difference between temporary and permanent loading methods
🧠 Why It Matters
Even the most powerful script is useless unless it’s correctly loaded and executed. By setting up your AutoLISP environment properly, you’ll be ready to test routines, debug issues, and automate your work inside AutoCAD with confidence.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Use
| Tool / Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
.LSP File | Text file containing AutoLISP code |
APPLOAD | Load .LSP files into the current AutoCAD session |
| Visual LISP Editor | IDE for writing, testing, and debugging AutoLISP routines |
| AutoCAD Command Line | Test expressions and commands quickly |
| Startup Suite | Auto-load LISP files when AutoCAD starts |
🧭 Lesson Structure
1️⃣ Choosing a Code Editor
| Option | Pros | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| Notepad/VS Code | Simple, fast, easy for quick edits | Writing small scripts or editing on the fly |
| Visual LISP Editor | Integrated with AutoCAD, debugging tools included | Writing, testing, and debugging regularly |
🔹 You can open VLIDE by typing
VLIDEin AutoCAD’s command line.
2️⃣ Writing Your First LISP File
- Open Notepad or VLIDE
- Type this code:
(defun c:hello ()
(alert "Hello, AutoLISP!")
)
Save the file as hello.lsp (use quotes to force .lsp extension)3️⃣ Loading the LISP File in AutoCAD
Open AutoCAD
Type APPLOAD in the command line
Browse to and select your hello.lsp file
Click Load✅ Success message will show in the console
4️⃣ Running the LISP Routine
Once loaded:
Type hello into the command line
You should see a pop-up that says: "Hello, AutoLISP!"🎉 You just ran your first AutoLISP routine!
5️⃣ Using the Startup Suite (Optional)
To auto-load LISP files every time AutoCAD opens:
Type APPLOAD
Click Contents under “Startup Suite”
Add your .lsp file
Click OKThis ensures your routines are always ready without manual loading.
✅ Lesson Checklist
| Task | Completed |
|---|---|
| Wrote a basic AutoLISP routine | ☐ |
Saved the file with a .lsp extension | ☐ |
Loaded it into AutoCAD using APPLOAD | ☐ |
| Ran the routine successfully | ☐ |
| (Optional) Added it to the Startup Suite | ☐ |
📌 Quick Tips
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
Always use .lsp extension | AutoCAD recognizes this format for scripting |
Use princ at the end of your functions | Prevents unwanted return values in command line |
Name your functions with a c: prefix for custom commands | Ensures they can be typed directly into AutoCAD |
| Save frequently when editing in VLIDE | Prevents loss of work and tracks function history |
🧩 Real-World Applications
| Use Case | Routine Setup Benefit |
|---|---|
| Drafting team startup configuration | Auto-loads company standard LISP tools every session |
| Personal workflow automation | Load geometry and labeling tools for quick access |
| Template-based design | Insert standard title blocks or layer setups on launch |
📁 Files and Resources
| File / Resource | Description |
|---|---|
hello.lsp | Simple pop-up script to test loading |
startup_guide.pdf | Visual guide to loading and auto-loading routines |
vlide_shortcuts.pdf | Handy reference for using the Visual LISP Editor |
📖 Review Table
| Feature / Tool | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
APPLOAD | Manually load .lsp files | Load a script for current session |
Startup Suite | Automatically load scripts on launch | Add layer manager tool to every session |
VLIDE | Write and debug LISP routines | Build, run, and test complex scripts |
c:commandname | Define command users can run | (defun c:hello () … ) |