Acad2Shapes

Acad2Shapes is a compiler and organizer for AutoCThe ShapesTemplate.dxf file contains 255 boxes, one for each shape. The software has a function to create an empty dxf file from this template. In the example below, you saved the empty dxf file as MyShapes.dxf. You can then use your AutoCAD software to add shapes into the individual boxes using ordinary AutoCAD commands such as LINE, CIRCLE, ARC, PLINE, POLYLINE, ELLIPSE, and even standard TEXT!

Lisp functions are provided to zoom in the shape box and to define the insertion point. You can also place the name of the shape into the shape box.

Zoom into the shape box for the shape you want to create using the zbox lisp command.

Set Snap On to a value of 1. The grid size is 100 x 100. This will create accurate shapes to a resolution of .01 inches if the shape will be inserted at a height of one inch!

Create your shape using LINES, ARCS, CIRCLES, ELLIPSES, POLYLINES, AND PLINES (LWPOLYLINES), and TEXT!

NOTE: The system variable PELLIPSE must be set to 1 before creating the ELLIPSE.NOTE: When entering TEXT, use must use the AutoCAD Standard Text Font for proper registration and spacing with the shape box.

USING GEOMETRY FROM ANOTHER DRAWING

Open another drawing. Copy drawing entities from that drawing to the clipboard using the COPYCLIP command. Then PASTECLIP them into the shape box.

Blocks may be copied to the shape box but blocks MUST BE EXPLODED saving the DXF file. Exploding the blocks will allow Acad2Shapes to recognize its supported entities in the DXF file.

NOTE: Acad2Shapes will snap the start and end points of the copied entities into the shape box grid!

INSERTION POINTBy default, the insertion point of the shape is at the lower left corner of the shape box, If you wish to specify your custom insertion point, enter a POINT where you want the insertion point to be created.