AutoCAD API Programming in Visual Basic.Net

To start API programming for AutoCAD, some softwares needs to be installed.

1. Prerequisites:

Visual Studio:

Install the latest version of Visual Studio. The Community Edition is free and sufficient for this purpose.

AutoCAD .NET API: 

Ensure you have the AutoCAD .NET API installed. This can be found in the AutoCAD ObjectARX SDK. ObjectARX for 2024 version can be downloaded from Autodesk Platform Services Website.

2. Create a New Project:

• Open Visual Studio.
• Go to File > New > Project.
• Choose Class Library (.NET Framework) as the project type but check if it is VB based.
• Name your project and choose a location to save it.

3. Add References:

• Right-click on the References node in the Solution Explorer.
• Choose Add Reference.
• Browse to the location where the AutoCAD .NET assemblies are located (typically in the AutoCAD installation directory under ./inc).
• Add references to following files. The files are usually present in folder (C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20XX\)
•  AcMgd.dll (This is the main AutoCAD Managed DLL that provides access to the core AutoCAD functionality.)
• AcDbMgd.dll (This DLL is responsible for database operations in AutoCAD, including working with drawing objects.)
• AcCoreMgd.dll (This DLL provides access to core AutoCAD services and application initialization.)

In some cases, additional references may be required for some special functions. The additional references are not necessarily to be added to our project. These are following:

• AcCui.dll (If you're working with custom user interfaces (e.g., ribbon tabs), you'll need it.)
•  AcWindows.dll (This DLL is needed for Windows-specific functionality within AutoCAD)

For AutoCAD Civil 3D, additional references are required.

• AeccDbMgd.dll (This DLL provides access to the AutoCAD Civil 3D database and objects. It's specific to Civil 3D)
• AecBaseMgd.dll (It facilitates database operations and interactions with AEC-specific objects and data within the drawing)
• AeccPressurePipesMgd.dll (It provides access to networks and pressure pipe networks)

4. Write Your Code:

In the default class file, add the following imports:

AutoCAD and Civil 3D APIs

APIs for Autodesk Autocad and Autodesk Autocad Civil 3d

The AutoCAD API, or Application Programming Interface, is a powerful framework that allows developers to extend and customize AutoCAD software to meet specific needs and workflows. It provides a set of functions, classes, and libraries that enable the creation of custom applications and tools that seamlessly integrate with AutoCAD's core functionality. With the AutoCAD API, developers can automate repetitive tasks, create custom drawing commands, manipulate drawing elements, and interact with various design data, making it an invaluable resource for industries like architecture, engineering, and construction. Whether it's automating complex design processes or enhancing user productivity, the AutoCAD API empowers developers to unlock the full potential of AutoCAD and tailor it to their unique requirements.

 

Choice of Language:

AutoCAD provides APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for several programming languages to facilitate custom development and automation. Some of the programming languages for which AutoCAD APIs are available include:

AutoLISP: AutoLISP is a dialect of the Lisp programming language that is specifically designed for AutoCAD. It is one of the most widely used languages for customizing AutoCAD.

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA): VBA is an integrated development environment provided by AutoCAD for creating macros and automating tasks. However, note that VBA support has been phased out in recent versions of AutoCAD.

Visual Basic .NET (VB.NET): VB.NET is a modern version of the Visual Basic language that can be used with AutoCAD through its .NET API.

C# (C Sharp): C# is a popular .NET language and is well-supported for creating AutoCAD add-ins and applications.

C++: AutoCAD provides a comprehensive C++ API for creating high-performance custom applications and plugins.

ObjectARX: ObjectARX is a set of C++ libraries provided by Autodesk for building custom AutoCAD applications. It is particularly useful for complex and high-performance applications.

JavaScript: AutoCAD has a JavaScript API that allows you to create web-based applications and interfaces that interact with AutoCAD.

Python: While not officially supported by Autodesk, there are third-party libraries and wrappers, such as pyautocad and PythonNET, that enable Python developers to interact with AutoCAD.

AutoCAD .NET API: This API allows developers to work with AutoCAD using .NET languages like C# and VB.NET, making it easier to integrate AutoCAD functionality into .NET applications.

It's important to note that the availability and features of these APIs may vary depending on the version of AutoCAD you are using. Autodesk continually updates and enhances these APIs with each new release of AutoCAD, so it's essential to refer to the official Autodesk documentation for the specific version you are working with to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on API capabilities and usage.

Here is link to procedure to setup to create your first program in VB.net program for AutoCAD using AutoCAD and Civil 3D api.