Commands

ACTUSERMESSAGE command in AutoCAD : Inserts a user message into an action macro

If you need a clear, step‑by‑step guide to using the ACTUSERMESSAGE command in AutoCAD, this article explains what the command does, how to insert and edit user messages inside an action macro, why messages sometimes don’t appear, alternative methods to prompt users, and practical tips to make macros reliable.

What is the ACTUSERMESSAGE command?

The ACTUSERMESSAGE command (used with AutoCAD’s Action Recorder) inserts a user message into an action macro. When an action macro plays back, the message pauses execution and displays text to the user — for example, to request confirmation, explain the next manual step, or instruct the user to pick a point.

Key points:

  • It is part of the Action Recorder workflow (Manage tab → Action Recorder panel).
  • Message steps are saved inside the action macro and execute during macro playback.
  • It’s primarily used to pause playback and show instructions or warnings to the user.

How to use ACTUSERMESSAGE in AutoCAD (Step by step)

Using the Action Recorder (recommended for beginners)

  1. Open AutoCAD and go to the Manage tab → Action Recorder panel.
  2. Click Record to start recording a new macro.
  3. Perform the drawing commands you want to record.
  4. When you need to show text to the user, either:
    • Click the Insert User Message (or equivalent) button in the Action Recorder palette, if visible; or
    • With recording active, type ACTUSERMESSAGE at the command line and press Enter.
  5. When prompted, type the message you want the user to read (for example: “Pick the insertion point for the block, then press Enter”). Press Enter to finish the message.
  6. Continue recording any further commands.
  7. Click Stop to end recording and save the macro.
  8. Use Play to test the macro. During playback the user message will appear and pause the macro until the user acknowledges it.

Using the command line while recording

  • Start recording with the Action Recorder, then type ACTUSERMESSAGE and enter your text.
  • The message will be stored in the macro. When the macro plays back, the message appears and the macro pauses.

Shortcut and quick access

  • There is no built‑in single‑key shortcut that universally triggers ACTUSERMESSAGE. You can:
    • Type ACTUSERMESSAGE at the command line while recording.
    • Create an alias in your acad.pgp file to shorten the command (for example: add a line like AUM, *ACTUSERMESSAGE), then restart AutoCAD or reload the PGP file.
    • Add a button to a toolbar or ribbon that runs ACTUSERMESSAGE while recording.

Editing and inspecting the message in an action macro

  • After recording, open the Action Recorder Manager or the Action Macro Editor (right‑click a macro in the palette and choose Edit) to view the macro steps.
  • The message step will appear as one of the recorded actions. You can edit the text there if required.
  • Always test changes by playing the macro to confirm the message displays and the pause behaves as expected.

Why ACTUSERMESSAGE sometimes doesn’t work (common causes and fixes)

  • Macro played in silent/automated mode
    Fix: Ensure you are not using a playback option that suppresses prompts. Use the Action Recorder playback settings and enable pause/user input so messages are shown.

  • Message not recorded correctly (typos or missing step)
    Fix: Re‑record the message step or open the macro editor and add/edit the message. Confirm the step appears in the macro sequence.

  • Message displays but is missed (rapid playback or automatic confirmation)
    Fix: Increase pause or ensure the macro requires user acknowledgement. Test playback speed or enable an explicit pause.

  • Compatibility differences between AutoCAD versions
    Fix: Test macros on the target AutoCAD version. Recreate the macro in the target version if necessary.

  • Third‑party utilities or custom LISP routines interfering
    Fix: Disable suspicious third‑party plugins and retest. Run AutoCAD in a clean state to isolate conflicts.

  • Incorrect syntax when manually editing macro text
    Fix: When editing macro strings, preserve proper structure. If unsure, use the Action Recorder UI to edit rather than hand‑editing macro code.

Alternatives to ACTUSERMESSAGE (other ways to prompt users)

  • AutoLISP: Use functions like (alert “message”), (prompt “message”), (getpoint), or (getstring) to display messages and request input in custom routines.
  • VBA/.NET (C# or VB.NET): Create dialog boxes or message boxes (MessageBox.Show) for richer GUI prompts during automation.
  • DCL or custom dialog: Use DCL for scriptable dialog boxes in LISP-driven workflows.
  • Action Recorder “User Input” or Pause steps: Some Action Recorder options capture user inputs (mouse picks, keyboard) rather than only messages — use these to require actual user actions.
  • Script files: Scripts (.scr) can include command sequences but do not natively support pausing with custom messages — combine scripts with user prompts via LISP if needed.

Tips for reliable action macros and messages

  • Keep messages clear and concise — tell the user exactly what to do (e.g., “Select the corner point of the rectangle and press Enter”).
  • Test macros thoroughly on the same AutoCAD version and configuration used by your team.
  • Avoid system variable changes inside macros unless reversible and documented.
  • Use unique message text so that during troubleshooting you can identify which message fired.
  • Document macro behavior (what will pause, what input is required) so other users know how to run it.
  • Provide fallback instructions in the message in case a user misses the prompt.

FAQ

What exactly does ACTUSERMESSAGE do when a macro plays back?

It inserts a message step into an action macro and pauses playback so the user can read the instruction or perform a required manual action. The macro resumes after the user acknowledges the message.

Can I edit a user message after recording the macro?

Yes. Open the Action Macro Editor (right‑click the macro in the Action Recorder panel and choose Edit) and modify the message text. Save and test playback.

Will the user message show on every AutoCAD version?

Messages are part of the macro, but behavior can vary by version. Always test macros in the target version of AutoCAD. If differences appear, re-record or adjust the macro in that version.

Can I include variables or dynamic content in the message?

Not directly inside the Action Recorder message. For dynamic or calculated messages (e.g., showing values), use AutoLISP or a custom .NET/VBA routine that builds and displays messages programmatically.

How do I make sure the macro pauses until the user completes a step?

Use ACTUSERMESSAGE to prompt the user and pause playback. If more complex input is required (e.g., picking points), ensure the macro records the required User Input steps or use custom LISP to capture points with (getpoint).

Is there a keyboard shortcut for ACTUSERMESSAGE?

There’s no default single‑key shortcut. You can create an alias in acad.pgp (for example, AUM, *ACTUSERMESSAGE) or add a custom ribbon/toolbar button to run it while recording.

What if the message appears but the macro continues immediately?

Check playback settings — the macro may be configured to ignore user prompts or run in a silent/automatic mode. Ensure playback options allow pausing and user acknowledgment.

Can I use ACTUSERMESSAGE in script files (.scr)?

Not directly. Scripts run command sequences and don’t support the Action Recorder’s message step. Use Action Recorder macros or a script combined with LISP/VBA/.NET to create interactive pauses.

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