If you want to create, modify, or delete keyboard command aliases in AutoCAD — short typed shortcuts like L for LINE — this guide explains everything about the ALIASEDIT command: what it does, how to use it step-by-step, alternative methods, common errors and fixes, and practical tips for a stable workflow.
What is the ALIASEDIT command?
ALIASEDIT is the AutoCAD tool (part of Express Tools) that opens the Alias Editor so you can create, modify, or remove command aliases. Aliases are stored in the acad.pgp file (the PGP Command alias file) and let users type short strings in the command line instead of long command names.
- Purpose: speed up drafting by mapping short typed aliases (like L) to full AutoCAD commands (like LINE).
- Where aliases live: the acad.pgp file in your AutoCAD support folders.
- Scope: alias changes affect typed command shortcuts in the command line. They do not change toolbar or ribbon buttons unless you also customize those.
How aliasedit works — key concepts
- ALIASEDIT launches a dialog that lists existing aliases and their linked command strings.
- You can add a new alias, edit an existing alias, or delete one.
- After editing, the PGP file must be saved and reloaded (AutoCAD will usually prompt to reload; otherwise use REINIT).
- If ALIASEDIT is unavailable, Express Tools may not be installed, or you may be using a version (e.g., some LT versions) that lacks it.
How to use aliasedit (Step-by-step)
- Open AutoCAD.
- Ensure Express Tools are installed. If installed, type ALIASEDIT at the command line and press Enter.
- Alternatively: access Express Tools > Command Aliases (menu location depends on your UI).
- The Alias Editor dialog opens showing current aliases and commands.
- To add an alias:
- Click New (or the + button).
- In the Alias field enter the short name (for example, PL).
- In the Command field enter the actual command to run (for example, POLYLINE).
- Save the entry.
- To modify an alias:
- Select the alias in the list, edit the Alias or Command fields.
- save changes.
- To delete an alias:
- Select it and click Delete.
- After making changes, click Save and Close (or the dialog’s equivalent).
- If aliases don’t take effect immediately, type REINIT at the command line, check PGP File, and click OK, or restart AutoCAD.
Notes:
- Type aliases into the command line and press Enter or Space to run them.
- Avoid assigning an alias that conflicts with an existing command unless intentionally overriding.
Practical examples (before / after)
Example 1 — Add a new alias:
- Before: No alias for Polyline short form
- Action: Add alias PL → POLYLINE
- After: Typing PL + Enter starts POLYLINE
Example 2 — Change default behavior:
- Before: L → LINE
- Action: (Not recommended) change L to call another command
- After: Typing L will now run the new target (use with caution to avoid confusion)
Always backup your acad.pgp before major edits so you can restore defaults if needed.
Why aliasedit might not work (common causes and fixes)
ALIASEDIT command not found
- Cause: Express Tools not installed or missing from support path.
- Fix: Install Express Tools, or edit acad.pgp manually (see Alternatives).
Using AutoCAD LT
- Cause: LT may not include Express Tools.
- Fix: Edit the PGP file manually if accessible, or use available CUI/customization features; consider upgrading if you need Express Tools.
Cannot save changes / file is read-only
- Cause: acad.pgp file permissions or locked on network.
- Fix: Run AutoCAD as Administrator, remove read-only attribute, or copy file locally, edit, then replace. Coordinate with IT for network-shared files.
Alias changes don’t take effect
- Cause: acad.pgp not reloaded.
- Fix: Use REINIT > select PGP File, or restart AutoCAD.
Alias conflicts or duplicates
- Cause: Two aliases assigned to same name or alias matches a command.
- Fix: Remove or rename the conflicting alias; choose unique, mnemonic aliases.
Customizations get overwritten after updates or profile changes
- Cause: AutoCAD resets to default PGP or uses another support path.
- Fix: Store custom acad.pgp in a central folder, update Support File Search Path (Options > Files), and document the location.
Alternative methods to create or manage aliases
Edit acad.pgp directly:
- Locate acad.pgp via Options > Files > Support File Search Path.
- Make a backup, open the file in a text editor (Notepad), add or edit aliases, save, then REINIT to reload.
- This method works even when Express Tools are not available.
Use the CUI (Customize user interface):
- CUI lets you create custom commands, macros, and keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+Key style). It’s best for GUI and ribbon customization rather than simple typed aliases.
- To open: type CUI at the command line.
Deploy aliases across a team:
- Save a shared acad.pgp in a network folder and add that folder to every user’s Support File Search Path so all users load the same aliases.
Use LISP or script macros when you need more complex automation than a simple alias.
Tips and best practices
- Always backup the original acad.pgp before editing.
- Use clear, mnemonic aliases (e.g., PL for polyline, TR for trim) to avoid confusion.
- Avoid overriding highly used default aliases unless necessary.
- Keep a documented list of custom aliases and share it with your team.
- Use a centralized support folder for team environments to ensure consistency.
- Reload changes with REINIT rather than restarting AutoCAD every time.
- If working across multiple AutoCAD versions, maintain separate PGP files or test compatibility.
troubleshooting checklist (quick fixes)
- If ALIASEDIT returns “Unknown command”: verify Express Tools installed.
- If you can’t save: check file attributes and permissions; close other users who may have it open.
- If alias runs wrong command: inspect acad.pgp for duplicate lines; check for LISP or scripts intercepting the name.
- If aliases revert after update: store custom PGP in a custom support path, not the program’s install folder.
FAQ
How do I find my acad.pgp file?
Open Options (type OPTIONS), go to Files > Support File Search Path, and expand the paths. The acad.pgp file is typically in one of these support folders. You can also search your AutoCAD installation folder for “acad.pgp”.
ALIASEDIT is not recognized — what should I do?
Check whether Express Tools are installed. If not, install them for your AutoCAD version. If you can’t install, edit acad.pgp manually with a text editor and then REINIT to reload the PGP file.
How can I reload my alias changes without restarting AutoCAD?
Type REINIT at the command line, check PGP File in the dialog, and click OK. That reloads the acad.pgp file immediately.
Can I create aliases in AutoCAD LT?
AutoCAD LT may not include Express Tools, and its customization options are more limited than full AutoCAD. If LT allows access to acad.pgp on your system, you can manually edit the file and reload if LT supports it; otherwise consider using supported customization features or upgrading.
How do I share my custom aliases with teammates?
Place your custom acad.pgp in a shared network folder and add that folder to each user’s Support File Search Path (Options > Files). Inform users to REINIT after you update the shared file.
Will my aliases survive AutoCAD updates or reinstalls?
Not always. Updates or reinstalls may overwrite program files (including the default acad.pgp). To protect your custom aliases, keep a backup copy of your custom acad.pgp in a separate folder (outside the program install folder) and add that folder to the Support File Search Path so AutoCAD loads it preferentially.
What if an alias conflicts with an existing command or lisp?
Remove or rename the alias in ALIASEDIT or acad.pgp. Check loaded LISP files for functions using the same name. Use unique, descriptive alias names to avoid collisions.