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AutoCAD SPLAY Shortcut : SEQUENCEPLAY : Plays named views in one category

If you’re looking for a clear, step‑by‑step guide to the sequenceplay-shortcut in AutoCAD — what it does, how to use it, why it may fail and practical alternatives — this article covers everything a beginner needs. It explains how to prepare named views, group them into a category, run a playback of those views, troubleshoot common problems, and provides an AutoLISP example to implement the shortcut where it’s not built in.

What is the sequenceplay-shortcut?

The sequenceplay-shortcut (often seen as SEQUENCEPLAY) is a shortcut/command used to play a sequence of named views in a drawing. In practice it:

  • Cycles through multiple named views in a specified group or category.
  • Can be used to create a quick visual walkthrough or review sequence.
  • Is typically implemented as a built‑in command in some workflows or as a custom shortcut (AutoLISP, script, or alias) in others.

Key phrase: plays named views in one category — that means you prepare named views, group them (by naming convention or category), then the SEQUENCEPLAY command steps through each named view automatically.

How sequenceplay works (high-level)

  1. Create a set of named views that you want to include in the playback.
  2. Group or tag those views into a category — most commonly by using a consistent name prefix (e.g., Kitchen_01, Kitchen_02) or using view manager/grouping features if available.
  3. Run the SEQUENCEPLAY command (or the custom macro/AutoLISP) and specify the category, delay, and playback options.
  4. The command applies each named view in order, with an optional delay between views, producing a simple animated tour.
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How to use sequenceplay-shortcut (Step by step)

Below is a beginner-friendly workflow that works whether SEQUENCEPLAY exists already in your setup or you must implement it.

Step 1 — Create named views

  • Run the VIEW command (or use the View Manager) to create named views.
  • For each view: set the camera/orientation/scale, then Save it with a clear name.
  • Best practice: use a category prefix in the name, e.g. “Lobby_A”, “Lobby_B”, or “ClientRoom_01”, “ClientRoom_02”.

Step 2 — Organize views into a category

  • If your AutoCAD has built-in grouping or categories for views, use that.
  • If not, use a naming convention: the same prefix groups related views (ex: “Site_01”, “Site_02”).
  • The sequenceplay routine will look for names that share the chosen prefix.

Step 3 — Run the SEQUENCEPLAY command (if available)

  • Type SEQUENCEPLAY (or the shortcut alias) at the command line.
  • When prompted, enter the category prefix (for example, “Site_”).
  • Enter the delay between views (in seconds) if prompted.
  • The command will step through each matching named view in order.

Step 4 — If SEQUENCEPLAY is not built in, use an alternative (script/AutoLISP)

  • Option A: Use a small script (.scr) that calls the VIEW command repeatedly.
  • Option B: Load a small AutoLISP routine (example provided below) that finds views matching a prefix and plays them with a delay.

How to load AutoLISP:

  • Save the LISP file (for example, sequenceplay.lsp).
  • In AutoCAD, use APPLOAD and load sequenceplay.lsp.
  • Run the command by typing the LISP function name (for example, SEQUENCEPLAY).

Example AutoLISP implementation

This AutoLISP example automates the playback of named views that share a prefix. save as sequenceplay.lsp, load with APPLOAD, then run SEQUENCEPLAY.

Important: test on a copy of your drawing first.

lisp
(defun c:SEQUENCEPLAY (/ prefix doc views count i v name list delay)
(vl-load-com)
(setq prefix (getstring T “\nEnter view category prefix (exact): “))
(if (not prefix) (progn (princ “\nCanceled.”) (exit)))

(setq doc (vla-get-ActiveDocument (vlax-get-acad-object)))
(setq views (vla-get-Views doc))
(setq count (vla-get-Count views))
(setq i 0)
(setq list ‘())

(while (< i count)
(setq v (vla-Item views i))
(setq name (vla-get-Name v))
(if (= (strcase (substr name 1 (min (strlen name) (strlen prefix))))
(strcase prefix))
(setq list (cons name list))
)
(setq i (1+ i))
)

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(if (null list)
(princ (strcat “\nNo views found with prefix: ” prefix))
(progn
(setq list (reverse list)) ; keep numeric order if views were created in sequence
(setq delay (getint “\nDelay between views in seconds <1>: “))
(if (not delay) (setq delay 1))
(foreach vn list
(command “_.-VIEW” vn “”)
(vlax-sleep (* 1000 delay))
)
)
)
(princ)
)

Notes:

  • The routine searches the drawing’s Views collection for names beginning with the prefix you enter.
  • It uses (command “_.-VIEW” viewName “”) to switch to each named view.
  • The delay uses (vlax-sleep) in milliseconds.

Alternative methods to achieve the same result

  • Use the built‑in VIEW / View Manager and manually step through views (arrow keys or -VIEW command).
  • Create a .scr script that contains repeated VIEW commands and use SCRIPT to run it:
    • Example script lines:
      • -VIEW
      • Set
      • Lobby_A
      • -VIEW
      • Set
      • Lobby_B
  • Use AutoCAD Action Recorder to record a sequence of view changes and replay them.
  • Use AutoLISP (as above) for flexible automation and parameters (looping, speed).
  • For advanced camera paths and smooth animations, use AutoCAD’s camera/Animation tools or export to a renderer/animation package (3ds Max, Navisworks, etc.) for higher-quality walkthroughs.
  • If you just need an interactive review, use layout viewports and the Quick View Layout / Model documentation tools.

Why sequenceplay-shortcut doesn’t work (common problems and fixes)

  • Problem: Command not found
    • Fix: SEQUENCEPLAY might be a custom command (AutoLISP or macro) not present in your AutoCAD profile. Load the LISP file or ensure the alias is defined in acad.pgp.
  • Problem: No named views detected
    • Fix: Confirm you have created named views via the VIEW command. Ensure view names use the expected prefix.
  • Problem: Views play but look wrong (scale/orientation)
    • Fix: Check that each named view has the correct view center, direction, and UCS saved. Recreate or update the problematic named view.
  • Problem: Playback is too fast or too slow
    • Fix: Adjust the delay setting in the command/macro or alter the LISP delay (milliseconds).
  • Problem: Sequence plays out of desired order
    • Fix: Ensure view naming/order matches the order you want. Some routines use creation order; others use alphabetical order. Rename views with numeric ordering (01, 02, 03) to enforce sequence.
  • Problem: Security prevents loading LISP or script
    • Fix: Check the Trusted Locations and Security Settings in AutoCAD and adjust or use a trusted folder for your LISP/script files.
  • Problem: Visual glitches during transitions
    • Fix: Use small delays and consider regenerating the drawing (REGEN) between views if necessary. For smoother transitions, use dedicated animation tools.
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Tips and best practices

  • Use a consistent naming convention with numeric suffixes (e.g., AreaA_01, AreaA_02) for reliable ordering.
  • Save a backup before running scripts or LISP routines.
  • If you need smooth camera interpolation, use specialized animation tools rather than simple view jumps.
  • Add a short black frame or fade if you export the playback as a video to make transitions clearer.
  • Store your playback routines in a trusted folder and add an alias to acad.pgp for quick access.
  • Test routines on a small test drawing before using them on large/critical projects.

FAQ

Is SEQUENCEPLAY a built‑in AutoCAD command?

Not always. In many cases SEQUENCEPLAY is a custom shortcut or AutoLISP routine created by users or CAD managers. If typing SEQUENCEPLAY at the command line returns “Unknown command,” you likely need to load a custom script or LISP that implements the function.

How do I create named views quickly?

Use the VIEW command or the View Manager: navigate to the area and orientation you want, run VIEW → New, and give it a clear name. Use prefixes to group views into categories.

Can I loop the playback so it repeats continuously?

Yes. If using AutoLISP, add a loop around the playback section (with a user interrupt option). If using a custom script, you can repeat the sequence in the Script file. Keep CPU and drawing size in mind.

How do I control the speed of the playback?

Control speed by setting a delay between view switches. In LISP routines this is usually implemented with (vlax-sleep) and in scripts by inserting pauses or by stepping manually.

I don’t want to use AutoLISP — are there simpler alternatives?

Yes: use script files (.scr) with repeated -VIEW commands, or use AutoCAD’s Action Recorder to record a manual sequence and replay it.

Can I export the playback as a video?

AutoCAD itself is limited for polished video output. For basic sequences, capture the screen while SEQUENCEPLAY runs (screen recorder). For higher-quality animations, export cameras or use external tools such as 3ds Max or Navisworks.

Why do some views not show the same visual style or layers as others?

Named views store camera and viewpoint settings, but they may not capture layer visibility changes, visual styles, or viewport-specific overrides. Ensure consistent layer states and visual style settings before saving named views.

How do I add SEQUENCEPLAY to my toolbar or keyboard shortcut?

  • For keyboard: add an alias to acad.pgp (e.g., SEQPLAY, SEQ) pointing to your LISP or SCRIPT command.
  • For toolbar: create a custom button in the CUI that runs your LISP function or script.

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