CAD Dictionary

What is an AutoCAD PGP file?

An AutoCAD PGP (Program Parameters) file is a simple text file that defines keyboard aliases and custom shortcuts for AutoCAD commands. Editing the PGP lets you create faster workflows by mapping short, memorable keystrokes to full AutoCAD commands.

What is an AutoCAD PGP file?

The PGP file (commonly named acad.pgp or acadlt.pgp) stores pairs of alias and command entries. Each line links a short alias (for example L) to a command (for example LINE). When you type the alias at the AutoCAD command prompt, AutoCAD runs the associated command.

Why use a PGP file?

  • Create custom aliases for frequently used commands.
  • Reduce repetitive keystrokes and speed up drafting.
  • Tailor AutoCAD to team or personal standards.

Where is the PGP file located?

Locations vary by AutoCAD version and installation. Common places:

  • Program Support folder:
    • C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20xx\Support\
  • User profile (recommended for custom changes):
    • C:\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20xx\Rxx.x\en-US\Support\

To find the exact file used by your AutoCAD:

  1. In AutoCAD, type OPTIONS and press Enter.
  2. Go to the Files tab → expand Support File Search Path to see supported folders.
  3. Look for acad.pgp in those Support paths.

How a PGP entry is structured (basics)

A typical PGP line has this simple format:
Alias, *Command

Examples:

  • L, *LINE
  • C, *CIRCLE
  • REC, *RECTANG

Notes:

  • Use the alias (left of the comma) at the command line.
  • Use the explicit command name (right of the comma). An asterisk (*) before the command often appears in existing PGPs; keep the original format when editing.
  • You can add comments after a semicolon (;) — many PGP files include comments to explain entries.

Step-by-step: Edit and load a PGP file (safe, beginner-friendly)

  1. Back up the original PGP

    • Copy acad.pgp to a safe location (for example, acad_backup.pgp).

  2. Choose the right copy to edit

    • Prefer editing the PGP in your user profile support folder rather than the Program Files folder (avoid admin permission issues).

  3. Close AutoCAD (recommended)

    • Closing avoids file-lock or priority issues. If you prefer, you can keep AutoCAD open but saving and reloading may be required.

  4. Open the PGP file

    • Right-click → Open with Notepad (or Notepad++, Sublime, etc.).
    • If the file is in Program Files, run your text editor as Administrator.

  5. Make your changes

    • Add or modify lines using the format: Alias, *Command
    • Example: Add REC, *RECTANG to shorten RECTANG to REC.

  6. Save with the correct encoding

    • save as ANSI (not UTF-8 with BOM) to avoid encoding problems in older AutoCAD versions.

  7. Reload the PGP in AutoCAD

    • Start AutoCAD (if closed).
    • Type REINIT at the command line, press Enter.
    • Check PGP File and click OK — AutoCAD reloads aliases.
    • If REINIT is not available or issues persist, restart AutoCAD.

  8. Test your aliases

    • Type your new alias at the command prompt to verify it runs the expected command.

Alternative methods to create custom shortcuts

  • Customize the CUI (Customize user interface):
    • Use the CUI editor to create keyboard shortcuts, menus, ribbon items and toolbars. Better for GUI-based shortcuts and for UI-level changes.
  • Create macros inside CUI:
    • For multi-step macros tied to buttons or ribbon controls, the CUI macro editor is more visual and safer.
  • LISP or Scripts:
    • For complex automation, use AutoLISP routines or script (.scr) files and assign aliases that call those scripts.
  • Third-party tools:
    • Extensions and add-ons can provide alias managers or shareable templates across teams.

Common errors and how to fix them

  • Error: “Alias not recognized” or new alias does nothing

    • Fix: Ensure you reloaded the PGP via REINIT or restarted AutoCAD. Confirm you edited the correct PGP file used by your AutoCAD (see OPTIONS → Files).

  • Error: Duplicate alias or overwritten behavior

    • Fix: Search the PGP for duplicate alias entries. Keep only one definition per alias. Remove or comment duplicates.

  • Error: File changes appear lost after restart

    • Fix: Confirm you edited the correct file path (user profile vs program folder). Some deployments restore default PGPs from network profiles—check IT policies.

  • Error: Garbled or unexpected behavior after editing

    • Fix: Check file encoding. Save as ANSI or standard ASCII. Remove any stray special characters or BOM from UTF encodings.

  • Error: You cannot save the file (permission denied)

    • Fix: Run your text editor as Administrator, or copy the PGP to a writable folder (user folder), edit it, then replace the original (with admin rights).

  • Error: Later entries in PGP are ignored

    • Fix: A syntax error earlier in the file can cause parsing issues. Check for missing commas or malformed lines. Restore from backup if needed.

Best practices and tips

  • Always backup the original PGP before editing.
  • Keep a separate user PGP in your AppData path to avoid program updates overwriting changes.
  • Use short, memorable aliases but avoid overriding core AutoCAD commands unless intentional.
  • Document alias choices in a team readme so colleagues understand custom shortcuts.
  • Use the CUI for GUI-linked commands and complex macros; use PGP for quick typed aliases.
  • For international teams, prefix aliases to avoid conflicts with localized commands (for example, use a team prefix like TPL_).
  • Keep the PGP tidy: group related aliases and add comments (after semicolons) for clarity.

FAQ

How do I restore the default AutoCAD aliases if I break something?

If you have a backup of the original acad.pgp, replace the modified file with your backup and restart AutoCAD or run REINIT (PGP File). If you don’t have a backup, reinstalling AutoCAD or copying the acad.pgp from the Program Files support folder of a clean installation can restore defaults.

Can I create aliases that run multiple commands in sequence?

Yes — PGP supports macros, but macro syntax can be tricky. For simple needs, use the CUI editor to create macros or use AutoLISP for robust multi-step automation. If you edit PGP directly for macros, test carefully and back up first.

Will custom PGP changes apply to all users on my computer or network?

It depends on which PGP you edit. Editing the Program Files copy may affect all local users, but network deployments and company standards may override local files. Editing your user profile PGP affects only your AutoCAD sessions.

Why doesn’t AutoCAD recognize my alias even after I edited the PGP?

Common causes: you edited the wrong file, you didn’t REINIT or restart AutoCAD, there is a syntax error, or the file encoding is incorrect (use ANSI). Verify you saved the correct file path and reloaded the PGP.

Can I use non-letter aliases (numbers or function keys)?

PGP aliases are text strings typed at the command prompt — they usually consist of letters. For function keys or keybindings, use the CUI editor to bind commands to keys or mouse buttons.

Should I edit the PGP on a network-shared profile for consistency across a team?

Yes, placing a standardized PGP on a shared location can ensure consistent aliases across a team, but coordinate changes with IT and document the alias list so everyone is aware of custom mappings.

How do I find which command name to use in the PGP (the right-hand side)?

Use the AutoCAD command name (the internal command), often the same as the typed command (e.g., LINE, CIRCLE). If unsure, run the full command in AutoCAD and check for the exact command name in help or existing PGP entries.

Is it safe to edit the acad.pgp with Word or other rich-text editors?

No — use a plain-text editor (Notepad, Notepad++, Sublime) and save as plain text (ANSI). Rich-text editors can add hidden formatting that breaks the PGP.

Read Also:  What is an AutoCAD DWF file?

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