What is AutoCAD Alias

Introduction

An AutoCAD alias is a custom shorthand that you assign to a command (or a small macro) so you can run frequent tasks with fewer keystrokes. Using aliases speeds up drafting, reduces repetitive typing, and makes AutoCAD workflows More efficient and tailored to your habits.

What is an AutoCAD Alias? (Explication)

An alias maps a short string (for example, “L” or “ZE”) to an AutoCAD command or sequence of commands. Aliases are stored in the AutoCAD PGP file (commonly acad.pgp) or managed with the ALIASEDIT editor (part of AutoCAD Express Tools in many versions). When you type the alias at the command line, AutoCAD expands it and runs the linked command.

Key benefits:

• Faster command access
• Fewer keystrokes
• Custom workflows for individual or office standards

Common Uses and Examples

• L → LINE: draw lines faster.
• ZE → Zoom Extents: quickly zoom to the drawing extents.
• LPROP → layer properties: open layer properties with a short alias.
• Complex macros: combine commands (for example, standardized layer creation, named views, or object snapping sequences) into a single alias.

Step-by-step: Create or Edit Aliases (Using ALIASEDIT)

1. Open AutoCAD.
2. Enter ALIASEDIT at the command line (if Express Tools are installed).
3. In the Alias Editor window:
   • Click New (or Edit an existing alias).
   • Enter the Alias (e.g., ZE).
   • Enter the Command or macro you want the alias to run.
   • Click Save or Apply.
4. Close the editor and test the alias at the command line.

Notes:

• Use ALIASEDIT to avoid syntax mistakes when building macros.
• If ALIASEDIT is unavailable, follow the manual pgp-file method below.

Step-by-step: Create or Edit Aliases (Manual PGP File Edit)

1. In AutoCAD go to Options → Files tab → expand Support File Search Path to find the active support folder.
2. Locate and open acad.pgp (or acadlt.pgp) in a plain text editor (Notepad).
3. Find the list of existing aliases. Each alias line typically follows the pattern:
   Alias, *Command
   (Using the ALIASEDIT tool is recommended to generate correct syntax for macros.)
4. Add or edit lines, for example:
   L, LINE
   ZE, ZOOM
   (For complex macros, use the commands generated by ALIASEDIT or ensure correct macro syntax.)
5. Save the file (keep a backup before editing).
6. Back in AutoCAD, reload the pgp file:
   • Use the REINIT command and check PGP File, then click OK, or
   • Restart AutoCAD.
7. Test the new alias at the command line.

Alternative Methods

• Use a custom script or LISP routine that defines commands and load it at startup.
• Create aliases per user profile or save a custom pgp file for a project and add its path to the Support File Search Path.
• Use third‑party tools or keyboard macro utilities (avoid if they conflict with AutoCAD hotkeys).

Common Errors and How to Fix Them

• Alias does not work:
  • Ensure the pgp file was reloaded (use REINIT or restart).
  • Confirm you edited the correct acad.pgp file for the active profile.
  • Check for typos in the alias or command text.
• Alias conflicts or overwritten:
  • Avoid naming an alias that duplicates a built-in command unless you intend to override it.
  • If AutoCAD updates or a profile reset overwrote your pgp, restore from your backup.
• Macro syntax causes unexpected behavior:
  • Create complex macros using ALIASEDIT to reduce syntax errors.
  • Use - prefix (dash) on commands in macros to force command-line options rather than dialog boxes.
• Permission issues saving acad.pgp:
  • Run AutoCAD as administrator or ensure the file is writable (network locations may be read-only).
• Multiple pgp files:
  • Check Options > Files to confirm which support folder and pgp file AutoCAD is using.

Best Practices & Tips

• Always keep a backup of your original acad.pgp before making changes.
• Use consistent naming conventions for aliases (short, memorable, avoid single letters for rarely used commands).
• Document custom aliases in a shared file if multiple users need the same setup.
• Avoid overriding critical system commands unless you intentionally want to replace default behavior.
• Use ALIASEDIT when possible to build macros and validate syntax.
• Store custom pgp in a network location if you want standardization across a team, but ensure everyone’s profile points to that path.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out which acad.pgp file AutoCAD is using?

Open Options > Files > Support File Search Path and inspect the paths. The active acad.pgp is usually in the first support folder listed. If unsure, search your AutoCAD install folders for “acad.pgp”.

Can I use aliases to run multiple commands in sequence?

Yes — aliases can contain small command macros, but macro syntax can be tricky. Use ALIASEDIT or test carefully. For complex multi-step routines, consider using a LISP routine or script.

Will custom aliases transfer to another computer?

Only if you copy the customized acad.pgp (or centralize it on a network path) and ensure the other AutoCAD installation points to that file. You can also export and share the pgp or use login/startup scripts.

Is there a limit to the number or length of aliases I can create?

Practically, aliases should be short and memorable. There’s no typical low limit on quantity, but overly long or many aliases reduce usability. Keep the alias list organized and documented.

My alias works sometimes but not always — why?

Possible causes: multiple pgp files across profiles, not reloading after edits, or conflicting aliases defined elsewhere. Verify which pgp file is active and reload it with REINIT.

Can alias edits be automated on startup?

Yes. Place a startup script or LISP routine that loads a specific pgp or applies aliases at AutoCAD startup. Ensure the script runs early and paths are correct to avoid access issues.