AutoCAD Tip: ACAD.PGP Command Aliases — Setup and Best Practices

Fast, consistent input is a competitive advantage. Custom command aliases in ACAD.PGP put your most-used tools on a couple of keystrokes and keep your hands on the keyboard.

Set up and edit ACAD.PGP quickly:

• Find the file: Options > Files tab > Support File Search Path. Look for “acad.pgp” (typical user path: AppData/Roaming/Autodesk/<product>/<version>/enu/Support).
• Edit using the ALIASEDIT command (recommended) or open acad.pgp in a plain text editor. Always make a backup first.
• Syntax is simple: ALIAS, *COMMAND_OR_MACRO. Lines starting with “;” are comments.
• Reload without restarting: run REINIT and check “PGP File,” or close/reopen the drawing.

High-impact aliases to add (examples you can paste into acad.pgp):

• CC, *COPY — faster than typing COPY every time.
• EE, *ERASE — quick delete without reaching for the ribbon.
• TT, *^C^CTRIM — cancels then launches TRIM in command-line mode.
• XX, *^C^CEXTEND — pairs nicely with TT for rapid modify cycles.
• MM, *MOVE — intuitive, memorable, and conflict-free.
• RO, *ROTATE and SC, *SCALE — keep transform tools on short keys.
• LO, *^C^C-LAYOFF — dash prefix keeps you in command-line (no dialog).
• LI, *LIST and PR, *PROPERTIES — quick queries without UI overhead.

Best practices for reliable, portable aliases:

• Reserve single-letter aliases for daily drivers (e.g., L for LINE, C for COPY if your team agrees). Use doubles for everything else to avoid collisions.
• Adopt families: start layer tools with “L” (LO = LAYOFF, LI = LAYISO, LP = LAYP), dimension tools with “D” (DA = DIMANGULAR, DL = DIMLINEAR), and xref tools with “X”.
• Add a header in acad.pgp with “; Company standard aliases – do not edit below,” then place your team’s section at the end. Later entries override earlier ones, so keeping standards last ensures they “win.”
• Document and version your acad.pgp in source control. Include a dated changelog in comments for traceability.
• Distribute via a shared, read-only location and put that path at the top of Support File Search Path in your CAD profile. This ensures everyone loads the same file first.
• Create a one-page cheat sheet and pin it to the start tab or include it in your template as a layout with notes.

Troubleshooting tips:

• If an alias runs the “wrong” command, search for duplicates in acad.pgp; the last occurrence in the file takes precedence. Consolidate and keep only one definition.
• If an alias is ignored, you’re likely editing a different acad.pgp than the one AutoCAD is loading. Check the active file path in ALIASEDIT or review the Support File Search Path order.
• Aliases affect command-line input, not buttons. Update ribbon/tool palette macros separately if needed.

Power-user note: PGP lines accept macros (e.g., “; cancels, then runs a command in command-line mode): try TT, *^C^CTRIM and PP, *^C^C-PURGE ALL * N for one-key housekeeping.

For licenses, upgrades, and expert guidance on optimizing your AutoCAD environment, connect with NOVEDGE. Their team can help standardize deployments and streamline your CAD stack; explore AutoCAD solutions at NOVEDGE’s AutoCAD page or reach out for tailored advice via NOVEDGE Support.

You can find all the AutoCAD products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.