Python is a popular high-level programming language that is widely used by engineers for automating repetitive tasks. Python for AutoCAD can achieve this too, besides e.g. VBA for AutoCAD. The Python concepts introduced by me in this article will be sufficient for getting started with Python for AutoCAD automatization.

Variables in Python

Variables: In Python, a variable is a name that refers to a value. You can assign a value to a variable using the equals (=) operator.

For example:

x = 10

Data types in Python

Python has several built-in data types, including integers, floating-point numbers, strings, lists, tuples, and dictionaries. You can create variables of these data types and perform operations on them.

For example:

x = 10
y = 2.5
z = "hello world!"
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4]
my_dict = {"name": "James", "age": 42}

Control structures in Python for AutoCAD engineers

Python has several control structures, including if-else statements, for loops, and while loops. These structures allow you to execute code based on certain conditions.

For example:

x = 10
if x > 5:
    print("x is greater than 5!")
else:
    print("x is less than or equal to 5!")

my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4]
for item in my_list:
    print(item)

i = 0
while i < 10:
    print(i)
    i += 1

Functions in Python for AutoCAD engineers

A function is a block of code that performs a specific task. You can define your own functions in Python or use built-in functions.

For example:

def my_function(x, y):
    z = x + y
    return z

result = my_function(10, 20)
print(result)

my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4]
length = len(my_list)
print(length)

Concluding remarks and related content

This introduction to Python should be sufficient for AutoCAD engineers with the intention of utilizing Python for AutoCAD automatization.

Specific documentation related to e.g. AutoCAD objects and commands can be found on this blog. Here are some entries that will get you started:

• Link: Extending the objects in AutoCAD using pyautocad in Python
• Link: Using Python lists and dictionaries to work with AutoCAD objects with pyautocad
• Link: Hatching objects on AutoCAD template using pywin32 in Python
• Link: Raster image object in AutoCAD with pyautocad in Python
• Link: Working with 3D mesh object in AutoCAD using pyautocad in Python
• Link: Creating adouble constructor using pywin32 in Python
• Link: Creating apoint method using pywin32 in Python
• Link: Python integration with AutoCAD using pywin32 and win32com
• Link: Deleting objects in a AutoCAD template with pyautocad and pywin32 in Python
• Link: Mirror object on a 2D plane with pyautocad in Python
• Link: Working with texts in Autocad using pyautocad in Python
• Link: Polar arrays in AutoCAD using pyautocad in Python
• Link: Rectangular arrays in AutoCAD using pyautocad in Python
• Link: Operations with AutoCAD objects using pyautocad in Python
• Link: Solid objects in AutoCAD using pyautocad in Python
• Link: Working with helices in AutoCAD using pyautocad in Python
• Link: Drawing splines in AutoCAD with pyautocad in Python
• Link: Polylines in pyautocad for drawing AutoCAD polygons in Python
• Link: Drawing ellipse arcs in AutoCAD using pyautocad in Python
• Link: Drawing arcs in AutoCAD using pyautocad in Python
• Link: Near simultaneous factory design and process optimization with Promodel AutoCAD edition
• Link: Python for AutoCAD pyautocad module
• Link: Region object in AutoCAD with Python
• Link: AutoCAD Application object class in Python
• Link: AutoCAD Document object in Python
• Link: AutoCAD Block object in Python
• Link: AutoCAD Attribute object in Python
• Link: DimAligned object in AutoCAD using Python
• Link: SelectionSet object in AutoCAD with Python

Linnart Felkl

Data scientist focusing on simulation, optimization and modeling in R, SQL, VBA and Python