Documentation / AutoCAD

AutoCAD API

Create solutions and enhance core software functionality 

Autodesk AutoCAD® software is a platform for developing specialized design and drafting applications. Its open architecture and APIs allow for customization that extends to Autodesk industry-specific design software and a wide range of add-on applications created by the Autodesk Developer Network (ADN). AutoCAD provides programming environments including ObjectARX® with object-oriented C++ interfaces, the managed AutoCAD .NET API, the complete Visual LISP® development environment, and the ActiveX® interface.

Developer guides

Reference guides

Developer guides

The ActiveX documentation is installed with the program.

Reference guides

The ActiveX API documentation can also be found locally in these folders:  

  • %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\acad_aag.chm
  • %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\acadauto.chm

The documentation related to this API is part of the product help.

The Managed .NET Reference guide can also be integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio.

Member and parameter descriptions from the Managed .NET Reference Guide can be displayed within the Microsoft Visual Studio environment as part of the Intellisense feature set. This allows for some basic information about a member or parameter to be displayed in a tooltip while working in a code editor window, or to be accessed from the Object Browser without the need to open the Help Viewer. These files are included in the SDK files and can be found in the same folder as the Managed .NET DLLs.

Developer guides

The components of the Managed .NET documentation are installed as part of the ObjectARX SDK and available as part of the product Help. 

The documentation related to this API is part of:

The documentation related to this API is part of the product help.

Resources

The DXF™ Reference provides information on the DXF file format, and the group codes that can be used by a custom application to create and modify objects.

Community and support

Whether you're an experienced AutoCAD user or just starting out, this is a good place to ask questions, share tips, connect, and learn from others.