ObjectARX for AutoCAD SDK
Execute faster drawing operations and gain improved interoperability
The ObjectARX® environment has object-oriented C++, C#, and VB .NET programming interfaces for customization and extension of AutoCAD® software and AutoCAD-based products, such as Autodesk® AutoCAD Architecture®, Autodesk AutoCAD Mechanical®, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D®, and Autodesk AutoCAD Plant 3D®. Get the most out of AutoCAD open architecture with the ObjectARX libraries for direct access to the database structures, graphics system, and native command definition to develop efficient and compact CAD applications.
System requirements
The ObjectARX for AutoCAD SDK allows you to work with smaller files and enables you to automate tasks. Not all APIs are included for macOS.
ObjectARX 2025
Windows
- Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 11 or Windows 10 version 1809 or above. See Autodesk’s Product Support Lifecycle for support information
- Processor: 3+ GHz CPU
Single- or Multi-Core Intel®, Xeon®, or i-Series 64-bit processor or AMD® equivalent to SSE2 technology- Highest affordable CPU speed rating is recommended
- Note: AutoCAD software-based products utilize multiple cores for many tasks.
- Memory: 16 GB of memory recommended
- Disk space: 1.0 GB free hard disk space
- Development environment: Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2022 version 17.8.0 with .NET 8.0 (with C++ option installed)
- Graphics display: 1920x1080 with True Color (1080p)
- Available as download only
macOS
- Operating system: Apple® macOS® Sonoma 14.x.x; macOS Ventura 13.x.x; macOS Monterey 12.x.x
- Processor: 64-bit Intel | Apple M series
- Memory: 16 GB of memory recommended
- Disk space: 20 MB free disk space for installation
- Graphics display: 1,280 x 800 display with true color (2880 x 1800 with Retina Display recommended)
- Development environment: Xcode 14.3 for developers running macOS 12 or later
- Available as download only
Licensing
Get a license and download the ObjectARX for AutoCAD SDK.
ObjectARX 2024
ObjectARX 2024
Windows
- Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 11 or Windows 10 version 1809 or above. See Autodesk’s Product Support Lifecycle for support information
- Processor: 3+ GHz CPU
Single- or Multi-Core Intel®, Xeon®, or i-Series 64-bit processor or AMD® equivalent to SSE2 technology- Highest affordable CPU speed rating is recommended
- Note: AutoCAD software-based products utilize multiple cores for many tasks.
- Memory: 16 GB of memory recommended
- Disk space: 1.0 GB free hard disk space
- Development environment: Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2022 version 17.2.6 with .NET 4.8 (with C++ option installed)
- Graphics display: 1920x1080 with True Color (1080p)
- Available as download only
macOS
- Operating system: macOS® Ventura 13.x.x; macOS Monterey 12.x.x; macOS Big Sur 11.x.x
- Processor: 64-bit Intel | Apple M series
- Memory: 16 GB of memory recommended
- Disk space: 20 MB free disk space for installation
- Graphics display: 1,280 x 800 display with true color (2880 x 1800 with Retina Display recommended)
- Development environment: Xcode 13.3.1 for developers running macOS 11 or later
- Available as download only
ObjectARX 2023
ObjectARX 2023
Windows
- Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 11 or Windows 10 version 1809 or above. See Autodesk’s Product Support Lifecycle for support information
- Processor: 3+ GHz CPU
Single- or Multi-Core Intel®, Xeon®, or i-Series 64-bit processor or AMD® equivalent to SSE2 technology- Highest affordable CPU speed rating is recommended
- Note: AutoCAD® software-based products utilize multiple cores for many tasks.
- Memory: 16 GB of memory recommended
- Disk space: 1.0 GB free hard disk space
- Development environment: Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2019 version 16.11.5 with .NET 4.8 (with C++ option installed)
- Graphics display: 1920x1080 with True Color (1080p)
- Available as download only
macOS
- Operating system: macOS® Monterey 12.x.x; macOS Big Sur 11.x.x; macOS Catalina 10.15.x
- Processor: 64-bit Intel; Apple M series
- Memory: 16 GB of memory recommended
- Disk space: 20 MB free disk space for installation
- Graphics display: 1,280 x 800 display with true color (2880 x 1800 with Retina Display recommended)
- Development environment: Xcode 12.4 for developers running macOS 10.15 or later
- Available as download only
ObjectARX 2022
ObjectARX 2022
Windows
- Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10. See Autodesk’s Product Support Lifecycle for support information
- Processor: 3+ GHz CPU
Single- or Multi-Core Intel®, Xeon®, or i-Series 64-bit processor or AMD® equivalent to SSE2 technology- Highest affordable CPU speed rating is recommended
- Note: AutoCAD® software-based products utilize multiple cores for many tasks.
- Memory: 16 GB of memory recommended
- Disk space: 1.0 GB free hard disk space
- Development environment: Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2019 version 16.7 with .NET 4.8 (with C++ option installed)
- Graphics display: 1920x1080 with True Color (1080p)
- Available as download only
macOS
- Operating system: macOS® Big Sur 11.x.x; macOS Catalina 10.15.x; Mojave 10.14.x
- Processor: 64-bit Intel
- Memory: 16 GB of memory recommended
- Disk space: 20 MB free disk space for installation
- Graphics display: 1,280 x 800 display with true color (2880 x 1800 with Retina Display recommended)
- Development environment: Xcode 11.3.1 for developers running macOS 10.14.5 or later
- Available as download only
FAQ
What versions of ObjectARX are available?
What versions of ObjectARX are available?
You can download ObjectARX software for the latest five releases of AutoCAD and AutoCAD for Mac software products. Starting with 2020, only a 64-bit version of ObjectARX is available for the Windows platform.
How do I get the ObjectARX SDK?
How do I get the ObjectARX SDK?
The complete ObjectARX SDK and license agreement are available for download at no charge.
What is the difference between RealDWG and ObjectARX for AutoCAD?
What is the difference between RealDWG and ObjectARX for AutoCAD?
The RealDWG™ application is a subset of ObjectARX and contains the APIs for reading and writing DWG™ and DXF™ files. RealDWG does not contain support for viewing and accessing the AutoCAD user interface. ObjectARX applications always require AutoCAD as their host application. RealDWG does not require the presence of AutoCAD software. RealDWG can be used to create independent host applications while ObjectARX can't.
Is developer support or training available for ObjectARX?
Is developer support or training available for ObjectARX?
Support is available through the Autodesk public forums (https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-ObjectARX/bd-p/34) or through membership of the Autodesk Developer Network (www.autodesk.com/joinadn). ObjectARX training material is available for download from www.autodesk.com/developautocad.
What documentation is available for developing applications in ObjectARX?
What documentation is available for developing applications in ObjectARX?
The following publications are included with the ObjectARX SDK:
- Managed Class Developer’s Guide
- Managed Class Reference
- ObjectARX Developer’s Guide
- ObjectARX Reference
- Application Interoperability Guidelines
- ObjectARX Migration Guide
- Links to other valuable developer reference materials are listed at www.autodesk.com/developautocad.
Community and support
Whether you're an experienced ObjectARX for AutoCAD SDK user or just starting out, this is a good place to ask questions, share tips, connect, and learn from others.