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In today’s vast graphical user interface applications filled with icons and symbols, it’s rare to find a program that includes a command line option. Many may consider this a legacy feature, but for those who dominate the application have a clear understanding of its benefits. EAGLE has always included the command line, sparing users from the need to memorize or hover over icons to find the necessary functions, and therefore speeding up the use of the program.
For example, if you’re working on a large schematic and you would like to highlight a component such as R1, just type ‘Show R1’. Also, if you are working on a dense design and are zoomed out, you can still point out the component by typing the command ‘Show @ R1’, and the part will be highlighted. In addition, EAGLE will draw a frame around it making it easy to find (refer to Figure 1).
Figure 1
Another good example is to revert filled polygons to outline mode. In this scenario, you can use the ‘Rip Up’ command and click every single polygon to return it to its original format. But with command line, you can type ‘Ripup @;’ and press enter and BAM!! all polygons will return to their outline mode (refer to Figure 2)
Figure 2
The command line can be used to execute ULP’s or EAGLE script files which, exponentially expands the usability of EAGLE. A simple example, type the ‘Run count’ in the Board editor command line. This will give you a quick summary count of landings and points of transition that currently exist on the design (refer to Figure 3).
Figure 3
If you think that the command line is a thing of the 1980’s, give it a shot in EAGLE, you might be surprised! It’s also good to note that the command line is always active and maintains a history of all of the previously entered commands, which you can cycle through using the up and down arrow keys on your keyboard.
Comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
CadSoft Support Team
support@cadsoftusa.com