How to Use Script File in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

To use a script file in AutoCAD, save your commands in a plain text file with a .scr extension. Then, run it inside AutoCAD using the SCRIPT command, which executes the commands sequentially to automate tasks.

Syntax

A script file in AutoCAD is a plain text file with the .scr extension containing a list of AutoCAD commands. You run it by typing SCRIPT in the command line, then selecting the script file to execute.

Each line in the script file represents a command or input as if typed manually in AutoCAD.

plaintext

SCRIPT
<path_to_script_file.scr>

Example

This example script file draws a rectangle by creating four lines. Save the following commands in a file named rectangle.scr and run it using the SCRIPT command in AutoCAD.

plaintext

LINE
0,0
100,0
LINE
100,0
100,50
LINE
100,50
0,50
LINE
0,50
0,0

Output

AutoCAD draws a rectangle with corners at (0,0), (100,0), (100,50), and (0,50).

Common Pitfalls

• Not saving the script file with a .scr extension causes AutoCAD not to recognize it.
• Commands must be exactly as typed in AutoCAD, including pauses for user input.
• Using relative paths or spaces in file names without quotes can cause errors when loading scripts.
• Scripts cannot run commands that require interactive input beyond simple command line inputs.

plaintext

Wrong:
SCRIPT
C:\Users\User\My Scripts\script1.scr

Right:
SCRIPT
"C:\Users\User\My Scripts\script1.scr"

Quick Reference

Action	Description	Example
Create Script File	Write AutoCAD commands line by line in a text editor	LINE 0,0 100,0
Save Script	Save file with .scr extension	rectangle.scr
Run Script	Type SCRIPT in AutoCAD command line and select file	SCRIPT -> select rectangle.scr
Command Format	Commands and inputs on separate lines	LINE 0,0 100,0
File Path	Use quotes if path has spaces	"C:\My Scripts\file.scr"

Key Takeaways

Save your AutoCAD commands in a plain text file with a .scr extension to create a script file.

Run the script inside AutoCAD by typing SCRIPT and selecting your .scr file to automate tasks.

Ensure commands and inputs are on separate lines exactly as you would type them in AutoCAD.

Use quotes around file paths with spaces when running scripts to avoid errors.

Scripts cannot handle complex interactive inputs beyond simple command line entries.