I don't know how many times I've heard someone say, "I wish AutoCAD could..." Well, most likely it can, and you can structure it do what you want to. There are many ways to customize AutoCAD, but for now we will stick to the easy stuff.
The easiest way to make AutoCAD do want you want is to modify the ACAD.PGP file.
First we'll have to find the ACAD.PGP file, which should be located in your SUPPORT folder within your AutoCAD folder. If you're not sure where AutoCAD is loaded then the easiest way to locate it is to go to the Windows 'Start' button then to 'Find' and 'Files or Folders'.
In the 'Named:' area type ACAD.PGP and click the 'Find Now' button. If it finds more than one copy then you will need to determine which one is being read by AutoCAD.
To determine which ACAD.PGP file is being used by AutoCAD you'll need to enter AutoCAD and do the following:
1. Type CONFIG and the command line.
2. In the Configuration Dialog Box go to the 'Files' tab and compare the list of folders in the 'Support File Search Path' with the folders listed with results from the Windows File search.
3. The path contained in the file search results that is listed first in AutoCAD's 'Support File Search Path' is where the current referenced ACAD.PGP file is located.
Now that we've located the file you are ready to edit it using any word processor, such as NotePad or WordPad. You can add new Alias definitions or edit the existing ones. The first Alias commands that I had defined are CC for COPY and XX for EXPLODE.
By default COPY was CP, but having to type 'C' then reach across the keyboard to type 'P' can interrupt your momentum while working. I'm sure that you'll agree that it's easier to type 'CC' and hit the spacebar instead.
After modifying the ACAD.PGP file you need to restart AutoCAD or type 'REINIT' (short for re-initialization) at the command line. Then check the 'PGP File' option. If you've done every thing correctly your alias commands should now be active.
Remember that when maximizing the keyboard it's best to always think about making the least amount of keystrokes and hand movements. I have found it to be most efficient if I keep the most commonly used aliases to the left half of the keyboard.
This way I can keep my left-hand stationary while my right hand controls the mouse. •0
Coming soon:
Part II - Accelerators
Part III - Menus & Toolbars
Part IIII - AutoLisp
