Custom AutoCAD Development

WIIP

Since 2008, I have been helping engineering firms, manufacturers and software companies develop custom AutoCAD add-ins. My goal: automate your repetitive tasks, make your processes more reliable, improve user comfort and reduce the risk of errors.

Whether you use AutoCAD, a vertical product (Mechanical, Electrical, MEP, Civil 3D, Plant 3D...) or a compatible clone, I can develop a solution that integrates perfectly into your workflow.

Technologies

C# / .NET

This is now the go-to technology for developing professional AutoCAD plugins. The AutoCAD .NET API provides full access to all features: DWG database manipulation, modern user interfaces (WPF, palettes), transaction management, graphical editor interaction...

It has been my primary language since WIIP was founded. I use it for the vast majority of my projects.

AutoLISP

AutoCAD's historical language, available since the 1980s. AutoLISP remains relevant for lightweight automation, quick drawing routines and end-user customization. It has the advantage of being simple to deploy (a text file is enough) and accessible to drafters who want to create their own tools.

I can also take over and modernize your existing LISP routines, or migrate them to .NET as needs evolve.

VBA

Still present in many engineering offices, VBA allows automating AutoCAD through its COM/ActiveX object model. Its main advantage: it is found in other Windows software such as MS Office or SolidWorks, making it a familiar language for many users. If you have a library of VBA macros to maintain or extend, I can help. For new projects, I generally recommend starting with .NET.

ObjectARX (C++)

AutoCAD's native API, used when performance is critical or to access low-level features not exposed by the .NET API.

AutoCAD OEM / RealDWG

AutoCAD OEM allows you to create standalone applications based on the AutoCAD engine, without requiring an AutoCAD license on the end user's machine. Ideal for distributing a line-of-business application to users who don't need the full AutoCAD.

RealDWG is a library that allows you to read and write DWG files natively, without AutoCAD. It's the solution for server applications, file converters or automated verification tools.

AutoCAD Clones: BricsCAD, ZWCAD, DraftSight

These products are compatible with the DWG format and offer APIs similar to AutoCAD's. BricsCAD stands out with its .NET API that closely mirrors AutoCAD's, often allowing plugins to be ported with minimal changes. ZWCAD and DraftSight also support .NET and LISP development.

If you use one of these products, I can develop a compatible plugin, or adapt an existing AutoCAD plugin.

What I Can Automate

Here is an overview of projects delivered for my clients. Each solution is custom-built, designed to integrate into the existing workflow.

Horizontal and vertical formwork — Choice of joist compositions, positioning of props and/or towers
Photovoltaic panel installation — Automatic placement on a plot respecting orientation and spacing constraints
Grating layout — Automatic calculation and drawing of the layout
Scaffolding installation — Positioning according to business rules
Sheet metal work — Unfolding and flattening of sheet metal parts
Truck crane configuration — Configuration interface with plan generation
Flexible material unfolding — Developed calculation for cutting
Graphic charter verification — Automatic compliance checking (layers, styles, dimensions...)
Joinery plan generation — Automatic creation of drawings (fences, gates, railings) from XML files exported by a commercial configurator
Data extraction — Collecting information from drawings (railway sleepers, bills of materials...) with export to Excel or a Web service
As-built conversion — Drawing conversion with PDF/A generation for archiving

Articles and Resources

Blog Articles

Preview DWG and DXF Files with QuickLook — Install QuickLook and its CADImport plugin to preview CAD files directly from Windows Explorer, without opening AutoCAD.
Comments in AutoLISP —
Localization with AutoLISP —
AutoLISP with VS Code — Developing AutoLISP macros with VS Code
Improving Windows in AutoCAD — How to improve the user experience of windows in AutoCAD.
Ajouter des variables systèmes à AutoCAD — Comment créer et gérer des variables systèmes personnalisées dans AutoCAD.

Questions & Answers

What is AutoLISP? — AutoLISP is a programming language built into AutoCAD, derived from the LISP language, allowing users to automate tasks and customize the CAD software.
How to do a 3D rotation in AutoCAD? — How to do a 3D rotation in AutoCAD.
How to find the intersection between a line and a plane in AutoCAD? — How to find the intersection between a line and a plane in AutoCAD?
How to determine if a point is inside a contour? — How to determine if a point is inside a contour in AutoCAD.
C'est quoi AutoCAD Launcher ? — AutoCAD Launcher sert à lancer le dernier programme AutoCAD utilisé (si plusieurs programmes AutoCAD sont installés sur votre ordinateur).
Est-ce que AutoCAD LT supporte AutoLISP ? — Est-ce que AutoCAD LT supporte AutoLISP ?
What is APS? — What is Autodesk Platform Services used for?

Do you have an AutoCAD development project? Contact me for a free quote, or call me at (+33) 6 46 40 75 66.