Custom Tool Development

Below is a selection of custom AutoCAD tools and commands I have developed using C#, .NET, AutoLISP, Python, and AutoCAD Scripts. I am available to create custom solutions tailored to the needs of future clients, helping improve efficiency, consistency, and workflow automation. In AutoCAD, almost anything is possible — it all depends on how far you want to push the tools and how creative you are prepared to be.

Safe Flatten

AutoCAD’s native FLATTEN command can be slow, unreliable, and inconsistent when working with large or complex drawings. Safe Flatten was developed in C# within Visual Studio as a faster and more dependable alternative, capable of processing thousands of objects almost instantly. It resets object elevations to zero with greater efficiency, helping clean problematic drawings faster and making 2D drafting workflows far more reliable.

  • A custom C# command developed as a replacement for AutoCAD’s native FLATTEN command
  • Removes Z values from objects quickly and reliably
  • Handles thousands of objects almost instantly
  • Avoids the slowness and inconsistency often experienced with the standard command
  • Makes cleaning problem drawings much faster and more dependable

Survey Processer

Survey drawings supplied by surveyors are often drafted to their own standards, which may not match the style required for use in our deliverables. This LISP routine automates the process of converting survey linework, blocks, and other elements into a format that suits our drafting standards. By removing the need for extensive manual cleanup, it speeds up project setup, improves consistency, and makes survey information easier to integrate into our drawings.

  • Converts survey drawings from the surveyor’s style into internal drafting standards
  • Automatically updates linework, blocks, and other survey elements
  • Reduces the need for time-consuming manual cleanup
  • Makes survey information easier to integrate into project drawings
  • Improves consistency across deliverables that use external survey data

Sheet Presets

Different sheets within a drawing set often require different visual settings depending on their purpose. For example, a General Arrangement may need contours hidden, while a stormwater plan may need hatches turned off for clarity. This tool applies preset display rules to each sheet type automatically, allowing drawings to be formatted to company standards in seconds. It reduces repetitive manual adjustments and helps keep every sheet in the set consistent and presentation-ready.

  • Applies predefined display settings to different sheet types instantly
  • Allows sheets to match company standards with minimal manual effort
  • Can hide or show specific elements depending on the drawing purpose
  • Reduces repetitive sheet-by-sheet formatting work
  • Helps keep drawing sets clear, consistent, and presentation-ready

Architectural File Automation

Architectural drawings received from external consultants often come in different styles, layer structures, lineweights, and formatting conventions. This tool streamlines the cleanup and standardisation process by converting raw architectural files into a format that is ready to use within our drafting environment. It helps ensure consistency across projects, reduces manual setup time, and allows the drafting team to work from backgrounds that already match our internal standards.

  • Converts raw architectural drawings into a format that suits internal drafting standards
  • Cleans up external files that arrive with inconsistent layers, styles, and formatting
  • Reduces manual setup time before drafting can begin
  • Helps create a more consistent starting point across projects
  • Improves efficiency when working with consultant-provided backgrounds

Spot Level Placer

This Python-based tool converts an input text file of X, Y, Z coordinates into an AutoCAD script that automatically places spot level blocks at the correct locations. It also assigns the correct elevation value to each block parameter, removing the need for manual entry. This saves considerable time when working with large sets of survey points and improves accuracy by automating a repetitive drafting task.

  • Converts X, Y, Z coordinate text files into AutoCAD-ready scripts
  • Automatically places spot level blocks at the correct locations
  • Inserts the correct elevation value into each block parameter
  • Removes the need for manual placement and manual text entry
  • Saves time and improves accuracy when working with survey data

Volume Surface

Civil 3D allows volume surfaces to be colour-coded based on cut and fill depth, but the standard style import process is limited to AutoCAD index colours. This custom C# command extends that functionality by allowing RGB colour values to be applied instead. The result is greater control over surface presentation, better visual quality, and the ability to create more refined and professional excavation and fill graphics within Civil 3D.

  • Extends Civil 3D volume surface styling beyond standard AutoCAD index colours
  • Allows RGB colour values to be applied through a custom C# command
  • Gives greater control over cut and fill surface presentation
  • Produces more refined and visually effective outputs
  • Improves the appearance and flexibility of Civil 3D surface graphics

Block Inserts

This script integrates our standard block library directly into the AutoCAD ribbon, making commonly used drafting assets easy to find and insert. Rather than searching through folders or manually importing blocks, users can place approved symbols and details straight from a structured interface. This improves drafting speed, promotes consistency across projects, and helps ensure the team is always using the correct standard content.

  • Connects the standard block library directly to the AutoCAD ribbon
  • Allows users to quickly insert approved drafting assets
  • Removes the need to manually search through folders or files
  • Speeds up drafting and improves workflow consistency
  • Helps ensure the correct standard blocks are used every time

Hatch Standard Styles

Hatch patterns are a key part of drawing readability and presentation, but applying them consistently can be time-consuming if users need to manually locate the correct settings each time. This script brings our standard hatch styles into the AutoCAD ribbon so they can be applied quickly and consistently. It reduces setup time, improves drawing quality, and helps maintain a uniform visual standard across all deliverables.

  • Makes standard hatch patterns available directly from the ribbon
  • Allows users to apply approved hatch styles quickly
  • Reduces time spent manually setting up hatches
  • Improves consistency across drawings and project deliverables
  • Helps maintain a clean and professional presentation standard

Text Presets

Drafting often involves repeatedly placing the same notes, labels, and standard wording across many drawings. This tool makes a library of commonly used text accessible directly from the AutoCAD ribbon, allowing users to insert approved phrases quickly and consistently. It reduces repetitive typing, saves time, and helps maintain clear, standardised wording across all project deliverables.

  • Provides quick access to a library of standard drafting notes and phrases
  • Makes commonly used text available directly from the AutoCAD ribbon
  • Reduces repetitive typing across drawings
  • Helps maintain consistent wording and note formatting
  • Saves time while improving drawing quality and standardisation

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