CAD Automation, Programming & APIs covers the tools used to reduce repetitive work and build custom design workflows. It includes macros, scripts, parametric and visual programming, AutoCAD and BIM development, mechanical CAD APIs, programming languages, add-ins and common automation applications.
Explore This CADpedia Section
Use this section to identify automation opportunities and choose the correct scripting language, API or visual programming environment.
Automation Fundamentals
Key topics include Why Automate CAD?, Macros, Scripts, Batch Processing, Rule-Based Design, and Template Automation. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Why Automate CAD?, Macros, Scripts, Batch Processing, Rule-Based Design, Template Automation, Drawing Automation, Model Automation.
Parametric Scripting
Key topics include OpenSCAD, FeatureScript, AutoLISP, Python-Based Modeling, Scripted Geometry, and Equation-Driven Models. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: OpenSCAD, FeatureScript, AutoLISP, Python-Based Modeling, Scripted Geometry, Equation-Driven Models, Design Generators.
Visual Programming
Key topics include Grasshopper, Dynamo, Visual Scripting, Node-Based Programming, Computational Workflows, and Data-Driven Modeling. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Grasshopper, Dynamo, Visual Scripting, Node-Based Programming, Computational Workflows, Data-Driven Modeling.
AutoCAD Programming
Key topics include AutoLISP, Visual LISP, DCL, Diesel Expressions, Script Files, and Action Macros. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: AutoLISP, Visual LISP, DCL, Diesel Expressions, Script Files, Action Macros, VBA, AutoCAD .NET API.
BIM Programming
Key topics include Revit API, Dynamo for Revit, Python for Revit, pyRevit, Archicad API, and IFC Automation. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Revit API, Dynamo for Revit, Python for Revit, pyRevit, Archicad API, IFC Automation, BIM Data Extraction, Automated Family Creation.
Mechanical CAD APIs
Key topics include SolidWorks API, Inventor API, Fusion API, Onshape FeatureScript, Creo Toolkit, and Siemens NX Open. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: SolidWorks API, Inventor API, Fusion API, Onshape FeatureScript, Creo Toolkit, Siemens NX Open, CATIA Automation, FreeCAD Python API.
Programming Languages for CAD
Key topics include AutoLISP, Python, C#, C++, VBA, and JavaScript. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: AutoLISP, Python, C#, C++, VBA, JavaScript, TypeScript, FeatureScript.
Plugin and Add-In Development
Key topics include CAD Add-Ins, Plugins, Extensions, SDK Development, User Interfaces, and Custom Commands. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: CAD Add-Ins, Plugins, Extensions, SDK Development, User Interfaces, Custom Commands, Event Handling, Database Access.
Common Automation Applications
Key topics include Batch Plotting, Layer Automation, Block Management, Attribute Extraction, Drawing Cleanup, and Standards Checking. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Batch Plotting, Layer Automation, Block Management, Attribute Extraction, Drawing Cleanup, Standards Checking, BOM Generation, File Conversion.
How CADpedia Organizes This Knowledge
Each topic is developed as a separate encyclopedic entry. Definitions explain the terminology, reference pages document standards and formats, software profiles describe platforms, and practical entries connect the concepts to professional workflows. Related pages are linked across categories so readers can move from theory to software, standards, files and industry applications without repeating the same information.