An automated AutoLISP tool for AutoCAD to streamline architectural orthographic and oblique drafting. This script allows you to generate a custom, lockable polyline grid on a dedicated layer, overcoming the limitations of AutoCAD's default grid snap system.
- Dynamic Unit Detection: Automatically detects your current drawing units (cm, mm, meters, etc.) and adjusts command prompts accordingly.
- Custom Spacing & Count: Define independent X and Y axis spacing, along with the exact number of vertical and horizontal lines you need.
- Automated Layer Management: Generates the grid directly on an AIA standard layer (
A-ANNO-GRID), sets the color to light gray (Color 9), and restores your previous working layer upon completion. - Auto-Locking: Automatically locks the grid layer right after creation. This turns your grid into a safe, snap-ready reference system without the risk of accidental edits or deletions.
Download ArchGrid.lsp and save it to a secure folder on your computer (e.g., C:\AutoCAD_Tools\).
To ensure the tool is available every time you open a new drawing:
- Type
APPLOADin the command line and press Enter. - Click the Contents... button under the Startup Suite (briefcase icon).
- Click Add..., select your
ArchGrid.lspfile, and close the windows.
ARCHGRID: Start the grid generation process.- The script will sequentially prompt you for:
- Distance between vertical lines (X-axis spacing).
- Distance between horizontal lines (Y-axis spacing).
- Total number of vertical lines.
- Total number of horizontal lines.
- The bottom-left starting point (click anywhere in the model space).
- The script will sequentially prompt you for:
In architectural studio courses and professional drafting, creating orthographic views (sections, elevations) and plan obliques requires a reliable spatial reference. AutoCAD's default grid system only allows for "Grid Snap," which restricts fluid drafting.
This tool automates the creation of a physical, polyline-based grid. By placing it on a locked layer, architects can seamlessly use standard OSNAP tools (like Intersection and Endpoint) to draft complex layouts quickly and accurately, allowing them to focus on spatial proportions rather than manual grid setup.
Barış Yorulmaz Architecture Student @ Middle East Technical University (METU)
This project is licensed under the MIT License.