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Custom#Menu, copyright (c) 1990 by Mountain Software
Custom#Menu
AutoCAD Menu Customizing Utility
Version 1.3
August 26, 1990
Jerry Workman, P.E.
1579 Nottingham Road
Charleston, WV 25314
CIS 70717,3564
Custom#Menu for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 1.3
Table of Contents
I U s i n g C u s t o m # M e n u . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Running Custom#Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
II A d d e n d u m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
III L i c e n s e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Registration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Disclaimer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Trademark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Site Licenses and Quantity Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Custom#Menu for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 1.3
I U s i n g C u s t o m # M e n u
Purpose
-------
The AutoCAD menu system can be a powerful user interface to the AutoCAD
drawing editor and for custom applications. Modifying the menus is,
however, not easily accomplished. The menu files must be modified using an
ASCII editor external to AutoCAD. It is difficult to locate the precise
location of tablet menu items, and the menu language is somewhat cryptic.
Custom#Menu is a utility that provides the ability to an inexperienced user
to easily modify an AutoCAD menu. Custom#Menu runs from within the drawing
editor, the user can pick the location of menu items using a mouse or
digitizer pointer, and assistance is provided in constructing the menu
command. Buttons, tablet boxes, first level popup, and the main screen menu
items can be added, inserted, or deleted.
Custom#Menu is executed through an AutoLisp program (CMENU.LSP) and an
external executable program (CMENU.EXE). Custom#Menu works on any IBM PC
compatible computer capable of running AutoCAD.
Installation
------------
Custom#Menu can be used to install itself as follows:
First, make a backup copy of ACAD.MNU and other menus files that you intend
to modify.
NOTE: The menu source file (eg ACAD.MNU) _MUST_ be in the same
directory as the compiled menu file (eg ACAD.MNX) for Custom#Menu
to work. CMENU.EXE modifies the .MNU file.
Copy the CMENU files from the distribution diskette (or extract them from
the archive file) to your AutoCAD subdirectory, or to sub-directories where
DOS and AutoCAD can find them. CMENU.EXE can be in any directory that is on
the DOS PATH. CMENU.LSP and INSTALL.SCR must be in a directory that is in
the AutoCAD library path. If you are not sure of your DOS or AutoCAD paths,
place both files in the same directory as ACAD.EXE (usually C:\ACAD).
Load AutoCAD, and enter the drawing editor.
Enter the following from the AutoCAD Command prompt:
Command: SCRIPT INSTALL
Pick Tablet, Button or Screen Menu Location with cursor... <pick location>
CMENU.EXE will now execute and insert the new menu item. You may also move
the Cmenu command to another location (using Cmenu) later if you wish.
NOTE: The AutoCAD command SHELL must work so that CMENU.EXE
can execute.
Custom#Menu for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 1.3
Running Custom#Menu
-------------------
If you have installed Custom#Menu select it from the AutoCAD menu, else
load and run CMENU.LSP from the Command: prompt.
eg:
Command:(LOAD"CMENU")
Command:CMENU
Follow the prompts to:
1 - Select the location of the menu item to modify:
Pick Tablet, Button or Screen Menu Location with cursor... <pick location>
You may select a location from any of the popup menus, the main
screen menu, any pointer device button or any tablet location.
2 - If a popup or screen menu was selected:
Add/Insert/Overwrite/Delete[I]:
Enter: A - to add the item to the bottom of the menu list or..
I - to insert above the selected location or..
O - to overwrite (replace) the selected item or..
D - to delete the item.
3 - If Add, Insert, or Overwrite is selected:
Enter menu title:
Enter a name or short description for this item.
This is the title displayed on popup and screen menus.
For button and tablet menus it serves as a keyword
label to describe or document the menu item in your
menu file.
4 - AutoLisp/Insert block/Command[<default>]:
Enter: A - to load and run an AutoLisp program.
I - to insert a block.
C - to enter an AutoCAD command.
The last used mode is displayed as the default and will be
selected if you press <SPACE> or <ENTER>.
Chapter 1, Using Custom#Menu Page 4
Custom#Menu for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 1.3
5 - If AutoLisp is selected:
Autolisp filename:
Enter the filename of the lisp program without the .LSP
extension. (eg LEXPLODE or C:/ACAD/LISP/LEXPLODE or
C:\\ACAD\\LISP\\LEXPLODE).
Autolisp command to execute:
Enter the command the executes the program (usually the same as
the filename but not always).
6 - If Insert is selected:
Block name[<lastblk>]:
Enter the name of the block to insert, the name of the last block
accessed is displayed, and used if a blank line is entered.
7 - If Command is selected:
^C^C = Cancel, ^P = Toggle menuecho, ; = Return, \ = Pause for input
Enter menu command:
Enter any valid AutoCAD command. Note that in a menu spaces are
significant and that the following characters have a special
effect:
* repeat command until <Ctrl><C> is pressed
^C cancel
^P turn off echo of menu commands
; same as <Enter>
\ pause for user input
Example: *^C^C^PINSERT DOOR;\;;\
This would cancel any pending commands, insert a block named DOOR
pause for the user to enter the location, accept the default X and Y
scale, and pause for rotation angle. The command would not echo to the
screen and repeat until <CTRL><C> is pressed.
See appendix B.4 of the AutoCAD reference manual.
Once the prompts are completed, the AutoLisp program will shell to DOS and
execute CMENU.EXE which will create a backup file of the existing menu
named OLDMENU.MNU and then modify the menu file. The menu file will be
compiled and reloaded when AutoCAD returns.
Chapter 1, Using Custom#Menu Page 5
Custom#Menu for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 1.3
Limits
------
Custom#Menu can not be used to alter screen menus (the menu on the right
side of the display) below the first level. Nor can it alter popup menus
below the first level. It can not create a new menu or submenu. It can not
create or edit an icon menu. Menu commands are limited to one line. These
features may be added in future releases.
Chapter 1, Using Custom#Menu Page 6
Custom#Menu for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 1.3
II A d d e n d u m
Error Messages
--------------
Error - Invalid type code
Reason: An invalid type code was read from the file CMENU.DAT.
Error - Cannot open file XXXX
Reason: Disk error (possibly full), corrupted or missing CMENU.DAT.
Error reading parameter file
Reason: Unexpected error or end of file reading CMENU.DAT.
Error - Unable to open menu file
Reason: Disk error or corrupted CMENU.DAT
Error locating target - **POP4
Reason: CMENU.DAT or the menu file may be corrupted.
Error closing menu file - ACAD.MNU
Reason: Disk error (usually disk full).
Error flushing temporary menu file buffer XXXX
Reason: Disk error (usually disk full).
Error closing temporary menu file XXXX
Reason: Disk error (usually disk full).
Error renaming file - XXXX
Reason: Disk error or file is read only.
Error renaming temporary menu file - XXXX
Reason: Disk error or menu file is read only.
Error reading menu file at line X
Reason: Unexpected end of file encountered or Disk error.
Chapter 1, Using Custom#Menu Page 7
Custom#Menu for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 1.3
Suggestions
-----------
Make your own custom menu system with Custom#Menu. Duplicate the file
ACAD.MNU by copying to a new file. (eg COPY ACAD.MNU MYCUST.MNU) Modify
this (and others if you wish) for each application or users preference.
Experienced users and developers will find Custom#Menu a useful development
tool. Menus can be modified "on the fly" thus making testing and debugging
fast and easy.
Liability
---------
This program modifies and deletes portions of your menu files! Careful
testing has been made to ensure that the processes perform correctly. No
liabilities are assumed in the use or misuse of this program resulting in
data loss or damage. It is the users responsibility to be sure that the
results are as expected.
Author
------
If you have any suggestions or comments, please contact me.
Jerry Workman, PE
1579 Nottingham Rd.
Charleston, WV 25314
CIS 70717,3564
304-744-7748 (after 7:30 ET)
Copyright (c) 1990, by Mountain Software All rights reserved
III L i c e n s e
Shareware
---------
This version of Custom#Menu is NOT public domain or free software, but is
being distributed as "shareware". You may try it out to see if it is useful
for you. If you wish to continue to use Custom#Menu you may purchase the
commercial version. The commercial version of the program will be provided
which does not contain the opening delay.
The program in the form of the original archived file only may be freely
distributed, but not sold (except under license, or for a nominal copying
charge).
Non-registered users of this software are granted a limited 14 day license
to make an evaluation copy for trial use for the purpose of determining
Chapter 2, Addendum Page 8
Custom#Menu for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 1.3
whether Custom#Menu is suitable for their needs. At the end of this trial
period, you should either register your copy, or discontinue using
Custom#Menu.
All users are granted a limited license to copy Custom#Menu only for the
trial use of others and subject to the above limitations. This license does
NOT include distribution or copying of this software for use:
1. In connection with any other product or service.
2. For general use within a company or institution.
3. For distribution in modified form; i.e., the file containing this
license information MUST be included, along with the full Custom#Menu
documentation.
Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) are encouraged to
post CMENUxx.ZIP for downloading by their users, as long as these
conditions are met.
Registration Information
------------------------
A Custom#Menu registration licenses you to use the product on a regular
basis. Individual license cost for Custom#Menu is $30 for the latest
Custom#Menu diskette (with the delay removed). Commercial license cost is
$50 per copy. West Virginia residents should include 6% sales tax.
Educational institutions, full-time students and BBS sysops can apply a 50%
discount. PLEASE include your educational institution letterhead (with your
title), or a photocopy of your most recent registration slip, or the name
and number of your BBS.
Disclaimer
----------
Use of this program acknowledges this disclaimer of warranty: "This program
is supplied as is. Mountain Software disclaims all warranties, expressed or
implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability
and of fitness of this program for any purpose. Mountain Software assumes
no liability for damages direct or consequential, which may result from the
use of this program."
Trademark
---------
Mountain Software and Custom#Menu are trademarks of Mountain Software.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. PC-DOS is a
registered trademark of IBM Corporation. AutoCAD is a registered trademark
of AutoDesk.
Chapter 3, License Page 9
Custom#Menu for AutoCAD User's Guide, version 1.3
Site Licenses and Quantity Purchases
------------------------------------
All corporate, business, government or other commercial users of
Custom#Menu must be registered. We offer quantity discounts as well as site
licensing.
Corporate site licensing agreements allow duplication and distribution of
specific numbers of copies within the licensed institution. Duplication of
multiple copies is not allowed except through execution of a licensing
agreement. Site license fees are based upon estimated number of users.
Note that with a site license, only one copy of the program will be sent.
You will be responsible for distributing additional copies.
Please write for more information.
Revision History
----------------
Version 1.0 (7/1/90)
. Original release
Version 1.1 (7/6/90)
. Bug fix, AutoCAD internal subroutine TYPE was being overwritten by a
CMENU variable.
Version 1.2 (7/28/90)
. AutoCAD menus on different disk drives can now be modified
. Fixed popup submenu bug. Popup menus are now popped one level prior to
user location select, and CMENU.EXE properly finds the first level
popup menu.
Version 1.3 (8/26/90)
. General streamlining - CMENU.LSP and CMENU.EXE now run faster.
. Documentation revisions
Chapter 3, License Page 10