MkLay enables a layer system defined and maintained in a spreadsheet or
database program to be translated to a drawing in the AutoCAD Drawing Editor.
MkLay can simplifies transposing entities from one layer to another.
Why Use MkLay?
Complex and evolving layer systems are very easily created, maintained
and referenced with database or spreadsheet programs. Such programs allow
inserting, deletion, modification, sorting and reporting of layer definitions
with much greater ease than is possible inside AutoCAD.
MkLay allows Layer data organised with databases or spreadsheets to be quickly
and simply transferred to AutoCAD.
Drawings exchanged between sources that use layering conventions different
in name, color or linetype waste time at all stages. By linking corresponding
layer names in database or spreadsheet, MkLay can produce a script file that will transpose entities from one layer to another. The new layer can be defined or re-defined in the same process.
How Does MkLay Work?
There are four simple steps to using MkLay;
1. Define a layer system in a database or spreadsheet program.
2. Print the data to a file called LAYER.PRN.
3. Run MkLay to generate a script or LISP file to perform
the type of layer processing you require.
4. Start AutoCAD with a drawing and run your layer (re-)definition file.
Operation
Start MkLay by entering MKLAY. MkLay expects to read a data file LAYER.PRN
in Space Delimited Format (SDF). If you want to use Comma Delimited Format
(CDF), you must use the /CDF command line switch. File formats are explained
in detail below.
MkLay Version 3.x has a four choice menu.
Options one and two create either a script file or an AutoLISP program
to create or redefine layers.
Option three creates a script file to transpose entities on an Old Layer Name
to a New Layer name.
Option four exits the program.
The data file LAYER.PRN must be correctly formatted (refer below) and in the
current directory. MkLay writes .SCR and .LSP files to the current directory.
To start file generation press the Capital letter of a menu option.
A "Working..." message will appear. A counter indicates the number of layer
records processed.
Layer definitions based on numerical systems may include a decimal point to
allow sub-grouping flexibility. The decimal point facilitates correct
numerical sorting. However Layer names that contain a "." are not acceptable
to AutoCAD. MkLay replaces occurrences in layer names of "." with "-".
MkLay skips sequential duplicate layer names and layer records without a state
or color. MkLay indicates skipped records with a colored message.
The color changes on each occurrence to indicate repeated errors.
Record skipping ensures that incomplete layer definitions are not processed
into script or LISP files. Leaving a LType field blank does not cause a
skipped record. Provided the Name, State and Color fields are full the
record will be processed and the LType will default to Continuous.
Record skipping enables Headings to be included in the layer definition
spreadsheet. Including Headings makes the hardcopy printout easier to follow
for operator reference. If you name layers in a way that enables them
to be logically sorted, including a suitable layer name in the Heading record
will assure that it will be correctly located after a sorting.
Data File Formats
The data source used by MkLay is a file called LAYER.PRN. The format of
information in this file is very important to the operation of the program.
The default data file format is SDF.
Each field is assigned the following starting position and number of
characters in a single line.
Data field Start Length
New Layer Name 1 32
Description 33 31
State 64 2
Color (numeric) 66 3
LineType 69 2
Old layer Name 71 32
Layer names may include a decimal point and these point will be translated
to a hyphen to be compatible with AutoCAD.
Description is for documentary use only. It is useful on a hard copy of LAYER.PRN printed out for operator reference.
State is the usual visibility state of the layer and may be;
Code ACAD subcommand
ON On
OF Off
F Frozen
Any two character code recognised by AutoCAD is valid in this field.
LineType is the linetype definition for the layer and coded as follows
for the following AutoCAD linetypes;
Code ACAD LineType
C Continuous
CL Centerline
D Dashed
DD Dashdot
DI Divide
DO Dot
H Hidden
P Phantom
Any other code in the LType field, MkLay defaults to Continuous.
Old Layer name can be any layer name. Its purpose is to identify layer names
in other drawings that have information that corresponds to an identifiable
Telecom layer. By listing it here, you are able to use LAYER.PRN with MkLay
to create a script file TRANS.SCR. Running TRANS.SCR in a "foreign" drawing
will move all entities on the Old layer name to the defined layer name.
If the /CDF command line switch has been used, LAYER.PRN must be in CDF.
In each line in a CDF file, the fields must be separated by a comma. Commas
may be part of the Description field only if the entire field is enclosed in
quotes. Otherwise, fields may be either enclosed or not enclosed in quotes.
At least the first four fields must be provided in each record line to be
processed. The fifth (LType) and sixth (Old Layer Name) fields need not be
provided if they are blank fields (blank LType defaults to Contiuous,
remember).
MkLay does not check LAYER.PRN for file format or validity of data. You must
ensure that LAYER.PRN is in a valid file format, with sufficient data in each
record.
LAYER.PRN must be produced by another program such as a database manager or
a spreadsheet. Two templates are provided as a kickstart. After modelling
your database or spreadsheet on either of these templates, you must print
the layer data to a file.
In dBase, enter the command
COPY TO LAYER.PRN DELIMITED
This will produce a satisafctory CDF file of all the layer data.
In Lotus 123 you must print a range containing all the layer fields to a file.
This file will be a SDF file. Print a clean ASCII file, ie: no setup strings,
no margin formatting, etc. Blanks lines at page breaks are OK, MkLay ignores
them.
If in doubt, consult your database manager or spreadsheet manual. Look up
Exporting Data.
Using Files From MkLay
Script and Transpose menu options create LAYER.SCR and TRANS.SCR
respectively. As AutoCAD script files, both these files can be from the
Command: prompt in the AutoCAD Drawing Editor. Enter the command SCRIPT. when
propmted for the script file name, enter LAYER or TRANS.
The AutoLISP option generates LAYER.LSP. This is an AutoLISP file that
performs the same function as LAYER.SCR. Although it is much slower than
the .SCR file, it can be run from script file during a batch processing run.
At the AutoCAD Command: prompt enter (LOAD "LAYER"). Layer.Lsp will start
running immediately.
Registration
This version of MkLay is NOT public domain or free software. It is shareware.
You may try it out to see if it is useful for you. If you wish to continue to
use MkLay you must register it by sending US$25 to AZCAD Software. You will
receive the next major release free, mailed direct.
MkLay may be freely distributed (not sold) in the original archived format.
Non-registered users of this software have a limited 30 day license to make
an evaluation copy for trial use to determine whether MkLay is suitable for
their needs. After the end of this trial period, you should either register
your copy, or stop using MkLay.
All users have a limited license to copy MkLay 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. Combined with any other product or service.
2. For general use within a company or institution.
3. For distribution in modified form; i.e., this documentation MUST be
included.
Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (Sysops) may post MKLAYxx.ZIP
for downloading by their users without charge.
The Shareware Concept
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software before buying
it. If you try a Shareware program and continue using it, you are expected
to register. Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial
software, and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished programmers,
just like commercial authors, and the programs are of comparable quality.
(In both cases, there are good programs and bad ones!) The main difference
is in the method of distribution. The author specifically grants the right
to copy and distribute the software, either to all and sundry or to a
specific group.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You should find
software that suits your needs and pocket-book, whether it's commercial or
Shareware. The Shareware system makes fitting your needs easier, because
you can try before you buy. Because the overhead is low, prices are low
also. Shareware has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use
the product, you don't pay for it.
MkLay is shareware and is provided to the user for evaluation. Feel free to
share it with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part
of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is to provide
personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to
provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products.
Disclaimer
MkLay is supplied as is. AZCAD Software disclaims all warranties, expressed
or implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability
and of fitness of this program for any purpose. AZCAD Software assumes no
liability for direct or consequential damages which may result from the use
of MkLay.
Trademarks
AZCAD Software and MkLay are trademarks of AZCAD.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
AutoCAD is a registered trademark of AutoDesk.
dBase is a trademark of Ashton-Tate
Lotus 123 is a trademark of Lotus Development Corp
Revision History
Version 1.0 (11/1/90)
. Original release
Version 2.0-2.5 4/1/91
. Added AutoLISP routine and Transpose routine
Version 3.0 6/25/91
. Added CDF command line option.
. Released as Shareware
Other Products from AZCAD Software (all commercial releases)
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in AutoCAD. Can also create powerful batch files to process
multiple files automatically.
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