BatchM8 - Batch process drawings with Change, Plot or Purge.
System requirements: Runs inside AutoCAD versions 2000 through 2008.

About / Benefits / Change / Plot / Purge / Select Files / Info / Config / Registration / Licensing / Site Licensing / Download / Purchase

Tips and Tricks

BatchM8 Installation and Setup

Download BatchM8 product description - batchm8.pdf

Benefits of using BatchM8

BatchM8 has three primary functions: Change, Plot, Purge.

Batch Change: Computers are really good at replicating our mistakes, especially when drawings are created from other drawings. You can make changes to drawings where repetitive errors have occurred, whether you need to change some drawing notes, insert new or revised blocks, do an attribute data extraction, zoom limits or extents, create saved views, make layer changes, move, create, erase or copy objects. There are endless things that you can do with the CHANGE option.

Batch Plot: AutoCAD users have at one time or another had the need to plot out their drawings in one complete set (batch). Whether it's for a check plot set, a final submittal set, a released for production/construction set or just a revised drawing set. The Plot option in BatchM8 allows you to choose a method to batch plot, you can use the printer/plotter assigned to the layout or setup plot batches with user defined settings. Picking the Run button from the main dialog box will plot all the drawings selected. The PLOT option makes for quick and simple batch plotting with an interface similar to AutoCAD's own plot dialog interface. You also get the option to log plot information.

Batch Purge: To clean out drawings and remove all the junk that gets left behind in the life of a drawing is what the purge option allows you to do. As a user adds to and removes objects in a drawing, things get left behind. For example, when a user erases dimensions, it leaves an anonymously named block in the drawing, if you erase a regular block from the drawing it is still defined in the drawing database, and if these blocks had other internal data associated with them, like layers, text styles, etc. then all this useless data is taking up space. Although with the size of today's hard drives this isn't much of a problem in terms of taking up to much storage space. But if you'd like to store or share drawing files on a variety of mediums, purging out useless data becomes a necessity. BatchM8's PURGE option allows for a variety of items you can batch purge from your drawings.

Zipped Setup Executable
(Do you need Winzip?)

BatchM8 was last update November 20, 2007

1st seat license is U.S.$50.00.
2nd through 10th seat will be an additional U.S.$35.00 each.
11 or more seats are an additional U.S.$20.00 each.
(Site Licensing Available for 15 seats or more)

To register: Select the number of seats you wish to license then pick the PayPal buy now button, you will then be redirected to the PayPal site for payment processing.

What is Paypal?

Main BatchM8 Dialog Box

BatchM8 was created to allow the AutoCAD user the ability to select multiple drawings and apply three options to them: Change, Plot or Purge drawings. When plotting you also have the option to log plotting information.

In the main BatchM8 dialog box, the user has these options available:

1. Select more files to plot - Once the user has selected the first batch of drawings to plot, they can select more files from a different drive or directory. This saves time because they will not have to set up the plotter settings again.
    

2. Save Listing to File - Once the user has created the list of selected files, they can export the list out to a text file.
    

3. Change - The user can enter AutoCAD commands to form a script or load a saved command script that will be applied to the selected drawings. The user can also export the command script for later use. Once the command script has been generated the user will then proceed to the Select Files process.
    

4. Plot - The user sets up the plotting parameters by selecting the method to plot (Layout settings, Layout settings with a Plot Style or Manual Settings):
   a) Layout settings - Plots using the printer/plotter assigned to the layout(s).
   b) Layout settings with a Plot Style - Plots using the printer/plotter assigned to the layout(s) except uses a picked Plot Style.
   c) Manual Settings - The user picks the plotter, paper size, paper units, drawing orientation, to plot upside-down, number of copies, plot style, enter preplot commands (similar to the Change option), plot the model space tab, plot all model space views, plot current paper space tab or plot all the paper space tabs (layouts), area to plot, plot scale, plot to scale using dimscale, plot offset or centered, plot options of lineweights, plot paper space last, and hide objects, plot to a printer/plotter or to a file.
   d) If you want to have views or layouts that do not plot, rename them by adding a prefix of NP, when BatchM8 plots using the "Plot All MS Views" or "Plot All Layouts" method, it will skip over the views or layouts with the NP prefix.
   Once the user has set all their defaults, they will proceed to the Select Files process.
   e) Plot Logging - The user picks or enters a project name or number assigned to the drawings that will be batch plotted. Users can also log the phase of the project, media type, are plots billable, color prints and comments.
    

5. Purge - The user can select the type of purging they want to do, be it any unused: Blocks, Dimstyles, Layers, Linetypes, Mline styles, Plotstyles, Shapes, Text styles, or All of the previously mentioned items or they can WBlock the entire drawing. Once they have setup their selection they will proceed to the Select Files process.
    

6. Config - Allows user to set startup directories for: project/drawing files, a directory to save plot files and the option to enable a delay if AutoCAD starts losing its network license (this only affects users that run AutoCAD from a network server and AutoCAD is licensed from a network server). The user will also enter the authorization unlock code here. They can also view the license agreement and register the software.
    

7. Run - Allows the user to run the files selected for changing, plotting and/or purging.
    

8. Cancel - Allows the user to exit program.
    

9. Help - Brings up this on-line help.
    

10. Info - Displays BatchM8 information.

The Change dialog box allows the user to enter AutoCAD commands that they would like to have applied to drawings. Once entered, these commands appear in a displayed list. Once displayed, the user has a choice of these options:

1. Clear - Pick the Clear button to erase all entered commands appearing in the command list.
    

2. Delete - Select a command then pick the Delete button to remove the command from the command list.
     

3. Modify - Select a command then pick the Modify button to either change or correct an entry in the command list.
    

4. Import - Pick the Import button to select a script file to read into the command list.
    

5. Export - Pick the Export option to write out the command list out to a user named script file.
    

6. Do not save drawings - Lets users run commands on drawings and not have the drawings saved (can be used for data extraction).
    

7. OK - When the user picks OK, they will then be prompted to Select Files.

Note: Once each drawing file has had the changes applied to it, it will be saved.

Plot Dialog Box

In the Plot dialog box the user can select from the following choices:

1. Batch Plot Method - The user selects the method that they wish to plot by:
   a) Plot using Layout settings - use plot settings defined in the layout(s). If a layout is named with a prefix of NP it will be skipped while plotting.
   b) Plot using Layout settings w/ Plot Style- use plot settings defined in the layout(s) along with a picked plot style. If a layout is named with a prefix of NP it will be skipped while plotting.
   c) Manual Settings - User defines the following plot settings:

   1. Plot device - The user picks the plotter they wish to use from a popup list of available plotters.

   2. Paper size - The user can pick from a list of paper sizes specific to that printer/plotter driver.

   3. Paper units - The user can select Inches or Millimeters.

   4. Drawing Orientation - The user can pick the orientations of Portrait or Landscape.

   5. Plot upside-down - The user has the option of having the output printed upside-down on the paper.

   6. How to Plot - The user has four options to pick from on the method used to plot:
      a) Plot Model Space - This option will plot all the selected drawings model space only.
      b) Plot All MS Views - This option will plot every saved model space view in each selected drawing. If a view is named with a prefix of NP it will be skipped while plotting.
      c) Plot Current Layout - This option will plot the current paper space layout but uses the selected plotter and the settings picked in this dialog box.
      The "Append layout name to plot to file name" toggle directly below "Plot Current Layout" radio button lets you control how the plot file is named when saving plot files to disk. When unchecked, it will leave off the layout name, when checked it will append the layout name to the end of the plot file name.
      d) Plot All Layouts - This option will plot all the paper space tabs (layouts) but uses the selected plotter and the settings picked in this dialog box. If a layout is named with a prefix of NP it will be skipped while plotting. (Note: These options do not use the plot settings saved in the layouts when using Manual settings).

   7. Plot Area - The user has the options of plotting:
      a) Display
      b) Extents
      c) Limits
      d) View - When the user picks on View, they will be alerted that the view they want to plot needs to be in every drawing selected. The user can then enter a view name in the "View to plot" entry box. 
      e) Window - The user enters the start and ending coordinates of a plot window for all drawings to be plotted.

   8. Plot Scale:
      a) Pick a plot scale from the popup list or enter in a custom plot scale.
      b) Plot using DIMSCALE - Allows the user to plot drawings to scale using the DIMSCALE variable in each selected drawing.
      c) Scale lineweights with plot scale- Scales drawings lineweights with the current plot scale.

   9. Plot Offset - The user has the options of:
      a) Center the plot - Automatically calculates the X and Y offset values to center the plot on the paper.
      b) X - Specifies the plot origin in the X direction.
          Y - Specifies the plot origin in the Y direction. 

   10. Plot options:
       a) Plot objects Lineweights - Uses the drawing's line weights.
       b) Plot paper space last - Plots model space geometry first. Paper space geometry is usually plotted before model space geometry.
       c) Hide objects - Plots layouts with hidden lines removed for objects in the layout environment (paper space).
        

2. Copies - The user enters the number of copies desired.
    

3. Plot Styles - The user can pick from a popup list of available plot styles. Note: This option is only available when using "Plot using Layout settings w/ Plot Style" and "Manual Settings".
    

4. Preplot Commands - The user has the option of applying commands to a drawing prior to it being plotted. The function is similar to the Change option from the main dialog.
    

5. Where to send plotter output:
   a) Printer/Plotter - Plot output is sent directly to printer/plotter.
    
   b) Drawing folder - Plot output is written to a plot file in the same location as the drawing file.
    
   c) Plot file folder - Plot output is written to a plot file in the folder designated in the Config dialog box.
    
   d) User picked folder - Plot output is written to a plot file in the folder that the user picks when selecting this radio button.
    

6. Save Plot Settings to Drawings - When this toggle is checked drawings will be saved after plotting.
    

7. Import Plot Settings - Imports and sets the plot settings in this dialog box.
    

8. Export Plot Settings - Exports the current plot settings for re-use. Import and Export will help standardize network usage of BatchM8.
    

9. Plot Logging
   a) Project - Pick from a list of defined project names or numbers.
   b) Project (manual entry) - User can manually enter in project name or number.
   c) Phase - Pick what phase of the project these drawings will be printed/plotted in.
   d) Media - Pick what type of media these drawings will be printed/plotted on.
   e) Plots billable - Check box if plots are billable.
   f) Color - Check box if plots are color.
   g) Comments - A user can add additional comments.
    

10. OK - When the user picks OK, they will then be prompted to Select Files.

Note: Drawings that are plotted will NOT be saved unless the toggle "Save Plot Settings to Drawings" is checked.

Purge Dialog Box

The Purge dialog box gives the user a choice of selecting what features to purge from the selected drawings.
Options are:

1. All - Purges all unused blocks, dimstyles, layers, linetypes, mlinestyles, plotstyles, shapes & textstyles from a drawing.
    

2. Blocks - Removes all unused blocks in a drawing.
    

3. Dimstyles - Removes all unused dimension styles in a drawing.
    

4. Layers - Removes all unused layers in a drawing.
    

5. Linetypes - Removes all unused linetypes in a drawing.
    

6. Mline Styles - Removes all unused multiline styles in a drawing.
    

7. Plot styles - Removes all unused plot styles in a drawing.
    

8. Shapes - Removes all unused shapes in a drawing.
    

9. Text Styles - Removes all unused text styles in a drawing.
    

10. Wblock - Wblocks out the drawing using the same name, the audit command will be run to correct any errors that might be in drawings prior to wblocking. (Note: you WILL lose all saved views).
     

11. OK - When the user picks OK, they will then be prompted to Select Files.

Note: Once each drawing file has been purged, it will be saved except for the WBLOCK option.

Select Files Dialog Box

The File Selection dialog box allows the user to select drawing files for processing using one of four different methods.

1. Drawing file type - Sets the type of drawing file you want to select:
   a) Drawing Files (*.dwg).
   b) Drawing Standards Files (*.dws).
   c) Drawing Template Files (*.dwt).
   d) Drawing Exchange Files (*.dxf).
    

2. File Selection Method - Sets the mode for file selection. 
   a) Manual File Selection.
   b) Import File Listing.
   c) All files in folder.
   d) All files in folder and all sub-folders.
    

3. Select Files - Select files via the current file selection method.
    

4. Sort Files - Once files are selected, this option will sort the list, numerically first then alphabetically.
    

5. Reverse - Reveres the order of files in the selected files list.
    

6. Clear Files - Clears the selected files list.
    

7. Move Up - Select a file in the list and move it up one place in the listing.
    

8. Move Down - Select a file in the list and move it down one place in the listing.
    

9. Remove Item - Select a file in the list and remove it from the listing.

The files that were just selected will appear in the main BatchM8 dialog box.

1. The Manual File Selection dialog box lets the user select multiple files within a folder. It will open at a preset path that is user configurable. You can also step through drives, directories and even network shares. (Note: Only current display of files can be selected.)
    

2. When finished selecting files, pick the Open button, this will take the you back to the main File Selection dialog box where you can sort, reverse, rearrange the processing order of the selected files.
    

3. Full UNC paths are supported for either folder selection or file selection (eg: \\server\share or \\server\share\filename).

1. The Import File Listing dialog box allows the user to import a text file that has the full path and file names of drawings that they want to process. This feature is great for processing projects that get processed repeatedly.
    

2. Pick Open to import the file locations listed in the text file. These files will listed in the File Selection dialog box where they can be sorted, reversed, rearranged for the processing order.

1. The All Files in Folder dialog box lets the user select a folder and all drawing files inside that folder.
    

2. Picking OK will list these files in the File Selection dialog box where you can sort, reverse, rearrange the processing order of the selected files.

1. The All Files in Folder all All Sub-Folders dialog box lets the user select a folder and all drawing files inside that folder and all drawing files in all sub-folders.
    

2. Picking OK will list these files in the File Selection dialog box where you can sort, reverse, rearrange the processing order of the selected files.

Selecting the Info button will bring up a dialog box showing M8Tools.com: Address, Phone number and Email address along with four options:

1. Web site link - Take the user to M8Tools.com's BatchM8 page.
    

2. License Agreement - Will bring up a window that displays the Licensing Agreement.
    

3. Registration - Will bring up the Registration dialog box.
     

4. OK - When the user picks OK, they will go back to the Main BatchM8 dialog box.

Config Dialog Box

Selecting the Config button will bring up a dialog box that the user can use to setup operating features of BatchM8.

1. The Authorization/Registration code entry box - After the user registers the software, M8Tools.com will supply the user with an unlock code.   If an unlock code is not entered, the software will stop working approximately 30 days after installation.
    

2. License Agreement - Will bring up a window that displays the Licensing Agreement.
    

3. Registration - Will bring up the Registration dialog box.
    

4. Delay in seconds - If AutoCAD loses its license from a network server. This option will allow you to inserts a delay in the processing of drawings.  The delay can be between zero (which disables the delay) to 59 seconds.  This option might sometimes be needed on networks that experience heavy traffic (usage).
    

5. Where to find project/drawing files - If the user has a default directory that all their project/drawing files or directories are kept, then this would be the ideal location to have BatchM8 start.
    

6. Where to save print/plot files written to disk - Where the user can store plot files written to disk.
   

7. Where to find global plot log settings - Folder location where the global plot logging settings are stored for client access.
    

8. Setup Global Options - Requires a password to enter the Global Plot Log Settings dialog box.
    

9. OK - When the user picks OK, they will go back to the Main BatchM8 dialog box.

Plot Logging Setup Dialog Box

Selecting the Setup Global Options button will bring up a dialog box that is used to control all plot logging items.

1. Change Password - Reset the master password for access to the global plot log settings.
    

2. Share Location for Clients - Folder location for client access to plot log settings.
    

3. Edit Media List - Add or remove the types of media used to print/plot drawings.
    
   
    

4. Edit Phase List - Add or remove the types of project phases that are used by your firm.
    
   


 

5. Select Items to Log - Select from the 28 separate plot items to log.
    

6. Import Project Information from:
   a) SQL Server - Select or setup a connection to a database file or SQL server that contains the project master list.
   b) Access Database File - Select a (*.mdb) file that contains the project master list.
   c) Excel Spreadsheet File - Select a (*.xls) file that contains the project master list.
   d) Text File - Select a (*.txt) file that contains the project master list.
    
   When importing project information from an Access database file (*.mdb) or an Excel spreadsheet file (*.xls), the user will be prompted to select a table name and a field name that contains the project master list.
    
   
    
   When exporting plot log information to an Access database file (*.mdb) or an Excel spreadsheet file (*.xls), the user will be prompted to select a table name that will receive the plot log information.
    

7. Export Plot Log Information to:
   a) SQL Server - Select or setup a connection to a database file or SQL server that will receive the plot log info.
   b) Access Database File - Select an Access database (*.mdb) file that will receive the plot log info.
   c) Excel Spreadsheet File - Select an Excel spreadsheet (*.xls) file that will receive the plot log info.
   d) Text File - Select a (*.csv) file that will receive the plot log info.
    
   
    

8. Picking OK will save these plot log settings to the local computers registry and to the share location for clients.

SQL Database Setup Dialog Box

Selecting the SQL Database radio button will bring up the SQL Database Link Setup.

1. Connection type
   a) ODBC - From the Connection pop down menu, select a database connection that is defined in the User and System DSN sources under the ODBC Data Source Administrator. Once a connection name has been selected, pick the Test Connection button and if the test is successful the Table pop down list will become enabled and a list of tables is listed. The user should now pick a table name (Note: if only one table name is available, the selection is automatic), if the user is setting up this link for the project name/number import mode, then the Field pop down will become enabled and there will also be a list of fields to choose from.
    
   b) DBConnect - From the Connection pop down menu, select a database connection that is already defined in AutoCAD's DBConnect command.
    
   c) SQLOLEDB - To link to a SQL Server enter in the servers name or TCP/IP address into the Server box, enter the catalog name into the Catalog box, optionally enter a username if your link requires it into the Username box, enter a password if your link requires it into the Password box. After filling in the link information, pick the Test Connection button to test the connection, if the connection is successful the Table pop down list will become enabled and a list of available tables will be listed. The user should now pick a table name (note: if only one table name is available, the selection is automatic), if the user is setting up this link for the project name/number import mode, then the Field pop down will become enabled and there will also be a list of fields to choose from.
    
   d) Manual - This is for advanced use, if you know how to write connect strings for database access, users can place the required connection string here. After filling in the manual connect string, pick the Test Connection button to test the connection, if the connection is successful the Table pop down list will become enabled and a list of available tables will be listed. The user should now pick a table name (note: if only one table name is available, the selection is automatic), if the user is setting up this link for the project name/number import mode, then the Field pop down will become enabled and there will also be a list of fields to choose from.
    

2. Database Parameters
   Connection - Displays ODBC or DBConnect database connections that are already defined in the ODBC Data Source Administrator or the AutoCAD DBConnect command.
   Table - Displays the tables available within a successful connection.
   Field - Displays the fields available within the table of a successful connection.
   Server - Manual entry of a servers name or TCP/IP address.
   Catalog - Manual entry of a catalog name.
   Username - Manual entry of a username (may not be required).
   Password - Manual entry of a password (may not be required).
   Connect String - Manual entry of a connect string.
    

3. Test Connection - Pick this button to test a selected or defined connection. If the test is successful the Table pop down will become enabled and display the available tables within the connection.
    

4. OK - Pick this button to save the current link settings.

Registration Dialog Box

Selecting the Register BatchM8 button from either the Config or Info dialog box will bring up this BatchM8 Registration Form dialog box.

To register BatchM8 the user needs to:

1. Pick the Type of registration they need, the choices are:
   1a) Send the above Registration Info along with User Info and payment in U.S. Funds via regular postal mail.
    
   1b) I have paid the registration fee and I just need to send the above Registration Info and User Info via email.
    
   1c) Send the above Registration Info via a live Internet connection and pay with a credit card.
    
   1d) I just need to add the above Registration Info to the BatchM8-Reg.txt file to be mailed later.
    

2. If the user picks the first or second option then they need to fill out User Info fields.
   If the user wishes to register online, then they can pick the third option.
   If a registration form has already been filled out, the user can append BatchM8's Serial and ID Numbers from other computers to the end of the registration file "BatchM8-REG.TXT".
    

3. Pick the number of seats you wish to register by picking the popup "Number of Seats", the total amount due will be displayed below the "Numbers of Seats" popup.
    

4. To register, pick the "Register" button.
   If your are using the Internet to register, you will be directed to the PayPal web site for payment, then you will be directed to our online web registration page to complete the registration process.
   If you filled out the User Info form you will be asked to either accept the default file name or save the file "BatchM8-REG.TXT" to a desired location. Once this file is saved, it can be printed, emailed, mailed or have other Serial and ID numbers appended to it.
    

5. When the user picks OPEN button from the save file dialog box, the registration file will be saved and the user is taken back to the Info or Config dialog box.
    

6. Once the registration info has been filled in and the number of seats to register selected, and all the Serial and ID numbers appended to it, it can be sent either postal mail or email.
   For email send the "BatchM8-REG.TXT" text file to the email address .
   For postal mail send a printed copy along with payment (in U.S. funds, drawn on a U.S. Bank) to:
   
   M8Tools.com
   240 Boone Avenue
   Winchester, KY 40391
    

7. Upon receipt of registration information and payment, M8Tools.com will generate the required unlock codes and forward them to you either via email or mail.

License Dialog Box

The License Agreement reads as follows:

U.S. and international copyright laws protect BatchM8.
Its use is subject to the terms of the license agreement listed below.
© 2007 M8Tools.com
All rights reserved.

1. Usage
   By using, copying, transmitting, distributing or installing this software (BatchM8), you (the user) agree to all of the terms of this License. If you do not agree to any of the terms of this License, then do not use, copy, transmit, distribute, or install BatchM8.
    

2. Disclaimer
   M8Tools.com provides this program (BatchM8) on an "AS IS" basis with all faults. M8Tools.com specifically disclaims any expressed or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular use of this program. M8Tools.com does not warrant that the operation of this program will be uninterrupted or error free.
    

3. Copies
   BatchM8 is copyrighted and may only be copied in machine-readable form onto a backup or working disk. Use of the original diskette and said copies is strictly limited to a single computer system on which one or more users run BatchM8. Copies of BatchM8 may be shared with others as defined in the "Shareware - Software Sharing Method" described below, as long as all the source code and support files remain unmodified.
    

4. Alteration
   No part of the program, documentation or support files may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of either the software author or an authorized representative of M8Tools.com.
    

5. Free Upgrade to the latest version
   M8Tools.com will provide one free upgrade of BatchM8, for all new registered users, when and if one becomes available.
    

6. Authorization Code
   This Software requires an Authorization/Registration code. You must register this software product with M8Tools.com before an authorization code can be issued to you. Each installed copy is branded with a serial number that is unique only to the computer it is installed on. The serial number needs to be included with the registration of the software, so the author or a representative of M8Tools.com can supply an authorization code. The purpose of the authorization code is to protect the authors copyright and enforce the license agreement. If an authorization code is not obtained the software will stop working approximately 30 days after installation.
   
   Site Licenses don't require the use of Authorization codes.
   (See Site Licensing)
    

7. Transfer
   Should the need ever arise to transfer BatchM8 to another computer, a new authorization code will be needed. There will be one free transfer per year per seat license after an initial period of 90 days from the registration date. Should more than one transfer per year be required (per seat) a fee of U.S.$5.00 will be required for the generation of new authorization codes. By transferring licenses, the old serial number will become retired and thus inactive. If a user wishes to reinstall BatchM8 on that computer they will need acquire a new license or retire another licensed copy of BatchM8. If registered users wish to acquire new licenses, they can be purchased for the price entry point they last purchased the software.
   
   Please contact for transfer information.
   
   Site Licenses have unlimited transfers.
   (See Site Licensing)
    

8. Registration
   You are free to distribute the shareware version to others to try as long as all the source code and support files remain unmodified. This excludes the registration file (BatchM8-REG.TXT), which you are free to edit, so you may mail along with your registration fee, if you choose.
   
   You are free to try BatchM8 for a period of ten (10) days.
   
   If you like BatchM8 and find it useful,
   
   THEN YOU SHOULD REGISTER IT.
   
   By doing so you will allow the author to spend the time upgrading and making enhancements to this and other utilities in the future.
   
   If you don't find it useful then remove BatchM8 and all related support files from your system.
   
   Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
   
   BY REGISTERING YOU WON'T FEEL GUILTY AND YOU'LL BE SUPPORTING ANY FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
    

9. Shareware
   Shareware is a method of software distribution. M8Tools.com hopes you find shareware to be an effective method of obtaining computer programs. The term Shareware describes a marketing method in which copyrighted programs circulate freely among users for the purpose of evaluation. This gives you the option to "Try Before You Buy". The author of a shareware program typically allows you to use the program for a number of specified days before payment is required. The exact terms of evaluation vary from author to author. So be sure to always check the documentation of the programs you evaluate. By making payment to the author, you obtain the legal right to use the software, and encourage the continued development of quality software within the shareware channel. The process of paying for Shareware is termed "Registration". The exact benefits of registration vary from author to author, but many authors will offer one or more of the following: a current version, technical support, a printed manual, free or discounted upgrades, bonus utilities, and/or special offers. So always consult the registration information included with each shareware program.
    

10. OK - When the user picks OK, they will go back to the Main BatchM8 dialog box.

Site Licensing

Site License packages are available with licensing of 15 or more seats.

Benefits: No individual machine registration information to keep track of (Computer Names, Serial Numbers, ID Numbers and Authorization Codes) that is needed to unlock our shareware software versions of AutoM8, BatchM8, CopyM8, LeaderM8, PlotM8 and RecoverM8.

For more site license information please go to www.m8tools.com/site_lic.htm

Contact M8Tools.com for more information.

Plotting Tips

Rename views or layouts with an NP prefix to make BatchM8 skip over these while batch plotting via the "Plot All MS Views" or "Plot All Layouts" methods.

This new Plot option was added to version 3.72 September 15, 2002.

Are there views or layouts in drawings that you don't want to plot, BatchM8 now has the capability to filter out these views or layouts. When BatchM8 plots via the "Plot All MS Views" or "Plot All Layouts" option, it will not plot any views or layouts that have a prefix NP. This method will work under any of the three plot methods "Plot using Layout settings" "Plot using Layout settings w/ Plot Style" "Manual Settings"

Change Tips

The following examples show uses of BatchM8's CHANGE command.

Some of these functions were widely used by some of our development staff when they were in a production drafting environment and were making batch changes with one of the earlier versions of BatchM8.

In the following listings, these commands can be entered into the BatchM8's Change Command entry box.
Note: Be sure to add all the required returns designated with the semicolon ";"

Examples:
Text replacement
Attribute replacement
Define drawing views
Make corrections to drawings
Layer changes
Attribute extraction
Pack & go
Bind external references to drawing

Text Replacement
Goal: To search through an entire drawing for a string of text to change and replace it with a new text string. (Note this example uses a lisp program called chtext.lsp from Autodesk circa 1992, because the current find command does not have a command line equivalent).

Command script

Description

(load "chtext")
CHT
ALL
;
TEXT
GLOBAL
WRONG TEXT
RIGHT TEXT
;

Command line loading of AutoLisp program.
Run CHT command.
Select objects:
Enter a required return to end object selection.
Height/Just................./Text/Undo/Width:
Search...../Retype/<Globally>:
Match string :
New string :
Enter a required return to exit CHT command.

Attribute Replacement
Goal: To search through an entire drawing for a blocks attribute text string to change and replace it with a new text string.
Note: this works on inserted blocks with visible attributes.

Command script

Description

-ATTEDIT
NO
YES
*
*
*
WRONG TEXT
RIGHT TEXT

Run command line version of attedit command
Edit attributes one at a time? [Yes/No] <Y>:
Edit only attributes visible on screen? [Yes/No] <Y>:
Enter block name specification <*>:
Enter attribute tag specification <*>:
Enter attribute value specification <*>:
Enter string to change: 
Enter new string:

Drawing View
Goal: Zoom drawing to your specifications and then save a view.

Command script

Description

ZOOM
E
VIEW
S
EXT

Run zoom command.
Run extents sub-option.
Run view command.
Run save sub-option.
Name a view name.

Make Corrections
Goal: Erase some wrong objects and replace them with an exploded block.

Command script

Description

ERASE
W
0,0
500,500
;
-INSERT
*FIX
0,0
1
0

Run erase command.
Run window sub-option.
1st corner coordinates.
2nd corner coordinates.
Enter a required return to erase selected objects.
Run command line version -insert command.
Block name (exploded option).
Insertion point.
Insertion scale.
Rotation angle.

Layer Changes
Goal: Change features of a layer.

Command script

Description

-LAYER
LTYPE
HIDDEN
LAYER-1
;

Run command line version -layer command.
Run ltype sub-option for line type.
Change to hidden line type.
Name of layer to change line type on.
Enter a required return to exit layer command.

Attribute Extraction
Goad: Extract attribute information from drawings.

Command script

Description

-ATTEXT
CDF
Template.txt
Outfile.txt

Run command line version -attext command.
Run Comma Delimitated Format.
Extraction template file name.
File name to extract to.

Pack & Go - For AutoCAD 2000, 2000i and 2002
Goal: To copy drawing file(s) and all support files associated with them.

Command script

Description

-PACK
COPY
NO
;
YES
YES
NO

Run command line version -pack command.
Copy/Report/<eXit> :
Report custom and proxy applications? Yes/<No>:
Copy to folder:
Overwrite existing files? Yes/No/<Yes>:
Preserve sub directories Yes/<No>:
Save Drawing as: Autocad2000/Release14/<Noconversion>:

eTransmit - For AutoCAD 2004, 2005 & 2006
Goal: To copy drawing file(s) and all support files associated with them.

(setq old_texteval (getvar "texteval"))
(setvar "texteval" 1)
QSAVE
-ETRANSMIT
Z
(strcat "c:/" (getvar "dwgname") ".zip")
add as many lines
of text as needed
;
Y
N
Y
N
N
;
(setvar "texteval" old_texteval)

Lets grab a system variable

Set system variable
Do a quick save so etransmit wont prompt us
Run command line version -etransmit command.
Transmittal type
Transmittal name and location:

Transmittal note:


Include fonts? [Yes/No] <Yes>:
Convert all drawings?
Preserve directory structure? [Yes/No] <No>:
Remove xref and image paths? [Yes/No] <Yes>:
Make web page files? [Yes/No] <No>:
Password (press ENTER for none):
Set the system variable to its default value.
 

Bind External References (XRefs)
Goal: Save any and all Xrefs to the current drawing.

Command script

Description

XREF
BIND
*

Run command line version -xref command.
Enter an option [?/Bind/D....../Attach] <Attach>:
Bind all xrefs in drawing.

These examples only begin to touch on the uses that the Change option in BatchM8 can do for you. Just experiment and make it work for you.

Advice:

1. Test your command line sequence before using it in BatchM8.
    

2. For command sequences that you might need again, save them out in an easily accessible folder and import them the next time you need them.

Trouble Shooting

Error message displayed by AutoCAD

Error: bad argument type: fixnump: nil

Cause: One of the defaults BatchM8 saves for a printer/plotter has gotten corrupted. 

Remedy: After this error appears, type BM8FIX. then select the name(s) of the Printer/Plotters that you might suspect was last used.

Error message displayed by AutoCAD

Error: ActiveX Server returned an error: Invalid index

Cause: The path to the folder that contains the plot styles is not valid or the folder doesn't contain any plot styles.

Remedy: Verify path to plot styles is valid and contains plot styles.
At the AutoCAD command prompt type: Preferences, pick the Files tab, expand Printer Support File Path, expand Plot Style Table Search Path. Here is the location of your plot styles.