
********    RUN LISP - AutoCad for Windows batch drawing processing.   *********

RUN LISP VER 1.0 Demo
Copyright (C) 1995
Sierra Hermitage
140 Mesa Vista Drive
Bishop, CA  93514
Phone 619-387-2479
Email hermit1@ix.netcom.com

Documentation:

RUN LISP is an AutoCad for Windows R12 or R13 and Windows 3.1 or Win 95 (beta) compatible 
program to facilitate batch processing of multiple drawings by running any AutoLisp program
across any number of drawing files.  This allows you to use simple AutoLisp programs 
to do batch processing of drawings to plot, purge and update drawings in any manner you
wish.  You may also find RUN LISP useful in extracting entity data, blocks and other
drawing information from multiple drawings.

Normally AutoLisp may not be used to process more that one drawing because AutoCad
resets all AutoLisp programs and variable to nil each time it loads a new drawing
and therefor terminates any running programs - including ADS programs.

RUN LISP solves this problem by allowing you to select any number of drawings and
specify the AutoLisp program to be run within each.

Sample AutoLisp programs to plot, purge and more are included on this disk.  Use
these `as is' or as examples for your own programs.  Read the comment lines in these
programs for insights into the simple requirements for RUN LISP compatible autolisp
programming.  See RUNLISP.TXT for a description of the sample programs.

See RUNLISP.TXT for more details and information about other AutoCad automation
programs offered by Sierra Hermitage.

INSTALLATION:

This process will install RUN LISP and the sample files to your hard drive and
set up a Window's folder and RUN LISP icon in Program Manager.

From Program Manager select 'File' then 'Run' and then type A:\setup then
'OK'  (type B:\setup if the distribution disk is in drive B or the subdirectory
if you are installing from your hard drive).

If you want the program installed in a drive and/or directory other than
the one shown, make the necessary changes.  RUN LISP and the sample AutoLisp
programs and text files will be installed in that subdirectory.

If you encounter a message that says that a program is in use it means that
a required support program is already installed on your machine so simply
choose the IGNORE option and continue with the installation.

The AutoCad for Windows Rel 13 version is automatically installed.  

If you are currently using Rel 12, upon completion of the installation, copy the 
file RLISP12.EXE from the distribution disk to the drive/directory you selected
during the installation.  You will also need to change the properties of the
icon in Program Manager to run the Rel 12 version.  Do this by selecting the
icon then choose 'File' then 'Properties' and then edit the command line
to specify RLISP12.EXE instead of RUNLISP.EXE.

USING THE PROGRAM:

Autocad must be running prior to loading RUN LISP.  Save any changes to the
current drawing prior to running RUN LISP.  RUN LISP does NOT save the current
drawing.  

AutoCad's systems variables CMDDIA and FILEDIA must be set to zero prior to
running RUN LISP.  Do this by simply typing each of those variables at the
command line and responding with zero.  As you do this, make note of your current
setting for those variables so that you may reset them after run RUN LISP.
Sorry for this inconvience but there is no way to avoid this step when doing batch
processing.

Make sure that the AutoLisp program is in the same subdirectory as the drawings,
or in the Acad search path.  Also, if you're using the sample programs, be sure
to read the associated text file prior to using the program.  Some programs require
that you do some setup first, like create a subdirectory or text file.
	
From Program Manager double click on the RUN LISP icon.

In the dialog box select the drive and directory of your drawing files.

In the list box select the drawing files of interest and enter the name of
the AutoLisp program to be loaded and run within each.  Your AutoLisp program
should be the 'load and go' type - see the sample programs for examples.  If
your program changes the drawing, be sure to also have it save the the changes
before exiting - see the sample autopurg.lsp for an example.  If your AutoLisp
program makes any changes to the drawing (including zooms) it must also save
the drawing, otherwise you will be prompted by a dialogue on each drawing to
save/discard the changes.

Note:

	By holding down the SHIFT key you may select several contiguous
	drawings to process at once.

	By holding down the CTL key you may select several non-contguous
	drawings to process at once.

RUN LISP assumes that when you load a drawing you enter the editor without the 
need for ANY user responses.  If your acad.lsp or menu.mnl files load any programs
that require a response by you prior to starting the drawing editor, you must
disable that program.  This also applies to menu, font or shape files that AutoCad
is unable to find - be sure all drawings will load without the need for user
responses of any kind.  Also, be sure that none of the drawing files are locked if
you have file locking enabled.

Now just kick back and let RUN LISP do the work.  Say goodbye to batch files and
script files forever.

End of file.

