Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 26
Ten System Variables to Make
Your Life Easier
S
ystem variables
are settings that AutoCAD checks before it decides how to do something.
For example, if you set the system variable SAVETIME to 10, AutoCAD saves your drawing
file automatically every ten minutes; if you set SAVETIME to 60, the time between auto-
matic saves is one hour. Hundreds of system variables control AutoCAD's operations.
To change the value of a system variable, just type its name at the AutoCAD command
prompt and press Enter. AutoCAD displays the current value of the system variable set-
ting and prompts for a new value. Press Enter to confirm the existing setting, or type a
value and press Enter to change the setting.
Being able to change system variables by typing their names is a boon to power users,
and occasionally a necessity for everybody else. The only problem is finding or remem-
bering what the names are. In most cases, you'll be told what system variable's name you
need to type — by me in this topic or by the local AutoCAD guru in your ofice.
