AutoCAD C++/CLI Plugin Sample

An AutoCAD plugin demonstrating the integration of native C++ with .NET 8.0 using C++/CLI.

This sample showcases best practices for AutoCAD plugin development, including proper memory management, thread safety, and modern UI design.

Demo

Demo.mp4

Features

• Custom smart pointer implementation for AutoCAD database objects
• Thread-safe database operations
• Modern Windows Forms UI with async operations
• Professional error handling and user feedback
• RAII pattern for resource management
• Modeless dialog integration with AutoCAD

Prerequisites

• AutoCAD 2025 or later
• ObjectARX SDK 2025
• Windows 10 or later
• .NET 8.0 or later
• Visual Studio 2022 17.8 and later

Project Structure

├── StdAfx.h               # AutoCAD and System .NET references
├── ArxNetCore.cpp         # Windows DLL entry point
├── acrxEntryPoint.cpp     # ObjectARX entry point and command definition
└── Resource.h             # Resource definitions

Building The Project

Using the Developer Command Line

git clone 
cd ArxNetCore
set ArxSdkDir = D:\ArxSdks\arx2025
msbuild /t:build /p:Configuration=Debug;Platform=x64

Using Visual Studio UI

• After cloning the repository, open the ArxNetCore.sln solution in Visual Studio 2022.

• Open the Property Manager:

  • Go to the View menu at the top of the window.
  • Select Other Windows.
  • Click on Property Manager.

  Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + F7 to open the Property Manager window directly.

• In the Property Manager, expand Debug|x64 and double-click on the ObjectARX 2025 property page.

• Navigate to Common Properties → User Macros.

• Edit the ArxSdkDir value to point to your ObjectARX SDK path.

• Save, click OK, and close the Property Manager.

• Build the project.

Running the Plugin

1. Launch AutoCAD 2025 (or later).

2. In AutoCAD, load the plugin:

   netload ~x64\Debug\MADArxNetCore.dll

3. Run the command:

   LAUNCHTOOL

4. Enter the desired circle raidus.

5. Click Draw Circle to create circle in current drawing.

6. Enjoy using the plugin! 🙂

Key Components

AcDbHelper Class

Provides thread-safe database operations and memory management through:

• Smart pointer implementation
• RAII pattern
• Factory methods for entity creation

MainForm

Windows Forms dialog featuring:

• Asynchronous operations
• User input validation
• Simple UI design
• Proper error handling

ObjectARX Integration

• Clean command registration
• Exception handling
• Resource management

Best Practices Demonstrated

1. Memory Management:
   • Smart pointers for AutoCAD objects
   • Proper cleanup of resources
   • Prevention of memory leaks
2. Thread Safety:
   • Main thread execution for AutoCAD commands
   • Async operations for UI responsiveness
   • Proper synchronization
3. Error Handling:
   • Comprehensive exception management
   • User-friendly error messages
   • Proper cleanup on errors

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Madhukar Moogala

Developer Advocate @ Autodesk Platform Services