Enter System Variables on the Command Line (Concept)

The User Interface > Other Tool Locations > The Command Window >

Enter System Variables on the Command Line

Expand All

Expand all collapsed sections.

Collapse All

Collapse all expanded sections.

Concept

Procedure

Quick Reference

System variables are settings that control how certain commands work.

They can turn on or turn off modes such as Snap, Grid, or Ortho. They can set default scales for hatch patterns. They can store information about the current drawing and about program configuration. Sometimes you use a system variable in order to change a setting. At other times you use a system variable to display the current status.

For example, the GRIDMODE system variable turns the dot grid display on and off when you change the value. In this case, the GRIDMODE system variable is functionally equivalent to the GRID command. DATE is a read-only system variable that stores the current date. You can display this value, but you cannot change it.

Bitcode Variables

Some system variables are controlled using bitcodes. With these system variables, you add values to specify a unique combination of behaviors. For example, the LOCKUI system variable provides the following bitcode values:

0	Toolbars and windows not locked
1	Docked toolbars locked
2	Docked or anchored windows locked
4	Floating toolbars locked
8	Floating windows locked

Thus, if LOCKUI is set to 1 + 4 = 5, only docked and floating toolbars are locked; docked, anchored, and floating windows are not locked.

NoteYou can examine or change a system variable's setting transparently, that is, while using another command; however, new values may not take effect until the interrupted command ends.