Good Question: Automatically Disabling Layer Evaluation

Today’s good question comes from Tony. He asked if there is a way to automatically disable the layer reconciliation functionality.

The layer reconciliation functionality, introduced in AutoCAD 2008, can be extremely helpful in “reminding” users to conform to layer standards. However, if you work in a single-user environment and don’t share drawings with consultants or others that require consistent layer standards, layer evaluation may cause unnecessary work. You can disable layer evaluation by setting the LAYEREVAL variable to 0. However, since this variable is stored in the drawing, you have to disable it for each drawing.

Fortunately, you can automate this process by adding a simple line of code to the acaddoc.lsp file, which automatically runs each time a drawing is loaded. The acaddoc.lsp file is not included in a default install of AutoCAD so I’ll step you through the process of creating it. If you’re already using an acaddoc.lsp file, you can simply add the new code.

Since the LAYEREVAL variable must be set per drawing, you’ll need to add the appropriate LiSP code to acaddoc.lsp file.

Using a text editor, create the acaddoc.lsp file.

1. Launch a text editor and enter the following code:
   (setvar "LAYEREVAL" 0)
2. Choose Save As.
3. Specify a folder location to store the acaddoc.lsp file. A typical location would be under Documents and Settings for the local user but it can be in any location that makes sense.
4. Specify plain text (TXT) as the file type.
5. Enter acaddoc.lsp for the file name and choose Save.

In AutoCAD, ensure the location where you stored the acaddoc.lsp file is in the AutoCAD Support Path.

1. Right-click in the AutoCAD window and choose Options.
2. Select the Files tab.
3. Expand the Support File Search Path. Be default, AutoCAD lists several locations for the search path including the support folder under the local user. If you create the acaddoc.lsp file in a location that is already in the search path, you don’t need to change anything in the Options dialog box. If you store the acaddoc.lsp file in any location that is not currently on the search path, such as C:/My Custom AutoCAD Files, you must add that location to the list of search paths.
4. Select Support File Search Path and choose Add.
5. Choose Browse and navigate to the folder containing your acaddoc.lsp file.
6. Choose OK to close the dialog boxes.

Now when you open a drawing in AutoCAD, the acaddoc.lsp file automatically loads, setting the LAYEREVAL variable to 0. You can add similar LiSP code to the acaddoc.lsp file to set other variables.