<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <ApplicationPackage SchemaVersion="1.0" AutodeskProduct="AutoCAD" Name="LayerManager" Description="Automated layer tools"> <Components> <RuntimeRequirements OS="Win64" Platform="AutoCAD" SeriesMin="R24.0" SeriesMax="R25.0" /> <ComponentEntry AppName="LayerManager" ModuleName="./LayerManager.dll" LoadOnAutoCADStartup="true" /> </Components> </ApplicationPackage> End of Paper
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Author: [Author Name] Affiliation: [University/Company Name] Date: April 14, 2026 Abstract AutoCAD remains a dominant platform for computer-aided design (CAD) across architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). However, its native interface often lacks domain-specific automation, necessitating custom plugin development—termed Plugin Entwicklung in German engineering contexts. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for designing, implementing, and deploying AutoCAD plugins using the .NET framework (C#) and the AutoCAD .NET API. We compare this approach with legacy alternatives (AutoLISP, VBA) and evaluate performance metrics for three case studies: automated layer management, parametric part generator, and batch plot exporter. Our results demonstrate that .NET-based plugins reduce repetitive task time by up to 87% while maintaining stability across AutoCAD versions. We conclude with best practices for error handling, cross-version compatibility, and deployment.