2012

Enter System Variables on the Command Line
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:
Toolbars and windows not locked0
Docked toolbars locked1
Docked or anchored windows locked2
Floating toolbars locked4
Floating windows locked8
Thus, if LOCKUI is set to 1 + 4 = 5, only docked and floating toolbars are
locked; docked, anchored, and floating windows are not locked.
NOTE You 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.
To change the setting of a system variable
1 At the Command prompt, enter the system variable name. For example,
enter gridmode to change the grid setting.
Enter System Variables on the Command Line | 45