Manually labeling coordinates in AutoCAD is one of the most tedious and error-prone tasks in civil engineering, surveying, and architectural drafting. Clicking individual points, typing out node numbers, formatting Eastings and Northings, and manually building coordinate tables can consume hours of valuable project time.
Enter INAR-COOR, a professional-grade AutoLISP script designed to completely automate the extraction, labeling, and scheduling of coordinates.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what makes the INAR-COOR AutoLISP routine a must-have tool for your CAD workflow, its standout features, and a step-by-step tutorial on how to install and use it.
What is the INAR-COOR AutoLISP?
INAR-COOR (INAR Coordinate Studio) is an advanced, fully customizable AutoLISP routine that extracts coordinate data from selected geometry and automatically annotates them using highly configurable Multileaders (MLeaders).
Unlike basic command-line scripts, INAR-COOR features a beautifully balanced, dynamically generated 3-column Dialog Control Language (DCL) interface. This allows users to control every aspect of the extraction, typography, leader geometry, and automated table generation without ever touching the source code.
Key Features & Benefits
Why should CAD managers, drafters, and engineers switch to INAR-COOR? Here is what makes this script an industry-leading automation tool:
1. Multi-Entity Coordinate Extraction
INAR-COOR isn’t limited to simple point clouds. It dynamically extracts vertices and insertion points from a wide variety of AutoCAD entities, including:
- Points
- Lines (Extracts both start and end points)
- 2D Polylines (LWPOLYLINE)
- 3D Polylines (POLYLINE)
- Blocks (INSERT) (Extracts the block insertion point)
2. Advanced Multileader (MLeader) Customization
The script gives you granular control over how your coordinates are displayed. Through the DCL dialog, you can configure:
- Leader Geometry: Choose between Invisible, Straight, or Spline leaders.
- Arrowheads: Select type (Closed Filled, Blank, Architectural Tick, None) and size.
- Attachments: Force horizontal landings, adjust landing distances, and set precise left/right attachment modes.
- Typography: Control text height, width factor, rotation, justification, line spacing, and enable background masks or text frames.
3. Flexible Coordinate Formatting
Easily switch between standard surveying and engineering formats on the fly:
- X, Y
- Easting, Northing (E, N)
- Northing, Easting (N, E)
- Bonus: Fully adjustable decimal precision (0 to 4 decimal places).
4. Automated Coordinate Schedule Tables
Say goodbye to manually typing data into Excel and importing it back to AutoCAD. INAR-COOR includes a built-in feature to generate a native AutoCAD Coordinate Schedule Table. Once the labeling is complete, the script prompts you to place a perfectly formatted table containing the Node ID, X/Easting, and Y/Northing values.
5. Global Architecture Control
Ensure your drawing standards are maintained. The tool allows you to assign the generated MLeaders and Tables to specific Layers, apply specific Colors, and set Linetype Scales and Overall Annotation Scales directly from the dialog box.
Download the INAR-COOR AutoLISP Script
Ready to streamline your drafting workflow and eliminate manual data entry? You can download the complete, ready-to-use script directly from our repository.
Note: The downloaded file is already provided as the ready-to-use INAR-COOR.lsp file. No additional installations, dependencies, or third-party software are required to run this script in AutoCAD.
How to Install and Use INAR-COOR
Follow this step-by-step guide to integrate the INAR-COOR script into your AutoCAD workflow.
Step 1: Load the Script into AutoCAD
- Open AutoCAD and open your target drawing.
- Type
APPLOADin the command line and press Enter. - Navigate to the folder where your downloaded
INAR-COOR.lspfile is located, select it, and click Load. - Pro Tip: Add the file to the “Startup Suite” in the APPLOAD dialog so it loads automatically every time you open AutoCAD, saving you time on future projects.
Step 2: Run the INAR-COOR Command
- Type
INAR-COORin the command line and press Enter. - The INAR Coordinate Studio dialog box will appear on your screen.
Step 3: Configure Your Settings
The dialog is divided into three intuitive columns:
- Column 1 (Extraction & Architecture): Set your numbering prefix (e.g., “V-“), starting number, coordinate format (E/N or N/E), decimal precision, vertex offset, target layer, and color.
- Column 2 (Leaders & Attachments): Define your leader type, arrowhead size, landing gaps, and toggle background masks or text frames.
- Column 3 (Typography & Scheduling): Set your text style, text height, justification, and toggle the Insert Coordinate Table option.
- Click OK to apply your settings and close the dialog.
Step 4: Select Geometry and Place the Table
- The command line will prompt you to select objects. Use a window or crossing selection to select your Points, Lines, Polylines, or Blocks.
- Press Enter to confirm the selection. The script will instantly generate the numbered Multileaders.
- If you enabled the Coordinate Table, the command line will prompt: “Specify table insertion point:”. Click anywhere in your drawing space to place the finished schedule table.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Pre-configure MLeader Styles: While INAR-COOR allows you to override many MLeader properties on the fly, it is highly recommended to set up a dedicated “Coordinate” MLeader style in AutoCAD first and select it in the dialog.
- Use the Vertex Offset: If you are labeling dense polylines, use the “Vertex/Block Offset (m)” setting in Column 1. This pushes the text slightly away from the exact vertex, preventing the text from overlapping the geometry lines.
- Check Your Annotation Scale: Ensure your “Overall Scale” in the dialog matches your current AutoCAD Viewport Annotation Scale (e.g., 1:100, 1:50) so your text and arrows print at the correct physical size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does INAR-COOR work with 3D Polylines?
A: Yes! The script is explicitly programmed to extract vertices from both 2D (LWPOLYLINE) and 3D (POLYLINE) entities.
Q: Can I change the coordinate format from Easting/Northing to Northing/Easting?
A: Absolutely. In the “Extraction & Sequencing” column of the dialog box, simply change the “Coordinate Format” dropdown to your preferred layout (X,Y / E,N / N,E).
Q: Does the script export the coordinates to an Excel/CSV file?
A: The current version of INAR-COOR generates a native AutoCAD Table directly in your drawing. Because it uses native AutoCAD Tables, you can easily right-click the table in AutoCAD and select “Export” to save it as a CSV or Excel file if needed.
Q: Will it label blocks?
A: Yes. By including INSERT in the selection filter, the script will automatically extract and label the insertion point of any selected blocks.
Conclusion
The INAR-COOR AutoLISP script bridges the gap between raw geometry and professional survey documentation. By automating coordinate extraction, multileader annotation, and schedule table generation, it eliminates human error and drastically reduces drafting time.
Whether you are preparing a site plan, plotting utility points, or generating a topographic survey, INAR-COOR provides the precision, customization, and speed required by modern CAD professionals.
Ready to upgrade your AutoCAD workflow? Download the script, load it via APPLOAD, and experience the power of automated coordinate labeling today!
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