The Ultimate Guide to TLen.lsp for AutoCAD: Why You Need It and How to Download the Best Version
If you work in civil engineering, surveying, or land development using AutoCAD, you have likely heard of . It is widely considered one of the most efficient "Lisp" extensions for automating the tedious process of longitudinal and cross-section drawing.
(defun c:Tlen (/ ss len total ent obj) (vl-load-com) (setq total 0.0) (prompt "\nSelect linear objects (Lines, Polylines, Arcs, Circles): ") (if (setq ss (ssget '((0 . "LINE,ARC,CIRCLE,POLYLINE,LWPOLYLINE,SPLINE")))) (progn (setq len 0) (while (< len (sslength ss)) (setq ent (ssname ss len)) (setq obj (vlax-ename->vla-object ent)) (setq total (+ total (vlax-get-property obj 'Length))) (setq len (1+ len)) ) (prompt (strcat "\nTotal Length: " (rtos total))) ;; Option to insert text (if (setq pt (getpoint "\nPick point to insert text (or press Enter to exit): ")) (progn (setq txt (rtos total 2 2)) ;; 2 decimal places (entmake (list '(0 . "TEXT") (cons 1 txt) (cons 10 pt) (cons 40 (getvar "TEXTSIZE")) ) ) (prompt (strcat "\nInserted text: " txt)) ) ) ) (prompt "\nNo objects selected.") ) (princ) )
: Offers a formal plugin version called TotalLength by Antonia Petrova. While it acts as a script, it is packaged for easier installation in modern AutoCAD versions (2018–2024+). autocad tlenlsp download best
Perhaps the safest way to use TLEN.lsp is to avoid downloading a file altogether. Many trusted forums, including the official Autodesk forums, have posted the raw code directly. Simply copy the code directly from the forum post into a text editor (like Notepad) and save it with a .lsp extension (e.g., mytlen.lsp ).
The (Total Length) AutoLISP routine completely solves this problem. It is widely considered one of the best custom scripts for engineering, construction estimation, and quantity surveying, allowing users to calculate total cumulative measurements with a single click. Why You Need TLEN.lsp in Your AutoCAD Workflow
Even a classic like TLEN can sometimes run into trouble. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them: The Ultimate Guide to TLen
AutoCAD TLEN.lsp Download: The Best Way to Calculate Total Length in a Single Click
Simply copy the entire code block (starting with (defun C:TLEN... ) from a source like , paste it into the command line with Ctrl+V , and press Enter . The routine will load immediately.
Look at the bottom of the dialog box. It should say: "TLen.lsp successfully loaded." Step 2: Make it Permanent (Optional) Perhaps the safest way to use TLEN
Instead of manually creating layers for "Existing Ground," "Proposed Grade," and "Grid Lines," TlenLSP automates this. It sets standards so that your drawings remain clean and readable.
Type TLEN into the command line and press Enter .