FASTLYR-bgol (Quickly Create a Layer)

Command Type: AutoLISP routine (works in AutoCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD and most AutoLISP-compatible CAD platforms)
Developed by: BGol Community, bgol.in

Inspired by the general concept of fast, dialog-free layer creation utilities used in CAD drafting. This is an original, independently written routine, new file name, new command name, new source code, created so the CAD community has a free, editable, open-source alternative.

Overview

Creating a new layer through the native Layer Properties Manager requires opening a grid-based dialog and entering data into several fields, even though, in practice, the only property most users change from default is the layer's colour. FLY streamlines this to two simple command-line prompts (layer name and colour number), creating and switching to a new layer in well under a few seconds.

How to Use

1. Load FASTLYR-bgol.lsp into your CAD session (drag-and-drop the file onto the drawing window, or use the APPLOAD command).
2. Type FLY at the command line and press Enter.
3. At the Type the Layer Name: prompt, type the desired new layer's name (e.g., ELEVATION).
4. At the Type the Colour Number (1-255): prompt, type the AutoCAD colour index number (e.g., 2 for yellow).
5. The routine creates the new layer immediately with the specified name and colour, sets it as the current layer, and skips the Layer Properties Manager dialog entirely.

Why Use It

• Speed, creates a new layer with colour assignment in a couple of keystrokes, versus the multi-step, dialog-based native workflow.
• Command-Line Friendly, fits naturally into a keyboard-driven, command-line workflow without needing to switch to a GUI dialog.
• Focuses on What Matters, only prompts for the two properties most commonly customized (name and colour), skipping unnecessary dialog navigation for defaults that are rarely changed.

Where to Use It

• Any drafting session requiring frequent creation of new layers with specific colours (very common in survey/civil drawings organizing different feature types by layer).
• Users working primarily from the command line who want to avoid the Layer Properties Manager dialog for simple layer creation.

Notes

• If a layer with the given name already exists, FLY updates its colour rather than erroring out, and still sets it current, handy for quickly recolouring an existing layer too.
• The new/updated layer always uses the Continuous linetype; use the native LAYER command afterward if a different linetype is needed.
• Source code is fully open, feel free to study, modify, and redistribute it under the same open, free-for-all spirit.

Credits

Developed and shared for the CAD community by BGol Community. Website: https://bgol.in/ Free and open-source, use it, modify it, share it, for personal or commercial work alike.