BATCHINS-bgol (Insert Multiple Drawings from a Folder)

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 batch drawing-insertion utilities used in CAD sheet-compilation workflows. 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

BIN ("Batch INsert") automates inserting many separate .dwg files into the current drawing. Point it at a folder, specify a spacing gap, and it inserts every drawing file from that folder in a single row, laid out with consistent gaps between each one, instead of repeating the native INSERT command manually for every file.

How to Use

1. Load BATCHINS-bgol.lsp into your CAD session (drag-and-drop the file onto the drawing window, or use the APPLOAD command).
2. Type BIN at the command line and press Enter.
3. In the file dialog, select any .dwg file inside the folder you want to insert from, the routine uses that file's containing folder as the source.
4. At the Spacing between drawings: prompt, enter the gap you want between each inserted drawing.
5. Every .dwg file found in that folder is inserted into the current drawing in a row, each one offset from the previous by its width plus the specified gap. Inserted blocks are placed on a dedicated layer, BGOL-BIN (colour yellow).

Why Use It

• Efficiency, inserts many drawings in one operation instead of repeating INSERT manually for each file.
• Organization, produces a consistently spaced, structured row layout of the inserted drawings rather than requiring manual positioning of each.
• Flexibility, the spacing interval is fully user-defined, adapting to different drawing sizes or presentation needs.

Where to Use It

• Compiling many individual sheet or section drawings into a single overview/reference drawing for review.
• Batch-assembling a folder of related survey or design drawings (e.g., per-parcel drawings) into one combined file with consistent spacing for comparison or printing.
• Any workflow needing to quickly aggregate multiple external .dwg files into the current drawing without manual, one-by-one insertion.

Notes

• Each drawing is inserted at scale 1:1:1 with 0 rotation; the routine measures each inserted block's bounding-box width to correctly offset the next insertion.
• If a bounding box cannot be determined for a particular insert (rare, depends on drawing content), a fallback width is used so the batch continues without stopping.
• 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.