Creo Mapkey Os Script Example -

Save this as C:\creo_scripts\export_step_processor.bat:

@echo off
REM This script expects one argument: the full path of the exported STEP file
set STEP_FILE=%1

REM Create dated folder (YYYY-MM-DD) set TODAY=%DATE:~10,4%-%DATE:~4,2%-%DATE:~7,2% set TARGET_DIR=C:\STEP_ARCHIVE%TODAY%

if not exist "%TARGET_DIR%" mkdir "%TARGET_DIR%"

REM Move the STEP file move "%STEP_FILE%" "%TARGET_DIR%" > nul

REM Log the action echo %DATE% %TIME% - %STEP_FILE% moved to %TARGET_DIR% >> C:\creo_scripts\export_log.csv

echo Done. exit /b 0

Common failures:

| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Script not running at all | Permissions or path has spaces | Enclose in quotes: system("C:\my scripts\run.bat")system("\"C:\my scripts\run.bat\"") | | Creo freezes | SYSTEM used instead of PROTECT for interactive script | Use PROTECT() | | Variables not passing | Spaces in arguments | In batch, use "%*" or quoted %1 | | Mapkey stops mid-way | A dialog appeared unexpectedly | Use ~ Command ProCmdDoneorProCmdCancel` after the OS call |

Debugging trick: Replace your complex script with a simple logger:

echo %DATE% %TIME% ARG1=%1 ARG2=%2 >> C:\debug.log

If you deploy these scripts to a team of 50 engineers, follow these rules:

Here is a table of powerful combinations:

| Task | Mapkey Action | OS Script Action | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Nightly batch plotting | Open drawing → Print → Close | Batch file loops over all .drw files in a folder | | Revision stamp | Regenerate model | PowerShell reads Windows registry for last login user, writes to Creo parameter via XML | | Cloud backup | After save, call script | Python uploads .prt to AWS S3 or SharePoint | | PDF email dispatch | Export PDF → close | PowerShell compresses and emails to project team | | CAD health check | Run ModelCHECK | Script parses .mrs file and posts to Slack webhook |

Before creating OS mapkeys, you should configure where your scripts live and how Creo handles them.

@echo off
set PART_NUMBER=%1
set REV=%2
set DATE=%DATE:/=-%
set SOURCE_DIR=C:\CREO_EXPORTS
set DEST_DIR=\\SERVER\MANUFACTURING\%PART_NUMBER%

REM Create destination mkdir "%DEST_DIR%" 2>nul

REM Rename and move STEP if exist "%SOURCE_DIR%\current.step" ( copy "%SOURCE_DIR%\current.step" "%DEST_DIR%%PART_NUMBER%R%REV%%DATE%.step" )

REM Rename and move PDF if exist "%SOURCE_DIR%\current.pdf" ( copy "%SOURCE_DIR%\current.pdf" "%DEST_DIR%%PART_NUMBER%R%REV%%DATE%.pdf" )

REM Log it echo %DATE% %TIME% - Released %PART_NUMBER% Rev %REV% >> \SERVER\LOGS\release.log exit /b 0

If you want, I can:

Creo Mapkey OS Script Example: Automating Repetitive Tasks

Creo, a powerful 3D modeling and design software, offers a feature called Mapkey that allows users to create custom keyboard shortcuts and automate repetitive tasks. In this write-up, we'll explore how to create a Mapkey OS script example to streamline your workflow.

What is Mapkey?

Mapkey is a powerful feature in Creo that enables users to create custom keyboard shortcuts, automate tasks, and integrate external applications. It allows users to record and playback a sequence of actions, making it an ideal tool for automating repetitive tasks.

What is an OS Script?

An OS script, short for Operating System script, is a set of instructions that interact with the operating system to perform specific tasks. In the context of Creo Mapkey, an OS script is used to execute a series of commands that interact with the operating system, such as creating directories, copying files, or launching applications.

Creating a Mapkey OS Script Example

Let's create a simple Mapkey OS script example that automates the following tasks:

Step 1: Open Mapkey

To create a new Mapkey, open Creo and navigate to Tools > Mapkey. This will launch the Mapkey dialog box.

Step 2: Create a New Mapkey

In the Mapkey dialog box, click on New to create a new Mapkey. Give your Mapkey a name, such as "Create_Project_Dir".

Step 3: Record the OS Script

In the Mapkey dialog box, select OS Script as the action type. Click on Record to start recording the OS script.

Step 4: Record the Script

Perform the following actions:

Step 5: Stop Recording

Once you've completed the actions, click on Stop to stop recording the OS script.

Step 6: Save the Mapkey

Save the Mapkey by clicking on Save. You can now assign a keyboard shortcut to this Mapkey by clicking on Assign.

Example Code

The resulting OS script code may look like this:

Dim fso
Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
' Create new directory on desktop
Dim desktopPath
desktopPath = Environ$("USERPROFILE") & "\Desktop\Creo_Project"
fso.CreateFolder desktopPath
' Launch Notepad and create new file
Dim notepadPath
notepadPath = "notepad.exe project_notes.txt"
CreateObject("WScript.Shell").Run notepadPath, 1, True
' Copy current date and time into Notepad file
Dim dateTime
dateTime = Now()
Dim fsoFile
Set fsoFile = fso.OpenTextFile(desktopPath & "\project_notes.txt", 8, True)
fsoFile.WriteLine dateTime
fsoFile.Close

Conclusion

In this example, we've created a simple Mapkey OS script that automates repetitive tasks, such as creating a new directory and launching Notepad. By using Mapkey, you can streamline your workflow and increase productivity. You can modify this script to suit your specific needs and automate more complex tasks. Happy scripting!

In PTC Creo, Mapkeys are powerful keyboard shortcuts that record a series of UI actions, but their most advanced feature is the ability to run OS Scripts. This allows you to execute commands directly in your operating system (like Windows CMD or Batch files) without leaving the Creo environment. OS Script Mapkey Example

A common use for an OS script is to launch an external tool or perform a file management task. For instance, you can create a mapkey that opens a calculator or copies a configuration file to your working directory.

Basic Syntax in config.pro:To run a command, the mapkey uses the @SYSTEM prefix. Example: Open Windows Calculator mapkey c @SYSTEM start calc.exe; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard

How it works: When you type c in Creo, it executes the Windows start command to open the calculator. Example: Open Current Working Directory mapkey owd @SYSTEM start explorer . Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard

How it works: This launches Windows Explorer directly to your current Creo working directory. How to Create an OS Script Mapkey

Open the Mapkeys dialog (File > Options > Environment > Mapkey Settings). Click New and define your key sequence (e.g., os). Go to the OS Script tab.

Type your command (e.g., start notepad.exe) into the text area. Click OK and save to your config.pro to make it permanent. Advanced "Interesting" Use Cases

Select a file in assy and run mapkey to "Show file in Windows Explorer"

In PTC Creo, mapkeys are powerful enough to trigger external operations through OS Scripts, allowing you to automate tasks like moving files, launching external analysis tools, or opening specific network folders without leaving the CAD environment. The Core Syntax

To run an operating system command or a script file (like .bat, .vbs, or .exe), you use the @SYSTEM prefix within your mapkey definition.

Basic Syntax:mapkey shortcut @SYSTEM command_or_path_to_script; Example 1: Launching a Batch File

This example shows how to trigger a local batch file that might perform cleanup or file organization. Mapkey Definition:

mapkey run_clean @SYSTEM C:\\scripts\\cleanup_working_dir.bat; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard

Action: When you type run_clean, Creo executes the batch file located at the specified path. creo mapkey os script example

Pro Tip: Use double backslashes (\\) in the file path to ensure Creo correctly parses the directory separators. Example 2: Opening a Project Folder on a Server

Many engineers use mapkeys to quickly jump to the project's "Final Docs" or "Output" folder on a company server. Mapkey Definition:

mapkey .docs @SYSTEM start "" "\\\\your_server\\Projects\\Current_Job\\Docs"; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard

Action: Uses the Windows start command to open a specific network directory in File Explorer.

Why use it: It saves you from manual navigation through deep folder structures every time you need to check a drawing or spec. Example 3: Nested Automation (The "Frankenstein" Example)

For advanced users, you can combine standard Creo actions with OS scripts in a "nested" mapkey to create a seamless workflow. Logic Flow: Step 1: Export model info from Creo.

Step 2: Run an OS script to process that data (e.g., an AutoHotkey script or Python executable).

Step 3: Re-import the results or perform a final Creo action. Example structure in config.pro:

mapkey automation %>export_info; \ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEM start /wait C:\\scripts\\process_data.exe; \ mapkey(continued) %run_import; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard How to Implement OS Scripts

Open Mapkeys Settings: Go to File > Options > Mapkeys Settings.

Create New: Click New and define your shortcut name (e.g., os).

Use the OS Script Tab: Instead of recording keyboard clicks, click the OS Script tab in the Record Mapkey dialog.

Enter Command: Type your command directly into the text area.

Save: Click Save Changed to store it in your config.pro (or mapkeys.pro in Creo 11). Important Tips for OS Scripts

Execution Order: Ensure your OS command ends with a semicolon (;) so Creo knows where the script ends and the next mapkey action begins.

Background Running: Using the start command in Windows allows the script to run in a separate window, often preventing Creo from "freezing" while the script executes.

Case Sensitivity: Remember that while Windows paths aren't case-sensitive, mapkey shortcuts themselves are. If you'd like, I can help you:

Write a specific batch file to go with one of these mapkeys.

Find the exact file path for your config.pro or mapkeys.pro based on your Creo version. Troubleshoot why a path with spaces might be failing. Solved: Script - PTC Community Save this as C:\creo_scripts\export_step_processor


Cause: The script finished execution instantly, or it crashed. Fix: If running a batch file, ensure the last line is pause. This forces the window to stay open so you can read error messages.