Enter a name (e.g., ExportAndZip ) and a keyboard shortcut (e.g., EZ ).
A Mapkey OS Script is a specifically defined mapkey in Creo that uses the @SYSTEM command. This command instructs Creo to pause its internal operations, open a command prompt or terminal window, execute a command line or external script, and then resume within Creo. Common Use Cases:
Advanced workflows involve passing data from Creo to external databases. This mapkey copies a parameter value (like a Part Number) to the Windows clipboard, then launches a Python script that reads the clipboard, queries an ERP database, and writes the component details to a local text file for the engineer.
mapkey open_docs @MAPKEY_LABEL Open Project Folder; \ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEMstart "" "\\server\projects\drawings"; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Implementation Tips
If you run a script that stays open (like a persistent CMD window), Creo may "freeze" until that window is closed. Use the start command (e.g., @SYSTEMstart cmd ) to run the process in the background. creo mapkey os script example
That’s where comes in. By using the @SYSTEM command, you can turn Creo into a control center for your entire engineering workflow. What is a Creo OS Script Mapkey?
mapkey my_script @SYSTEMcall $USERPROFILE\\Documents\\automation_tool.bat; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Key Technical Details
In newer versions of Creo (like Creo 11), mapkeys are often stored in mapkeys.pro in \\%appdata%\\PTC\\ProENGINEER\\Wildfire\\.wf settings\\ .
: 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) Enter a name (e
Here is the general workflow to create a mapkey that calls an external command, as detailed by PTC support here . . Go to File > Options > Mapkeys Settings . Click New in the dialog box.
mapkey .bak @MAPKEY_LABEL Backup Session to Zip;\ mapkey(continued) ~Command `ProCmdModelSave` ;\ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEM echo off & set backup_dir=C:\Creo_Backups & \ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEM mkdir %backup_dir% 2>nul & \ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEM "C:\Program Files\7-Zip\7z.exe" a %backup_dir%\backup_%date:~10,4%%date:~4,2%%date:~7,2%.zip *.prt *.asm *.drw; Use code with caution.
Python is ideal for processing text files. This setup reads a saved Creo text report and parses the parameters into a structured CSV log file. Step 1: The Python Script ( log_params.py ) Save this file as C:/creo_scripts/log_params.py .
This mapkey saves the current drawing and then runs a batch file located in your working directory called backup_drawing.bat . Common Use Cases: Advanced workflows involve passing data
: Ensure each line ends with a backslash ( \ ) if the mapkey spans multiple lines. 1. Running a Batch File (.bat)
Engineers frequently need to export a drawing as a PDF and move it to a shared network directory for manufacturing review. This mapkey runs Creo's internal PDF export, then calls a Windows batch script to move the newly created PDF to a dedicated storage folder.
Can be placed at the end of a regular CAD mapkey to "clean up" or "finalize" a task, such as archiving a newly exported PDF. Implementation Tips & Best Practices Path Formatting : Use double backslashes ( ) in the path if editing the config.pro file manually to ensure the system reads them correctly. Legibility : If your OS command has multiple lines, use a backslash (
mapkey .ex1 @MAPKEY_LABEL Test OS Echo;\ mapkey(continued) ~ Command `ProCmdUtilCmdLine` `;`@SYSTEM`cmd.exe /c echo Hello from Creo OS Script! && pause`; Use code with caution.
To edit your config easily:
Using @SYSTEM has security implications.