Creo Mapkey Os Script Example Upd -

Introduction

Creo, formerly known as Pro/ENGINEER, is a powerful 3D modeling software used by engineers and designers to create complex designs. Mapkeys are a feature in Creo that allows users to automate repetitive tasks by creating custom keyboard shortcuts. In this article, we will explore how to create a Mapkey OS script example in Creo.

What is a Mapkey?

A Mapkey is a keyboard shortcut that can be used to automate a series of tasks in Creo. It allows users to record a sequence of actions and assign them to a single key or a combination of keys. Mapkeys can be used to perform tasks such as creating a new part, assembling components, or generating drawings.

What is an OS Script?

An OS script, also known as an Operating System script, is a type of script that interacts with the operating system to perform tasks. In the context of Creo, an OS script is used to execute a series of commands outside of Creo, such as creating a new folder, copying files, or running a batch program.

Creo Mapkey OS Script Example

Here is an example of a Mapkey OS script that creates a new folder and launches a text editor:

Step 1: Create a new Mapkey

  1. Open Creo and go to Tools > Mapkeys.
  2. Click on New to create a new Mapkey.
  3. In the Mapkey dialog box, select OS Script as the Type.
  4. Give the Mapkey a name, such as "CreateNewFolder".

Step 2: Write the OS Script

  1. In the OS Script dialog box, select the Operating System as Windows (or the OS you are using).
  2. Write the following script:
@echo off
mkdir C:\NewFolder
notepad C:\NewFolder\example.txt

This script creates a new folder called "NewFolder" on the C: drive and launches Notepad with a new file called "example.txt".

Step 3: Configure the Mapkey

  1. In the Mapkey dialog box, assign a keyboard shortcut to the Mapkey, such as Ctrl+Shift+N.
  2. Click OK to save the Mapkey.

Step 4: Test the Mapkey

  1. Press the assigned keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+Shift+N).
  2. The OS script will execute, creating a new folder and launching Notepad.

Conclusion

In this article, we have seen how to create a Creo Mapkey OS script example that interacts with the operating system to perform tasks. By using Mapkeys and OS scripts, users can automate repetitive tasks and increase their productivity in Creo. This is just one example of the many possibilities of using Mapkeys and OS scripts in Creo.

Additional Resources

  • PTC Creo Mapkey documentation: [link to PTC website]
  • Creo Mapkey tutorial: [link to tutorial]

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 creo mapkey os script 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"

OS Script mapkey in PTC Creo Parametric allows you to execute external operating system commands (like batch files, Python scripts, or PowerShell) directly from within the Creo environment. Example Syntax You can define an OS Script mapkey manually in your config.pro (or the newer mapkeys.profile in Creo 11) using the PTC Community Code Example: Introduction Creo, formerly known as Pro/ENGINEER, is a

mapkey run_py @MAPKEY_NAMEExecute Python Script;@MAPKEY_LABELPyScript;\ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEMpython "C:\scripts\my_creo_automation.py"; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard How to Create via the UI Instead of manual coding, you can use the OS Script tab in the Mapkeys dialog: Mapkeys Settings and enter your desired shortcut (e.g., Navigate to the tab in the Record Mapkey dialog. Type the command you want the OS to run (e.g., C:\temp\cleanup.bat , then immediately click

Save your changes to your configuration file to keep the mapkey for future sessions. Why use OS Scripts? Automation:

Launch batch files that clean up temporary files in your working directory. External Integration:

Open a project tracker or specific network folder related to the active model. Background Tasks:

Run complex data exports or manipulations using Python or VB API without leaving the Creo window. PTC Community Solved: Script - PTC Community

Portability tips

  • Avoid hard-coded selections (specific datum names may differ). Use generic model datum names or query for the top plane by orientation.
  • Use existence checks: if a parameter exists, skip creation.
  • Save mapkey to a shared mapkey.cnf and import on other workstations via Options > Mapkeys.

Read Creo's BOM (assumes tab-delimited)

with open(bom_file, 'r') as f: lines = f.readlines()

⭐ Overall Rating: 4.5/5 – Extremely useful for advanced automation, but has a learning curve

⚠️ Limitations & Gotchas

  • No native “run script” command – Creo doesn’t have a built-in mapkey command to directly execute .bat or .ps1 files. You often need to use system (if enabled) or a dummy Pro/TOOLKIT registration. Some examples incorrectly imply a direct call — verify before implementing.
  • Security restrictions – Many companies disable system() in Creo for security. If so, OS scripting via mapkeys won’t work without IT approval or a custom toolkit.
  • Debugging is painful – Mapkeys fail silently; OS scripts may run invisibly. Without logging in the script, you won’t know why a step failed. Good examples include logging (e.g., echo %date% %time% >> log.txt).
  • Path handling issues – Relative paths in scripts may break when Creo’s working directory changes. Robust examples use absolute paths or derive paths from $CREO_WORKING_DIR.

The Complete Guide to Creo Mapkeys with OS Scripts

A Mapkey in Creo Parametric is a keyboard macro that records a sequence of commands. While standard mapkeys automate clicks inside the software, OS Script mapkeys allow Creo to interact with the Windows Operating System (or Linux/Unix).

This enables you to:

  • Open external programs (e.g., Calculators, Notepads, specialized calculators).
  • Run batch scripts to automate file handling (renaming, backups).
  • Launch external PDF viewers or image editors.
  • Interact with PDM systems via command line.