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.
: Write a script that monitors Creo's trail file (which logs all user actions). When it sees a specific sequence of commands (like "Volume, Date and Time, Date and Time"), it can extract the current model name from the trail file and act on it.
Open the dialog (File > Options > Environment > Mapkey Settings). Click New and define your key sequence (e.g., os ). Go to the OS Script tab. creo mapkey os script example
Integrating OS scripts into Creo mapkeys opens up a world of automation possibilities, from simple file management to complex data processing pipelines. By mastering the @SYSTEM directive, understanding path escaping, and using creative workarounds for data passing, you can build automation that significantly reduces manual effort and error.
In the world of parametric CAD, time is the ultimate currency. For engineers and designers using PTC Creo Parametric, repetitive tasks—such as setting configurations, exporting neutral files, or running regenerations—can consume hundreds of hours annually. While Creo’s native (macro recorder) are powerful, their true potential is only unleashed when integrated with Operating System (OS) scripting (e.g., Windows Batch, PowerShell, or Python). Here is the general workflow to create a
To bridge this gap, you can embed Operating System (OS) scripts directly inside a Creo mapkey. This allows you to launch external batch files, execute Python programs, manipulate files, and automate complex workflows with a single keystroke.
The key to integrating OS scripts lies in the @SYSTEM directive. When a mapkey contains a line starting with @SYSTEM , Creo executes the specified command or script just as if you had typed it into a command prompt. Control then returns to Creo after the external process finishes. The OS Script tab in the Record Mapkey dialog box provides an interface specifically for this purpose, allowing you to run OS scripts without minimizing Creo or placing it in the background. Click New in the dialog box
mapkey bk @MAPKEY_LABEL Run OS Backup Script;\ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEM mkdir C:\\Backup_Models;\ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEM copy *.prt.* C:\\Backup_Models; Use code with caution. Step 2: Understand the Code
mapkey m01 @MAPKEY_NAME背景白;\ mapkey(continued) @MAPKEY_LABEL背景白;\ mapkey(continued) ~ Command `ProCmdRibbonOptionsDlg`;\ mapkey(continued) ~ Select `ribbon_options_dialog` `PageSwitcherPageList` 1 `colors_layouts`;\ mapkey(continued) ~ Open `ribbon_options_dialog` `colors_layouts.Color_scheme_optMenu`;\ mapkey(continued) ~ Close `ribbon_options_dialog` `colors_layouts.Color_scheme_optMenu`;\ mapkey(continued) ~ Select `ribbon_options_dialog` `colors_layouts.Color_scheme_optMenu` 1 `0`;\ mapkey(continued) ~ Activate `ribbon_options_dialog` `OkPshBtn`;
mapkey my_script @MAPKEY_NAMERun OS Script;\ ~ Command `ProCmdSessionCustomRibbon` ;\ ~ Command `ProCmdUtilSystem` `system("C:\scripts\export_and_rename.bat")`;
~ Command 'ProCmdModelSave' ; Before running an OS script that interacts with files, you must ensure the latest version is written to the disk. 2. The @SYSTEM Trigger