Command Syntax

EAGLE commands can be entered in different ways:

• with the keyboard as text
• with the mouse by selecting menu items or clicking on icons
• with assigned keys (see ASSIGN command)
• with command files (see SCRIPT command)

Commands and parameters in CAPITAL LETTERS are entered directly (or selected in the command menu with the mouse). For the input there is no difference between small and capital letters.

Parameters in lowercase letters are replaced by names, number values or key words. Example:

Syntax:	GRID grid_size grid_multiple;
Input:	GRID 1 10;

Shorten key words

For command names and other key words, only so many characters must be entered that they clearly differ from other key words.

Alternative Parameters

The sign | means that alternative parameters can be indicated. Example:

Syntax:	SET BEEP ON | OFF;
Input:	SET BEEP ON;
	or
	SET BEEP OFF;

Repetition Points

The signs .. mean that the function can be executed several times or that several parameters of the same type are allowed. Example:

Syntax:	DISPLAY option layer_name..
Input:	DISPLAY TOP PINS VIAS

Coordinates

The sign * normally means that an object has to be selected with the left mouse button at this point in the command. Example:

Syntax:	MOVE * *..
Input:	MOVE
	Mouse click on the first element to be moved
	Mouse click on the target position
	Mouse click on the second element to be moved
	etc.

This example also explains the meaning of the repetition points for commands with mouse clicks.

For the program each mouse click is the input of a coordinate. If coordinates are to be entered as text, the input via the keyboard must be as follows:

(x y)

Any combination of the following modifiers may follow the opening brace in order to simulate a particular key that is held pressed with the "mouse click" or to change the type of coordinates:

>	right mouse button click
A	Alt key
C	Ctrl key
P	Polar coordinates (relative to the mark, x = radius, y = angle in degrees, counterclockwise)
R	Relative coordinates (relative to the mark)
S	Shift key

For example, the input

(CR> 1 2)

As an example for entering coordinates as text let's assume you wish to enter the exact dimensions for board outlines:

GRID 1 MM;
CHANGE LAYER DIMENSION;
WIRE 0 (0 0) (160 0) (160 100) (0 100) (0 0);
GRID LAST;

When entering decimal numbers in the command line of the editor window, you always have to use the dot as the decimal delimiter (as in 12.34), even if the actual system has a different character defined for this (for example the comma).

Semicolon

The semicolon (';') terminates commands. A command needs to be terminated with a semicolon if there fewer than the maximum possible number of options. For example the command

WINDOW;

WINDOW FIT