A Creo Mapkey OS Script allows you to execute external system commands, batch files, or scripts directly from within a Creo Parametric session without minimizing the application. This is achieved using the @SYSTEM directive within your config.pro or mapkeys.pro file. Syntax Overview
The core syntax for calling an external script is:mapkey(continued) @SYSTEM
@SYSTEM: Tells Creo to pass the following text to the operating system's command processor.
Pathing: Use double backslashes (\\) for Windows file paths or single forward slashes (/).
Continuations: Ensure each line ends with a backslash (\) if the mapkey spans multiple lines. 1. Running a Batch File (.bat)
This is the most common method for automating file movements or launching custom enterprise tools.
mapkey run_batch @MAPKEY_LABEL Run Custom Batch; \ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEMC:\\scripts\\my_tool.bat; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
Tip: You can use the start command to run the script in a separate window if you don't want Creo to wait for it to finish. 2. Running a VBScript (.vbs)
VBScripts are often used to manipulate the Windows clipboard or send keystrokes back to Creo.
mapkey vbs_copy @MAPKEY_LABEL Copy Part Name; \ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEMWScript.exe C:\\creostart\\vbs\\get_name.vbs; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 3. Inline OS Commands
You can also run simple one-line commands like deleting temporary files or opening a network folder.
mapkey open_docs @MAPKEY_LABEL Open Project Folder; \ mapkey(continued) @SYSTEMstart "" "\\server\projects\drawings"; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Implementation Tips
Recording via GUI: You can insert OS scripts during creation by going to File > Options > Mapkeys Settings, clicking New, and using the OS Script tab in the Record Mapkey dialog.
Storage: Starting with Creo 11, mapkeys are typically saved in a dedicated mapkeys.pro file rather than config.pro.
Environment Variables: You can use system variables like %temp% or %cd% (current directory) within your scripts to make them more dynamic across different workstations.
Do you need help debugging a specific script or passing variables from Creo to your OS command? To Define a Mapkey - PTC Support Portal
To Define a Mapkey. Fundamentals > User Interface Basics > Working with Mapkey Macros > To Define a Mapkey. To Define a Mapkey. 1.
How to call a external applications using OS script (mapkey)?
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 creo mapkey os script example
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"
A Mapkey is a recorded sequence of Creo commands that can be replayed with a single keystroke or button click. They are stored in a config.pro file.
A basic Mapkey structure:
mapkey $F2 @MAPKEY_LABELExport STEP;~ Command `ProCmdModelSaveAs` ;\
~ Select `file_saveas` `type_option` 1 `STEP`;\
~ Command `ProCmdFileSave` ;
Limitation: Mapkeys cannot perform logical operations (IF/THEN/ELSE), loop, or access system information (date, file count, external databases).
When Creo launches a script, the "Current Working Directory" is NOT your Creo session directory. It is often C:\Program Files\PTC\Creo X.0\bin\.
Fix: Always use absolute paths in your scripts (e.g., C:\Logs\ instead of Logs\). Or, at the top of your batch script, add cd /d "%~dp1" to change to the directory of the file Creo passed.
This is the simplest form of OS scripting.
Goal: Open the Windows Calculator when pressing F3.
mapkey $F3 @SYSTEM calc.exe;
Goal: Open a specific "Notes.txt" file located on your desktop for quick engineering notes.
mapkey $F4 @SYSTEM notepad.exe C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\Notes.txt;
mapkey $F12 @MAPKEY_NAMERelease to MFG;\
~ Command `ProCmdModelSaveAs` ;\
~ Select `file_saveas` `type_option` 1 `STEP`;\
~ Open `file_saveas` `ph_list.Filelist`; \
~ Select `file_saveas` `ph_list.Filelist` 1 `C:\CREO_EXPORTS\current.step`;\
~ Command `ProCmdFileSave` ;\
~ Command `ProCmdPrint` ;\
~ Select `print_dlg` `pdf_export_btn` 1 ;\
~ Activate `print_dlg` `OK` ;\
~ Delay 1 ;\
~ Command `ProCmdUtilSystem` `system("C:\scripts\release_to_manufacturing.bat &model_name &pro_mp_revision")`;\
~ Command `ProCmdFileEraseNotDisp` ;
Note: &model_name and &pro_mp_revision are Creo system parameters. The Mapkey passes them as arguments to the batch file.
If you want, I can:
In Creo Parametric, you can run an file) from a mapkey by using the
command prefix within the mapkey definition. This allows Creo to execute external Windows shell commands directly from your macro. PTC Community Mapkey OS Script Syntax
A typical mapkey that triggers an external script follows this format in your config.pro
mapkey script_test @MAPKEY_NAMEExecute My Script;@MAPKEY_LABELLabel;\ mapkey(continued) @system"C:\scripts\my_batch_file.bat"; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Key Implementation Steps
: This is the trigger that tells Creo to pass the following string to the Operating System's command processor. Quotes and Paths
: Surround your script path with double quotes if it contains spaces. You can also use system variables (e.g., or custom ones like ) if they are defined in your environment. Batch File Behavior
: When the mapkey runs, a temporary OS window may open. To prevent the window from closing immediately so you can see results, include a at the end of your Wait for Finish
: By default, Creo waits for the system command to finish before proceeding to the next mapkey line. PTC Community Example: Open Working Directory in Explorer A Creo Mapkey OS Script allows you to
This common mapkey example opens the current Creo working directory in Windows Explorer:
mapkey owd @MAPKEY_NAMEOpen Working Dir;@MAPKEY_LABELOpen Dir;\ mapkey(continued) @system"start ."; Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard Pro Tips for OS Mapkeys Batch File Location
: Place your scripts in a central, permanent directory (like C:\PTC_Scripts\
) rather than a temporary working folder to ensure the mapkey works in every session. Hidden Execution
: If you want to run a command without the black command prompt window flashing, you may need to call a "launcher" script or use VBScript to run the batch file in hidden mode. Combining Commands
: You can chain Creo commands and OS scripts. For example, a mapkey can export a PDF and then immediately run a script to move or rename that PDF. PTC Community that processes your exported files?
How to call a external applications using OS script (mapkey)?
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What is CREO Mapkey?
CREO Mapkey is a feature in PTC CREO that allows users to create custom keyboard shortcuts, automate repetitive tasks, and streamline their workflow. Mapkey is a powerful tool that enables users to record and playback a sequence of actions, which can be saved and reused.
What is OS Script?
OS Script is a feature in CREO that allows users to automate tasks using scripts written in a programming language, such as Visual Basic Scripting Edition (VBSE) or JavaScript. OS Script provides a way to interact with the CREO application programmatically, enabling automation of complex tasks.
CREO Mapkey OS Script Example:
Here's an example of using CREO Mapkey OS Script to automate a task:
Example: Create a new part in CREO using a Mapkey OS Script
Step 1: Create a new Mapkey
Step 2: Record the OS Script
Step 3: Edit the OS Script
Dim creoApp As Object
Set creoApp = CreateObject(" Creo Parametric.Application")
' Create a new part
creoApp.Documents.Add "Part"
' Set the part name
creoApp.ActiveDoc.Name = "ExamplePart"
Step 4: Save and Run the Mapkey
When you run the Mapkey, it will create a new part in CREO with the name "ExamplePart".
Tips and Variations:
By using CREO Mapkey OS Script, you can automate repetitive tasks, streamline your workflow, and increase productivity.
Master PTC Creo Mapkeys with OS Scripts: A Complete Guide Automating repetitive tasks in PTC Creo often requires going beyond simple button-click recordings. To truly streamline your workflow—like automatically renaming files, moving data to specific folders, or triggering external Python scripts—you need to leverage the power of OS Scripts within Mapkeys.
This guide provides clear examples and best practices for integrating Operating System commands directly into your Creo environment. What is a Creo OS Script Mapkey?
A standard mapkey records internal Creo commands. An OS Script mapkey uses the @SYSTEM syntax to "break out" of Creo and execute commands in the Windows Command Prompt (CMD) or shell environment. The Basic Syntax
In your config.pro file, an OS-based mapkey looks like this: mapkey example @SYSTEMstart notepad.exe; Use code with caution. mapkey: Initiates the definition. example: The shortcut keys you press.
@SYSTEM: Tells Creo to send the following text to the Operating System. ;: Ends the mapkey sequence. Example 1: Open the Current Working Directory
One of the most useful scripts is a "one-touch" button to open the folder where your current files are saved. The Mapkey: mapkey .fod @SYSTEMexplorer . ; Use code with caution.
How it works: explorer . tells Windows to open File Explorer at the current relative path (the dot represents "here").
Why use it: Saves you from navigating through deep server directory trees manually. Example 2: Run a Python Script for Batch Renaming
If you have a Python script that processes exported CSVs or renames STEP files, you can trigger it without leaving the Creo interface. The Mapkey: mapkey .py @SYSTEMpython C:\scripts\process_data.py; Use code with caution.
Pro Tip: Ensure python is in your Windows Environment Path so Creo can find the executable. Example 3: Create a "Purge" Shortcut
Creo creates version numbers for every save (e.g., part.prt.1, part.prt.2). While Creo has a purge command, many users prefer the classic OS-level batch purge. The Mapkey: mapkey .pur @SYSTEMpurge; Use code with caution.
(Note: This requires the PTC purge.exe utility to be in your system path, which is standard in most installations.) Example 4: Advanced Scripting with Arguments
You can chain commands or call complex batch files (.bat or .cmd). This is useful for pushing files to a backup server. The Mapkey: mapkey .bak @SYSTEMC:\scripts\backup_tool.bat; Use code with caution. The backup_tool.bat Content:
@echo off mkdir "C:\Backup\%DATE%" copy *.prt* "C:\Backup\%DATE%\" echo Backup Complete! pause Use code with caution. Critical Tips for Success
Use the Mapkey Editor: While you can type these into config.pro, it is safer to use the Mapkey Dialog in Creo. When recording, choose "OS Script" from the "OS Command" tab.
Avoid Blocking: 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.
Pathing Issues: If your file paths contain spaces, you must use double quotes. However, because config.pro also uses quotes, you often need to escape them or use a batch file as a middleman.
The "Pause" Command: If your script runs and disappears too fast to see errors, add pause to the end of your .bat file so the window stays open for troubleshooting. Conclusion
Integrating OS scripts into your Creo mapkeys transforms the software from a CAD tool into a fully integrated engineering workstation. Start with a simple folder shortcut and gradually move toward complex automation with Python or Batch scripts.
Cause: Focus is on a text input field. Fix: Click on the empty 3D graphics area (Model Tree works too) to remove focus from text boxes, then press the mapkey. Goal: Open a specific "Notes