APPLOAD

Short answer

The AutoCAD command that opens a dialog for loading .lsp, .fas, .vlx, .arx, or .dll files into the current session.

APPLOAD opens AutoCAD's Load/Unload Applications dialog. From there you can browse to and load any supported plugin type — LISP source (.lsp), compiled LISP (.fas/.vlx), ObjectARX (.arx), or .NET (.dll, equivalent to NETLOAD). APPLOAD also exposes a 'Startup Suite' list — files in the Startup Suite load automatically every time AutoCAD starts, which is the GUI alternative to editing ACAD.lsp.

Related guides

How to Load a LISP Routine in AutoCAD

Three reliable ways to load .lsp, .fas, and .vlx files into AutoCAD, plus how to add them to the Startup Suite so you never reload again.

Related terms

NETLOAD

The AutoCAD command that loads a managed .NET plugin DLL into the running session.

AUTOLOAD

Two related AutoCAD mechanisms for loading plugins on demand: the (autoload) LISP function and the auto-load registry/bundle keys used for .NET DLLs.

AutoLISP

Autodesk's dialect of LISP, built into AutoCAD since 1986, used to write custom commands and automate drawings.