This section describes the command line options available when RoboDK is started. Command line options can also be passed using the Command function of the API.

This section shows some relevant commands that can help you customize how RoboDK starts up. Select Tools-Run Script-ShowCommands to display additional commands you can use when starting RoboDK.

The following call represents a generic call to RoboDK with some arguments:

RoboDK.exe -[option1] -[option2] open_fileA -[option3] open_fileB ...

All file formats supported by RoboDK can be provided as arguments. Including the following formats:

● RDK ➔ RoboDK station file: This file holds a whole project in one file, including any dependencies (robots, tools, NC files, …).

● robot ➔ Robot file: Loading a robot file will also create a reference frame for that robot.

● tool ➔ Tool file: Automatically attached to the last robot added.

● stl/wrl/step/stp/iges/igs/sld ➔ Object (3D geometry): Objects can easily be converted to tools.

● apt/gcode/cnc ➔ NC program file: RoboDK automatically prepares a milling project (Utilities➔Milling Project).

Tip: Robot machining files such as NC files will be automatically linked to the active reference frame and tool reference frame in the RoboDK station. You will find some examples to load NC files for robot machining in the BAT files here: C:/RoboDK/Other/Plugin-Mecsoft.

Note: It is possible to start RoboDK from the API by passing some arguments. Example using the Python API:

RDK = Robolink(args='-ADDFRAME "-RENAME=Main Ref " load_object.stl')

The following list shows some of the available command line Options:

-NOSPLASH

Removes the RoboDK splash image on start.

-HIDDEN

Starts RoboDK hidden. You will need to use the API to show RoboDK.

-NEWINSTANCE

Force starting a new instance of RoboDK.

-PORT=20501

Force the API communication through the given port (TCP/IP protocol). Default port is 20500.

-EXIT_LAST_COM

Close RoboDK when there are no more instances communicating with the RoboDK API.

-DEBUG

Creates a RoboDK.debug.txt file in the bin folder that allows debugging the application.

-SKIPINI

Skip custom user settings.

-SKIPMAINT

Skip maintenance renewal popups. One month before the maintenance expires, RoboDK may show a blocking popup on startup to renew the license. This parameter allows you to mute this warning.

-SETTINGS=filepath

Loads the arguments from a text file. Each line of that text file is considered as a one single argument.

-NOSHOW

Hides all windows while RoboDK is loading files and updating programs.

-NO_WINDOWS

Hides all windows that are usually shown automatically when loading an NC file.

-NOUI

Start RoboDK without the User Interface (Window and 3D view). Use this option to run RoboDK in the background using the API. If you show RoboDK you won’t be able to see the 3D view.

-TREE_STATE=-1

Don’t show the station tree.

-TREE_STATE=6

Show the station tree docked on the left side of the window and opaque.

-ADDFRAME

Adds a new reference frame. Any new objects loaded will be placed in this reference frame.

-RESET

Forces that if a new object is loaded it will be placed at the station reference frame (not the last added frame).

-RENAME=Name

Changes the name of the last reference frame or object that was added.

-MOVE=x;y;z;rx;ry;rz

Moves the last reference frame that was added (in mm and degrees).

-UPDATE_APT=YES

Will override any robot machining projects that have the same APT file

-UPDATE_APT=NO

Does not override any robot machining projects (will create duplicate projects if there is a name match).

-UPDATE=file.apt

Loads or updates the APT file and generates the robot program if there are no issues.

-REPLACE_ITEMS=YES

Updates existing tools and objects when new files are loaded and there is a name match.

-REPLACE_ITEMS=NO

Never overrides tools and objects when new files are loaded.

-SETCOLOR=blue

Set the color of the last loaded object (object, tool, robot or mechanism). The color can be a named color or a hexadecimal color (such as #RRGGBBAA, example: #88112288).

Note: It is not possible to select objects with more than 50% transparency using a single click.

-AUTOGEN_MAINPROG=Prog

Generates a main program that calls the programs linked to loaded APT files sequentially.

-SELECTTOOL=#1

Set the first robot tool (or corresponding number) available as the active tool (the tool used when a new program is loaded).

-SELECTTOOL=”tool name”

Select the active tool using a name match.

-ADDCUTTER=length|path/cutter name.stl

Addcutter allows adding the geometry of a cutter with respect to a tool holder. A cutter is treated as a tool in RoboDK, holding the geometry of the cutter. The geometry of the cutter must be an STL file (ASCII or binary) with the origin at the tip of the tool. The length must be given in mm with respect to the tool holder (the positive Z axis of the tool holder must point outside).

-SELECTCUTTER=”cutter name”

Selectcutter has the same effect as SELECTTOOL, cutters are treated as tools.

-SHOW

Shows the RoboDK window. This is automatically done when all files have been loaded and machining projects have been updated.

Using one of the following options will alter the visibility provoked by the -SHOW command.

-QUIT

Exits the program if there are no error messages.

-END

Exits the program even if there are any error messages.

Command Line Options