This section describes how to pass command line options when starting RoboDK. This section shows some relevant commands that can help you customize how RoboDK starts up.

Command line options can also be passed using the Command function of the API. Check the API documentation to obtain the full list of commands.

Tip: Select Tools-Run Script-ShowCommands to display all 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

Shows debug information in the console and 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.txt

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

-NOUI

Start RoboDK without the User Interface (Window and 3D view). Use this option to run RoboDK headless 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.

-UPDATE=file.apt

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

-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