Function Entry: VL-DIRECTORY-FILES

vl-directory-files

Visual LISP File Function

(vl-directory-files [directory [pattern [directories]]])

• directory — optional directory pathname; defaults to the current directory when omitted or nil.
• pattern — optional wildcard pattern; defaults to *.*.
• directories — optional selector:
  • -1 directories only
  • 0 files and directories
  • 1 files only

Lists files in a directory, optionally filtered by pattern and directory/file selection.

List of strings or nil.

Autodesk documents that only the matching names are returned, not full pathnames.

None.

Part of the Visual LISP extension layer, but documented as broadly available across Autodesk desktop and web platforms.

• AutoCAD 2026: documented (per Autodesk reference page).
• AutoCAD 2022, BricsCAD V25 and V26: the directories selector was verified by runtime probe 2026-08-09 — -1 returns directories only and 1 returns files only on every engine, matching the Autodesk signature above.
• Status: verified on both vendors (no longer "presumed compatible").

• [vl-directory-files (AutoLISP)](https://help.autodesk.com/cloudhelp/2025/JPN/AutoCAD-AutoLISP-Reference/files/GUID-C28C0CB0-FBBE-4AA8-BAC4-2FF222772514.htm)
• Runtime probe: alpm tests/verification/verification.lsp (V-6), 2026-08-09.

• Autodesk documents a Unicode/LISPSYS behavior change in AutoCAD 2021.