Autodesk AutoCAD AutoCAD LT - 2012 Customization Guide

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AutoCAD LT 2012

Customization Guide

February 2011

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THIS PUBLICATION AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS MADE AVAILABLE BY AUTODESK, INC. "AS IS." AUTODESK, INC. DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE REGARDING THESE MATERIALS.

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Chapter 1 Basic Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Overview of Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Organize Program and Support Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Overview of File Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Multiple Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Multiple Drawing Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Locate Customized Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Locate Plot Style Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Locate Plotter Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Locate the PMP File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Locate Support Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Locate Drawing Template Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Customize a Publish to Web Template . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Create Command Aliases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Overview of Linetype Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Simple Custom Linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Text in Custom Linetypes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Overview of Hatch Pattern Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Hatch Patterns with Dashed Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

iii

Hatch Patterns with Multiple Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Chapter 4 User Interface Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Understand User Interface Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Overview of the Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Use the Customization Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Overview of the Customize User Interface (CUI)

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Work with the Customizations In Pane . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Work with the Command List Pane . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Work with the Dynamic Display Pane . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

How Customization Has Changed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Customization Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Work with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor . . . . . . . . . . 58

Create a Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Create User Interface Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Create a Quick Access Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Customize the Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Create a Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Create a Pull-Down Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Create a Shortcut Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Customize Shortcut Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Create a Double Click Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Create a Mouse Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Create and Modify Workspaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Create a Workspace from the User Interface . . . . . . . . . 70

Create a Workspace with the CUI Editor . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Create and Manage Customization Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Basics of Customization Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Create and Load a Partial CUIx File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Create an Enterprise CUIx File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Find and Replace Commands and Text in a CUIx File . . . . . . . 85

Customize Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Overview of Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Create, Edit, and Reuse Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Create Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Overview of Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Use Special Control Characters in Macros . . . . . . . . . . 104

Pause for User Input in Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Provide International Support in Macros . . . . . . . . . . 108

Repeat Commands in Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Use Single Object Selection Mode in Macros . . . . . . . . 110

Use Macros to Swap User Interface Elements . . . . . . . . 110

Use Conditional Expressions in Macros . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Control the Display of Command Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Assign Search Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

iv | Contents

Create Tooltips and Extended Help for Commands . . . . . . . . 122

Create Status Line Help Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Create and Manage Images for Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Assign Images to a Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Create Custom Images for Commands . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Manage, Import, and Export Custom Images . . . . . . . . 134

Customize User Interface Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Quick Access Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Ribbon Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Ribbon Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Ribbon Contextual Tab States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Create and Edit Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Add Flyouts to a Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

Add, Remove or Switch Toolbar Controls . . . . . . . . . . 207

Pull-down and Shortcut Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

Overview of Pull-Down and Shortcut Menus . . . . . . . . 212

Create a Pull-Down Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

Create a Shortcut Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

Create Submenus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

Reference Pull-Down or Shortcut Menus . . . . . . . . . . 229

Swap and Insert Pull-Down Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

Quick Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

Rollover Tooltips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

Keyboard Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

Shortcut Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

Temporary Override Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

Double Click Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

Overview of Double Click Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

Double Click Action Object Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266

Examples of Double Click Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268

Mouse Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269

Overview of Mouse Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270

Accept Coordinate Entry in Button Menus . . . . . . . . . 271

Legacy Interface Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

Create Tablet Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

Customize Tablet Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

Create Image Tile Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275

Customize Workspaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

Overview of Workspace Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280

Control User Interface Elements Outside the CUI Editor . . . . . 293

Control User Interface Elements in the CUI Editor . . . . . . . . 296

Control the Appearance of Palettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

Transfer and Migrate Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315

Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318

Contents | v

Chapter 5 DIESEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

Customize the Status Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323

Overview of the MODEMACRO System Variable . . . . . . . . . 323

Set MODEMACRO Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324

DIESEL Expressions in Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326

Catalog of DIESEL Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328

+ (addition) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329

- (subtraction) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329

* (multiplication) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329

/ (division) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330

= (equal to) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330

< (less than) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

> (greater than) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

!= (not equal to) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

<= (less than or equal to) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332

>= (greater than or equal to) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332

and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

angtos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

edtime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334

eq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

eval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

fix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

getenv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

getvar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

if . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338

nth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338

or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

rtos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

strlen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

substr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340

upper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340

xor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341

DIESEL Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341

Chapter 6 Slides and Command Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

Create Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

Overview of Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343

View Slides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345

Create and View Slide Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346

Create Command Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348

Overview of Command Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348

Run Scripts at Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350

Run Slide Shows from Scripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352

vi | Contents

Chapter 7 Migrate and Transfer Custom Settings and Files . . . . . . . . 355

Migrate Custom Settings and Files from Previous Releases . . . . . . . 355

Migration Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356

Determine How to Migrate Custom Settings . . . . . . . . . . . 357

Migrate Custom Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358

View the Migration Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364

Reset Settings to Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

Export and Import Custom Settings from the Same Release . . . . . . 367

Export Custom Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368

Import Custom Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369

Migration and Customization FAQs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371

What is a drawing template file? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371

How do I modify drawing templates at a later time? . . . . . . . 371

What are the benefits of customizing AutoCAD LT? . . . . . . . 371

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373

Contents | vii

viii

Basic Customization

Your dealer can offer you independently developed applications that can further tailor AutoCAD LT to your needs.

Overview of Customization

AutoCAD LT can be customized in simple ways. For example, you can change the directory structure or create a custom title block to use on a layout. If you want to change the interface further, you can edit the CUIx file and use DIESEL statements to create custom commands.

The list that follows is arranged from least to most complex:

■ Organize files. You can organize program, support, and drawing files. For

example, you can make a separate folder for each project that includes only the support files that project needs.

■ Customize Tool Palettes. You can create a tool by dragging objects from

your drawing onto a tool palette. You can create a tool palette by right-clicking on the Tool Palettes title bar and selecting New Palette. For information about customizing tool palettes, see “Customize Tool Palettes” in the User's Guide.

■ Create custom drawing templates (DWTs). You can create custom drawing

templates to use when creating a new drawing. Drawing templates are used to store the layers, blocks, and styles that you might use across all your drawings.

■ Create custom publishing templates. Use templates to define common

parameters when you publish a drawing using the Publish to Web wizard.

■ Define command aliases. You can define simple abbreviations, or aliases,

for frequently used commands from within AutoCAD LT by adding the

command to the PGP file acadlt.pgp. For example, you might want to start the BLOCK command by entering b.

■ Create custom linetypes and hatch patterns. You can create linetypes and

hatch patterns that conform to your company standards and working methods.

■ Customize the user interface. The CUIx file controls many aspects of the

user interface, including the behavior of your pointing device buttons and the functionality and appearance of pull-down, tablet, and image tile menus, toolbars, and accelerator keys. You can edit or create a CUIx file to add commands or combine commands and assign them to a menu, toolbar, or other location.

■ Customize the status line. You can use the DIESEL string expression

language and the MODEMACRO system variable to provide additional information at the status line, such as the date and time or system variable settings.

■ Automate repetitive tasks by writing scripts. A script is an ASCII text file

containing commands that are processed like a batch file when you run the script. For example, if a set of drawings needs to be plotted a certain way, you can write a script that opens each drawing, hides and displays various layers, and issues PLOT commands. You can use scripts with slides to create automated presentations like those used at trade shows. A slide is a “snapshot” of the drawing area that cannot be edited. Slides can also be used in image tile menus and dialog boxes.

See also:

■ “Organize Program and Support Files”

■ “Toolbars”

■ “Customize a Publish to Web Template”

■ “Create Command Aliases”

■ “Custom Linetypes”

■ “Custom Hatch Patterns”

■ “User Interface Customization”

■ “DIESEL”

■ “Customize the Status Line”

2 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

■ “Slides and Command ScriptsCommand Scripts”

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

CUSTOMIZE

Customizes tool palettes and tool palette groups.

System Variables

TOOLTIPS

Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements.

Organize Program and Support Files

You can change the default directory structure for the program and support files to suit your needs.

Overview of File Organization

See also:

■ “Specify Search Paths and File Locations” in the User's Guide

AutoCAD LT uses support files for purposes such as storing customization definitions, loading AutoLISP and ObjectARX applications, and describing text fonts.

AutoCAD LT® uses support files for purposes such as storing customization definitions and describing text fonts.

The default directory structure for the AutoCAD LT program and support files is designed to efficiently organize those files into logical groups. If this organization does not suit your needs, you can change it. However, some applications look for certain files in specific locations, and you should verify

Organize Program and Support Files | 3

that your modifications do not conflict with the requirements of those applications. Without the full path, including drive and directory, AutoCAD LT can locate only those files that are found in the library search path.

NOTE The location of the support folder changed in AutoCAD 2004.

The location of local customizable files is stored in the LOCALROOTPREFIX system variable. The location of roamable customizable files is stored in the ROAMABLEROOTPREFIX system variable. If a network supports roaming, customizable files in the user's roaming profile are available on the machine the user is logged onto.

Library Search Path

The library search path specifies where the program searches for files when you do not specify a full path name, as follows:

■ Current directory. (This is typically determined by the “Start In” setting

in your shortcut icon.)

■ Directory that contains the current drawing file.

■ Directories listed in the search path specified on the Files tab in OPTIONS.

(See Specify Search Paths and File Locations in the User's Guide.)

■ Directory that contains the AutoCAD LT program files.

Depending on the current environment, two or more directories may be the same.

If a file is not in this search path, you must specify both its path name and file name before AutoCAD LT can find it. For example, if you want to insert the part5.dwg drawing into your current drawing and it is not in the library search path, you must specify its full path name, as shown here:

Command: insert Enter block name or [?]: /files2/olddwgs/part5

If the drawing exists in that location, AutoCAD LT prompts you to finish the INSERT command in the usual manner.

Directory Structure

AutoCAD LT uses tree-structured directories and subdirectories. It is recommended that you keep supplemental files (such as third-party applications and customization files) separate from the AutoCAD LT program

4 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

and support files. This makes it easier to track possible conflicts and to upgrade each application without affecting the others.

You can create a new directory on the same level as the main AutoCAD LT directory and store any customization files or third-party applications in subdirectories on the next level.

If you want to store drawings by job, you can create a third directory on the same level. Subdirectories for each job could contain drawing files and a subdirectory for related support files.

Command Search Procedure

When you enter a command, AutoCAD LT goes through a series of steps to evaluate the validity of the command name. A command can be a built-in command or system variable or an alias defined in the acadlt.pgp file. Commands can also be defined by a device driver command. You can enter a command on the command prompt or choose a command from the appropriate menu. Commands can also be entered from a script file.

The following list describes the search order AutoCAD LT uses to validate a command name.

1 If the input is a null response (SPACEBAR or ENTER), AutoCAD LT uses

the name of the last command issued. HELP is the default.

2 AutoCAD LT checks the command name against the list of built-in

commands. If the command is in the list and is not preceded by a period (.), AutoCAD LT then checks the command against a list of undefined commands. If the command is undefined, the search continues. Otherwise, the command is run, unless another reason prevents it from doing so. Running it transparently or in Perspective mode might be impossible.

3 AutoCAD LT checks the command name against the names of commands

defined by a device driver, and then by those defined by the display driver.

4 AutoCAD LT checks the command name against the list of system

variables. If the command name is in the list, AutoCAD LT executes the SETVAR command, using the input as the variable name.

5 If the command name corresponds to a command alias defined in the

program parameters file, AutoCAD LT uses the expanded command name and continues the search, starting a new search against the list of built-in commands.

Overview of File Organization | 5

6 If all the preceding steps fail, the search terminates with a warning

message about illegal command names.

Quick Reference

Commands

OPTIONS

Customizes the program settings.

System Variables

LOCALROOTPREFIX

Stores the full path to the root folder where local customizable files were installed.

ROAMABLEROOTPREFIX

Stores the full path to the root folder where roamable customizable files were installed.

Multiple Configurations

See also:

■ “Customize Startup” in the User's Guide

If you use more than one pointing device or use different plotters, you can set up more than one configuration file to make it easy to switch between devices.

When you configure AutoCAD LT for a pointing device and plotter drivers, the information you supply is recorded in a configuration file.

Typically, only a single configuration is necessary, but you may need multiple configurations. For example, if you use a mouse for most of your work but occasionally require a large digitizing tablet, you can set up your system to handle multiple configurations rather than reconfiguring each time you change a device.

The configuration file stores the values of many AutoCAD LT system variables and the configuration options defined in the Options dialog box. If you want different settings for these system variables and operating parameters, you

6 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

can save those values to different configuration files. For a list of the system variables and where they are stored, see System Variables in the Command Reference.

To take advantage of multiple configurations, you must set up AutoCAD LT to use different configuration files. Use the /c switch to specify alternative configuration files at startup.

Quick Reference

Commands

OPTIONS

Customizes the program settings.

Multiple Drawing Folders

Keeping your drawing and other associated files in separate directories makes it easier to perform basic file maintenance.

Keeping your drawing files and other associated files in separate directories makes it easier to perform basic file maintenance. The scenario described in this topic is based on the sample directory structure described in Overview of

File Organization on page 3, but you can expand or alter it to meet your

needs.

You can set up the /AcltJobs directory to contain your drawing subdirectories. The drawing subdirectories can contain other subdirectories that hold related support files for that particular drawing type or job. The /AcltJobs/Job1/Support directory can contain blocks and other files specific to the drawing files in /AcltJobs/Job1. Specifying support (with no path prefix) in the Support path adds the support directory within the current directory to the Support path.

Notice that if you use the Options dialog box to specify a directory, AutoCAD LT creates a hard-coded path to that directory. To use the relative naming convention previously described, you must specify the Support path with the /s switch on the command line. See “Customize Startup” in the User's Guide.

To make sure that the required drawing directory is the current directory when you start AutoCAD LT, and that all files and subdirectories in that directory are easily accessible, you can create a program icon or a Start menu item that specifies the correct working directory for each job. This functionality works only if you set the AutoCAD LT system variable REMEMBERFOLDERS to 0.

Multiple Drawing Folders | 7

You can use a batch program to create new job directories automatically. The following batch program verifies that a specified directory exists, sets that directory to be current, and then runs AutoCAD LT.

@echo off

if exist \AcltJobs\Jobs\%1 goto RUNACLT

echo.

echo *** Creating \AcltJobs\Jobs\%1

echo *** Press Ctrl+C to cancel.

echo.

pause

mkdir \AcltJobs\Jobs\%1

:RUNACAD

cd \AcltJobs\Jobs\%1

start “C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD LT 2012\acadlt.exe”

Using an ASCII text editor (such as Notepad), save the batch program to a file named acadlt.bat. Be sure to change the drive and directory names to match those on your system.

Place this file in a directory that is on your system search path (for example, C:\winnt). You can run this batch program using the Run command on the Start menu or by double-clicking the file in Explorer. If you saved the file as acadlt.bat, use the following syntax:

acadlt jobname

where jobname is the name of the job directory to make current.

Quick Reference

Locate Customized Files

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the location of some of your customized files has changed. The reasons for the file location changes include the following:

■ Limited user rights on a workstation. You can run AutoCAD LT as a limited

user. This means that you no longer need power user or Administrator permissions to run AutoCAD LT once it is installed.

■ Local profiles. Local profiles are used to log on a computer and they store

settings and files that are not available when roaming. Some files, such as materials and drawing templates are stored under your local profile because of their size, they do not follow you from computer to computer.

8 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

■ Roaming profiles. Roaming profiles allow you to log on to any computer

within a network and retain your user settings. Some files, such as your personal settings and documents, follow you from computer to computer. If roaming profiles are allowed on your network, your “roamable” files are located in the \Application Data\Autodesk\<Product Version> folder, and your “nonroamable” files are located in the \Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\<Product Version> folder.

NOTE In some operating systems, the folders that are located under your profile are hidden by default. To display these files, you may need to change your display settings. On the Start menu, click Control Panel ➤ Folder Options. In the Folder Options dialog box, on the View tab, click Show Hidden Files and Folders.

Locate Plot Style Files

Beginning with the AutoCAD 2004, the default location of your plot style files has changed. For information about the default location of these files, see

Locate Customized Files on page 8.

To locate your plot style files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Printer Support File Path.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of the Plot Style Table Search Path file.

5 Under Plot Style Table Search Path, click the path name to view the

location of your plot style files.

NOTE You can also locate your plot style files by entering stylesmanager on the AutoCAD LT command line.

Locate Customized Files | 9

Locate Plotter Files

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the default location of your plotter files has changed. For information about the default location of these files, see Locate

Customized Files on page 8.

To locate your plotter files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Printer Support File Path.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Printer Configuration Search Path.

5 Under Printer Configuration Search Path, click the path name to view

the location of your plotter files.

NOTE You can also locate your plotter files by entering plottermanager on the AutoCAD LT command line.

Locate the PMP File

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the default location of your PMP file has changed. For information about the default location of this file, see Locate

Customized Files on page 8.

To locate your PMP file

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

10 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Printer Support File Path.

4 Under Printer Description File Search Path, click the path name to view

the location of your PMP file.

Locate Support Files

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the default location for some of your support files has changed. For information about the default location of these files, see Locate Customized Files on page 8.

Support files include the following:

■ Customization file (acadlt.cuix)

■ Custom icon files

■ Help and miscellaneous files

■ Font mapping file (acadlt.fmp)

■ Alternate font file (simplex.shx)

■ Support path files (acadlt.dcl, acadlt.lin, acadlt.pat, acadlt.pgp, acadlt.psf,

acadlt.unt, acadltiso.lin, acadltiso.pat, gdt.shx, inches.pss, and mm.pss)

To find the default location of the customization files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Customization Files.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Main Customization File.

Locate Customized Files | 11

5 Under Main Customization File, click the path name to view the location

of your main customization file.

6 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Enterprise Customization File.

7 Under Enterprise Customization File, click the path name to view the

location of your enterprise customization files.

NOTE By default, the path to an enterprise customization file is empty until you define the file. For more information about defining a customization file, see “Customize the User Interface” in the Customization Guide.

To find the default location of the custom icon files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Customization Files.

4 Under Custom Icon Location, click the path name to view the location

for the custom button image files used with your customization files.

To find the default location of the Help and miscellaneous files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Help and Miscellaneous File Names to expand the list.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of the file you want to locate, and then

click the path name to view the location of the files.

12 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

To find the default location of the font mapping file

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Text Editor, Dictionary, and Font File Names.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Font Mapping File.

5 Under Font Mapping File, click the path name to view the location of

your font mapping file.

To find the default location of the alternate font file

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Text Editor, Dictionary, and Font File Names.

4 Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Alternate Font File.

5 Under Alternate Font File, click the path name to view the location of

your alternate font file.

To find the default location of the support path files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

Locate Customized Files | 13

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Support File Search Path.

4 Under Support File Search Path, click a path name to view the location

of your support files.

Locate Drawing Template Files

Beginning with AutoCAD 2004, the default location of your drawing template files has changed. For information about the default location of these files, see Locate Customized Files on page 8.

To locate your drawing template files

1 Do one of the following:

■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤

<AutoCAD LT> ➤ <AutoCAD LT>.

2 Click application menu ➤ Options.

3 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) to the left of

Template Settings.

4 Under Template Settings, click the plus sign (+) to the left of Drawing

Template File Location.

5 Under Drawing Template File Location, click the path name to view the

location of your drawing template files.

Customize a Publish to Web Template

You can create customized templates to use in the Publish to Web wizard by modifying one of the Publish to Web template (PWT) files provided. Use any HTML editor or text editor.

To create a custom template, add or modify any of the following elements:

■ Images

14 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

■ Text

■ Hyperlinks

■ Color

■ Title

■ Video, animation, and so on

There are four default Publish to Web templates that you can customize:

■ Array of Thumbnails. Creates a web page containing an array of thumbnail

images.

■ Array Plus Summary. Creates a web page containing an array of thumbnail

images and summary information about each image.

■ List of Drawings. Creates a web page containing a list of drawings and an

image frame.

■ List Plus Summary. Creates a web page containing a list of drawings, an

image frame, and summary information about a selected image.

NOTE You must be familiar with HTML syntax to customize the Publish to Web templates.

You can make changes or additions to the look and feel of a template, but you cannot change the arrangement of images within it. For example, in the Array of Thumbnails template, the images are presented across the page in rows. You cannot alter the presentation of the images, but you can wrap text and graphics around the table of images.

WARNING To ensure that you do not overwrite the default Publish to Web template files, back up those files before you make any changes to them.

To create quick access to the Publish to Web templates

1 Click Tools menu ➤ Options.

2 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) next to

Template Settings. Then click the plus sign next to Drawing Template File Location.

3 Move the cursor to the path name that is displayed and click inside it,

and press F2, and press CTRL+C to copy it.

Customize a Publish to Web Template | 15

4 Click OK or Cancel to close the Options dialog box.

5 Click File menu ➤ Open.

6 In the Select File dialog box, right-click an empty area in the vertical

panel on the left side, and click Add on the shortcut menu.

7 Enter a name in the Item name box (for example, Templates).

8 Press CTRL+V to paste the path into the Item Path box, and click OK.

You can now access the Template folders by clicking the button in the left panel of the Select File dialog box.

To customize a Publish to Web template

1 Browse to the Publish to Web template folder, click File menu ➤ Open.

See To create quick access to the Publish to Web templates on page 15.

2 Double-click the PTWTemplates folder to open it. The following folders

are displayed. Each contains a Publish to Web template and preview images (BMP) that you see when you run the Publish to Web wizard.

■ Template1. Contains the Array of Thumbnails template and a preview

image

■ Template2. Contains the Array Plus Summary template, a preview image,

and HTML frames

■ Template3. Contains the List of Drawings template, a preview image,

and HTML frames

■ Template4. Contains the List Plus Summary template, a preview image,

and HTML frames

3 Right-click the folder you want to use, and click Copy.

4 Press ALT+2, right-click the PTWTemplates folder, and click Paste.

5 Reopen the PTWTemplates folder, and right-click the new folder and

rename it.

6 Right-click the new folder and click Open to display its contents.

7 Rename the Publish to Web template (PWT) file with an .htm or .html file

extension.

8 Open the template file in an HTML editor or a text editor.

16 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

The template file contains comments that help you determine which areas of the code you can modify to create your new web page.

9 Review the comments and make changes to the parts of the template

you want to customize.

10 Save the template with a .pwt file extension. Make sure you save the file

to the template folder you created in step 3.

NOTE Each template folder can contain only one PWT file. If you create a new PWT file, make sure you delete any other PWT files that exist in the same folder.

When you run the Publish to Web wizard, the new template is displayed in the list of templates.

Quick Reference

Commands

PUBLISHTOWEB

Creates HTML pages that include images of selected drawings.

Create Command Aliases

A command alias is an abbreviation that you enter at the command prompt instead of entering the entire command name.

For example, you can enter c instead of circle to start the CIRCLE command. An alias is not the same as a keyboard shortcut, which is a combination of keystrokes, such as CTRL+S for SAVE.

The acadlt.pgp file defines command aliases. You can change existing aliases or add new ones by editing acadlt.pgp in an ASCII text editor (such as Notepad). In addition to command aliases in acad.pgp, you will also find comment lines which are preceded by a semicolon (;). Comment lines allow you to add textual information to acad.pgp, such as when or who revised the file last.

NOTE Before you edit acadlt.pgp, create a backup so that you can restore it later, if necessary.

Create Command Aliases | 17

To define a command alias, add a line to the acadlt.pgp file using the following syntax:

abbreviation,*command

where abbreviation is the command alias that you enter at the command prompt and command is the command being abbreviated. You must enter an asterisk (*) before the command name to identify the line as a command alias definition.

If you can enter a command transparently, you can also enter its alias transparently. When you enter the command alias, the full command name is displayed at the command prompt and the command is executed.

You can create command aliases that include the special hyphen (-) prefix, such as those listed here, that accesses the version of a command that displays command prompts instead of a dialog box.

BH, *-BHATCH

BD, *-BOUNDARY

NOTE You cannot use command aliases in command scripts. Using command aliases in menu files is not recommended.

If you edit acadlt.pgp while AutoCAD LT is running, enter reinit in order to use the revised file. Restarting AutoCAD LT automatically reloads the file.

To open the program parameters file (acadlt.pgp)

■ Click Tools ➤ Customize ➤ Edit Program Parameters (acadlt.pgp)

Quick Reference

Commands

REINIT

Reinitializes the digitizer, digitizer input/output port, and program parameters file.

System Variables

RE-INIT

Reinitializes the digitizer, digitizer port, and acad.pgp file.

18 | Chapter 1 Basic Customization

Custom Linetypes

AutoCAD LT® provides a library of standard linetypes in the acadlt.lin and acadltiso.lin files. You can use the linetypes as they are, modify them, or create your own custom linetypes.

Overview of Linetype Definitions

Linetypes are defined in one or more linetype definition files that have a .lin file extension.

The linetype name and definition determine the particular dash-dot sequence, the relative lengths of dashes and blank spaces, and the characteristics of any included text or shapes. You can use any of the standard linetypes that AutoCAD LT provides, or you can create your own linetypes.

examples of linetypes

A LIN file can contain definitions of many simple and complex linetypes. You can add new linetypes to an existing LIN file, or you can create your own LIN file. To create or modify linetype definitions, edit the LIN file using a text editor or word processor or use LINETYPE at the command prompt.

When you create a linetype, you must load the linetype before you can use it.

The LIN files included in AutoCAD LT are acadlt.lin and acadltiso.lin. You can display or print these text files to better understand how to construct linetypes.

Quick Reference

Commands

LINETYPE

Loads, sets, and modifies linetypes.

System Variables

MEASUREINIT

Controls whether a drawing you start from scratch uses imperial or metric default settings.

Simple Custom Linetypes

Each linetype is defined on two lines in a linetype definition file. The first line contains the linetype name and an optional description. The second line is the code that defines the actual linetype pattern.

The second line must begin with the letter A (alignment), followed by a list of pattern descriptors that define pen-up lengths (spaces), pen-down lengths (dashes), and dots. You can include comments in an LIN file by beginning the line with a semicolon (;).

Linetype Definition Format

The format of the linetype definition is

*linetype_name,description

A,descriptor1,descriptor2, ...

For example, a linetype called DASHDOT is defined as

*DASHDOT,Dash dot __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __

A,.5,-.25,0,-.25

This indicates a repeating pattern starting with a dash 0.5 drawing units long, a space 0.25 drawing units long, a dot, and another space 0.25 drawing units long. This pattern continues for the length of the line, ending with a dash 0.5 drawing units long. The linetype would be displayed as shown below.

__ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __ . __

LIN files must be saved in ASCII format and use an .lin file extension. Additional information about each field in a linetype definition follows.

20 | Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes

Linetype Name

The linetype name field begins with an asterisk (*) and should provide a unique, descriptive name for the linetype.

Description

The description of the linetype should help you visualize the linetype when you edit the LIN file. The description is also displayed in the Linetype Manager and in the Load or Reload Linetypes dialog box.

The description is optional and can include

■ A simple representation of the linetype pattern using ASCII text

■ An expanded description of the linetype

■ A comment such as "Use this linetype for hidden lines"

If you omit the description, do not insert a comma after the linetype name. A description cannot exceed 47 characters.

Alignment Field (A)

The alignment field specifies the action for pattern alignment at the ends of individual lines, circles, and arcs. Currently, AutoCAD LT supports only A-type alignment, which guarantees that the endpoints of lines and arcs start and stop with a dash.

For example, suppose you create a linetype called CENTRAL that displays the repeating dash-dot sequence commonly used as a centerline. AutoCAD LT adjusts the dash-dot sequence on an individual line so that dashes and line endpoints coincide. The pattern fits the line so that at least half of the first dash begins and ends the line. If necessary, the first and last dashes are lengthened. If a line is too short to hold even one dash-dot sequence, AutoCAD LT draws a continuous line between the endpoints. For arcs also, the pattern is adjusted so that dashes are drawn at the endpoints. Circles do not have endpoints, but AutoCAD LT adjusts the dash-dot sequence to provide a reasonable display.

You must specify A-type alignment by entering a in the alignment field.

Simple Custom Linetypes | 21

Pattern Descriptors

Each pattern descriptor field specifies the length of segments making up the linetype, separated by commas (no spaces are allowed):

■ A positive decimal number denotes a pen-down (dash) segment of that

length.

■ A negative decimal number denotes a pen-up (space) segment of that

length.

■ A dash length of 0 draws a dot.

You can enter up to 12 dash-length specifications per linetype, provided they fit on one 80-character line in the LIN file. You need to include only one complete repetition of the linetype pattern defined by pattern descriptors. When the linetype is drawn, AutoCAD LT uses the first pattern descriptor for the starting and ending dashes. Between the starting and ending dashes, the pattern dash specifications are drawn sequentially, beginning with the second dash specification and restarting the pattern with the first dash specification when required.

A-type alignment requires that the first dash length be 0 or greater (a pen-down segment). The second dash length should be less than 0 if you need a pen-up segment and more than 0 if you are creating a continuous linetype. You must have at least two dash specifications for A-type alignment.

To create a simple linetype from the Command prompt

1 At the command prompt, enter -linetype.

2 Enter c (Create).

3 Enter a name for the linetype and press Enter.

The linetype name can include up to 255 characters. Linetype names can contain letters, digits, and the special characters dollar sign ($), hyphen (-), and underscore (_). Linetype names cannot include blank spaces.

4 In the Create or Append Linetype File dialog box, select an LIN linetype

library file from the File Name box and click Save.

If you select an existing file, the new linetype name is added to the linetype names in the file.

5 Enter text that describes the new linetype (optional).

22 | Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes

6 At the Enter Pattern prompt, specify the pattern of the line. Follow these

guidelines:

■ All linetypes must begin with a dash.

■ Enter zeros for dots.

■ Enter negative real numbers for spaces. The value defines the length

of the space in drawing units.

■ Enter positive real numbers for dashes. The value defines the length

of the dash in drawing units.

■ Separate each dot, dash, or space value from the next with a comma.

■ Use a space between a dot and a dash.

7 Press Enter to end the command.

NOTE When you create a linetype, it is not loaded into your drawing automatically.

Use the Load option of LINETYPE.

To add a simple linetype to a LIN file

1 Open the acadlt.lin or acadltiso.lin file in a text editor that saves in ASCII

format.

2 Create a header line that includes an asterisk and a linetype pattern name.

The name of the linetype pattern is limited to 31 characters.

3 (Optional) To include a description in the header line, follow the linetype

pattern name with a comma and description text.

4 Create a descriptor line that includes:

■ All linetypes must begin with a dash.

■ Enter zeros for dots.

■ Enter negative real numbers for spaces. The value defines the length

of the space in drawing units.

■ Enter positive real numbers for dashes. The value defines the length

of the dash in drawing units.

■ Separate each dot, dash, or space value from the next with a comma.

■ Use a space between a dot and a dash.

Simple Custom Linetypes | 23

Quick Reference

Commands

LINETYPE

Loads, sets, and modifies linetypes.

System Variables

MEASUREINIT

Controls whether a drawing you start from scratch uses imperial or metric default settings.

Text in Custom Linetypes

Characters from text fonts can be included in linetypes.

Characters from text fonts can be included in linetypes. Linetypes with embedded characters can denote utilities, boundaries, contours, and so on. As with simple linetypes, lines are dynamically drawn as you specify the vertices. Characters embedded in lines are always displayed completely; they are never trimmed.

Embedded text characters are associated with a text style in the drawing. Any text styles associated with a linetype must exist in the drawing before you load the linetype.

The format for linetypes that include embedded characters is similar to that for simple linetypes in that it is a list of pattern descriptors separated by commas.

Character Descriptor Format

The format for adding text characters in a linetype description is as follows:

["text",textstylename,scale,rotation,xoffset,yoffset]

This format is added as a descriptor to a simple linetype. For example, a linetype called HOT_WATER_SUPPLY is defined as

*HOT_WATER_SUPPLY,---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ----

A,.5,-.2,["HW",STANDARD,S=.1,U=0.0,X=-0.1,Y=-.05],-.2

This indicates a repeating pattern starting with a dash 0.5 drawing units long, a space 0.2 drawing units long, the characters HW with some scale and placement parameters, and another space 0.2 drawing units long. The text

24 | Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes

characters come from the text font assigned to the STANDARD text style at a scale of 0.1, an upright rotation of 0 degrees, an X offset of -0.1, and a Y offset of -0.05. This pattern continues for the length of the line, ending with a dash

0.5 drawing units long. The linetype would be displayed as shown below.

Notice that the total upstroke length is 0.2 + 0.2 = 0.4 and that the text origin is offset -.01 units in the X direction from the end of the first upstroke. An equivalent linetype would be

*HOT_WATER_SUPPLY,---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ---- HW ----

A,.5,-.1,["HW",STANDARD,S=.1,U=0.0,X=0.0,Y=-.05],-.3

The total upstroke is still 0.1 + 0.3 = 0.4, but the text origin is not offset in the X direction.

Additional information about each field in the character descriptor follows. The values to be used are signed decimal numbers such as 1, -17, and 0.01.

text The characters to be used in the linetype.

text style name The name of the text style to be used. If no text style is

specified, AutoCAD LT uses the currently defined style.

scale S=value. The scale factor to be used for the text style relative to the scale of the linetype. The height of the text style is multiplied by the scale factor. If the height is 0, the value for S=value alone is used as the height.

rotation U=value, R=value, or A=value. U= specifies upright or easy-to-read text. R= specifies relative or tangential rotation with respect to the line. A= specifies absolute rotation of the text with respect to the origin; that is, all text has the same rotation regardless of its position relative to the line. The value can be appended with a d for degrees (degrees is the default value), r for radians, or g for grads. If rotation is omitted, 0 relative rotation is used.

Rotation is centered between the baseline and the nominal cap height.

Text in Custom Linetypes | 25

NOTE Drawings containing legacy linetypes that do not use the U (upright) rotation flag can be updated to the latest linetype definition by reloading the linetype from the LIN files. Custom linetypes can be updated by changing the R (rotation) flag to the U (upright) flag prior to reloading a linetype definition. For information on loading a linetype, see Load Linetypes.

xoffset X=value. The shift of the text on the X axis of the linetype, which is along the line. If xoffset is omitted or is 0, the text is elaborated with no offset. Use this field to control the distance between the text and the previous pen-up or pen-down stroke. This value is not scaled by the scale factor defined by S=value, but it is scaled to the linetype.

yoffset Y=value. The shift of the text in the Y axis of the linetype, which is at a 90-degree angle to the line. If yoffset is omitted or is 0, the text is elaborated with no offset. Use this field to control the vertical alignment of the text with respect to the line. This value is not scaled by the scale factor defined by

S=value, but it is scaled to the linetype.

To include text characters in linetypes

1 Create a simple linetype, as described in To add a simple linetype to a

LIN file on page 23.

2 Add the text character descriptor within the linetype pattern, using the

following format:

["text",textstylename,scale,rotation,xoffset,yoffset]

Quick Reference

Commands

LINETYPE

Loads, sets, and modifies linetypes.

System Variables

MEASUREINIT

Controls whether a drawing you start from scratch uses imperial or metric default settings.

26 | Chapter 2 Custom Linetypes

Custom Hatch Patterns

AutoCAD LT® provides a library of standard hatch patterns in the acadlt.pat and acadltiso.pat files. You can use the hatch patterns as they are, modify them, or create your own custom hatch patterns.

Overview of Hatch Pattern Definitions

In addition to using the predefined hatch patterns that are supplied, you can design and create your own custom hatch patterns.

In addition to using the predefined hatch patterns that are supplied, you can design and create your own custom hatch patterns. Developing a hatch pattern definition requires knowledge, practice, and patience. Because customizing hatches requires familiarity with hatch patterns, it is not recommended for new users.

The hatch patterns supplied by AutoCAD LT are stored in the acadlt.pat and acadltiso.pat text files. You can add hatch pattern definitions to this file or create your own files.

Regardless of where the definition is stored, a custom hatch pattern has the same format. It has a header line with a name, which begins with an asterisk and is no more than 31 characters long, and an optional description:

*pattern-name, description

It also has one or more line descriptors of the following form:

angle, x-origin,y-origin, delta-x,delta-y,dash-1,dash-2, …

The default hatch pattern ANSI31 shown in the Boundary Hatch and Fill dialog box looks like this:

and is defined as follows:

*ANSI31, ANSI Iron, Brick, Stone masonry

45, 0,0, 0,.125

The pattern name on the first line, *ANSI31, is followed by a description: ANSI

Iron, Brick, Stone masonry. This simple pattern definition specifies a line

drawn at an angle of 45 degrees, that the first line of the family of hatch lines is to pass through the drawing origin (0,0), and that the spacing between hatch lines of the family is to be 0.125 drawing units.

Hatch pattern definitions follow these rules:

■ Each line in a pattern definition can contain up to 80 characters. You can

include letters, numbers, and the special characters underline (_), hyphen (-), and dollar sign ($). However, you must begin a pattern definition with a letter or number, not a special character.

■ AutoCAD LT ignores both blank lines and text to the right of a semicolon.

■ Each pattern line is considered to be the first member of a line family,

created by applying the delta offsets in both directions to generate an infinite family of parallel lines.

■ The delta-x value indicates the displacement between members of the

family in the direction of the line. It is used only for dashed lines.

■ The delta-y value indicates the spacing between members of the family;

that is, it is measured perpendicular to the lines.

■ A line is considered to be of infinite length. A dash pattern is superimposed

on the line.

NOTE A blank line must be placed after the last hatch pattern definition in a PAT file. If a blank line is not placed after the last hatch pattern definition, the last hatch pattern definition will not be accessible when creating a hatch fill.

The process of hatching consists of expanding each line in the pattern definition to its infinite family of parallel lines. All selected objects are checked for intersections with any of these lines; any intersections cause the hatch lines to be turned on and off as governed by the hatching style. Each family

28 | Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns

of hatch lines is generated parallel to an initial line with an absolute origin to guarantee proper alignment.

If you create a very dense hatch, AutoCAD LT may reject the hatch and display a message indicating that the hatch scale is too small or its dash length too short. You can change the maximum number of hatch lines by setting the MaxHatch environment variable using SETENV and entering a number between 100 and 10000000 (ten million).

NOTE When changing the value of MaxHatch, you must enter MaxHatch with the capitalization as shown.

To create a simple hatch pattern

1 Open the acadlt.pat or acadltiso.pat file in a text editor that saves in ASCII

format.

2 Create a header line that includes an asterisk and a pattern name. The

name of the hatch pattern is limited to 31 characters.

3 (Optional) To include a description in the header line, follow the pattern

name with a comma and description text.

4 Create a descriptor line that includes

■ An angle at which the line is drawn

■ An X,Y origin point

■ A delta-x of 0

■ A delta-y of any value

Quick Reference

Commands

ADCENTER

Manages and inserts content such as blocks, xrefs, and hatch patterns.

FILL

Controls the filling of objects such as hatches, 2D solids, and wide polylines.

Overview of Hatch Pattern Definitions | 29

HATCH

Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern, solid fill, or gradient fill.

HATCHEDIT

Modifies an existing hatch or fill.

SOLID

Creates solid-filled triangles and quadrilaterals.

System Variables

FILLMODE

Specifies whether hatches and fills, 2D solids, and wide polylines are filled in.

HPANG

Sets the angle for new hatch patterns.

HPBOUND

Controls the object type created by HATCH and BOUNDARY.

HPDOUBLE

Specifies hatch pattern doubling for user-defined patterns.

HPNAME

Sets the default hatch pattern name.

HPSCALE

Sets the hatch pattern scale factor.

HPSPACE

Sets the hatch pattern line spacing for user-defined patterns.

Hatch Patterns with Dashed Lines

To define dashed-line patterns, you append dash-length items to the end of the line definition item.

To define dashed-line patterns, you append dash-length items to the end of the line definition item. Each dash-length item specifies the length of a segment making up the line. If the length is positive, a pen-down segment is

30 | Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns

drawn. If the length is negative, the segment is pen-up, and it is not drawn. The pattern starts at the origin point with the first segment and cycles through the segments in circular fashion. A dash length of 0 draws a dot. You can specify up to six dash lengths per pattern line.

The hatch pattern ANSI33, shown on the Hatch contextual ribbon tab or in the Hatch and Gradient dialog box, looks like this:

and is defined as follows:

*ANSI33, ANSI Bronze, Brass, Copper

45, .176776695,0, 0,.25, .125,-.0625

For example, to modify a pattern for 45-degree lines to draw dashed lines with a dash length of 0.5 units and a space between dashes of 0.5 units, the line definition would be

*DASH45, Dashed lines at 45 degrees

45, 0,0, 0,.5, .5,-.5

This is the same as the 45-degree pattern shown in Overview of Hatch Pattern

Definitions on page 27, but with a dash specification added to the end. The

pen-down length is 0.5 units, and the pen-up length is 0.5, meeting the stated objectives. If you wanted to draw a 0.5-unit dash, a 0.25-unit space, a dot, and a 0.25-unit space before the next dash, the definition would be

*DDOT45,Dash-dot-dash pattern: 45 degrees

45, 0,0, 0,.5, .5,-.25, 0,-.25

The following example shows the effect of delta-x specifications on dashed-line families. First, consider the following definition:

*GOSTAK

0, 0,0, 0,.5, .5,-.5

This draws a family of lines separated by 0.5, with each line broken equally into dashes and spaces. Because delta-x is zero, the dashes in each family member line up. An area hatched with this pattern would look like this:

Hatch Patterns with Dashed Lines | 31

Now change the pattern to

*SKEWED

0, 0,0, .5,.5, .5,-.5

It is the same, except that you have set delta-x to 0.5. This offsets each successive family member by 0.5 in the direction of the line (in this case, parallel to the X axis). Because the lines are infinite, the dash pattern slides down the specified amount. The hatched area would look like this:

To create a hatch pattern with dashed lines

1 Open the acadlt.pat or acadltiso.pat file in a text editor that saves in ASCII

format.

2 Create a header line that includes an asterisk and a pattern name. The

name of the hatch pattern is limited to 31 characters.

3 (Optional) To include a description in the header line, follow the pattern

name with a comma and description text.

4 Create a descriptor line that includes

■ An angle at which the line is drawn

■ An X,Y origin point

■ A delta-x of any value if you want to offset alternating lines in the

line family

■ A delta-y of any value

■ A value for a dash length

■ A value for a dot length

■ An optional second value for a different dash length

■ An optional second value for a different dot length

32 | Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns

Quick Reference

Commands

ADCENTER

Manages and inserts content such as blocks, xrefs, and hatch patterns.

FILL

Controls the filling of objects such as hatches, 2D solids, and wide polylines.

HATCH

Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern, solid fill, or gradient fill.

HATCHEDIT

Modifies an existing hatch or fill.

SOLID

Creates solid-filled triangles and quadrilaterals.

System Variables

FILLMODE

Specifies whether hatches and fills, 2D solids, and wide polylines are filled in.

HPANG

Sets the angle for new hatch patterns.

HPBOUND

Controls the object type created by HATCH and BOUNDARY.

HPDOUBLE

Specifies hatch pattern doubling for user-defined patterns.

HPNAME

Sets the default hatch pattern name.

HPSCALE

Sets the hatch pattern scale factor.

Hatch Patterns with Dashed Lines | 33

HPSPACE

Sets the hatch pattern line spacing for user-defined patterns.

Hatch Patterns with Multiple Lines

Complex hatch patterns can have an origin that passes through offsets from the origin and can have multiple members in the line family.

Not all hatch patterns use origin points of 0,0. Complex hatch patterns can have an origin that passes through offsets from the origin and can have multiple members in the line family. In composing more complex patterns, you need to carefully specify the starting point, offsets, and dash pattern of each line family to form the hatch pattern correctly.

The hatch pattern AR-B816 shown on the Hatch contextual ribbon tab or in the Hatch and Gradient dialog box looks like this:

and is defined as follows with multiple lines describing the pattern:

*AR-B816, 8x16 Block elevation stretcher bond

0, 0,0, 0,8

90, 0,0, 8,8, 8,-8

The following figure illustrates a squared-off, inverted-U pattern (one line up, one over, and one down). The pattern repeats every one unit, and each unit is 0.5 high and wide.

This pattern would be defined as follows:

*IUS,Inverted U's

90, 0,0, 0,1, .5,-.5

0, 0,.5, 0,1, .5,-.5

270, .5,.5, 0,1, .5,-.5

34 | Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns

The first line (the up bar) is a simple dashed line with 0,0 origin. The second line (the top bar) should begin at the end of the up bar, so its origin is 0,.5. The third line (the down bar) must start at the end of the top bar, which is at .5,.5 for the first instance of the pattern, so its origin is at this point. The third line of the pattern could be the following:

90, .5,0, 0,1, .5,-.5

270, .5,1, 0,1, -.5,.5

The dashed pattern starts at the origin points and continues in the vector direction given by the angle specification. Therefore, two dashed-line families that are opposed 180 degrees are not alike. Two solid-line families are alike.

The following pattern creates six-pointed stars.

This example can help you refine your skills at pattern definition. (Hint: 0.866 is the sine of 60 degrees.)

The following is the AutoCAD LT definition of this pattern:

*STARS,Star of David

0, 0,0, 0,.866, .5,-.5

60, 0,0, 0,.866, .5,-.5

120, .25,.433, 0,.866, .5,-.5

To create a hatch pattern with multiple lines

1 Open the acadlt.pat or acadltiso.pat file in a text editor that saves in ASCII

format.

2 Create a header line that includes an asterisk and a pattern name. The

name of the hatch pattern is limited to 31 characters.

3 (Optional) To include a description in the header line, follow the pattern

name with a comma and description text.

4 Create a descriptor line that includes

■ An angle at which the line is drawn

Hatch Patterns with Multiple Lines | 35

■ An X,Y origin point

■ A delta-x of any value if you want to offset alternating lines in the line

family

■ A delta-y of any value

■ A value for a dash length

■ A value for a dot length

■ An optional second value for a different dash length

■ An optional second value for a different dot length

5 Create a second line including all the parameters in the previous step.

6 (Optional) Create additional lines to complete the multiple-line hatch

pattern.

Quick Reference

Commands

ADCENTER

Manages and inserts content such as blocks, xrefs, and hatch patterns.

FILL

Controls the filling of objects such as hatches, 2D solids, and wide polylines.

HATCH

Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern, solid fill, or gradient fill.

HATCHEDIT

Modifies an existing hatch or fill.

SOLID

Creates solid-filled triangles and quadrilaterals.

36 | Chapter 3 Custom Hatch Patterns

System Variables

FILLMODE

Specifies whether hatches and fills, 2D solids, and wide polylines are filled in.

HPANG

Sets the angle for new hatch patterns.

HPBOUND

Controls the object type created by HATCH and BOUNDARY.

HPDOUBLE

Specifies hatch pattern doubling for user-defined patterns.

HPNAME

Sets the default hatch pattern name.

HPSCALE

Sets the hatch pattern scale factor.

HPSPACE

Sets the hatch pattern line spacing for user-defined patterns.

Hatch Patterns with Multiple Lines | 37

User Interface Customization

When you work in the program, you use a variety of ribbon panels, menus, toolbars, shortcut keys, and other user interface elements to help you accomplish your tasks efficiently. You can also streamline your environment by customizing these elements.

Understand User Interface Customization

Using the customization tools of AutoCAD LT, you can tailor your drawing environment to suit your needs. Customization capabilities, including the customize (CUIx) file format and the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, help you to easily create and modify customized content.

Overview of the Customization

Customization of the user interface is done by modifying the XML-based CUIx file with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. The XML-based CUIx file replaces the customization and menu files from releases prior to AutoCAD LT

2012. Instead of using a text editor to customize menu files (MNU and MNS files) used in release prior to AutoCAD 2006, you customize the user interface from within AutoCAD LT. You can

■ Add or change toolbars, menus, and ribbon panels (including shortcut

menus, image tile menus, and tablet menus)

■ Add and modify the commands on the Quick Access toolbar

■ Create or change workspaces

■ Assign commands to various user interface elements

■ Create or change macros

■ Define DIESEL strings

■ Create or change aliases

■ Add descriptive text for command tooltips

■ Control the properties displayed when using rollover tooltips

Customizable User Interface Elements

The editor allows you to create and manage commands that are used in the CUIx file in a centralized location. Along with commands, you are able to customize many of the different user interface elements. From the CUI Editor you can customize

■ Double click actions

■ Legacy user interface elements (tablets, tablet buttons, and image tile

menus)

■ Mouse buttons

■ Pull-down menus

■ Quick Access toolbar

■ Quick properties

■ Toolbars

■ Ribbon panels

■ Ribbon tabs

■ Ribbon contextual tab states

■ Rollover tooltips

■ Shortcut keys

■ Shortcut menus

■ Temporary override keys

■ Workspaces

40 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

CUIEXPORT

Exports customized settings from the main CUIx file to an enterprise or partial CUIx file.

CUIIMPORT

Imports customized settings from an enterprise or partial CUIx file to the main CUIx file.

CUILOAD

Loads a CUIx file.

CUIUNLOAD

Unloads a CUIx file.

QUICKCUI

Displays the Customize User Interface Editor in a collapsed state.

System Variables

DBLCLKEDIT

Controls the double click editing behavior in the drawing area.

TOOLTIPS

Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements.

Use the Customization Environment

You customize the XML-based CUIx file with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor to create new commands, user interface elements, and workspaces.

Use the Customization Environment | 41

Overview of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor

The Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor is used to customize the user interface of AutoCAD LT. Before you start customizing your own menus, toolbars, and other user interface elements, you should familiarize yourself with the customization environment.

To open the Customize User Interface Editor, click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. Once the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor is opened, view the contents of the loaded customization files by expanding the elements in the tree structure, and view the properties of the elements by selecting them.

Select the Transfer tab to see how to migrate or transfer customizations; select the Customize tab to see how to create or modify user interface elements.

Once you are familiar with the environment, you can start to take advantage of the capabilities of the tools. For more information about the improved customization capabilities, see How Customization Has Changed on page 48.

Following is an example of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, Customize tab. You use this tab to customize interface elements in CUIx files.

42 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Customize the user interface to make the drawing environment specific to certain types of tasks. For example, if you want a toolbar that contains the commands you use most often, you can create a new Favorites toolbar in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor and then load the new toolbar in AutoCAD LT.

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

CUIEXPORT

Exports customized settings from the main CUIx file to an enterprise or partial CUIx file.

Use the Customization Environment | 43

CUIIMPORT

Imports customized settings from an enterprise or partial CUIx file to the main CUIx file.

CUILOAD

Loads a CUIx file.

CUIUNLOAD

Unloads a CUIx file.

QUICKCUI

Displays the Customize User Interface Editor in a collapsed state.

System Variables

DBLCLKEDIT

Controls the double click editing behavior in the drawing area.

TOOLTIPS

Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements.

Work with the Customizations In Pane

The Customizations In pane is used to navigate the different user interface elements that are in the loaded customization files.

In this pane, you create and modify user interface elements such as workspaces, toolbars, and menus. Along the top of the pane you will find tools that load partial customization files into the main customization file, save changes to the loaded customization files, and control how you view the loaded customization files.

The tree view is used to create new user interface elements such as toolbars and menus. Once a new user interface element is created, commands can then be added by dragging them from the Command List pane. Along with being able to create user interface elements and add commands to a user interface element, you can change the order in which commands appear on toolbars, menus, and ribbon panels by dragging them up and down.

44 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

Work with the Command List Pane

The Command List pane is used to create and locate commands that are contained in the loaded customization files.

Use the Create a New Command button to create a new custom command in the CUIx file that is listed in the Customization File drop-down list at the top of the Customizations In <file name> pane. A command must be created before it can be associated with a user interface element in the Customizations In <file name> pane.

Next to the Create a New Command button is the Find Command or Text button. The Find Command or Text button displays the Find and Replace dialog box, where you can search for or replace text strings in the Command List pane only.

The Categories drop-down list near the top of the Command List pane contains a listing of preset categories used to filter the commands displayed in the Command list box. There are many different categories that you can select from, for example

■ All Commands. Displays all of the commands for each of the loaded

customization files.

Use the Customization Environment | 45

■ Custom Commands. Displays the user defined commands that have been

added to the loaded customization files. These commands are not part of a customization file that ships with AutoCAD LT.

■ Controls Elements. Displays the special controls that can be added to a

toolbar or ribbon panel, such as drop-down lists, sliders, and other controls.

Available commands and controls are displayed in the bottom of the Command List pane. The names of the available commands, the image that is assigned to a command, and the name of the customization group that the command is assigned to are displayed. When the cursor hovers over top of a command, the macro assigned to the command is displayed in a tooltip.

At the top of the Command List pane is the Command Filter field which allows you to filter the Command list based on the text string entered. The text string is matched with any part of a command name, and the commands with the matching text strings are displayed in the Command list box.

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

Work with the Dynamic Display Pane

The Dynamic Display pane controls the display of additional panes that respond to the item that is selected in either the Customizations In pane or Command List pane.

46 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Based on the item selected, one or more of the following panes will be displayed:

■ Button Image

■ Information

■ Panel Preview

■ Properties

■ Quick Properties

■ Shortcuts

■ Toolbar Preview

■ Workspace Contents

Use the Customization Environment | 47

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

How Customization Has Changed

Although the basic customization techniques remain the same as in previous versions of the product, the environment that you use to customize the product was changed starting with AutoCAD 2006.

All of the previous customization options are still available. You are still able to create, edit, and delete interface elements; you can create partial customization files; you can use macros and DIESEL expressions.

However, you no longer perform customization tasks by creating or editing MNU or MNS text files by hand. All customizations are done through the program interface, in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor.

Menu Files Versus Customization Files

In releases prior to AutoCAD 2006, you customized the user interface by editing an MNU or MNS file in an ASCII text editor such as Notepad. You manually entered and verified customization data in the text file, which could be a tedious and error-prone process. As a result, a simple syntax error (such as mismatched parentheses) in the text file could invalidate the entire menu file, leading you back to the text file to investigate where you made the error.

With the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, you drag a command to a menu or toolbar or right-click to add, delete, or modify a user interface element. The Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor displays element properties and a list of options to choose from. This prevents you from creating syntax errors or spelling mistakes that may have occurred when you manually entered text in an MNU or MNS file.

The MNU and MNS files used in the past have been replaced with just one file type, the XML-based CUIx file. CUIx is the successor to the CUI file format which was introduced in AutoCAD 2006.

The XML-based format of the CUIx file allows the product to track customizations. When upgrading to a future version of the program, all of your customizations are automatically integrated into the new release. The XML format also supports a backward-compatible customization file. This

48 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

means that you can view a CUIx file from a future version in the previous release while preserving the customization data from the future version. However, you cannot modify the future version's CUIx file in the previous release. For more information about migrating customization data, see Transfer

and Migrate Customization on page 315.

The following table lists the menu files that previously shipped with the product and shows how those files are mapped to AutoCAD LT 2012.

Menu files mapped to CUIx files

MNU

MNS

DescriptionMenu file

Description of changeIn AutoCAD LT 2012

CUIxASCII text file. In previous re-

leases, defined most user inter-

automatically loaded when you started the product. Partial MNU files could be loaded or unloaded as you needed them during a drawing session.

CUIxSource menu file. Was the

same as the MNU ASCII text

ments or special formatting. acadlt.cuix, is automatically

An XML file that defines

most user interface ele-

ments. The main CUIx file,face elements. The main

acadlt.cuix, is automaticallyMNU file, aclt.mnu, was

loaded when you start the

product.

Partial CUIx files can be

loaded or unloaded as you

need them during a drawing

session.

An XML file that defines

most user interface ele-

ments. The main CUIx file,file but did not contain com-

loaded when you start the

product.

Partial CUIx files can be

loaded or unloaded as you

need them during a drawing

session.

MNC

Compiled ASCII text file. Contained command strings

of user interface elements. loaded when you start the

CUI x

An XML file that defines

most user interface ele-

ments. The main CUIx file,and syntax that defined the

acadlt.cuix, is automaticallyfunctionality and appearance

product.

Partial CUIx files can be

loaded or unloaded as you

How Customization Has Changed | 49

Menu files mapped to CUIx files

DescriptionMenu file

MNR

the bitmaps that are used by the user interface elements.

Menu Text File Structure Versus CUI and CUIx Structure

In releases prior to AutoCAD 2006, you added, edited, and deleted menu information directly in a text file. In AutoCAD 2006 and later, you use the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor.

Following is an example of how the Window menu looked in the legacy menu file aclt.mnu.

Contents of the Window menu in aclt.mnu

DescriptionWindow menu

***POP10

**WINDOW

ID_MnWindow [&Window] ID_DWG_CLOSE [Cl&ose]^C^C_close ID_WINDOW_CLOSEALL [C&lose All]^C^C_closeall [--] ID_WINDOW_CASCADE [&Cascade]^C^C_syswindows;_cascade ID_WINDOW_TILE_HORZ [Tile &Horizontally]^C^C_syswindows;_hor ID_WINDOW_TILE_VERT [&Tile Vertically]^C^C_syswindows;_vert ID_WINDOW_ARRANGE [&Arrange Icons]^C^C_syswindows;_arrange

CAD LT

Description of changeIn Auto-

2012

need them during a drawing session.

No change.MNRMenu resource file. Contains

Compare the menu data above with the same menu data as it is displayed in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, in the tree view.

50 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

For a more detailed comparison, following are examples of the Window menu properties, Close command properties, Close All command properties, and the Window shortcut menu that is displayed with the Insert Separator option.

Window menu Properties pane

Window menu, Properties pane for the Close command

Window menu, Properties pane for the Close All command

How Customization Has Changed | 51

Window menu tree node, shortcut menu displayed with Insert Separator option

Menu Group Versus Customization Group

There is no difference between a menu group (the term used in previous releases) and a customization group. A CUIx file loaded into AutoCAD LT must have a unique customization group name to prevent conflicts between customization files in the program.

The main CUIx file, acadlt.cuix by default, has a customization group named ACADLT. You can load as many customization files into the program, as long as they each have a unique customization group name.

Following is an example of how you change the ACAD customization group name in the Customize tab of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. You can change the partial CUIx file (named CUSTOM in this example) using the same method.

52 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Dynamic Help

Dynamic Help is a feature that is in the online Help system and references some of the customization elements that are found in the CUIx file when it is loaded into AutoCAD LT. What Dynamic Help does, is it looks up the Element ID of a command that has been identified in the online Help system, and where that command is currently being referenced on a ribbon panel or menu when the CUIx file is loaded.

If the command is on a ribbon panel or menu, access to the command is updated in the online Help system to reflect the new location of the command. If one of the standard commands that ships with AutoCAD LT is moved from one ribbon panel or menu to another, the online Help system will automatically reflect this change the next time it is displayed. Currently, only commands on ribbon panels and menus work with Dynamic Help.

Dynamic Help may not display properly if a command is not available:

■ In one of the loaded CUIx files

■ On an accessible menu, ribbon panel, or ribbon tab in the current

workspace

NOTE Dynamic Help only works with the online Help documents that come with AutoCAD LT, and has no affect on third-party documentation.

See also:

■ Transfer and Migrate Customization on page 315

■ Create and Load a Partial CUIx File on page 78

How Customization Has Changed | 53

■ Create an Enterprise CUIx File on page 82

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

CUIEXPORT

Exports customized settings from the main CUIx file to an enterprise or partial CUIx file.

CUIIMPORT

Imports customized settings from an enterprise or partial CUIx file to the main CUIx file.

CUILOAD

Loads a CUIx file.

CUIUNLOAD

Unloads a CUIx file.

QUICKCUI

Displays the Customize User Interface Editor in a collapsed state.

Customization Glossary

You should know several terms for customizing AutoCAD LT 2012.

Customization (CUIx) file A package file that contains multiple XML-based files and custom image files. Each one of the XML-based files contain the data for a different type of user interface element that can be customized. The custom images that are stored in the file are those that are referenced by the commands defined in the customization data and are not stored in a resource DLL. You modify a customization file through the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. CUIx files replace the CUI, MNU, MNS, and MNC files that were used to define menus in releases prior to AutoCAD LT 2012.

Customization group A name that is assigned to a CUIx file to identify customization content in the CUIx file. A CUIx file loaded into AutoCAD LT must have a unique customization group name to prevent conflicts between

54 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

CUIx files in the program. In releases prior to AutoCAD 2006, called a menugroup.

Element ID A unique identifier of an interface element. In previous releases, called a tag.

Dashboard panel An organizational structure used to lay out commands and controls for display on the dashboard, which was available in AutoCAD LT 2007 and AutoCAD LT 2008. The dashboard was replaced by the ribbon in AutoCAD LT 2009 and later. For information about transferring dashboard panels to ribbon panels, see To copy a dashboard panel to a ribbon panel on page 151.

Enterprise customization file A CUIx file that is typically controlled by a CAD manager. It is often accessed by many users and is stored in a shared network location. The file is read-only to users to prevent the data in the file from being changed. A CAD manager creates an enterprise CUIx file by modifying a main CUIx file and then saving the file to a shared network location. Users then specify this file in the Options dialog box, Files tab.

Interface element An object that can be customized, such as a toolbar, pull-down menu, shortcut key, palette, and so on. It is a node in the Customizations In <file name> pane that contains user interface items.

Interface item The individual parts of a user interface element, such as a toolbar button, pull-down menu item, shortcut key, temporary override key, and so on.

Legacy Customization (CUI) file An XML-based file that stores customization data for AutoCAD 2006 through AutoCAD LT 2009. The CUI file has been replaced by the CUIx file. A CUIx file can be generated from a CUI file using the Transfer tab of the CUI command.

Legacy Menu (MNS) file An ASCII based file that stores menu customization data for AutoCAD 2005 and earlier. Most of the file needed to be edited outside of AutoCAD LT using a text editor such as Notepad, but there were a few features that could be customized in AutoCAD LT using the CUSTOMIZE command. The MNS file has been replaced by the CUIx file. A CUIx file can be generated from an MNS file using the Transfer tab of the CUI command.

Legacy Menu Template (MNU) file An ASCII based file that is used as a template to define the contents of the MNS file when the MNU file is loaded into AutoCAD LT with the MENU command. The MNU file is used in AutoCAD 2005 and earlier, and is very similar to the MNS file. The MNU file has been replaced by the CUIx file. A CUIx file can be generated from a MNU file using the Transfer tab of the CUI command.

Customization Glossary | 55

Macro A series of commands that are run in a defined sequence to accomplish a drawing task.

Main customization file A writable CUIx file that defines most of the user interface elements (including the standard menus, toolbars, keyboard accelerators, and so on). The acadlt.cuix file (the default main CUIx file) is automatically loaded when you start AutoCAD LT.

Ribbon An interface element that displays panels made up of commands and controls that can be docked horizontally or vertically along the program’s application window.

Ribbon panel An organizational structure used to lay out commands and controls for display on the ribbon or as a floating user interface.

Palette An interface element that can be docked or floating in the drawing area. Palettes include the Command Line window, Tool Palettes Window, Properties palette, and so on.

Partial customization file Any CUIx file that is not defined as the main or enterprise CUIx file. You can load and unload partial CUIx files as you need them during a drawing session.

Quick Access toolbar An interface element that is located to the right of the application menu and provides direct access to a defined set of commands.

Tree node A hierarchical structure in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor that contains interface elements and items that can be imported, exported, and customized.

Workspace A collection of user interface elements, including their contents, properties, display states, and locations.

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

CUIEXPORT

Exports customized settings from the main CUIx file to an enterprise or partial CUIx file.

56 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

CUIIMPORT

Imports customized settings from an enterprise or partial CUIx file to the main CUIx file.

CUILOAD

Loads a CUIx file.

CUIUNLOAD

Unloads a CUIx file.

CUSTOMIZE

Customizes tool palettes and tool palette groups.

QUICKCUI

Displays the Customize User Interface Editor in a collapsed state.

RIBBON

Opens the ribbon window.

RIBBONCLOSE

Closes the ribbon window.

TOOLPALETTES

Opens the Tool Palettes window.

TOOLPALETTESCLOSE

Closes the Tool Palettes window.

System Variables

DBLCLKEDIT

Controls the double click editing behavior in the drawing area.

ROLLOVERTIPS

Controls the display of rollover tooltips when the cursor hovers over an object.

TOOLTIPS

Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements.

Customization Glossary | 57

Work with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor

With the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, you can create and manage standard and custom commands and user interface elements.

By customizing the user interface, you can arrange and access the commands that you frequently use. You can also extend AutoCAD LT by creating your own custom commands. Use the diagrams under this topic to understand the steps required to successfully create a custom command or to customize the various user interface elements that are available for customization.

Create a Command

Custom commands to define a series of actions that should be taken when the custom command is used. You can also determine how the command should appear when added to a user interface.

When creating a custom command, you need to give the command a unique name, element ID, and macro. Once the basic properties of a command have been defined, you can assign values to additional properties that determine the content for the command’s tooltip, an image, and search tags. For more information about creating custom commands, see Customize Commands on page 92.

Set the working CUIx file on page

Add the new command on page

-----

-----Define the macro on page 104

58 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Determine which CUIx file to add to the custom command.

Create a new command in a CUIx file.

Define the series of actions that should be executed when the command is used from the user interface.

Control how the command and its name is displayed on page 113

-----

Define the label for the command.

Optional: Assign search tags to the command

-----Assign search tags on page 119

for use with the Search field on the application menu.

Optional: Assign tooltip text to the command,

-----Assign a tooltip on page 124

which is used when it is added to a ribbon panel or toolbar.

Associate an extended tooltip on

page 125

Define a status line help message

on page 128

Optional: Assign extended help to the command

-----

which, is used for the extended tooltip of a command.

Optional: Assign an image to the command. A

-----Assign an image on page 130 standard or custom image can be assigned.

Optional: Assign status line text to the command

-----

which, is used when it is added to a pull-down menu.

Create a Command | 59

Create User Interface Elements

User interface elements are used to organize and display commands in AutoCAD LT.

To decide what user interface elements to create, determine how often you want to access a command. Then determine if you want to add the custom command to a shortcut key, the Quick Access toolbar, a ribbon panel or another type of user interface element.

Create a Quick Access Toolbar

You create Quick Access toolbars in the CUI Editor to determine which commands and controls are displayed on the Quick Access toolbar.

Quick Access toolbars are used to organize and display the commands that you frequently use. For more information about customizing the Quick Access toolbar, see Quick Access Toolbars on page 142.

Create a new Quick Access toolbar

on page 143

Add commands and controls on

page 144

Display a Quick Access toolbar on

page 298

Set a workspace current on page

289

Create a new Quick Access toolbar to hold the

----commands you want displayed.

Add the commands and controls to the Quick

----Access toolbar that you want to use.

-----

Assign the Quick Access toolbar to a workspace.

Set the workspace containing the Quick Access

----toolbar current.

60 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Customize the Ribbon

Ribbon customization is broken out into three main components: panels, tabs, and contextual tab states. Each component of the ribbon is used to organize and display the commands that you want to use frequently.

Create a Ribbon Panel

Ribbon panels organize commands and controls on the ribbon.

You use rows, sub-panels, and drop-downs on a ribbon panel to organize the commands and controls you want to display on the ribbon. Each panel is divided into two halves with a panel separator; an upper and lower half. Rows above the panel separator are displayed by default while those below it are displayed only when the panel is expanded. Each panel can also be assigned a command to its Panel Launcher button, which can be used to start an associated dialog box. For more information about ribbon panel customization, see Ribbon Panels on page 148.

Create a new ribbon panel on

page 150

Create a new ribbon panel to organize the

-----

commands and controls you want to display on the ribbon.

Add rows to organize the commands and controls

-----Add a row on page 158

you want to add. Rows can also hold drop-downs and sub-panels.

Optional: Add drop-downs to organize multiple

-----Add a drop-down on page 169

commands into a single drop-down list or split button.

Optional: Add fold panels to organize buttons,

-----Add a fold panel on page 159

toggle buttons, split buttons and drop-down buttons within a row.

Create User Interface Elements | 61

Optional: Add sub-panels to organize commands

-----Add a sub-panel on page 159 and controls within a row.

Create a new command on page

58 (workflow diagram)

Add commands and controls on

page 160

To change the display and behavior of a command, control or drop-down on page 163

Assign a command to the Panel Dialog Box Launcher on page 154

-----

Create new commands as needed.

Add commands and controls to the rows,

----sub-panels, and drop-downs on the ribbon panel.

Optional: Change the display and behavior of

-----

the commands, controls, or drop-downs on the ribbon panel.

Optional: Add a command to the Panel Dialog

----Box Launcher for the ribbon panel.

Once you have created a ribbon panel, it must be added to a ribbon tab before it can be displayed on the ribbon. For more information about assigning a ribbon panel to a ribbon panel, see the Create a Ribbon Tab on page 62 workflow diagram.

Create a Ribbon Tab

Ribbon tabs control and organize the display of a ribbon panel on the ribbon.

62 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

You create ribbon tabs to organize multiple ribbon panels into a single group of related tools. Once ribbon panels are added to the ribbon tab, the ribbon tab must be assigned to a workspace before it is displayed on the ribbon. For more information about ribbon tab customization, see Ribbon Tabs on page

180.

Create a new ribbon tab to hold the ribbon panels

-----Create a ribbon tab on page 182

you want to display on the ribbon.

Create a ribbon panel on page 61

(workflow diagram)

Assign a ribbon panel to a ribbon tab on page 184

Assign a ribbon tab to a workspace

on page 300

Set a workspace current on page

289

Create new ribbon panels as needed for the

-----

commands and controls you want to display on the ribbon.

-----

Assign a ribbon panel to a ribbon tab.

-----

Assign a ribbon tab to a workspace.

Set the modified workspace current to see the

-----

ribbon tab and its associated ribbon panels.

Create a Ribbon Contextual Tab State

A contextual tab state is used to control the display of ribbon tabs on the ribbon when certain commands are active or an object is selected.

Create User Interface Elements | 63

You assign ribbon tabs to a contextual tab state to display commands and controls on the ribbon when working in a specific context. For more information about the customization of ribbon contextual tab states, see

Ribbon Contextual Tab States on page 187.

Create a ribbon panel on page 61

(workflow diagram)

Create a ribbon tab on page 62

(workflow diagram)

Create a Toolbar

Toolbars organize commands and controls on small dockable windows.

You can add commands and controls to a toolbar making it easier to access the commands you use. Commands on a toolbar can be displayed as a single button or a grouping of buttons with a flyout. For more information about toolbar customization, see Create and Edit Toolbars on page 190.

Create new ribbon panels as needed to display

-----

the commands and controls you want to display on the ribbon.

Create new tabs as needed to control the display

-----

of ribbon panels when the context of the contextual tab state is met.

-----Assign a ribbon tab on page 187

Assign the ribbon tabs to the contextual tab state.

-----Create a toolbar on page 193

64 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Create a new toolbar to organize the commands and controls you want to display.

Optional: Add flyouts to organize multiple

-----Add a flyout on page 203

commands into a single drop-down list.

Create a new command on page

58 (workflow diagram)

Add commands and controls on

page 195

Assign a toolbar to a workspace on

page 305

Set a workspace current on page

289

-----

Create new commands as needed.

Add commands and controls to the toolbar and

-----

flyouts.

-----

Assign the toolbar to a workspace to display it.

Set the modified workspace current to see the

-----

toolbar.

Create a Pull-Down Menu

Pull-down menus take up the least amount of space in the application frame of AutoCAD LT of all user interface elements, while providing access to a wide range of commands.

You can add commands to a pull-down menu for easy to access to it from the menu bar, while not losing a large amount of space on the screen. Commands on a pull-down menu can be displayed as a single item or as a grouping of items with a submenu. Pull-down menus must be added to a workspace in

Create User Interface Elements | 65

order for them to be displayed on the menu bar. For more information about pull-down menu customization, see Create a Pull-Down Menu on page 213.

Create a pull-down menu on page

214

Create a new command on page

58 (workflow diagram)

Create a new pull-down menu to organize the

----commands you want to display.

Optional: Add submenus to organize multiple

-----Add a submenu on page 228 commands into a single drop-down menu.

-----

Create new commands as needed.

Add commands to the pull-down menu and

-----Add commands on page 215 submenus.

Change the caption for a command on page 216

Assign a pull-down menu to the menu bar on page 308

-----

66 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Change the caption for the command when displayed on the pull-down menu.

Assign the pull-down menu to a workspace to display it on the menu bar.

Set a workspace current on page

289

Create a Shortcut Menu

Shortcut menus provide contextual access to commands based on right-clicking. Contextual states vary depending on if a command is active, an object is selected, or if no command or object is selected.

You create custom shortcut menus that replace the default shortcut menus in AutoCAD LT or to insert additional commands into a specific shortcut menu. Commands on a shortcut menu can be displayed as a single item or as a grouping of items with a submenu. Unlike pull-down menus, shortcut menus do not need to be added to a workspace in order to be displayed. For more information about shortcut menu customization, see Create a Shortcut Menu on page 217.

Set the modified workspace current to see the

-----

pull-down menu displayed on the menu bar.

Create a shortcut menu on page

217

Create a new command on page

58 (workflow diagram)

Create a new shortcut menu to organize the

-----

commands you want to display.

Optional: Add submenus to organize multiple

-----Add a submenu on page 228

commands into a single drop-down menu.

-----

Create new commands as needed.

Create User Interface Elements | 67

Add commands to the shortcut menu and

-----Add commands on page 225 submenus.

Change the caption for a command on page 226

Customize Shortcut Key

Shortcut keys start a command by with a combination of the Ctrl or Alt key and some additional keys.

You assign commands to a shortcut key combination to make it easy to start the command. You use a key combination instead of clicking a menu item or a button. Shortcut keys include using the Ctrl or Alt key and also an alphanumeric key and or the Shift key. For more information about shortcut key customization, see Keyboard Shortcuts on page 247.

Create a new command on page

58 (workflow diagram)

Change the caption that is used for the command

----when displayed on the shortcut menu.

-----

Create new commands as needed.

Create a new shortcut key and assign a key

-----Create a shortcut key on page 249 combination to start the associated command.

Create a Double Click Action

Double click actions start a command based on the objects that are selected when you double-click in the drawing window.

You assign commands to a double click action, which typically starts a command that allows you to modify the selected object. For more information

68 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

about double click action customization, see Double Click Actions on page

262.

Create a new command on page

58 (workflow diagram)

Create a double click action on

page 263

Create a Mouse Button

Mouse buttons start a command based on a mouse click and a key combination.

You assign commands to mouse button and key combinations. For more information about mouse button customization, see Mouse Buttons on page

269.

Create a new command on page

58 (workflow diagram)

-----

Create new commands as needed.

Create a new double click action to start the

-----

command when an object is double clicked.

-----

Create new commands as needed.

Create a mouse button on page

270

Create a new mouse button to start the command

-----

when the mouse button and key combination is pressed.

Create and Modify Workspaces

Workspaces control the display and order in which user interface elements are displayed.

Create and Modify Workspaces | 69

You create and manage workspaces from the user interface of AutoCAD LT or with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. Creating and managing workspaces from the user interface is limited; the CUI Editor gives you full control over all user interface elements in a workspace. For more information about workspace customization, see Customize Workspaces on page 280.

Create a Workspace from the User Interface

You can perform some basic customization of a workspace from the user interface.

From the user interface, you can control the display of toolbars and palettes; you can also add and remove commands from the Quick Access toolbar. You can interactively update the position and display of both toolbars and palettes. This cannot be done from the CUI Editor. For more information about workspace customization from the user interface, see Control User Interface

Elements Outside the CUI Editor on page 293.

Create a new workspace on page

285

Add or remove commands from the Quick Access toolbar

-----

Create a new workspace from the user interface.

Add and remove commands to and from the

-----

Quick Access toolbar from the ribbon. You can also add separators to group related commands.

Display the toolbars that you want to display

-----Display toolbars on page 295 when the workspace is set current.

Display the palettes that you want to display

-----Display palettes on page 296 when the workspace is set current.

70 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Save the changes made to the user interface

-----Save the workspace on page 285

elements to a workspace.

Create a Workspace with the CUI Editor

The CUI Editor provides an editing environment to customization a workspace.

From the CUI Editor, you can control the display of the Quick Access toolbar, ribbon tabs, toolbars, menus, and palettes. You can also control the display of certain features in the application and drawing windows. For more information about workspace customization from the CUI Editor, see Control

User Interface Elements in the CUI Editor on page 296.

Create a new workspace on page

283

Display a Quick Access toolbar on

page 298

-----

Create a new workspace using the CUI Editor.

Display a Quick Access toolbar when the

-----

workspace is set current.

Display a ribbon tab on the ribbon when the

-----Display a ribbon tab on page 300

workspace is set current.

Display a toolbar when the workspace is set

-----Display a toolbar on page 305

current.

Create and Modify Workspaces | 71

Change the display properties of a toolbar on page 307

Control the display settings for a toolbar when the workspace is set current. You can control

----settings such as default position and docking,

among others.

Display a menu on the menu bar when the

-----Display a menu on page 308 workspace is set current.

Display a palette when the workspace is set

-----Display a palette on page 310 current.

Change the display properties of a palette on page 313

Change the user interface settings

on page 286

Set a workspace current on page

289

Control the display settings for a palette when the workspace is set current. You can control

----settings such as position, transparency, and

auto-hide, among others.

Control the display settings of various user interface elements on the application and drawing

----windows such as the menu bar, status bars, and

layout tabs when the workspace is set current.

Set the modified workspace current to see the

----changes made to the workspace.

72 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Create and Manage Customization Files

Customization (CUIx) files are used to store commands, user interface elements, and references to partial CUIx files. CUIx files can be designated as main, partial, or enterprise.

Basics of Customization Files

Customization files are loaded into AutoCAD LT to define elements that make up the user interface and are edited using the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor.

AutoCAD LT comes with several different CUIx files that can be tailored to your work environment. AutoCAD LT has two main designations for CUIx files, main and enterprise; by default AutoCAD LT uses a main CUIx file. You can customize the files that come with AutoCAD LT or you can create your own CUIx files from scratch using the Transfer tab in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor.

When customizing the CUIx files that come with AutoCAD LT or creating your own CUIx files, the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor creates a backup copy of the file when you first start making changes to the CUIx file. This allows you to restore the file if you delete something that you wanted to keep. If you happen to modify a CUIx file that comes with AutoCAD LT, you can reset it back to its original state.

The Customize User Interface allows you to not only create new user interface elements and commands from scratch, but you can also copy existing user interface elements and commands to modify them.

To set the working CUIx file

Before you can add custom commands to a CUIx file, you must set a CUIx file as the working file.

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Customizations

In <file name> pane, click the down arrow on the Customization Files drop-down list.

3 Select Main Customization File <file name> or one of the loaded CUIx

files to set it as the working CUIx file.

Create and Manage Customization Files | 73

All new commands created are added directly to the working CUIx file. If the CUIx file that you want to work with is not loaded, select Open from the Customization Files drop-down list. Then browse to and select the CUIx file you want to work with.

To create a CUIx file from scratch

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Transfer tab, in the right pane,

click the Create a New Customization File button.

3 In the right pane, select Save As from the drop-down list.

4 In the Save As dialog box, specify the location to save the new

customization file to and enter a name in the File Name text box.

5 Click Save to create and save the customization file.

To create a customization file from an existing customization file

1 In Windows Explorer, navigate to the following location:

74 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

(Windows XP) <drive>:\Documents and Settings\<user profile name>\Application Data\Autodesk\<product name>\<release number>\<language>\support\<customization file name>.cuix

(Windows Vista) <drive>:\Users\<user profile name>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\<product name>\<release number>\<language>\support\<customization file name>.cuix

NOTE The folders under your profile may be hidden by default. To display these files, you may need to change your display settings. Click Start menu (Windows) ➤ Control Panel ➤ (Appearance and Themes, or Appearance and Personalization) ➤ Folder Options. In the Folder Options dialog box, View tab, click Show Hidden Files and Folders.

2 Copy the selected CUIx file to a new file name (such as enterprise.cuix) or

location (such as the shared network location where users will access the file) so that you preserve the original CUIx file (in case you want to modify or use it again later).

WARNING This method of creating a new CUIx file can result in additional work if you do not want all the commands and user interface elements in the copied CUIx file.

To rename a customization group name

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customizations In <file name> pane, select a CUIx file from the

drop-down list.

3 In the Customizations In <file name> pane, right-click the customization

group name and click Rename.

Basics of Customization Files | 75

4 Enter a new customization group name and press Enter.

NOTE You can click, wait, and click again on the customization group name

to edit its name in-place.

NOTE The customization group name cannot contain spaces.

5 Click Apply.

To restore a customization backup file

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the

Customizations In <file name> pane, right-click the customization group name.

3 Click Restore <file name>.

4 Click Apply.

76 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

To reset a standard customization file

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the

Customizations In <file name> pane, right-click over the customization group name.

3 Click Reset <file name>.

NOTE Only CUIx files found in the UserDataCache folder under the install

location of AutoCAD LT can be reset.

4 Click Apply.

To designate a CUIx file as the main CUIx file

1 Click Application menu ➤ Options.

2 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) next to

Customization Files to expand the list.

3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Main Customization File to expand it.

4 Select the item below Main Customization File and click Browse.

Basics of Customization Files | 77

5 In the Select a File dialog box, browse to and select the customization

file to load. Click Open.

The file you selected is now designated as the main customization file for the program.

6 In the Options dialog box, click OK.

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

OPTIONS

Customizes the program settings.

Create and Load a Partial CUIx File

Create, load, or unload partial customization files as you need them. Loading and using a partial CUIx file allows you to create and modify most user interface elements (toolbars, menus, ribbon panels, and so on) in a separate CUIx file without having to import the customization to your main CUIx file.

The order of the partial CUIx files in the Partial Customization Files tree determines the order they are loaded in the program. You can rearrange the tree hierarchy to change the load order. Use the Transfer tab of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor to create a partial CUIx file. For more information on creating a new CUIx file, see To create a CUIx file from scratch on page

74. CUIx files can be loaded or unloaded with the CUILOAD and CUIUNLOAD commands from the Command prompt, or you can use the Customize tab in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor.

Commands and user interface elements can be added to a partial CUIx file that is loaded under the main CUIx file, but not the enterprise CUIx file unless it is loaded as the main CUIx file. Before adding commands to a partial CUIx

78 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

file, the partial CUIx file must be set as the working CUIx. For more information on adding a command to a partial CUIx file, see To add commands

to a partial CUIx file on page 81.

When a partial CUIx file is loaded, any workspaces defined in the file cannot be set current. To use a workspace defined in a partial CUIx file, it must be transferred to the main CUIx file first. For more information on transferring a workspace to the main CUIx file, see To import a workspace to a main CUIx

file on page 292.

To load a partial CUIx file using the CUILOAD command

1 At the Command prompt, enter cuiload.

2 In the Load/Unload Customizations dialog box, in the File Name text

box, enter a path to the CUIx file you want to load, or click Browse to locate the file.

3 Click Load, and then click Close.

To load a partial CUIx file using the Customize tab

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the

Customizations In <file name> pane, select Main Customization File (<customization file name>.cuix) from the drop-down list. To the right of the drop-down list, click the Load Partial Customization File button.

3 In the Open dialog box, locate and select the partial CUIx file you want

to load, and click Open.

NOTE If the partial CUIx file you are attempting to load has the same customization group name as the main CUIx file, you need to change the customization group name before loading it. Open the partial CUIx file in the CUI Editor, select the customization group name, and right-click to rename it.

Create and Load a Partial CUIx File | 79

4 To verify that the file has been loaded into the main CUIx file, in the

Customizations In <file name> pane, select the Main Customization File (<customization file name>.cuix) from the drop-down list.

Loaded partial CUIx files in the main CUIx file are listed under the Partial Customization Files node.

5 Click Apply.

To unload a partial CUIx file using the CUIUNLOAD command

1 At the Command prompt, enter cuiunload.

2 In the Load/Unload Customizations dialog box, in the Loaded

Customizations Group box, select a CUIx file.

3 Click Unload, and then click Close.

To unload a partial CUIx file using the Customize tab

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the

Customizations In <file name> pane, select Main Customization File (<customization file name>.cuix) from the drop-down list.

3 In the tree view of the main CUIx file, click the plus sign (+) next to the

Partial Customization Files node to expand it.

80 | Chapter 4 User Interface Customization

Any partial CUIx files loaded in the main CUIx file are displayed.

4 Right-click the partial CUIx file that you want to unload. Click Unload

<customization file name>.cuix.

The partial CUIx file is unloaded and removed from the list.

5 Click Apply.

To add commands to a partial CUIx file

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the

Customizations In <file name> pane, select the partial CUIx file from the drop-down list.

3 In the Commands List pane, click Create a New Command.

4 Adjust the properties of the new command in the Properties pane as

necessary.

Create and Load a Partial CUIx File | 81

5 Click Apply.

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

CUILOAD

Loads a CUIx file.

CUIUNLOAD

Unloads a CUIx file.

Create an Enterprise CUIx File

An enterprise CUIx file typically stores customization information that is shared by many users, but is controlled by a CAD manager. Enterprise CUIx files make maintaining and modifying customization data easier for the individual responsible for controlling company standards.

Create an enterprise CUIx file by performing the following tasks:

■ Create an enterprise CUIx file from an existing CUIx file or a new CUIx

file. Make a copy of the main customization file (acadlt.cuix) or another customization file of your choice that contains all the base user interface elements you need. If you want to start with a new customization file, use the Transfer tab to create a blank customization file.

■ Designate the new file as your main CUIx file. Using the Options dialog

box, you must load the customization file as your the main customization file so you make edits to all of the different user interface elements. Make sure to note which customization file is currently designated as the main customization file, as you will need to restore it later.

■ Modify the contents of the enterprise CUIx file. Once the customization

file is designated as the main customization file, you can change the customization group name and modify the CUIx file contents as needed. Changing the customization group name allows you to load more than one CUIx file in the program at one time. CUIx files with the same customization group name cannot be loaded into the program.

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■ Replace the main CUIx file. Using the Options dialog box, replace the

previous customization file that was designated as the main customization file.

■ Save the enterprise CUIx file to a shared network location. When you save

the new enterprise file to a shared network location, all of your users that have access to the specified location can access the file.

NOTE The folder where you place the enterprise CUIx file should be in a shared location that your users can access. To learn more about creating a network share, see “How to Create a Network Share” in the Network Administrator's Guide.

■ Specify the enterprise CUIx file location. The program automatically

designates an enterprise customization file as read-only when you specify its file location in the Options dialog box. Specifying the enterprise customization file location can be done on individual workstations.

WARNING Even though the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor loads the enterprise customization file as read-only, this still doesn’t completely protect the file from being modified. The enterprise customization file could be loaded as the main customization file and then modified. To protect the enterprise customization file, the location where it is stored be marked as read-only and write access should be limited to those you want to be able to edit the file.

To designate a CUIx file as an enterprise CUIx file

1 On each user's workstation in AutoCAD LT, click Application menu ➤

Options.

2 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) next to

Customization Files to expand the list.

Create an Enterprise CUIx File | 83

3 Click the plus sign next to Enterprise Customization File to open it.

4 Select the item below Enterprise Customization Files and click Browse.

5 In the Select a File dialog box, browse to the location of the enterprise

customization file. Click Open.

The enterprise CUIx file if shared, must be saved in a location that all users can access.

6 In the Options dialog box, click OK.

To modify an enterprise CUIx file

1 Click Application menu ➤ Options.

2 In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) next to

Customization Files to expand the list.

3 Click the plus sign next to Main Customization File to expand it.

Take note of the current main CUIx file’s name and location as you will need to restore it later.

4 Select the item below Main Customization Files and click Browse. In the

Select a File dialog box, browse to the location of the enterprise customization file. Click Open.

5 Click the plus sign next to Enterprise Customization File to expand it.

Take note of the current enterprise CUIx file’s name and location as you will need to restore it later.

6 Select the item below Enterprise Customization Files and click Browse.

In the Select a File dialog box, browse to the location of the main customization file. Click Open.

7 In the Options dialog box, click OK to save the changes.

8 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

9 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, create new

commands and user interface elements as necessary.

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10 Once done adding new commands and user interface elements, click OK.

Switch the file names of the main and enterprise values around in the Options dialog box.

The main and enterprise CUIx files should now resemble the original configuration prior to making the changes.

TIP You can create two different profiles that can be used to switch between your main and enterprise CUIx files. One profile will have the CUIx files in a normal configuration that is used by your drafters, and the other profile has the main and enterprise CUIx files switched around making the enterprise customization file editable.

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

CUIEXPORT

Exports customized settings from the main CUIx file to an enterprise or partial CUIx file.

CUILOAD

Loads a CUIx file.

CUIUNLOAD

Unloads a CUIx file.

OPTIONS

Customizes the program settings.

Find and Replace Commands and Text in a CUIx File

You can search one or more CUIx files for commands or search strings (including commands or user interface element names, command display names, descriptions, macros, and tags). You can also replace commands or search strings one at a time or all at once.

Find and Replace Commands and Text in a CUIx File | 85

You can limit or expand your search depending on the search results you want to achieve.

■ Limit the search to commands located in the Command List pane. This

search does not include the names of user interface elements, the commands that are associated to them, and their properties. For example, if you limit the search for the LINE command in the Command List only, a message similar to the following is displayed when you start your search: “Search string found in command 'Dimension, Linear' property 'Name' at position 11 (1/12).”

■ Expand the search to include all properties in all tree view nodes in the

Customizations In pane. This type of search finds all instances or a search string. For example, if you search for the string “line” and start in the tree view, a message similar to the following is displayed: “Search string found in ‘Linear’ property ‘Name’ at position 0 (1/55).”

To find a search string in a CUIx file

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customizations In <file name>

pane, right-click anywhere in the tree view. Click Find.

3 In the Find and Replace dialog box, Find tab, do the following:

■ In the Find What box, enter the search string.

■ In the Ignore Case option, clear the check box if you want the search

to find every instance of the search string regardless of its case.

■ In the Restrict Search To option, select the check box if you want to

restrict the search to just one CUIx file. Then, under this option, select a CUIx file from the drop-down list.

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■ Click Find Next to locate all instances of the search string.

A message is displayed that details the location of the search string and the number of results generated from the search.

4 Click Find Next to continue your search.

5 Click Close.

6 In the Customize User Interface Editor, click Apply.

To find a search string in the Command List pane

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Command List pane, right-click

anywhere in the Command list. Click Find.

Find and Replace Commands and Text in a CUIx File | 87

3 In the Find and Replace dialog box, Find tab, do the following:

■ In the Find What box, enter the search string.

■ In the Ignore Case option, clear the check box if you want the search

to find every instance of the search string regardless of its case.

■ Click Find Next to locate all instances of the search string.

A message is displayed that details the location of the search string and the number of results generated from the search.

4 Click Find Next to continue your search.

5 Click Close.

6 In the Customize User Interface Editor, click Apply.

To find where a command in the Command List pane is used

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Command List pane, right-click

the command name you want to find. Click Find.

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3 In the Find and Replace dialog box, Find tab, do the following:

■ In the Find What box, enter the command name.

■ In the Ignore Case option, clear the check box if you want the search

to find every instance of the search string regardless of its case.

■ Click Find Selected Command to locate all instances of the command.

4 In the search results text that is displayed, review the location of the

matching search string, its exact position in the tree node or Properties pane, and the number of instances in which the command or search string occurs.

5 Click Find Selected Command to continue your search.

6 Click Close.

7 In the Customize User Interface Editor, click Apply.

To replace a search string

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Customizations

In <file name> pane, right-click anywhere in the tree view. Click Replace.

Find and Replace Commands and Text in a CUIx File | 89

3 In the Find and Replace dialog box, Replace tab, do the following:

■ In the Find What box, enter the search string.

■ In the Replace With box, specify the text string you want to use to

replace the found string.

■ In the Ignore Case option, clear the check box if you want the search

to find every instance of the search string, regardless of its case.

■ In the Restrict Search To option, select the check box if you want to

restrict the search to just one CUIx file. Then, under this option, select a CUIx file from the drop-down list.

■ To step through each instance of a found string before replacing it,

click Replace. In the search results text that is displayed, review the location of the matching search string, its exact position in the tree node or Properties pane, and the number of instances in which the command or search string occurs. You cannot undo this action.

■ To replace all instances of the search string, click Replace All. You

cannot undo this action.

4 Click Close.

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5 In the Customize User Interface Editor, click Apply.

To replace a command string

1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.

2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Command List

pane, right-click the command name you want to replace. Click Replace.

3 In the Find and Replace dialog box, Replace tab, in the Find What box,

the command name you selected in the previous step is displayed. To complete the dialog box, do the following:

■ In the Replace With box, specify the command name you want to

use to replace the found command.

■ In the Ignore Case option, clear the check box if you want the search

to find every instance of the command, regardless of its case.

■ To step through each instance of a command name before replacing

it, click Replace. In the search results text that is displayed, review the location of the matching search string, its exact position in the tree node or Properties pane, and the number of instances in which the command or search string occurs. By renaming the command in the Command list, you rename the command everywhere that command is used in the CUIx file. You cannot undo this action.

■ To replace all instances of the command, click Replace All. You cannot

undo this action.

Find and Replace Commands and Text in a CUIx File | 91

4 Click Close.

5 In the Customize User Interface Editor, click Apply.

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

Customize Commands

Commands in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor are used to define custom macros which are used to start standard and custom commands which can be executed from the command prompt in AutoCAD LT.

Overview of Commands

You can easily create, edit, and reuse commands. The Customize tab of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor allows you to add any command listed in the Command List pane to a toolbar, menu, and one of the other user interface element that can be customized.

When you change the properties of a command in the Command List pane or the tree view in the Customizations In pane, the properties of the command are changed everywhere the command is referenced. Each property of a command in the Command List pane controls which actions are taken when the command is used and how the command looks when added to a user interface element.

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Autodesk AutoCAD AutoCAD LT - 2012 Customization Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Basic Customization

Overview of Customization

Organize Program and Support Files

Overview of File Organization

Multiple Configurations

Multiple Drawing Folders

Locate Customized Files

Locate Plot Style Files

Locate Plotter Files

Locate the PMP File

Locate Support Files

Locate Drawing Template Files

Customize a Publish to Web Template

Create Command Aliases

Custom Linetypes

Overview of Linetype Definitions

Simple Custom Linetypes

Text in Custom Linetypes

Custom Hatch Patterns

Overview of Hatch Pattern Definitions

Hatch Patterns with Dashed Lines

Hatch Patterns with Multiple Lines

User Interface Customization

Understand User Interface Customization

Overview of the Customization

Use the Customization Environment

Overview of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor

Work with the Customizations In Pane

Work with the Command List Pane

Work with the Dynamic Display Pane

How Customization Has Changed

Customization Glossary

Work with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor

Create a Command

Create User Interface Elements

Create a Quick Access Toolbar

Customize the Ribbon

Create a Ribbon Panel

Create a Ribbon Tab

Create a Ribbon Contextual Tab State

Create a Toolbar

Create a Pull-Down Menu

Create a Shortcut Menu

Customize Shortcut Key

Create a Double Click Action

Create a Mouse Button

Create and Modify Workspaces

Create a Workspace from the User Interface

Create a Workspace with the CUI Editor

Create and Manage Customization Files

Basics of Customization Files

Create and Load a Partial CUIx File

Create an Enterprise CUIx File

Find and Replace Commands and Text in a CUIx File

Customize Commands

Overview of Commands