AutoCAD LT 2012 Customization Guide February 2011
© 2011 Autodesk, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Except as otherwise permitted by Autodesk, Inc., this publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form, by any method, for any purpose. Certain materials included in this publication are reprinted with the permission of the copyright holder. Trademarks The following are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and other countries: 3DEC (design/logo), 3December, 3December.
Contents 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Create Tooltips and Extended Help for Commands . . . . Create Status Line Help Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . Create and Manage Images for Commands . . . . . . . . Assign Images to a Command . . . . . . . . . . . . Create Custom Images for Commands . . . . . . . Manage, Import, and Export Custom Images . . . . Customize User Interface Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quick Access Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ribbon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 7 Migrate and Transfer Custom Settings and Files . . . . . . . . 355 Migrate Custom Settings and Files from Previous Releases . . Migration Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Determine How to Migrate Custom Settings . . . . . . Migrate Custom Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View the Migration Log File . . . . . . . . . . . . Reset Settings to Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Export and Import Custom Settings from the Same Release . Export Custom Settings . . .
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Basic Customization 1 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.
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.
■ “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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 C: 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.
■ 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\ folder, and your “nonroamable” files are located in the \Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\ folder.
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 ➤ ➤ . ■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤ ➤ . 2 Click application menu ➤ Options.
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.
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.
To find the default location of the font mapping file 1 Do one of the following: ■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤ ➤ . ■ (Windows Vista) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤ ➤ . 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.
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.
■ 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.
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.
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.
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.
Custom Linetypes 2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Custom Hatch Patterns 3 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.
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.
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).
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.
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,-.
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.
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.
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.
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 or 270, .5,1, 0,1, -.5,.
■ 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.
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.
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User Interface Customization 4 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.
■ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 pane.
■ 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.
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.
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 Menu file Description In AutoCAD LT 2012 Description of change need them during a drawing session. MNR Menu resource file. Contains the bitmaps that are used by the user interface elements. MNR No change. 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.
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 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.
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.
■ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Control how the command and its ----- Define the label for the command. name is displayed on page 113 Assign search tags on page 119 Optional: Assign search tags to the command ----- for use with the Search field on the application menu. Assign a tooltip on page 124 Optional: Assign tooltip text to the command, ----- which is used when it is added to a ribbon panel or toolbar.
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.
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.
Add a sub-panel on page 159 ----- Optional: Add sub-panels to organize commands and controls within a row. Create a new command on page ----- Create new commands as needed. 58 (workflow diagram) Add commands and controls on page 160 ----- Add commands and controls to the rows, sub-panels, and drop-downs on the ribbon panel.
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 ribbon tab on page 182 ----- Create a new ribbon tab to hold the ribbon panels you want to display on the ribbon.
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 new ribbon panels as needed to display Create a ribbon panel on page 61 ----- the commands and controls you want to display (workflow diagram) on the ribbon.
Add a flyout on page 203 ----- Optional: Add flyouts to organize multiple commands into a single drop-down list. Create a new command on page ----- Create new commands as needed. 58 (workflow diagram) Add commands and controls on page 195 ----- Add commands and controls to the toolbar and flyouts. Assign a toolbar to a workspace on ----- Assign the toolbar to a workspace to display it. page 305 Set a workspace current on page 289 ----- Set the modified workspace current to see the toolbar.
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 ----- Create a new pull-down menu to organize the 214 commands you want to display. Add a submenu on page 228 ----- Optional: Add submenus to organize multiple commands into a single drop-down menu. Create a new command on page ----- Create new commands as needed.
Set a workspace current on page 289 ----- Set the modified workspace current to see the pull-down menu displayed on the menu bar. 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.
Add commands on page 225 ----- Add commands to the shortcut menu and submenus. Change the caption for a command on page 226 ----- Change the caption that is used for the command when displayed on the shortcut menu. 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.
about double click action customization, see Double Click Actions on page 262. Create a new command on page ----- Create new commands as needed. 58 (workflow diagram) Create a double click action on page 263 ----- Create a new double click action to start the command when an object is double clicked. 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.
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.
Save the workspace on page 285 ----- Save the changes made to the user interface 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.
Control the display settings for a toolbar when Change the display properties of a ----- the workspace is set current. You can control toolbar on page 307 settings such as default position and docking, among others. Display a menu on page 308 ----- Display a menu on the menu bar when the workspace is set current. Display a palette on page 310 ----- Display a palette when the workspace is set current.
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.
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.
(Windows XP) :\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Autodesk\\\\support\.cuix (Windows Vista) :\Users\\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\\\\support\.cuix NOTE The folders under your profile may be hidden by default. To display these files, you may need to change your display settings.
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 pane, right-click the customization group name. 3 Click Restore .
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 pane, right-click over the customization group name. 3 Click Reset . 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.
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.
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.
4 To verify that the file has been loaded into the main CUIx file, in the Customizations In pane, select the Main Customization File (.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.
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 .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 pane, select the partial CUIx file from the drop-down list.
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.
■ 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.
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.
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.
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.
■ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 following table shows the properties of the Scale command as they appear in the Properties pane. Properties for the Scale command in the Command List pane Properties Description pane item Example Name String displayed as a menu name or as a tooltip when you click a toolbar button. The string must include alphanumeric characters with no punctuation other than a hyphen (-) or an underscore (_).
Properties for the Scale command in the Command List pane Properties Description pane item Example Small Image RCDATA_16_SCALE ID string of the small-image resource (16 × 16 bitmap). The string must include alphanumeric characters with no punctuation other than a hyphen (-) or an underscore (_). It can also be a user-defined bitmap. Click the [ ] button to open the Select Image File dialog box. Large Image ID string of the large-image resource (32 × 32 bitmap).
2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Command List pane, click Create a New Command. A new command (named Command1) is displayed in both the Command List pane and the Properties pane. 3 In the Properties pane, do the following: ■ In the Name box, enter a name for the command. The name is displayed as a tooltip or menu name when the command is added to a user interface element. ■ In the Description box, enter a description for the command.
To remove a command 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Command List pane, select Custom from the Command Filter drop-down list. The list is filtered to only show the commands that you have created in the loaded customization files. 3 Select the command to be removed, and right-click over the command. 4 Click Remove.
To edit a command 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, do one of the following: ■ In the Command List pane, select the command you want to edit. ■ In the Customizations In pane, tree view, locate and then select the command you want to edit. 3 In the Properties pane, do any of the following to edit the command: ■ In the Name box, enter a name for the command.
■ In the Extended Help File box, enter the name of the file and ID to use for the extended help for the command. ■ In the Command Display Name box, enter the name of the command that you want to display for the command. ■ In the Macro box, enter a macro for the command. ■ In the Tags box, enter the tags you want to use when search for commands with the Search field of the application menu. ■ In the Element ID box, enter an element ID for the command. (For new commands only.
To copy and paste a command 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Command List pane, locate the command you want to copy. 3 Right-click over the command. Click Copy. 4 Right-click over a user interface element like a toolbar or menu. Click Paste.
NOTE The key combination Ctrl+C can be used to copy a command and Ctrl+V can be used to paste a command. To duplicate a command 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Command List pane, locate the command you want to duplicate. 3 Right-click over the command. Click Duplicate. A copy of the selected command is created in-place directly above the selected command in the Command List pane.
NOTE The key combination Ctrl+D can be used to duplicate a command in-place. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. Create Macros A macro defines the action that results when an interface element is selected. A macro accomplishes a drawing task that would otherwise take a series of actions by a user.
For example, the macro ^C^C_circle \1, draws a circle with a radius of 1 unit. The components that define this macro are explained in the table below. Components in CIRCLE macro Component Component type Result ^C^C Special control character Cancels any running commands _ Special control character Automatically translates the command that follows into other languages CIRCLE Command Starts the CIRCLE command \ Special control character Creates a pause for the user to specify the center point 1
Terminate Macros Some macros require special terminators. Some commands (TEXT, for example) require you to press Enter rather than Spacebar to terminate the command. Some commands require more than one space (or Enter) to complete, but some text editors cannot create a line with trailing blanks. Two special conventions resolve these problems. ■ A semicolon (;) in a macro automatically issues Enter at the Command prompt. ■ If a line ends with a control character, a backslash (\), a plus sign (+), or a sem
To assign or modify a command macro 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Command List pane, locate the command you want to assign (or modify) a command macro. 3 In the Properties pane, select the Macro field and click the [ ] button that is displayed. The Long String Editor dialog box is displayed. 4 In the Long String Editor, edit the macro as desired and click OK. You are returned to the Customize User Interface Editor.
Macros use the special characters listed in the following table. Special characters used in macros Character Description ; Issues Enter ^M Issues Enter ^I Issues Tab [blank space] Enters a space; a blank space between command sequences in a command is equivalent to pressing the Spacebar \ Pauses for user input (cannot be used with accelerators) _ Translates AutoCAD LT commands and options that follow =* Displays the current top-level pull-down, shortcut, or image menu *^C^C Repeats a comman
Special characters used in macros Character Description ^R Turns command versioning on or off. Command versioning is required for some commands to ensure command macros written in an older release work properly in the latest release. ^T Turns tablet on or off (equivalent to Ctrl+T) ^V Changes the current viewport ^Z Null character that suppresses the automatic addition of Spacebar at the end of a command Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.
NOTE LAYER normally prompts for another operation and exits only if you press Spacebar or Enter. In the macro, the semicolon (;) is the equivalent of pressing Enter. A macro typically resumes after one user input, such as a single point location. Therefore, you cannot construct a macro that accepts a variable number of inputs (as in object selection) and then continues. However, an exception is made for SELECT: a backslash (\) suspends the SELECT command until object selection has been completed.
NOTE When command input comes from a command, the settings of the PICKADD and PICKAUTO system variables are assumed to be 1 and 0, respectively. This preserves compatibility with previous releases of AutoCAD LT and makes customization easier because you are not required to check the settings of these variables. Quick Reference Commands CHANGE Changes the properties of existing objects. LAYER Manages layers and layer properties. SELECT Places selected objects in the Previous selection set.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. Repeat Commands in Macros You can use a leading asterisk (*) to repeat a command in a macro until you choose another command. Once you have selected a command, you might want to use it several times before moving on to another command. In a macro, you can repeat a command until you choose another command. You cannot use this feature to choose options.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. Use Single Object Selection Mode in Macros Single Object Selection mode cancels the normal repetition of the Select Objects prompt in editing commands. After you select one object and respond to any other prompts, the command ends. Consider the macro in the following example: *^C^Cerase single This macro terminates the current command and starts ERASE in Single Object Selection mode.
NOTE Swapping can lead to some strange behavior for tablet menus, because they typically have a different number of macros. Use the following syntax in a macro to swap elements: $section=customizationgroup.menuname The following describes each section of the macro syntax for swapping elements: Macro syntax for swapping elements $ Loads an interface element section Specifies the element type.
The format is: $M=expression Introducing the macro with $M= tells AutoCAD LT to evaluate a string as a DIESEL expression, and that expression is the DIESEL expression. The following example defines a conditional expression in a macro: FILLMODE $M=$(-,1,$(getvar,fillmode)) The macro switches the FILLMODE system variable on and off by subtracting the current value of FILLMODE from 1 and returning the resulting value to the FILLMODE system variable.
System Variables FILLMODE Specifies whether hatches and fills, 2D solids, and wide polylines are filled in. Control the Display of Command Items The way a menu or ribbon button item is displayed indicates its availability in the program. A menu or ribbon button item can be displayed as: ■ Grayed out (disabled) ■ Marked with a check marker or border ■ Both grayed out and marked Ribbon button items do not display a check mark when marked; only a border is displayed.
Following is the resulting Copy Link command grayed out in the Edit menu. DIESEL string expressions are used to conditionally disable or enable a menu or ribbon button item each time they are displayed. For example, the DIESEL string expression in the Macros cell of the Properties pane disables the MOVE command while any other command is active.
Ribbon button items only support the use of DIESEL string expressions. A menu or ribbon button item is marked in one of two ways: ■ A check mark. Displayed when a menu item does not have an image associated with it. ■ A border. Displayed when a menu or ribbon button item has an image associated with it; a border is displayed around the image.
Simultaneously Disable and Mark Command Items You can mark and disable commands at the same time using either of the following formats: ~!. labeltext !.~ labeltext The tilde (~) is the special character code to disable a command and an exclamation point and period (!.) is the special character code to mark a command. The tilde (~), exclamation point, and period (!.) are placed at the beginning of the Copy Link command label in the Name cell of the Properties pane.
4 In the Properties pane, in the Name field, add a tilde (~) or add the desired DIESEL expression to the beginning of the command. NOTE The command must be selected from the Customizations In pane, otherwise you are just modifying the name of the command and not the label that is displayed to the user. 5 Click Apply. The changes to the command will be visible after the changes have been applied and the CUI Editor is closed.
4 In the Properties pane, in the Name field, add an exclamation point and a period (!.) or add the desired DIESEL expression to the beginning of the command. 5 Click Apply. The changes to the command will be visible after the changes have been applied and the CUI Editor is closed. To simultaneously gray out (disable) and mark a command's menu or ribbon button label 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the menu that contains the command you want to disable and mark. 3 Select the command you want to gray out and mark. 4 In the Properties pane, in the Name field, add a tilde, an exclamation point, and a period (~!. or !.~) or add the desired DIESEL expression to the beginning of the command. 5 Click Apply.
3 In the Properties pane, select the Tags field and click the [ ] button. 4 In the Tag Editor dialog box, in the Tags box, enter a tag. As you enter a tag, a popup menu might display showing a list of previously used tags. Click a tag on the menu to use that tag. You can add more than one tag to a command; separate each tag with a comma. 5 To add another tag for a command, press the Left Arrow key and enter the tag. Repeat as needed. 6 Click OK. 7 In the Customize User Interface Editor, click Apply.
To remove a tag from a command 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Command List pane, select the command from which you want to remove a tag. The Properties pane is displayed on the right side. 3 In the Properties pane, select the Tags field and click the [ ] button. 4 In the Tag Editor dialog box, in the Tags box, click the tag you want to remove. Press Delete.
The tag is removed. 5 Click OK. 6 In the Customize User Interface Editor, click Apply. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. OPTIONS Customizes the program settings. Create Tooltips and Extended Help for Commands Tooltips are descriptive messages that are displayed near the cursor when it hovers over a toolbar or panel button, or menu item. The Description property associated to a command provides a simple description for what the command does.
Example of an XAML File The XAML structure is a format that was developed by Microsoft. The following is an example of what an XAML file might look like for two custom commands that exist in your CUIx file.
NOTE Extended tooltips defined to work with AutoCAD LT 2009 need to be updated to work with AutoCAD LT 2012. For information on converting an extended tooltip created for AutoCAD LT 2009 to work with AutoCAD LT 2012, see the procedure To convert an AutoCAD LT 2009 extended tooltip to work with AutoCAD LT 2012 on this page. The Stack Panel element groups the TextBlock and Image elements together. You can have as many TextBlock and Image elements under a StackPanel element that you need.
To add extended help to a command 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Command List pane, click the command to which you want to add extended help. 3 In the Properties pane, select the Extended Help File field and click [ ] button. 4 In the Select Extended Help File dialog box, browse to and select the XAML file that contains the extended help for the command. Click Open.
6 Click Apply. When the command is added to a toolbar or ribbon panel, the extended help is displayed if extended help is enabled for tooltips and the cursor hovers over the command for the designated time interval. To create an XAML file 1 In a text editor (for example, Microsoft® Windows® Notepad), create a new file and enter the elements needed to define the extended help content. As an example, enter the text below in the text editor: PAGE 1352 Save the file as ASCII text (TXT file), with a file extension of .xaml. To convert an AutoCAD LT 2009 extended tooltip to work with AutoCAD LT 2012 1 Open the XAML file in a text editor (for example, Microsoft® Windows® Notepad). The following is an example of an extended tooltip created to use with AutoCAD LT 2009. You change the text shown in italic.
System Variables TOOLTIPS Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements. Create Status Line Help Messages Status line help messages are simple, descriptive messages that are displayed on the status line (at the bottom of the application window) when the cursor hovers over a menu item. You can change or add descriptions for menu items by updating the Description property for a related command.
4 Click Apply. The next time you use the command, the descriptive text you added is displayed in the status line when the cursor hovers over the command on a menu. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. OPTIONS Customizes the program settings. Create and Manage Images for Commands Images can be assigned to commands, and can be of two different types: standard and custom.
AutoCAD LT comes with a library of standard images that are used for the standard commands; these can be assigned to your own custom commands. You can create your own custom commands using the Button Editor dialog box found in the Customize User Interface Editor or an external image editor. For more information about creating custom images for your commands, see Create Custom Images for Commands on page 132. To assign an image to a command 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
■ Select an image from the image list and the image name is assigned to the Small, Large, or both the Small and Large image properties of the selected command. NOTE As you select an image from the image list, the image’s name is displayed below the Export button in the Button Image pane. Import and assign a custom image ■ In the Button Image pane, right-click in the list of images and click Import Image. ■ In the Open dialog box, browse to and select the BMP file that you want to import and click Open.
4 Click Apply. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. Create Custom Images for Commands Custom images can be created and assigned to a command. Create custom images using the Button Editor (available from the CUI Editor), or using an external image editor. Start with an existing button image or create your own from scratch. By default, custom images are saved in the working customization file.
To create or edit a button image 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Command List pane or the Customizations In pane, click a command to display the Button Image pane (in the upper-right corner). 3 In the Button Image pane, select an image from the image list that is closest in appearance to the image you want to create or select an existing image to edit. Click Edit.
NOTE Click Import to import a BMP file stored on a local or network drive to edit it in the Button Editor dialog box and store it in the working CUIx file. 5 Click Save. The Save Image dialog box is displayed. 6 In the Save Image dialog box, Image Name text box, enter a name and click OK. The image is saved to the working CUIx file. 7 Click Close. You are returned to the Customize User Interface Editor. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.
To import a custom image to the image list and the working customization file 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Command List pane, select any command to display the Button Image pane. 3 In the Button Image pane, right-click the image list and click Import Image. 4 In the Open dialog box, browse to and select the BMP file that you want to import and click Open.
4 In the Export Image File dialog box, browse to the folder to which you want to export the image and enter a name for the image in the File Name text box. 5 Click Save. NOTE You can only export images in the BMP (*.bmp, *.rle, or *.dib) format. To import an image into a loaded customization file using the Image Manager 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
4 In the Import Images dialog box, browse to and select the images you want to import. Click Open. If the CUI Editor - Image Already Exists dialog box is displayed, click Import Image as Copy to create a copy of the image being imported or Overwrite Existing Image to replace the image with the one being imported. 5 Click OK. To export an image from a loaded customization file with the Image Manager 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
4 In the Custom Images list, select the image you want to export and click Export. 5 In the Browse For Folder dialog box, browse to the folder to which you want to export the selected images. Click OK. 6 Click OK. To delete an image from a loaded customization file 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click Launches the Image Manager Dialog.
4 In the Custom Images list, select the image you want to remove and click Delete. 5 In the CUI Editor - Confirm Deletion of Image dialog box, click Delete Image. If the selected image is assigned to a command, the CUI Editor - Confirm Deletion of Referenced Image dialog box is displayed. The deletion of the image cannot be undone. 6 Click OK. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.
Customize User Interface Elements User interface elements in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor are used to control how standard and custom commands can be started. To copy and paste a user interface element 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Customizations In pane, expand the main node for the user interface element that you want to copy. 3 Right-click the user interface element, and click Copy.
NOTE The key combination Ctrl+C can be used to copy a user interface element and Ctrl+V can be used to paste a user interface element in the Customizations In pane. 5 Click Apply. To duplicate a user interface element 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Customizations In pane, expand the main node for the user interface element that you want to duplicate.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. Quick Access Toolbars The Quick Access toolbar is located along the top of the application window (above or below the ribbon) and provides direct access to a defined set of commands. The Quick Access toolbar is always located in the same place in the program, but different commands may be displayed on it based on the current workspace.
To create a Quick Access toolbar 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, right-click Quick Access Toolbars. Click New Quick Access Toolbar. A new Quick Access toolbar (named Quick Access Toolbar1) is placed at the bottom of the Quick Access Toolbars tree. 3 Do one of the following: ■ Enter a new name over the default name Quick Access Toolbar1. ■ Right-click Quick Access Toolbar1.
4 Click Apply. To add a command or control to a Quick Access toolbar from the CUI Editor 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Quick Access Toolbars node to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to the Quick Access toolbar that you want to modify.
A splitter bar is displayed to indicate the location where the command or control will be added when you release the pointing device button. 5 Once the splitter bar is in the location you want to insert the command or control, release the pointing device button. 6 Click Apply. To remove a command or control from a Quick Access toolbar with the CUI Editor 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
5 Click Apply. To add a command to the Quick Access toolbar outside the CUI Editor Do one of the following: ■ Right-click a command on the ribbon, and click Add to Quick Access Toolbar. ■ On the Quick Access toolbar, click the Customize button located on the right side and select one of the listed commands or select More Commands. Selecting More Commands displays the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor in a compact state.
3 Click the plus sign (+) next to the Quick Access toolbar that you want to modify. 4 Right-click the Quick Access toolbar which you want to add a drop-down to. Click New Drop-down. A new drop-down (named New Drop-down) is added to the bottom of the Quick Access toolbar. 5 Right-click the new drop-down. Click Rename. Enter a new name. NOTE You can click, wait, and click again over a drop-down name to edit its name in-place in the Customizations In pane.
A visual indicator bar is displayed to indicate the location where the command or control will be added when the pointing device button is released. 8 Once the splitter bar is in the location where you want to insert the command or control, release the pointing device button. 9 Adjust the properties of the drop-down as desired to control the appearance of the drop-down and the commands under the drop-down.
Overview of Ribbon Panels Ribbon panels are organized by rows, sub-panels, and slideout elements. Rows and sub-panels are used to organize how commands and controls are displayed on the ribbon panel. A slideout is automatically added to each ribbon panel and controls which rows are shown by default. Rows located below a slideout are displayed only when a ribbon panel is expanded. The following table describes the properties of the Home 2D - Draw ribbon panel as they appear in the Properties pane.
Customize or Transfer tabs. Dashboard panels can only be copied to ribbon panels from the Dashboard Panels node on the Transfer tab. Display Ribbon Panels on the Ribbon The display of ribbon panels is controlled with ribbon tabs. Once a ribbon tab is defined, the ribbon tab can be added to a workspace, which controls which ribbon tabs are displayed and the order in which they are displayed on the ribbon.
5 Select the new panel, and update its properties in the Properties pane: ■ In the Display Text box, enter the text you want to display for the title of the panel when it is displayed on the ribbon. ■ In the KeyTip box, enter the characters to access the ribbon panel from the keyboard. ■ In the Aliases box, enter an alias for the ribbon panel. 6 Click Apply. To copy a toolbar to a ribbon panel 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
3 In the Open dialog box, Files of Type drop-down list, select Legacy Customization Files (*.cui). 4 Browse to and select the customization (CUI) file that contains the dashboard panels you want to copy to ribbon panels. Click Open. 5 Click the plus sign (+) next to Dashboard Panels to expand it. 6 Right-click over the dashboard panel you want to copy to a ribbon panel. Click Copy to Ribbon Panels. 7 In the CUI Editor - Confirm Copy to Ribbon Panels Node dialog box, click Yes.
2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Right-click the panel that you want to remove. Click Delete. WARNING There is no way to undo the removal of a user interface element, so be careful when removing user interface elements.
To assign a command to the Panel Dialog Box Launcher 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon panel where you want to assign a command to its Panel Dialog Box Launcher node.
RIBBON Opens the ribbon window. RIBBONCLOSE Closes the ribbon window. Add and Organize Commands and Controls on a Ribbon Panel Commands and controls are added to and organized with rows and sub-panels on a ribbon panel. You can add and rearrange the commands and controls on a row that you use often, and you can remove those from a row that you use infrequently. Rows are used to hold and organize commands and controls on a ribbon panel.
Properties for the Line Command on Row 1 of the Home 2D - Draw Ribbon Panel Properties Description Pane Item Example SmallWithText, SmallWithoutText, or LargeWithoutText. NOTE It is recommended to not use the Large With Text (Horizontal) option as it takes up extra space on the ribbon. If your icons are defined with sizes other than 16x16 for small icons or 32x32 for large icons, set RIBBONICONRESIZE to 0. AutoCAD LT does not resize ribbon icons to a standard size when RIBBONICONRESIZE is set to 0.
Properties for the Line Command on Row 1 of the Home 2D - Draw Ribbon Panel Properties Description Pane Item Example NOTE When you change the name of a macro, the name of its corresponding menu item or toolbar button does not change. You must change a menu item or toolbar button name by selecting it in the tree view. Tags Keywords associated to a command. Tags provide an additional field to search when using the Search field in the application menu.
panel no matter if the ribbon is displayed horizontally or vertically. Not all rows might be displayed by default on a ribbon panel, the element controls which rows are displayed without expanding a ribbon panel. A down arrow to the right of a ribbon panel’s title indicates that the ribbon panel can be expanded. Organize Rows with Sub-panels Sub-panels do not directly contain commands. Instead, sub-panels are used in combination with rows to organize commands and controls on a ribbon panel.
To add a sub-panel or fold panel to a row on a ribbon panel 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon panel where you want to add a sub-panel or fold panel.
6 Click Apply. To reposition a row or sub-panel on a ribbon panel 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon panel where you want to reposition a row or sub-panel.
2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon panel where you want to add a command. 5 Click the plus sign (+) next to the rows, sub-panels, or drop-downs to get to the location you want to add a command. 6 Drag a command from the Command List pane to a row, sub-panel, or drop-down on the panel.
8 Click Apply. To remove a command from a ribbon panel 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon panel where you want to remove a command.
7 Click Apply. To reposition a command on a ribbon panel 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon panel where you want to reposition a command.
2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon panel where you want to show the label for a command. 5 Click the plus sign (+) next to the row, sub-panel, or drop-down where you want to show the label for a command.
3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon panel which has the command or drop-down for which you want to set the size. 5 Click the plus sign (+) next to the row or sub-panel that has the command or drop-down for which you want to set the size. If you need to, continue expanding rows, sub-panels, and drop-downs to get to the command or drop-down. 6 Select the command or drop-down for which you want to set the size.
6 Select the drop-down that you want to change, and update its properties in the Properties pane: ■ In the Behavior box, click the down arrow and select Drop Down Menu with Recent, Drop Down Menu, Split with Recent, Split, or Split with Recent (Static). ■ In the Split Button List Style box, click the down arrow and select Icon, Icon and Text, and Descriptive. 7 Click Apply. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. RIBBON Opens the ribbon window.
Add Drop-downs to a Ribbon Panel Drop-downs can be used to group multiple related commands into a single button. Ribbon panel drop-downs, like toolbar flyouts, that can hold a number of commands in a single place on a ribbon panel. Drop-downs are used to help reduce the amount of space that related commands can take up.
Properties for the Arc Drop-down on Row 1 of the Home 2D - Draw Ribbon Panel Properties Pane Item Description Example Button Style Controls the size and the label display of the dropdown. The available options are Large With Text (Vertical), Large With Text (Horizontal), SmallWithText, SmallWithoutText, or LargeWithoutText. Large with Text (Vertical) NOTE It is recommended to not use the Large With Text (Horizontal) option as it takes up extra space on the ribbon.
Properties for the Arc Drop-down on Row 1 of the Home 2D - Draw Ribbon Panel Properties Pane Item Description Example other than a hyphen (-) or an underscore (_). It can also be a user-defined bitmap. Click the [ ] button to open the Select Image File dialog box. To create a drop-down in a row on a ribbon panel 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
8 Adjust the properties of the drop-down as desired to control the appearance of the drop-down and the commands under the drop-down. on page 163 9 If the drop-down will use the Split behavior, add a command to the Primary Command node under the drop-down to set the command for the main button. 10 Click Apply. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. RIBBON Opens the ribbon window. RIBBONCLOSE Closes the ribbon window.
System Variables RIBBONICONRESIZE Controls whether to resize icons on the ribbon to standard sizes. Add and Remove Ribbon Panel Controls You can add, remove, and relocate ribbon panel controls, such as drop-down lists, sliders, text boxes, and other types of panel-specific controls that start commands or change a setting. For example, the Home 2D/3D - Layers panel contains controls for working with the layers of a drawing.
Controls available for ribbon panels Control element Control Type Description Ribbon Command Button - Block Visibility State Button Makes objects invisible in the current visibility state or all visibility states in the block definition opened for edit in the Block Editor. Ribbon Command Button - Block Visibility States Button Allows you to create or modify the visibility states of the current block definition opened for edit in the Block Editor.
Controls available for ribbon panels Control element Control Type Description Ribbon Toggle Button - External References Toggle Displays or closes the External References palette. Ribbon - Image, Show Image Toggle Button Toggle Displays or hides the selected raster image. Ribbon - Image, Transparency Toggle Button Toggle Controls the use of transparency for the selected raster image.
Controls available for ribbon panels Control element Control Type Description Ribbon Spinner Width Factor Spinner Displays and changes the current width factor for the selected text in the multiline text editor. Ribbon Toggle Button - Layer Properties Toggle Displays or closes the Layer Properties Manager palette. LayerFilterComboControl Drop-down list Displays and sets the layer filter used in the drawing.
Controls available for ribbon panels Control element Control Type Description Ribbon Combo Box - Object Color Drop-down list Displays and sets the current object color. Ribbon Menu Button - Switch Windows Button Displays a list of all open drawings; you can switch to a different open drawing. Ribbon Radio Button - Paragraph Alignment Radio button Displays and changes the current paragraph alignment for the selected text in the multiline text editor.
Controls available for ribbon panels Control element Control Type Description Ribbon Combo Box - Table Styles Drop-down list Displays and sets the current table style. Ribbon Gallery - Text Style Drop-down list Displays and sets the current text style. Ribbon Combo Box - Annotation Text Height Drop-down list Displays and sets the default text height for new text objects. Ribbon Toggle Button - Tool Palettes Toggle Displays or hides the Tool Palettes window.
Controls available for ribbon panels Control element Control Type Description Ribbon Toggle Button - Xref fading Toggle Indicates the objects of xrefs are faded into the background, enables or disables xref fading. Layer Combo Control Drop-down list Displays and sets the current layer. To add a control to a ribbon panel 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
8 Click Apply. To reposition a control on a ribbon panel 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon panel where you want to reposition a control. 5 Click the plus sign (+) next to the row where you want to reposition a control.
To remove a control from a ribbon panel 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Panels to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon panel where you want to remove a control. 5 Click the plus sign (+) next to the row where you want to remove a control.
Ribbon Tabs Ribbon tabs control the display and order in which ribbon panels are displayed on the ribbon. You add ribbon tabs to a workspace to control which ribbon tabs are displayed on the ribbon. Ribbon tabs do not contain any commands or controls like a ribbon panel does; instead, they manage the display of ribbon panels on the ribbon.
Properties for the Home - 2D ribbon tab Properties Description pane item Example Contextual Display Type Specifies whether the ribbon tab is displayed on its own tab or is merged with the ribbon tabs already displayed on the ribbon. The available options are Full or Merged. Full Default Display Specifies if the ribbon tab is displayed the first time the CUIx file is loaded as a partial customization file. The available options are Do Not Add to Workspaces or Add to Workspaces.
NOTE You might need to use the CUILOAD command to reload a partial CUIx file in order for the ribbon tabs to be properly added to all existing workspaces. Reloading a partial CUIx file will affect the display of all its ribbon tabs. The Plug-ins ribbon tab found in the acadlt.cuix utilizes the concept of merging multiple ribbon tabs from all the currently loaded CUIx files into a single ribbon tab.
5 Select the new ribbon tab in the tree view, and update the Properties pane: ■ In the Display Text box, enter a text string that will appear on the ribbon tab. ■ In the Contextual Display Type box, specify how the ribbon tab should be displayed on the ribbon when used with a contextual ribbon tab state. ■ In the Default Display box, specify if the ribbon tab should be displayed by default when the CUIx file is loaded as a partial customization file.
WARNING There is no way to undo the removal of a user interface element, so be careful when removing user interface elements. If you remove the wrong user interface element, the best thing to do is click Cancel to not save changes, but this will also undo any other changes that you might have made. 5 Click Apply. To add a ribbon panel to a ribbon tab 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
7 Click Apply. To remove a ribbon panel from a ribbon tab 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Tabs to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon tab where you want to remove a ribbon panel. 5 Right-click the ribbon panel that you want to remove. Click Remove.
4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the ribbon tab where you want to reposition a ribbon panel. 5 Select the ribbon panel that you want to reposition and drag it to a new location. A visual indicator bar is displayed between the ribbon panels indicating the placement of the ribbon panel when you release the pointing device button. 6 Once the splitter bar is in the place where you want to insert the ribbon panel, release the pointing device button. 7 Click Apply.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. RIBBON Opens the ribbon window. RIBBONCLOSE Closes the ribbon window. Ribbon Contextual Tab States Ribbon contextual tab states are used to control the display of ribbon panels on the ribbon when certain commands are active or an object is selected. You use the same ribbon tabs that you create to control the display of ribbon panels on the ribbon through a workspace, as those used for ribbon contextual tab states.
6 Click Apply. To remove a ribbon tab from a contextual tab state 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Ribbon to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Contextual Tab States to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the contextual tab state that contains the ribbon tab you want to remove.
3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Contextual Tab States to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the contextual tab state that contains the ribbon tab for which you want to change the contextual display type. 5 Select the ribbon tab you want to change. 6 In the Properties pane, Contextual Display Type, select Full or Merged. 7 Click Apply. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. RIBBON Opens the ribbon window.
System Variables RIBBONCONTEXTSELECT Controls how ribbon contextual tabs are displayed when you single- or double-click an object. RIBBONCONTEXTSELLIM Limits the number of objects that can be changed at one time with the ribbon property controls or a contextual tab. RIBBONSELECTMODE Determines whether a pickfirst selection set remains selected after a ribbon contextual tab is invoked and the command is completed.
The following table shows the properties of the Standard toolbar as they appear in the Properties pane. Properties for the Standard toolbar Properties pane item Description Example Name String used as the caption for the toolbar. Standard Description Text used to describe the element; does not appear in the user interface. Standard Toolbar Default Display Specifies if the toolbar is displayed when the CUIx file is loaded as a partial customization file.
NOTE The properties On By Default, Orientation, Default X Location, Default Y Location, and Rows are used only the first time the CUIx file is loaded and when no default workspace is set. After a toolbar is loaded the first time, a workspace is used to control the Appearance properties of a toolbar. See the procedure To change the properties of a toolbar on page 307 for more information. When you create a new toolbar, the first task you need to do is to provide a name for it.
To display toolbars from the user interface on page 295 To display toolbars using the CUI Editor on page 305 To create a toolbar 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, right-click Toolbars. Click New Toolbar. A new toolbar (named Toolbar1) is placed at the bottom of the Toolbars tree. 3 Do one of the following: ■ Enter a new name over the default name Toolbar1.
■ In the Aliases box, enter an alias for the toolbar. 5 In the Command List pane, drag the command you want to add to a location just below the name of the toolbar in the Customizations In pane. 6 Click Apply. To create a toolbar from a pull-down menu 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Menus tree node to expand it.
4 Update the workspace as desired to update the display and position for the new toolbar. To add a command to a toolbar in the Customizations In pane 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node to expand it. 3 In the Command List pane, drag the command to the toolbar you want to add it to in the Customizations In pane.
3 Select the toolbar you want to add a command to. 4 In the Command List pane, drag the command you want to add to the selected toolbar and drop it on the toolbar’s preview in the Toolbar Preview pane. You can control where the command is placed by releasing the mouse button when the black vertical splitter bar is displayed. 5 Click Apply. To add a command to a toolbar outside the CUI Editor 1 Display the toolbar you want to add a command to by right-clicking over a toolbar button.
You can control the location of the command you are adding by using the visual or horizontal indicator bar. 4 Click Apply. To reposition a command or control on a toolbar in the Customizations In pane 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node to expand it.
While dragging the command or control, use the visual indicator bar to specify the new position of the command or control. When the left arrow appears, the command or control is moved to the front of the toolbar. 5 Click Apply. To reposition a command or control on a toolbar in the Toolbar Preview pane 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
The Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor is displayed. 3 Drag the command on the toolbar that you want to reposition. While dragging the command, use the visual indicator bar to specify the new position of the command. 4 Click Apply. To remove a command or control from a toolbar in the Customizations In pane 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
To remove a command or control from a toolbar in the Toolbar Preview pane 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node to expand it. 3 Select the toolbar that contains the command or control you want to reposition. 4 In the Toolbar Preview pane, drag the command or control that you want to remove and drop it outside of the preview.
5 In the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, click Apply. To change properties of a toolbar 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node to expand it. NOTE Making changes to a toolbar’s properties here only affect the initial appearance of the toolbar after the CUIx file has been loaded.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. QUICKCUI Displays the Customize User Interface Editor in a collapsed state. RIBBON Opens the ribbon window. RIBBONCLOSE Closes the ribbon window. System Variables TOOLTIPS Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements. Add Flyouts to a Toolbar You can use flyouts to group related commands together on a toolbar.
Properties for the Zoom flyout on the Standard toolbar Properties pane item Description Example Description Text used to describe the element, does not appear in the user interface. Source Toolbar A read-only value used to specify which toolbar is being referenced to create the flyout. TB_ZOOM Use Own Button Controls whether the last used toolbar button is set as the current button or not. The possible values are Yes or No. No Small Image ID string of the small-image resource (16 × 16 bitmap).
A new flyout toolbar (named Toolbar1) is placed below the toolbar you selected. 4 Right-click Toolbar1. Click Rename. Enter a new toolbar name. NOTE You can click, wait, and click again over a toolbar name to edit its name in-place in the Customizations In pane. NOTE Just renaming the toolbar won’t change the name of the flyout. You must select and rename the flyout independently if you want them to both have the same name.
6 Click Apply. To create a flyout toolbar from another toolbar 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to the toolbar to which you want to add a flyout toolbar. 4 Locate the toolbar you want to use as a flyout. Drag the toolbar to a location in the expanded toolbar.
5 Click Apply. To create a flyout toolbar from a pull-down menu 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to the toolbar to which you want to add a flyout toolbar. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the Menus tree node to expand it.
6 Reposition the new flyout on the toolbar. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. Add, Remove or Switch Toolbar Controls Toolbar controls are drop-down lists of items that can affect the objects in a drawing or the way the program behaves from a toolbar. For example, the Layers toolbar contains controls for defining layer settings. In the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, you can add, remove, and relocate controls within toolbars.
Control elements for toolbars Control element Description Multileader Style Control Displays and sets the current multileader style. Named View Control Displays and sets the current named view. OPT Color Control Displays and sets the current color. Plot Style Control Displays and sets the current plot style. Redo Skinny Button Control Allows you to reverse the previous undo or undoes. Reference Block Name Control Displays the name of the xref being edited.
2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to the toolbar to which you want to add a control. 4 In the Command List pane, Categories list, click Toolbar Control Elements. The Command List pane displays the list of toolbar control elements only.
2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node to expand it. 3 Select the toolbar to which you want to add a control. 4 In the Command List pane, Categories list, click Control Elements. The Command List pane displays the list of toolbar control elements only.
To switch a control in a toolbar 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to the toolbar to which you want to add a control. 4 Click the control element under the toolbar. 5 In the Properties pane, Control box, click the down arrow to display a list of toolbar controls.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. Pull-down and Shortcut Menus Pull-down menus are displayed as a list under a menu bar. Shortcut menus (also called context menus) are displayed at or near the crosshairs or cursor when you right-click in the drawing window, text window, command window, in toolbar areas, or the ribbon. Overview of Pull-Down and Shortcut Menus A pull-down menu can contain up to 999 commands.
NOTE When you create a pull-down or shortcut menu, you must also add at least one command to the menu. Otherwise, the menu will not be displayed on the menu bar. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. System Variables MENUBAR Controls the display of the menu bar. Create a Pull-Down Menu You can create a pull-down menu, add submenus and commands to it on the Customize tab of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor.
To create a pull-down menu 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, right-click Menus. Click New Menu. A new menu (named Menu1) is placed at the bottom of the Menus tree. 3 Do one of the following: ■ Enter a new name over the default name Menu1. ■ Right-click Menu1. Click Rename. Enter a new menu name.
5 In the Command List pane, drag the command to a location just below the menu in the Customizations In pane. NOTE You can change the name of a command after it has been added to a menu. This allows you to define how the user can access the menu item using keyboard navigation with the Alt key. To do this, select the menu item under the Menus node and then change the Name property in the Properties pane. 6 Click Apply.
NOTE You can change the name of a command after it has been added to a menu. This allows you to define how the user can access the menu item using keyboard navigation with the Alt key. To do this, select the menu item under the Menus node and then change the Name property in the Properties pane. 4 Click Apply. For information about creating a command, see Create, Edit, and Reuse Commands on page 94.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. System Variables MENUBAR Controls the display of the menu bar. Create a Shortcut Menu Shortcut menus are displayed at or near the location of your cursor when you right-click on the pointing device. The shortcut menu and the options it provides depend on the location of the cursor and other conditions, such as whether an object is selected or a command is in progress.
Aliases for context-sensitive shortcut menus must be numbered between POP500 and POP999, with the exception of the Object Snap menu which uses an alias of POP0. The following aliases are reserved for use by the program: Program aliases for shortcut menus Alias Description GRIPS Defines the Hot Grip shortcut menu. (Right-click the drawing area while a grip on an object is selected.) CMDEFAULT Defines the Default mode shortcut menu.
table shows the object names that are specific to inserted objects (blocks, dynamic blocks, and xrefs).
Command Specific Shortcut Menus Like the CMEDIT menu, the CMCOMMAND menu can contain context-sensitive commands. Menus named COMMAND_commandname control which commands are appended to the CMCOMMAND menu when a command is active. The text of commandname can be any valid AutoCAD LT command, including custom-defined or third-party commands. In many cases, you can enter a hyphen before a command to suppress the display of a dialog box and display prompts for the command instead.
d In the Properties pane, Description box, optionally enter a description for the shortcut menu. e In the Aliases box, click the [ ] button. f In the Aliases dialog box, press Enter so you are on a new line. Enter additional aliases for the menu, and after each one, press Enter. An alias is automatically assigned, and defaults to the next available POP number, based on the number of shortcut menus already loaded in the program.
when using the LINE command use the alias COMMAND_LINE. The commands from the shortcut menu will appear at the bottom of the shortcut menu with the alias CMCOMMAND when it is displayed. a Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. b In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, right-click Shortcut Menus. Click New Shortcut Menu. The new shortcut menu (named ShortcutMenu1) is placed at the bottom of the Menus tree.
g In the Command List pane, drag the command that you want to add to the location just below the shortcut menu in the Customizations In pane. h Continue adding commands until the new shortcut menu is complete. i Click Apply. ■ To create an object shortcut menu In order for the commands on the shortcut menu to appear when an object or objects of the same type are selected, make sure to use the alias OBJECT_objecttype or OBJECTS_objecttype.
The new shortcut menu (named ShortcutMenu1) is placed at the bottom of the Menus tree. c Do one of the following: ■ Enter a new name over the default name ShortcutMenu1. ■ Right-click ShortcutMenu1. Click Rename. Enter a new shortcut menu name. ■ Click ShortcutMenu1, wait, and click again over the shortcut menu’s name to edit its name in-place. d In the Properties pane, Description box, optionally enter a description for the shortcut menu. e In the Aliases box, click the [ ] button.
h Continue adding commands until the new shortcut menu is complete. i Click Apply. To add a command to a shortcut menu 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the menu to which you want to add a command. 3 In the Command List pane, drag the command you want to add to a location just below the menu in the Customizations In pane.
NOTE You can change the name of a command after it has been added to a menu. This allows you to define how the user can access the menu item using keyboard navigation with the Alt key. To do this, select the menu item under the Shortcut Menus node and then change the Name property in the Properties pane. 4 Click Apply. For information about creating a command, see Create, Edit, and Reuse Commands on page 94.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. System Variables SHORTCUTMENU Controls whether Default, Edit, and Command mode shortcut menus are available in the drawing area. Create Submenus You can create submenus to organize and group similar commands together. Submenus are created in much the same way that you create a menu.
Special characters for submenus Character Description Example \t Pushes all label text entered after these characters to the right side of the menu. Help\tF1 displays Help on the left side of the pull-down menu and F1 on the right side. To create a submenu 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Menus. Select the menu you want to add a submenu to.
6 In the Command List pane, drag the command you want to add to a location just below the name of the submenu in the Customizations In pane. 7 Continue adding commands until the new submenu is complete. 8 Click Apply. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. Reference Pull-Down or Shortcut Menus Using a method similar to that used to activate submenus, you can activate or deactivate another pull-down or shortcut menu.
Absolute Referencing of Pull-Down and Shortcut Menu Items In addition to referencing a menu item, you can activate or deactivate a menu item with the $Pn=xxx syntax. This is the format: $Pn.i=xxx The $ loads a menu section; Pn specifies the active menu section (0 through 16 are valid values); i specifies the menu item number; and xxx (if present), specifies a string of grayed out or marked characters. Using the $Pn=xxx syntax, the following example adds a check mark to item 1 in the POP7 section. $P7.1=!.
referencing. Using this method, you can insert the new menu in front of a known menu and then remove the known menu. For menu-swapping purposes, the pull-down menu areas are named P1 through P16. You can change the title that appears in the menu bar by replacing that line of the menu with a $Pn= command. You can use the special command $Pn=* from within any command to force the menu currently assigned to area POPn to pull down for greater flexibility in movement of the pointing device.
Main label or alias You can also insert a menu with the Pn= syntax. The following macro inserts a menu after the P5 menu. If you use this method to insert a menu, remember that you cannot rely on its being inserted at the P6 menu location as you might expect. There are two reasons that this may not be the case. ■ If the current menu bar has only three menus, inserting a menu after menu P5 results in the new menu's location being P4.
■ You can swap customization elements of the same type only; that is, one shortcut menu for another, one toolbar for another, and so on. Trying to swap between types may result in unpredictable behavior. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. CUILOAD Loads a CUIx file. CUIUNLOAD Unloads a CUIx file. -TOOLBAR Displays, hides, and customizes toolbars. WORKSPACE Creates, modifies, and saves workspaces and makes a workspace current.
to display when on object of that type is selected or double-clicked in the drawing area. You can change the general properties for a selected object type or for all object types. Selecting an object type from the Objects pane allows you to control the display of the general properties for the selected object type, or by clicking the General button at the bottom of the Objects pane you can override the general properties of all object types.
3 In the Objects pane, click Edit Object Type List. 4 In the Edit Object Type List dialog box, select the object types you want to display properties for on the Quick Properties palette.
selected, QPMODE is set to 2, and PICKFIRST is turned on. Clear the check mark next to an object type to remove support for the object type from the Quick Properties palette. 5 Click OK. 6 In the Customize User Interface Editor, click Apply. To control the display of a property for an object on the Quick Properties palette 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, select Quick Properties.
If a property is checked, the property is displayed on the Quick Properties palette when an object of the same type is selected in the drawing window. Clear the check mark next to a property to remove the property for the selected object type from the Quick Properties palette. 5 Click Apply. To control the display of custom properties and attributes for block references on the Quick Properties palette 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
If the Custom category is checked, the dynamic properties for a block are displayed on the Quick Properties palette. If the Attributes category is checked, the attributes for a block are displayed on the Quick Properties palette 5 Click Apply. To override the general properties for all object types 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, select Quick Properties.
5 Click Apply. To restore the default settings for Quick Properties 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, right-click Quick Properties. 3 Click Restore Default. 4 Click Restore the Default Quick Properties Settings. 5 Click Apply. To synchronize Quick Properties with rollover tooltips 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, right-click Quick Properties. 3 Click Synchronize with Rollover Tooltips. 4 Click Apply Rollover Tooltips Settings to Quick Properties palette. 5 Click Apply. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. DSETTINGS Sets grid and snap, polar and object snap tracking, object snap modes, Dynamic Input, and Quick Properties.
System Variables QPLOCATION Sets the location for the Quick Properties palette. QPMODE Controls whether the Quick Properties palette is displayed when objects are selected. Rollover Tooltips Rollover tooltips display the current values of selected properties. The properties and values that are displayed in a rollover tooltip can be customized by object type.
NOTE When an object is not in the Object Type list on the Objects pane, the general properties that are checked for all object types are displayed on the rollover tooltips. Display Rollover Tooltips Rollover tooltips are displayed for objects when the ROLLOVERTIPS system variable is set to 1. See Set Interface Options in the User’s Guide for more information about controlling the display of rollover tooltips and other tooltip settings for the program.
If an object type is checked, the properties for the object type are displayed on a rollover tooltip when the cursor hovers over an object of the same type. Clear the check mark next to an object type to remove support for the object type from rollover tooltips. 5 Click OK. 6 In the Customize User Interface Editor, click Apply. To control which properties are displayed on a rollover tooltip 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
3 In the Objects pane, select an object from the Object Type list. 4 In the Properties pane, select the properties you want to display on a rollover tooltip. If a property is checked, the property is displayed on a rollover tooltip when the cursor hovers over an object of the selected object type in the drawing window. Clear the check mark next to a property to remove the property for the selected object type. 5 Click Apply.
4 Click Reset Overrides. 5 Click Apply. To restore the default settings for rollover tooltips 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, right-click Rollover Tooltips. 3 Click Restore Default. 4 Click Restore the Default Rollover Tooltips Settings.
5 Click Apply. To synchronize rollover tooltips with Quick Properties 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, right-click Rollover Tooltips. 3 Click Synchronize with Quick Properties. 4 Click Apply Quick Properties Settings to Rollover Tooltips.
5 Click Apply. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. OPTIONS Customizes the program settings. System Variables ROLLOVERTIPS Controls the display of rollover tooltips when the cursor hovers over an object. Keyboard Shortcuts Shortcut keys can be used to start commands and to be temporary override keys to execute a command or change a setting when a key is pressed.
Overview of Shortcut Keys Shortcut keys are key combinations that start commands. For example, you can press Ctrl+O to open a file and Ctrl+S to save a file, which is the same as clicking Open and Save on the Quick Access toolbar or File menu. To create a shortcut key, you start by dragging a command from the Commands List pane to the Shortcut Keys node in the Customizations In pane. Once you create a shortcut key, you assign a key combination to it.
NOTE A shortcut key inherits its properties from the command that is used to create it. To create or modify a shortcut key 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, click the plus sign (+) next to Keyboard Shortcuts to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Shortcut Keys to expand it.
6 Hold down the modifier key Ctrl with a combination of Shift and Alt if desired and press a letter, number, function, or virtual key such as F1 or Insert.
7 Click OK to assign the key combination and close the Shortcut Keys dialog box. 8 In the Customize User Interface Editor, click Apply. To print a list of shortcut keys or temporary override keys 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customizations In pane, click the Keyboard Shortcuts node. 3 In the Shortcuts pane, filter the type and status of keyboard shortcuts to print.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. System Variables TOOLTIPS Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements. Examples of Shortcut Keys The CUIx file that ships with AutoCAD LT defines the default shortcut keys. You can use the default shortcut keys as examples when creating your own shortcut keys. The following table lists the default actions for shortcut keys.
Shortcut Key Assignments Shortcut Key Description CTRL+B Toggles Snap CTRL+C Copies objects to the Windows Clipboard CTRL+SHIFT+C Copies objects to the Windows Clipboard with Base Point CTRL+E Cycles through isometric planes CTRL+F Toggles running object snaps CTRL+G Toggles Grid CTRL+H Toggles PICKSTYLE CTRL+SHIFT+H Toggles the display of palettes with HIDEPALETTES and SHOWPALETTES CTRL+J Repeats last command CTRL+K Inserts a hyperlink CTRL+L Toggles Ortho mode CTRL+M Repeats last
Shortcut Key Assignments Shortcut Key Description CTRL+SHIFT+S Displays up the Save As dialog box CTRL+T Toggles Tablet mode CTRL+V Pastes data from the Windows Clipboard CTRL+SHIFT+V Pastes data from the Windows Clipboard as a Block CTRL+X Cuts objects from the current drawing to the Windows Clipboard CTRL+Y Cancels the preceding Undo action CTRL+Z Reverses the last action CTRL+[ Cancels current command CTRL+\ Cancels current command CTRL+PAGE UP Moves to the next layout tab to the lef
Shortcut Key Assignments Shortcut Key Description F9 Toggles SNAPMODE F10 Toggles Polar Tracking F11 Toggles Object Snap Tracking F12 Toggles Dynamic Input NOTE In the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, you can view, print, or copy a list of shortcut keys, temporary override keys, or both. The shortcut keys and temporary override keys in the list are those keys used by the CUIx files that are loaded in the program.
The following table shows the properties of the Object Snap Override : Endpoint temporary override key as they appear in the Properties pane. Properties for the Object Snap Override : Endpoint Temporary Override Key Properties Description pane item Example Name String that is only used in the CUI Editor and is not displayed in the user interface. Object Snap Override : Endpoint Description Text used to describe the element; does not appear in the user interface.
A new temporary override (named TemporaryOverride1) is placed at the bottom of the Temporary Override Keys tree. 4 Do one of the following: ■ Enter a new name over the default name TemporaryOverride1. ■ Right-click TemporaryOverride1. Click Rename. Enter a new temporary override name. ■ Click TemporaryOverride1, wait, and click again over the temporary override’s name again to edit its name in-place.
NOTE For information about creating a macro, see Create Macros on page 101. 6 Click Apply. To modify a temporary override key 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, click the plus sign (+) next to Keyboard Shortcuts to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Temporary Override Keys to expand it. 4 In the Customizations In pane, click the temporary override key you want to modify.
■ In the Macro 2 (Key Up) box, enter a macro to be executed when the temporary override key is released. When no value is defined, key up restores the application to its previous state (before the temporary override was executed). NOTE For information about creating a macro, see Create Macros on page 101. 6 Click Apply. To print a list of shortcut keys or temporary override keys 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. System Variables TOOLTIPS Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements. TEMPOVERRIDES Turns temporary override keys on and off. Examples of Temporary Override Keys The CUIx file that ships with AutoCAD LT defines the default temporary override keys. You can use the default temporary override keys as examples when creating your own temporary override keys.
override keys on other keyboards, see Override Object Snap Settings in the User’s Guide. Temporary Override Key Assignments Temporary Override Key Description F3 Toggles OSNAP F8 Toggles ORTHOMODE F9 Toggles SNAPMODE F10 Toggles Polar Tracking F11 Toggles Object Snap Tracking F12 Toggles Dynamic Input SHIFT Toggles ORTHOMODE SHIFT+’ Toggles OSNAP SHIFT+, Object Snap Override: Center SHIFT+.
Temporary Override Key Assignments Temporary Override Key Description SHIFT+Q Toggles Object Snap Tracking SHIFT+S Enables Object Snap Enforcement SHIFT+V Object Snap Override: Midpoint SHIFT+X Toggles Polar Tracking NOTE In the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, you can view, print, or copy a list of shortcut keys, temporary override keys, or both. The shortcut keys and temporary override keys in the list are those keys used by the CUIx files that are loaded in the program.
Properties for the Attribute Block double click action Properties Description pane item Example Object Name Determines the type of object the double click action is associated to. For information on the object names that can be used, see Double Click Action Object Names on page 266. ATTBLOCKREF Element ID Uniquely identifies a double click action in the CUI Editor. DC_0002 To create a double click action 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
■ In the Object Name box, enter a DXF name or one of the special object names used for an insert, surface, or underlay object. The value will automatically be converted to uppercase after the box loses focus. 5 In the Command List pane, drag the command you want to add to the double click action in the Customizations In pane. NOTE Only a single command can be associated with a double click action at a time. 6 Click Apply.
In the Properties pane, the properties for the double click action you selected are displayed. 4 In the Object Name box, enter a DXF name or one of the special object names used for an insert, surface, or underlay object. 5 If you want to replace the current command assigned to the double click action, click in the Command List pane and drag a different command to the selected double click action in the Customizations In pane. 6 Click Apply.
OPTIONS Customizes the program settings. System Variables DBLCLKEDIT Controls the double click editing behavior in the drawing area. PICKFIRST Controls whether you select objects before (noun-verb selection) or after you issue a command. Double Click Action Object Names The Object Name property of a double click action must be a valid drawing ™ interchange format (DXF ) name, or a special name for insert objects.
DXF Names for Commonly Used Objects DXF Name Description DGNUNDERLAY DGN file underlay DIMENSION Dimensions (all dimension objects) DWFUNDERLAY DWF file underlay ELLIPSE Ellipse and elliptical arc EXTRUDEDSURFACE 3D extruded surface HATCH Hatch and gradient fill IMAGE Raster image INSERT The Object Names for the different types of block reference objects are as follows: ATTBLOCKREF Block reference with attributes ATTDYNBLOCKREF Dynamic block reference with attributes BLOCKREF Block referen
DXF Names for Commonly Used Objects DXF Name Description POINT Point POLYLINE 2D or 3D polyline RAY Ray REGION 2D region SHAPE Shape insert SOLID 2D solid SPLINE B-spline curve TABLE Table TEXT Single-line text TOLERANCE Geometric tolerance VIEWPORT Floating viewport WIPEOUT Wipeout XLINE Construction line NOTE If more than one object is selected or if an object type is not associated with a double click action, the default command used is QUICKPROPERTIES.
The following table shows some of the object names that are set up in the acadlt.cuix file. Expand the Double Click Actions node in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor for a complete listing of all the actions that are defined.
Overview of Mouse Buttons Mouse buttons define how a Windows system pointing device functions. You can customize the behavior of a mouse or other pointing device in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. If a pointing device has more than two buttons, you can change the behavior of the second and third buttons. The first button on any pointing device cannot be changed in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor.
A new mouse button (named Buttonn) is placed at the bottom of the selected list. 5 In the Command List pane, drag the command you want to add to the mouse button in the Customizations In pane. 6 Click Apply. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. System Variables MBUTTONPAN Controls the behavior of the third button or wheel on the pointing device.
the command; if the item contains no backslashes, the crosshairs coordinate is not used. Consider the following commands: line line \ The first button starts the LINE command and displays the Specify First Point prompt in the normal fashion. The second button also starts the LINE command, but the program uses the current crosshairs location at the Specify First Point prompt and displays the Specify Next Point prompt.
to 32,766 commands in each tablet section, which should be more than enough for any tablet menu. You can add your own macros to the Macros cell in the Properties pane. The command labels in this area correspond to the 225 boxes at the top of your tablet template (rows A through I and columns 1 through 25). You can add a macro using standard command syntax. The following table shows the Click mouse button properties as they appear in the Properties pane.
To clear a tablet menu assignment 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Legacy to expand it. 3 Click the plus sign (+) next to Tablet Menus to expand it. 4 Click the plus sign (+) next to a tablet menu to expand it. 5 Right-click the row or column that you want to clear. Click Clear Assignment. 6 Click Apply.
NOTE It is important to test your button assignments as they are assigned to ensure the proper button is being mapped. You may need to refer to your owners manual that came with your puck for how the buttons are laid out. To customize tablet buttons, you follow the same procedures as for customizing mouse buttons. For more information about customizing tablet buttons, see Mouse Buttons on page 269. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.
You define an image tile menu in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. The following table shows the properties for an image tile menu. Properties for the Tiled Viewport Layout image tile menu Properties Description pane item Example Name String that is used only in the CUI Editor and is not displayed in the user interface. Tiled Viewport Layout Description Text that describes the element and does not appear in the user interface. Aliases Specifies the aliases for the image tile menu.
Properties of the Four: Equal tile slide on the Tiled Viewport Layout image tile menu Properties Description pane item Example Slide library A file that is made up of multiple slides and created using the file slidelib.exe. acadlt Slide label Name of a slide contained in the slide library file or a slide image that is stored separately. vport-4 You can use any slide generated by AutoCAD LT as an image. Keep the following suggestions in mind as you prepare slides for an image tile menu.
To view an image tile slide 1 At the Command prompt, enter vslide. 2 In the Select Slide File dialog box, browse to and select the slide file you want to view. 3 Click Open. The slide file should be displayed in the drawing window. Perform a Regen on the drawing to clear the slide file from the display. To create an image tile slide library 1 Place all your slides in a single folder location that you want to add to a slide library. 2 Click Start menu ➤ (All) Programs ➤ Accessories ➤ Command Prompt.
2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Legacy to expand the list. 3 In the Legacy list, right-click Image Tile Menu. Click New Image Tile Menu. A new image tile menu (named ImageTileMenu1) is placed at the bottom of the Image Tile Menus tree. 4 Do one of the following: ■ Enter a new name over the default name ImageTileMenu1. ■ Right-click ImageTileMenu1. Click Rename. Then, enter a new image tile name.
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. MSLIDE Creates a slide file of the current model viewport or the current layout. VSLIDE Displays an image slide file in the current viewport. Customize Workspaces You can customize workspaces to create a drawing environment that displays only those commands on the Quick Access toolbar, toolbars, menus, ribbon tabs, and palettes that you select.
windows, and user interface elements (Quick Access toolbar, toolbars, menus, ribbon tabs, and palettes). You customize a workspace by selecting a workspace from the Workspaces node in the Customizations In pane. The Workspace Contents and Properties panes are displayed. To modify a workspace, you click the Customize Workspace button in the Workspace Contents pane.
Change the Properties of a Workspace In the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, you can define workspace properties, such as the workspace name, description, whether the Model or layout tab is displayed or not, and so on. The following table shows the AutoCAD LT Classic workspace properties as they appear in the Properties pane.
CUIx files must be transferred to the main CUIx file if you want to set that workspace current. Set the Default Workspace Workspaces in a CUIx file can be marked as default. This identifies which workspace in the CUIx file should be restored when the CUIx file is loaded into the program the first time, or after the CUIx file has been loaded with the CUILOAD command.
3 Do one of the following to rename the workspace: ■ Enter a new name over the default name Workspace1. ■ Right-click Workspace1. Click Rename. Then, enter a new workspace name. ■ Click Workspace1, wait, and click again over the workspace’s name again to edit its name in-place. 4 In the Workspace Contents pane, click Customize Workspace. 5 In the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the tree nodes to expand them.
8 Click Apply. To save or create a workspace from the user interface Do one of the following: ■ To save a workspace from the Workspaces toolbar 1 Right-click over one of the visible toolbars that is currently displayed in the user interface and click Workspaces. A check mark is displayed to the left of any toolbar that is currently displayed. 2 On the Workspaces toolbar, click the drop-down list and select Save Current As.
4 Click Save to create or modify the workspace. ■ To save a workspace from the status bar 1 On the status bar, click Workspace Switching. Then click Save Current As. 2 In the Save Workspace dialog box, Name box, enter a name to create a new workspace or select an existing workspace from the drop-down list to overwrite it. 3 Click Save to create or modify the workspace. NOTE You can also save a workspace from the Quick Access toolbar.
3 In the Properties pane, do any of the following: ■ In the Name box, enter a name for the workspace. ■ In the Description box, enter a description. ■ In the Start On box, select an option (Model, Layout, Do Not Change). ■ In the Menu Bar box, select an option (Off, On). ■ In the Status Bar box, select an option (Application Only, All Off, All On, Drawing Status Bar Only). ■ In the Model/Layout Tab box, select an option (On, Off, Do Not Change).
A duplicate of the workspace (named Copy of ) is placed at the bottom of the Workspaces tree node). 4 Do one of the following to rename the duplicate workspace: ■ Enter a new name over the default name Copy Of . ■ Right-click Copy Of . Click Rename. Enter a new name for the workspace. ■ Click Copy Of , wait, and click again over the workspace’s name again to edit its name in-place. 5 Modify the workspace as necessary. 6 Click Apply.
■ To set a workspace current from the status bar ■ On the status bar, click Workspace Switching. Then click the workspace you want to set current NOTE You can also set a workspace from the Quick Access toolbar. ■ To set a workspace current from the Tools menu on the menu bar ■ On the menu bar, click Tools menu ➤ Workspaces ➤ select the workspace you want to set current. To set a workspace current from the CUI Editor 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
4 Click Apply. To restore the “classic” workspace ■ From the status bar, click Workspace Switching. Click AutoCAD LT Classic. To set a workspace as default 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to Workspaces to expand it. 3 Right-click the workspace you want to set as default. Click Set Default. 4 Click Apply.
2 In the AutoCAD LT Properties dialog box, Shortcut tab, in the Target box, edit the parameters for the switch using the following syntax: “drive:\pathname\acadlt.exe” [/switch “name”] For Example, enter “d:\AutoCAD LT 2012\acadlt.
3 Click OK. To import a workspace to a main CUIx file 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. The Transfer tab is displayed, with the main CUIx file displayed in the Customizations In pane (left side). 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Transfer tab, in the Customizations In pane (right side), click the Open Customization File button.
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. WORKSPACE Creates, modifies, and saves workspaces and makes a workspace current. WSSAVE Saves a workspace.
■ Ribbon tabs ■ Toolbars ■ Palettes Control the Display of the Quick Access Toolbar Customization of the Quick Access toolbar outside the Customize User Interface Editor is limited to controlling the placement of the Quick Access toolbar in relation to the ribbon, and adding or removing commands. To place and customize the Quick Access toolbar, you right-click the Quick Access toolbar or click the Customize button located on the far right end of the Quick Access toolbar.
of the visual aspects of a palette from the application window. You can specify the position, size, transparency, and docking of a palette. For information about controlling the display of a palette, see Specify the Behavior of Dockable Windows in the User’s Guide. See also: ■ Control User Interface Elements in the CUI Editor on page 296 To display the Quick Access toolbar above or below the ribbon from the user interface 1 Right-click on the Quick Access toolbar.
To display palettes from the user interface Do one of the following: ■ On the ribbon, View tab ➤ Palettes panel, and click the buttons to display the desired palette. ■ On the menu bar, click Tools menu ➤ Palettes, and click the desired palette. ■ At the Command prompt, enter the command to display the desired palette and press Enter. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. System Variables MENUBAR Controls the display of the menu bar.
Control the Display of User Interface Elements on the Application and Drawing Windows Workspaces control the display of user interface elements such as toolbars and the menu bar. While a workspace primarily provides toolbars, menus, ribbon tabs, and palettes, you can also use a workspace to control user interface elements for the application and drawing windows.
Contents pane, and control the appearance of the toolbars in the Properties pane. For information about creating and editing toolbars, see Toolbars on page 190 under Customize User Interface Elements on page 140. Control the Display of Menus on the Menu Bar Menus and the order in which they are displayed on the menu bar can only be controlled through the Workspace Contents pane. By default the menu bar is not displayed when the ribbon is.
5 In the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Quick Access Toolbars tree node or Partial Customization Files tree node to expand it. 6 Click the check box next to the Quick Access toolbar to add it to the workspace. 7 In the Workspace Contents pane, click Done. NOTE Make sure to set the workspace current to ensure the changes are displayed. 8 Click Apply.
2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Workspaces node to expand it. 3 Select the workspace that you want to modify. 4 In the Workspace Contents pane, click the Quick Access Toolbar tree node. 5 In the Properties pane, click the Orientation box and select Above or Below from the drop-down list. Above displays the Quick Access Toolbar above the ribbon, while below sets the Quick Access Toolbar below the ribbon.
5 In the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Ribbon Tabs tree node or Partial Customization Files tree node to expand it. 6 Click the check box next to each ribbon tab that you want to add to the workspace. In the Workspace Contents pane, the selected elements are added to the workspace. 7 In the Workspace Contents pane, click Done. NOTE Make sure to set the workspace current to ensure the changes are displayed. 8 Click Apply.
3 Select the workspace that has the ribbon tab you want to reposition. 4 In the Workspace Contents pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Ribbon Tabs tree node to expand it. 5 Drag the ribbon tab into the new location. A splitter bar shows the new location for the ribbon tab. 6 Once the splitter bar is in the place where you want to insert the ribbon tab, release the pointing device button. NOTE Make sure to set the workspace as current to ensure the changes are displayed. 7 Click Apply.
6 Drag the ribbon panel into the new location. A splitter bar shows the new location for the ribbon panel. 7 Once the splitter bar is in the place where you want to insert the ribbon panel, release the pointing device button. NOTE Make sure to set the workspace as current to ensure the changes are displayed. 8 Click Apply. To control the display of ribbon tabs on the ribbon 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface.
7 Click Apply. To control the display of ribbon panels for a ribbon tab 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Workspaces node to expand it. 3 Select the workspace that has the ribbon tab for which you want to change the properties of the ribbon panels.
3 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Workspaces node to expand it. 4 Select the workspace that has the ribbon tab for which you want to assign a tool palette group. 5 In the Workspace Contents pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Ribbon Tabs node to expand it. 6 Select the ribbon tab that you want to assign a tool palette group.
4 In the Workspace Contents pane, click Customize Workspace. 5 In the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node, or Partial Customization Files tree node to expand it. 6 Click the check box next to each toolbar that you want to add to the workspace. In the Workspace Contents pane, the selected elements are added to the workspace. 7 In the Workspace Contents pane, click Done. NOTE Make sure to set the workspace current to ensure the changes are displayed.
To change the properties of a toolbar 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the workspace that contains the toolbar you want to modify. 3 In the Workspace Contents pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Toolbars tree node to expand it. 4 Select the toolbar that you want to modify.
■ In the Rows box, enter a number. Enter a number to have the buttons on the toolbar wrap around to create the number of rows if possible. 0 is the default value. (Available only if Orientation is set to Floating.) 6 Click Apply. To display menus on the menu bar 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Workspaces node to expand it.
In the Workspace Contents pane, the selected elements are added to the workspace. 7 In the Workspace Contents pane, click Done. NOTE Make sure to set the workspace current to ensure the changes are displayed. 8 Click Apply. To reposition menus on the menu bar 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ User Interface. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, in the Customizations In pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Workspaces node to expand it.
4 In the Workspace Contents pane, click the plus sign (+) next to the Menus node to expand it. 5 Drag the pull-down menu into the new location. A splitter bar shows the new location for the pull-down menu. 6 Once the splitter bar is in the place where you want to insert the menu, release the pointing device button. NOTE Make sure to set the workspace current to ensure the changes are displayed. 7 Click Apply.
5 Select the palette you want to display. 6 In the Properties pane, under Appearance, Show box, click the drop-down list and select Show. 7 Click Apply. Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. Control the Appearance of Palettes You can use workspaces to control the display and appearance of palettes. Many windows, known as palettes, can be set to be docked, anchored, or floated in t6he application window.
■ External References ■ Layer Properties Manager ■ Markup Set Manager ■ Properties ■ QuickCalc ■ Ribbon ■ Tool Palette The following table shows the properties as they appear in the Properties pane for a palette in the CUI Editor and as an example, the default values of the Tool Palettes window in the AutoCAD LT Classic workspace. Properties for the Tool Palettes window under the AutoCAD LT Classic workspace Properties pane item Description Example Show Visibility state of the palette.
Properties for the Tool Palettes window under the AutoCAD LT Classic workspace Properties pane item Description Example Use Transparency Controls if the palette appears transparent. The available options are No, Yes, or Do Not Change. Do Not Change maintains the last used setting for the palette when the workspace is restored or set current. No Transparency Amount Controls how opaque the palette is displayed. The valid range is 0 through 100.
5 In the Properties pane, do any or all of the following: ■ In the Show box, select an option (No, Yes, or Do Not Change). ■ In the Orientation box, select an option (Floating, Top, Bottom, Left, or Right). ■ In the Allow Docking box, select an option (No, Yes, or Do Not Change). NOTE To specify that a window should be anchored, set Orientation to Left, Right, Top, or Bottom, and set Auto Hide to On. ■ In the Auto Hide box, select an option (On, Off, or Do Not Change).
Quick Reference Commands CUI Manages the customized user interface elements in the product. Transfer and Migrate Customization You can transfer and migrate data from a customization or menu file from an earlier release using the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor and the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box. Transfer Customization The Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor can be used to transfer data in a CUI, MNU, or MNS file to a CUIx file without modifying the original customization or menu file.
Migrate Customization As you make changes to the customization in a CUIx file, the changes are automatically tracked. The tracked changes are used when migrating customization from release to release with the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box. In the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box, you can migrate any changes made to the standard CUIx files that come with the program with the new shipping versions of the files with the same name.
To transfer customizations 1 Click Manage tab ➤ Customization panel ➤ Import Customizations. 2 In the Customize User Interface Editor, Transfer tab, in the left pane, click the Open Customization File button. 3 In the Open dialog box, locate the customization file (MNU, MNS, CUI, or CUIx) from which you want to import customizations, and select it. Click Open. 4 In the right pane, click the Open Customization File button.
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. Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor FAQs FAQs will help you to find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about using the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor.
for example, expand the menu under the Menus node in the Customizations In pane that you want to add the command to and then drag the command under the menu. See To create a pull-down menu on page 214 for more information. Menus Why doesn’t my menu display on the menu bar? Workspaces are used to control the display of menus on the menu bar. See To display menus on the menu bar on page 308 for more information.
Why does my toolbar flyout not work? A flyout might not work for a few different reasons. There might not be any commands currently assigned to the toolbar that it is referencing or a control is part of the toolbar that is being referenced for the toolbar flyout. Launch the CUI Editor and verify that there are commands on the toolbar that is being referenced and if there are, make sure there are no controls on the toolbar such as the Layer list control.
Enterprise CUIx Files How do I edit an enterprise CUIx file if it is read-only in the CUI Editor? An enterprise CUIx file can only be edited when it is loaded as the main CUIx file or as a partial CUIx file to the main CUIx file. It is recommended that you load it as the main CUIx file when you need to make edits.
System Variables WSCURRENT Returns the current workspace name at the Command prompt and sets a workspace to current.
DIESEL 5 You can use DIESEL to alter the AutoCAD LT® status line through the MODEMACRO system variable. You can also use DIESEL in menu items as a macro language instead of AutoLISP®. DIESEL expressions accept strings and generate string results. Customize the Status Line You can use the MODEMACRO system variable to display information on the status line. Overview of the MODEMACRO System Variable The status line can provide the user with important information without interrupting the work flow.
MODEMACRO setting, you can experiment with various status line formats; however, the maximum number of characters you can enter in this manner is 255. If you set MODEMACRO to the null string by entering a period (.), AutoCAD LT displays the standard status line. Quick Reference Commands SETVAR Lists or changes the values of system variables. System Variables MODEMACRO Displays a text string on the status line, such as the name of the current drawing, time/date stamp, or special modes.
type: strings. Macros that operate on numbers express the numbers as strings and convert back and forth as required. For descriptions of the DIESEL functions, see Catalog of DIESEL Functions on page 328. Now define a more interesting status line (for example, one that shows the current text style name): Command: modemacro New value for MODEMACRO, or . for none <"">: Style: $(getvar, textstyle) ■ Style: is a text string to be displayed on the status line.
Command: modemacro New value for MODEMACRO, or . for none <"">: "$(getvar,clayer)= """$(getvar,clayer)"""" The status line displays the following: $(getvar,clayer)="LAYOUT" Quick Reference Commands SETVAR Lists or changes the values of system variables. System Variables MODEMACRO Displays a text string on the status line, such as the name of the current drawing, time/date stamp, or special modes.
■ The symbols to insert are one unit high by one unit wide. ■ The DIMSCALE variable is set to the drawing's scale factor (that is, a drawing to be plotted at a scale of 1" = 10' would have a scale factor of 120, or a 1/4" = 1' scale drawing would have a scale factor of 48). ; Display the custom toolbar named Symsize (command "._-toolbar" "SymSize" "_show") ; Hide the custom toolbar named Symsize (command ".
you use to increase the width of a menu label must be within a DIESEL expression. The next example uses the same DIESEL expression as the label and a portion of the menu item. It provides a practical way to enter the current day and date into a drawing. $(edtime,$(getvar,date),DDD", "D MON YYYY)^C^Ctext + \\\ $M=$(edtime,$(getvar,date),DDD", "D MON YYYY); Also, you can use a DIESEL macro to mark pull-down menu labels or make them unavailable.
+ (addition) Returns the sum of the numbers val1, val2, …, val9. $(+, val1 [, val2, …, val9]) If the current thickness is set to 5, the following DIESEL string returns 15. $(+, $(getvar,thickness),10) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. - (subtraction) Returns the result of subtracting the numbers val2 through val9 from val1. $(-, val1 [, val2 , …, val9]) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits.
Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. / (division) Returns the result of dividing the number val1 by val2, …, val9. $(/, val1 [, val2, …, val9]) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. = (equal to) If the numbers val1 and val2 are equal, the string returns 1; otherwise, it returns 0. $(=, val1, val2) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits.
< (less than) If the number val1 is less than val2, the string returns 1; otherwise, it returns 0. $(< , val1, val2) The following expression gets the current value of HPANG; if the value is less than the value stored in the system variable USERR1, it returns 1. If the value 10.0 is stored in USERR1 and the current setting of HPANG is 15.5, the following string returns 0. $(<, $(getvar,hpang),$(getvar,userr1)) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits.
Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. <= (less than or equal to) If the number val1 is less than or equal to val2 , the string returns 1; otherwise, it returns 0. $(<=, val1, val2) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. >= (greater than or equal to) If the number val1 is greater than or equal to val2, the string returns 1; otherwise, it returns 0.
and Returns the bitwise logical AND of the integers val1 through val9. $(and, val1 [, val2,…, val9]) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. angtos Returns the angular value in the format and precision specified. $(angtos, value [, mode, precision]) Edits the given value as an angle in the format specified by the mode and precision as defined for the analogous AutoLISPfunction. (The values for mode are shown in the following table.
Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. edtime Returns a formatted date and time based on a given picture. $(edtime, time, picture) Edits the AutoCAD LT Julian date given by time (obtained, for example, from $(getvar,date) according to the given picture). The picture consists of format phrases replaced by specific representations of the date and time. Characters not interpretable as format phrases are copied literally into the result of $(edtime).
Enter the entire AM/PM phrase as shown in the preceding table; if AM is used alone, the A will be read literally and the M will return the current month. If any AM/PM phrases appear in the picture, the H and HH phrases edit the time according to the 12-hour civil clock (12:00-12:59 1:00-11:59) instead of the 24-hour clock (00:00-23:59). The following example uses the date and time from the preceding table. Notice that the comma must be enclosed in quotation marks because it is read as an argument separator.
eval Passes the string str to the DIESEL evaluator and returns the result of evaluating it. $(eval, str) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. fix Truncates the real number value to an integer by discarding any fractional part. $(fix, value) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. getenv Returns the value of the environment variable varname.
Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. getvar Returns the value of the system variable with the given varname. $(getvar, varname) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. if Conditionally evaluates expressions. $(if, expr, dotrue [, dofalse]) If expr is nonzero, it evaluates and returns dotrue. Otherwise, it evaluates and returns dofalse. Note that the branch not chosen by expr is not evaluated.
index Returns the specified member of a comma-delimited string. $(index, which, string) Assumes that the string argument contains one or more values delimited by the macro argument separator character, the comma. The which argument selects one of these values to be extracted, with the first item numbered 0. This function is most frequently used to extract X, Y, or Z coordinate values from point coordinates returned by $(getvar).
or Returns the bitwise logical OR of the integers val1 through val9. $(or, val1 [, val2,…, val9]) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. rtos Returns the real value in the format and precision specified. $(rtos, value [, mode, precision]) Edits the given value as a real number in the format specified by the mode and precision as defined by the analogous AutoLISP function.
Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. substr Returns the substring of string, starting at character start and extending for length characters. $(substr, string, start [, length]) Characters in the string are numbered from 1. If length is omitted, it returns the entire remaining length of the string. Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits.
xor Returns the bitwise logical XOR of the integers val1 through val9. $(xor, val1 [, val2,…, val9]) Quick Reference System Variables MENUECHO Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. DIESEL Error Messages Generally, if you make a mistake in a DIESEL expression, what went wrong will be obvious. Depending on the nature of the error, DIESEL embeds an error indication in the output stream.
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6 Slides and Command Scripts Slides are snapshots of drawing files that can be used for giving presentations, for creating image tile menus, and for viewing another drawing while you work. A script reads and executes commands from a text file. You can run a script when you start AutoCAD LT®, or you can run a script from within AutoCAD LT using the SCRIPT command. A script provides an easy way to create continuously running displays for product demonstrations and trade shows.
You create a slide by saving the current view in slide format. A slide created in model space shows only the current viewport. A slide created in paper space shows all visible viewports and their contents. Slides show only what was visible. They do not show objects on layers that were turned off or frozen or objects in viewports that were turned off. When you view a slide file, it temporarily replaces objects on the screen.
Quick Reference Commands MSLIDE Creates a slide file of the current model viewport or the current layout. REDRAW Refreshes the display in the current viewport. VSLIDE Displays an image slide file in the current viewport. System Variables FILEDIA Suppresses display of file navigation dialog boxes. Utilities SLIDELIB Compiles slide files listed in an ASCII file into a slide library file. View Slides You can view slides individually using VSLIDE.
Quick Reference Commands REDRAW Refreshes the display in the current viewport. VSLIDE Displays an image slide file in the current viewport. Create and View Slide Libraries A slide library is a file containing one or more slides. Slide library files are used for creating custom image tile menus and for combining several slide files for convenient file management. You can create slide libraries from slide files using the SLIDELIB utility.
As an example: CD “c:\slides” 5 At the prompt, enter the following syntax to create the slide library: slidelib libraryname < list.txt For example, if you named your text file areas.txt, you could create a library called house.slb by entering slidelib house < areas.txt. The SLIDELIB utility appends the file extension .slb to the slide library file. To view a slide in a slide library 1 At the command prompt, enter filedia. 2 Enter 0 and press ENTER. 3 At the command prompt, enter vslide.
Create Command Scripts A script is a text file that contains a series of commands. Common uses for scripts are to customize startup and to run slide shows. Overview of Command Scripts A script is a text file with one command on each line. You can invoke a script at startup, or you can run a script during a work session by using the SCRIPT command. A script also provides an easy way to create continuously running displays for product demonstrations and trade shows.
'DELAY Provides a timed pause within a script (in milliseconds) 'GRAPHSCR Switches from the text window to the drawing area RESUME Continues an interrupted script RSCRIPT Repeats a script file 'TEXTSCR Switches to the text window When command input comes from a script, it is assumed that the settings of the PICKADD and PICKAUTO system variables are 1 and 0, respectively; therefore, you do not have to check the settings of these variables.
Quick Reference Commands DELAY Provides a timed pause within a script. GRAPHSCR Switches from the text window to the drawing area. RESUME Continues an interrupted script. RSCRIPT Repeats a script file. SCRIPT Executes a sequence of commands from a script file. TEXTSCR Opens the text window. VSLIDE Displays an image slide file in the current viewport. Run Scripts at Startup A script that runs at startup can open a drawing and change its settings.
You could run a script at startup to open a drawing by using the following syntax in the Run dialog box: ACADLT drawing_name /b setup All file names that contain embedded spaces must be enclosed in double quotes, for example, “guest house”. You can also specify the view that is displayed when the drawing opens by using the /v switch and the view name. The /b switch and the script file must be the last parameter listed. Including the file extensions .exe, .dwg, .dwt, and .scr is optional.
Run Slide Shows from Scripts Scripts are useful for creating slide shows. Scripts are useful for creating slide shows. Ordinarily, the speed with which you can display slides is limited by the number of times AutoCAD LT must access the disk to read the slide file. You can, however, preload the next slide from disk into memory while your audience is viewing the current slide and then quickly display the new slide from memory. To preload a slide, place an asterisk before the file name in VSLIDE.
3 On the third line, enter delay 2000. The third line specifies a delay of 2000 milliseconds to allow the audience to view slide1. 4 On the fourth line, enter vslide. On the fifth line, enter vslide *slide3. On the sixth line, enter delay 2000. The fourth, fifth, and sixth lines display slide2, preload slide3, and specify a delay for viewing slide2. 5 On the seventh line, enter vslide. On the eighth line, enter delay 3000. The seventh and eighth lines display slide3 and specify a delay for viewing slide3.
Quick Reference Commands DELAY Provides a timed pause within a script. GRAPHSCR Switches from the text window to the drawing area. RESUME Continues an interrupted script. RSCRIPT Repeats a script file. SCRIPT Executes a sequence of commands from a script file. TEXTSCR Opens the text window. VSLIDE Displays an image slide file in the current viewport.
Migrate and Transfer Custom Settings and Files 7 In this section, you learn about migrating from previous releases, as well as transferring custom settings and files between workstations running the same release. If you have a previous version of AutoCAD LT installed on your system, you can install a newer version of AutoCAD LT and keep other versions of the program on the same system. This is called a side-by-side installation.
■ Copy custom or changed linetype (LIN), hatch pattern (PAT), or command aliases (PGP) files NOTE Migrate your custom settings and files as soon as possible after installing a new product version to avoid overwriting new customization. Migration Tools Autodesk offers a range of tools to assist in migrating custom settings and files. Use the following tools to migrate custom settings from one release of AutoCAD LT to another, or between like releases on different workstations.
■ Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. Transfers settings between different workstations. Reset Settings to Default Resets your AutoCAD LT configuration to the default state. This is an easy way to undo a migration or to discard customization changes made after installation. For more information on restoring the AutoCAD LT default settings, see Reset Settings to Default on page 365. Other Converters ■ . Converts DWG files from one release to another.
parameter (PGP), and tool palette (ATC) files with the new files that ship with the product. If you do not want all the changes made to these files, you need to edit each file individually using an ASCII text editor or the Tool Palettes window. ■ Tool Palettes and Tool Palette Groups. The Migrate Custom Settings dialog box can migrate both tool palettes and tool palette groups to the new release.
NOTE If you have made changes to partial plotter configuration (PC3) files that are located in a custom folder, those files are migrated to the AutoCAD LT PC3 folder, which is located under your custom PC3 folder. PC3 files are migrated to a separate folder to maintain backward compatibility with previous AutoCAD LT releases. CUI Files The data from these files defines how the user interface elements in AutoCAD 2006 and later were arranged.
When migrating tool palettes, custom tool palette groups are merged with the default tool palette groups that come with AutoCAD LT. NOTE Tool palette groups created with AutoCAD LT 2008 or later are migrated, but references to shipped AutoCAD LT tool palettes from an earlier release might be lost. AutoCAD LT-Defined Line Files The user-defined linetypes from these LIN files are added to a user-defined section of the file with the same name in the new release.
Files Migrated with the Migrate Custom Settings Dialog Box File Name File Description Details acadlt.lin Contains standard linetype definitions (an AutoCAD LT library file). The file itself is not migrated; however, any linetypes that you created in this file are migrated to the AutoCAD LT acadlt.lin file, in the User Defined Linetypes section of the file. acadltiso.lin Contains metric linetype definitions (an AutoCAD LT library file).
Files Migrated with the Migrate Custom Settings Dialog Box File Name File Description Details MNU file is converted when an MNS file with the same name is not found. *.mns Contains menu customization from a release prior to AutoCAD 2006. The file itself is not migrated; a copy of the file is created and converted into a CUIx file with the same name. The new CUIx file is stored in the same folder as the main CUIx file. An MNS file is converted, whether or not an MNU file with the same name is present.
Before MNU, MNS, CUI, and CUIx files are migrated, a backup copy of each file is saved in the following directory: ■ (Windows XP) :\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Autodesk\\\\Previous Version Custom Files ■ (Windows Vista or Windows 7) :\Users\\Application Data\Autodesk\\\\Previous Version Custom Files NOTE Other custom settings and files can be migrated using Autodes
■ (Windows Vista and Windows 7) Click Start menu ➤ All Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤ AutoCAD LT 2012 ➤ Migrate Custom Settings ➤ Migrate From a Previous Release. 2 In the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box, Migrate Settings From drop-down list, select the AutoCAD LT release from which you want to migrate your custom settings. 3 In the Settings and Files to Migrate box, select the custom files that you want to migrate. 4 Click OK.
2 Double-click migration.xml to open the file, and view the details of your migration. Reset Settings to Default From the Windows Start menu, reset your AutoCAD LT configuration to the default state. This is an easy way to undo a migration or to discard customization changes made after installation. The following Windows Registry entry is removed during the reset: ■ HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD LT\R17\ACADLT-A001:409 The value A001:409 varies based on which product and language is installed
Backup Files If you choose to backup your custom settings and files before resetting AutoCAD LT, all files in the Roaming and Local root folders are backed up with the following exceptions: ■ *.tmp – Temporary files ■ *.err – Error files ■ *.cache – Material cache files ■ support.cdc – DesignCenter cache file ■ *.cfg and *.dhlp – Autogenerated files ■ *.
Export and Import Custom Settings from the Same Release You can export your custom settings between systems running the same release of an AutoCAD LT product, or export the custom settings and later re-import them on the same computer if you need to reinstall AutoCAD LT. When exporting custom settings, a transfer package is created that contains an XML file.
Most Common File Types Included in the Transfer Package File Name File Description *.lin Linetype definitions. *.pat Hatch pattern definitions. *.pc3 Configuration information for a plotter or printer. *.pgp Shell commands and command alias definitions. *.pmp Calibration and paper size settings that are used with a PC3 file. *.shx Information about text characters or shapes used with linetype definitions. *.
The Export Custom Settings dialog box is used to create the transfer package so it can be imported to another computer or the same computer running the same release of the product. NOTE You must start AutoCAD LT at least once before you can export custom settings to a transfer package. To export custom settings 1 Do one of the following: ■ (Windows XP) Click Start menu ➤ Programs ➤ Autodesk ➤ AutoCAD LT 2012 ➤ Migrate Custom Settings ➤ Export AutoCAD LT Settings.
files from a network location are found in the same location on the network, the files are not copied to the network location and are ignored during import. Local paths that exist as part of a user profile in a transfer package are created automatically during the import process, but paths that are on a network drive or a drive that uses removable discs, are not created automatically. NOTE You must start AutoCAD LT at least once before you can import a transfer package.
Migration and Customization FAQs This section outlines common migration and customization issues and their solutions. What is a drawing template file? A drawing template (DWT) file is used to provide consistency for each new drawing (DWG) file that is created. DWT files can contain named objects, drawing-based settings, and geometric objects. Stored named objects include layers, and text and dimension styles, among others.
drawings over and over again, such as a title block, or customizing the user interface with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. For more information, see Work with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor on page 58.
Index swapping 110, 231 tablet buttons 274 A absolute menu referencing 229 accelerator keys 247, 252, 255, 260 actions (user) double click actions 262 ACTM files 357 Add-ins ribbon tab 182 addition DIESEL function 329 aliases creating for commands 17 migrating 356, 358 pull-down menus 213, 231 shortcut menus 217 alignment linetype patterns 21 alternate font mapping files 11 and DIESEL function 333 angtos DIESEL function 333 ARX files 357 ATC files (tool palettes) 356–357 Autodesk products versions of 355 A
pull-down menus 65, 212 Quick Access toolbar 142 rearranging 44 repeating 109 reusing 94 ribbon panels and 148 scripts 348 shortcut menus and 67, 212 status line messages 128 submenus and 227 swapping menu contents 110 tablet buttons and 274 tagging 119 tooltips 122 transparent commands 106 comments script commenting 348 conditional expressions in macros 112 configuration files (plotters) multiple 6 configuration files (pointing devices) multiple 6 contextual ribbon tabs 64, 187 control characters in macros
structure 50 customization files (CUIx) about 42, 73 backups 73 backwards compatibility 48 creating 73 CUI Editor 58 customization FAQs 321 defined 54 enterprise CUIx files 82 finding items in 86 importing workspaces 282 menu swapping 232 migrating from prior releases 356– 357 migrating older menu files to 315 partial CUIx files 78 structure 50 XML-based format 48 customization groups 52, 54 Customizations In pane (CUI editor) 44 Customize User Interface editor about 39, 42, 58 changes in customization and
dialog boxes image tile dialog boxes 275 DIESEL expressions about 323 customizing status line 324 error messages 341 macros and 101, 112, 326 nesting 325 pull-down menu labels 327 quoted strings in 325 DIESEL functions addition 329 and 333 angtos 333 catalog 328 division 330 edtime 334 eq 335 equal to 330 eval 336 fix 336 getenv 336 getvar 337 greater than 331 greater than or equal to 332 if 337 index 338 less than 331 less than or equal to 332 multiplication 329 not equal to 331 nth 338 or 339 rtos 339 str
enterprise customization files about 73 creating 82 customization FAQs 321 defined 55 eq DIESEL function 335 equal to DIESEL function 330 error messages DIESEL 341 eval DIESEL function 336 exporting custom settings as migration packages 367–368 exporting images for commands extended help 122 G getenv DIESEL function 336 getvar DIESEL function 337 graphics for commands 129, 132, 134 graying out menu item labels 113 greater than DIESEL function 331 greater than or equal to DIESEL function 332 H 134 F files
index DIESEL function 338 input pausing macros for 106 inserting menus 231 installation side-by-side 355 interface changes in customization process 48 customization FAQs 318 Customize User Interface editor 39, 58, 296 customizing 39 legacy interface elements 272 migrating custom settings for 358 terminology 54 workspaces 70 interface elements defined 55 swapping 110, 231 tree view 44 interface items 55 international character sets 109 Internet customizing templates for 14 K keyboard input in macros 106 key
graying out 113 status line messages 128 menu referencing 229 menu resource files (MNR) 49 menu swapping 110, 232 menu template files (MNU) 48, 55 menus creating 65, 67, 212 customization FAQs 319 customizing 65, 67, 212 international language support 109 legacy interface elements 55 menu files 49 menu referencing 229 migrating to new releases 358 pull-down menus 65, 213 rearranging commands 44 removing 231 shortcut menus 67 submenus 227 swapping 110, 230 tablet menus 272 workspace arrangements 298 Migrate
or DIESEL function 339 P palettes defined 56 displaying 294 workspaces and 298, 311 paper space slides created in 344 partial customization files about 73 creating 78 defined 56 toolbars and 232 workspaces and 79 partial menu files 231 PAT files 11, 356–358 patterns linetypes 22 pausing macros 103, 106 PC3 files (plotter configuration) migrating 359 PGP files (program parameter) 357 PGP files (program parameters) 11, 358 plot styles locating files 9 plotter configuration files locating files 10 multiple f
ribbon command images 129, 132, 134 contextual tab states 64, 187 controls 171 customizing 61, 148 defined 56 drop-downs on panels 167 reorganizing command and controls 155 ribbon panels 56, 61 ribbon tabs 63–64, 180 workspaces and 297 ribbon panels adding items to 155 controls for 171 creating 61 customizing 148, 294 defined 56 drop-downs on 167 rearranging 297 ribbon tabs contextual tab states 64, 187 creating 63, 180 customizing 294 rearranging 297 roaming profiles 9 rollover tooltips 241 rows (ribbon) 1
switches running scripts and 351 switching toolbar controls 207 symbols commands and 227 image tile menus 275 macros and 101, 104, 227 syntax macros 101 system variables toggling values with macros 112 T tablets customizing buttons 270, 274 customizing menus 272 menu swapping 110, 231 tags element IDs 55 menu commands 119 templates customizing 14 locating files 14 modifying 371 temporary override keys 255, 260 terminating macros 103 text including in linetypes 24 time edtime DIESEL function 334 tool palet
defined 56 importing 282 partial customization files and properties 282 ribbon tabs 180 toolbars in 190 W web pages templates 14 windows customizing 297 workspaces and 311 workspaces CUI Editor 280, 296 current 283 customization FAQs 320 customizing 70, 280, 293 79 X XAML files 123 xor DIESEL function 341 Index | 383
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