Important Customization Terms (Concept)

Overview of Customize User Interface

Overview of Customize User Interface

How Customization Has Changed

 

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Important Customization Terms

Concept

Quick Reference

You should know several terms for customizing AutoCAD 2009.

Customization (CUI) File

An XML-based file that stores customization data. You modify a customization file through the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. CUI files replace MNU, MNS, and MNC files that were used to define menus in releases prior to AutoCAD 2006.

Customization Group

A name that is assigned to a CUI file to identify customization content in the CUI file. A CUI file loaded into AutoCAD must have a unique customization group name to prevent conflicts between CUI files in the program. In previous releases, called a menu group.

Element ID

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

Enterprise Customization File

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

Interface Element

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

Interface Item

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

Legacy Menu File (MNS)

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 The MNS file has been replaced by the CUI file.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

Legacy Menu Template (MNU)

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

Macro

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

Main Customization File

A writable CUI file that defines most of the user interface elements (including the standard menus, toolbars, keyboard accelerators, and so on). The acad.cui file (the default main CUI file) is automatically loaded when you start AutoCAD.

Ribbon

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

Ribbon panel

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

Palette

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

Partial Customization File

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

Quick Access toolbar

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

Tree Node

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

Workspace

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