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

Create an enterprise CUIx file by performing the following tasks:

• Create an enterprise CUIx file from an existing CUIx file or a new CUIx file. Make a copy of the main customization file (acad.cuix) or another customization file of your choice that contains all the base user interface elements you need. If you want to start with a new customization file, use the Transfer tab to create a blank customization file.
• Designate the new file as your main CUIx file. Using the Options dialog box, you must load the customization file as your the main customization file so you make edits to all of the different user interface elements. Make sure to note which customization file is currently designated as the main customization file, as you will need to restore it later.
• Modify the contents of the enterprise CUIx file. Once the customization file is designated as the main customization file, you can change the customization group name and modify the CUIx file contents as needed. Changing the customization group name allows you to load more than one CUIx file in the program at one time. CUIx files with the same customization group name cannot be loaded into the program.
• 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.
  NoteThe folder where you place the enterprise CUIx file should be in a shared location that your users can access. To learn more about creating a network share, see “How to Create a Network Share” in the Network Administrator's Guide.
• Specify the enterprise CUIx file location. The program automatically designates an enterprise customization file as read-only when you specify its file location in the Options dialog box. Specifying the enterprise customization file location can be done on individual workstations or in the Deployment wizard. For more information about setting the location in the Deployment wizard, see “Select Search Paths and File Locations” in the Network Administrator's Guide.
  WarningEven though the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor loads the enterprise customization file as read-only, this still doesn’t completely protect the file from being modified. The enterprise customization file could be loaded as the main customization file and then modified. To protect the enterprise customization file, the location where it is stored be marked as read-only and write access should be limited to those you want to be able to edit the file.

Procedure

To designate a CUIx file as an enterprise CUIx file

1. On each user's workstation in AutoCAD, click Application menu Options.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) next to Customization Files to expand the list.

   

3. Click the plus sign next to 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.
   NoteIn the Deployment wizard, you designate the enterprise CUIx file in the wizard's Specify Settings page. For more information about designating an enterprise CUIx file in the Deployment wizard, see “Select Search Paths and File Locations” in the Network Administrator's Guide.

To modify an enterprise CUIx file

1. Click Application menu Options.
2. In the Options dialog box, Files tab, click the plus sign (+) next to Customization Files to expand the list.
3. Click the plus sign next to Main Customization File to expand it.

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

4. Select the item below Main Customization Files and click Browse. In the Select a File dialog box, browse to the location of the enterprise customization file. Click Open.
5. Click the plus sign next to Enterprise Customization File to expand it.

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

6. Select the item below Enterprise Customization Files and click Browse. In the Select a File dialog box, browse to the location of the main customization file. Click Open.
7. In the Options dialog box, click OK to save the changes.
8. Click Manage tab Customization panel User Interface. At the command prompt, enter cui.
9. In the Customize User Interface Editor, Customize tab, create new commands and user interface elements as necessary.
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.

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

Quick Reference

Commands

CUI

Manages the customized user interface elements in the product.

CUIEXPORT

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

CUILOAD

Loads a CUIx file.

CUIUNLOAD

Unloads a CUIx file.

MENU

Loads a customization file.

OPTIONS

Customizes the program settings.

System Variables

ENTERPRISEMENU

Stores the enterprise customization file name (if defined), including the path for the file name.

MENUNAME

Stores the customization file name, including the path for the file name.