Customization Glossary

You should know several terms for customizing AutoCAD 2011.

Customization (CUIx) file: A package file that contains multiple XML-based files and custom image files. Each one of the XML-based files contain the data for a different type of user interface element that can be customized. The custom images that are stored in the file are those that are referenced by the commands defined in the customization data and are not stored in a resource DLL. You modify a customization file through the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. CUIx files replace the CUI, MNU, MNS, and MNC files that were used to define menus in releases prior to AutoCAD 2011.
Customization group: A name that is assigned to a CUIx file to identify customization content in the CUIx file. A CUIx file loaded into AutoCAD must have a unique customization group name to prevent conflicts between 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 2007 and AutoCAD 2008. The dashboard was replaced by the ribbon in AutoCAD 2009 and later. For information about transferring dashboard panels to ribbon panels, see To copy a dashboard panel to a ribbon panel.
Enterprise customization file: A CUIx file that is typically controlled by a CAD manager. It is often accessed by many users and is stored in a shared network location. The file is read-only to users to prevent the data in the file from being changed. A CAD manager creates an enterprise CUIx file by modifying a main CUIx file and then saving the file to a shared network location. Users then specify this file in the Options dialog box, Files tab.
Interface element: An object that can be customized, such as a toolbar, pull-down menu, shortcut key, palette, and so on. It is a node in the Customizations In <file name> pane that contains user interface items.
Interface item: The individual parts of a user interface element, such as a toolbar button, pull-down menu item, shortcut key, temporary override key, and so on.
Legacy Customization (CUI) file: An XML-based file that stores customization data for AutoCAD 2006 through AutoCAD 2009. The CUI file has been replaced by the CUIx file. A CUIx file can be generated from a CUI file using the Transfer tab of the CUI command.
Legacy Menu (MNS) file: An ASCII based file that stores menu customization data for AutoCAD 2005 and earlier. Most of the file needed to be edited outside of AutoCAD 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 CUIx file. A CUIx file can be generated from an MNS file using the Transfer tab of the CUI command.
Legacy Menu Template (MNU) file: An ASCII based file that is used as a template to define the contents of the MNS file when the MNU file is loaded into AutoCAD with the MENU command. The MNU file is used in AutoCAD 2005 and earlier, and is very similar to the MNS file. The MNU file has been replaced by the CUIx file. A CUIx file can be generated from a MNU file using the Transfer tab of the CUI command.
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 acad.cuix file (the default main CUIx 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 CUIx file that is not defined as the main or enterprise CUIx file. You can load and unload partial CUIx files as you need them during a drawing session.
Quick Access toolbar: An interface element that is located to the right of the application menu and provides direct access to a defined set of commands.
Tree node: A hierarchical structure in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor that contains interface elements and items that can be imported, exported, and customized.
Workspace: A collection of user interface elements, including their contents, properties, display states, and locations.

Quick Reference

Commands

System Variables