🛠️ Lesson 4-2: CUI Editor — Menus and Ribbons
Customize your AutoCAD experience by modifying menus, ribbon panels, and command placement.
📚 What You’ll Learn
In this lesson, you’ll discover how to tailor the AutoCAD interface using the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, including:
- Modifying menus and ribbon panels
- Creating custom tabs, panels, and commands
- Assigning commands to interface elements
- Saving and applying custom workspaces
🧰 Tools You’ll Use
| Tool / Command | Description |
|---|---|
CUI | Opens the Customize User Interface editor |
| Ribbon Tabs | Top-level groups that contain ribbon panels |
| Ribbon Panels | Organize tools within a ribbon tab |
| Menus | Classic AutoCAD dropdown menus |
| Custom Commands | User-defined command macros or aliases |
| Workspaces | Save and load custom UI layouts |
❗ Why It Matters
The AutoCAD interface is highly customizable. Mastering the CUI Editor empowers you to:
- Access frequently used commands faster
- Simplify complex workflows
- Reduce repetitive steps
- Create project-specific or discipline-specific interfaces
Ideal for CAD managers, power users, and teams wanting consistent setups.
🧭 Lesson Structure
1️⃣ Open the CUI Editor
- Use the
CUIcommand - Understand the two panes: Customization (left) and Properties (right)
- Explore Main CUI File (acad.cuix) vs. enterprise and partial files
2️⃣ Customize Ribbon Tabs and Panels
- Expand the Ribbon > Tabs section
- Add a new tab and name it (e.g., “My Tools”)
- Add panels to the tab
- Drag and drop commands into each panel from the command list
- Reorder or group commands with separators
3️⃣ Add Custom Menus
- Expand Menus > Menu Bar
- Add a new menu and populate it with commands
- Organize using submenus and separators
4️⃣ Create a Custom Command
- Use the Command List at the bottom
- Click “Create a New Command”
- Define the macro, tooltip, and name
- Assign it to a ribbon panel or menu
5️⃣ Save and Apply a Workspace
- Save your changes
- Create or modify a workspace to include your new menus and ribbons
- Set the workspace as current
- Use
WSSAVEandWSCURRENTto manage
🧩 Lesson Checklist
✅ Open and navigate the CUI Editor
✅ Add a new ribbon tab and at least one panel
✅ Create and assign a custom command
✅ Build a new menu with frequently used tools
✅ Save a new workspace with your changes
🔍 Quick Tips
| Tip | Result |
|---|---|
| Use separators in ribbons and menus | Improves readability and grouping |
| Label custom tabs clearly | Helps organize by task or discipline |
Backup the acad.cuix file before editing | Ensures recovery if needed |
| Add tooltips to custom commands | Helps users understand function quickly |
🧩 Real-World Applications
- Corporate Templates: Set up interface layouts for all team members
- Discipline-specific Tabs: Mechanical, Civil, or Electrical tools grouped
- Educational Setups: Simplify interface for student learning levels
- Workflow-Specific Layouts: For modeling, annotation, or plotting stages
📁 Files and Resources
| File / Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
acad.cuix | Stores your customized menus, ribbons, and workspaces |
Enterprise.cuix | Shared CUI file for company-wide deployment |
| Workspace (.AWS) | Save interface layout to share or switch easily |
| Custom Command Macros | Define behavior with scripts, toggles, and automation |
📌 Quick Review Table
| Task | Action |
|---|---|
| Open the CUI Editor | CUI |
| Add Ribbon Tab | Right-click > New Tab in CUI |
| Add Ribbon Panel | Add to your custom tab |
| Create Custom Command | Use “Create a New Command” |
| Add Menu | Use the Menus section |
| Save Workspace | WSSAVE, WSCURRENT |