Build a fully customized AutoCAD environment including templates, palettes, and scripts.
📚 What You’ll Learn
By the end of this project, you’ll be able to:
Create a personalized AutoCAD workspace tailored to your workflows
Build and organize tool palettes with custom content
Develop a reusable drawing template (.DWT) with layers, styles, and title blocks
Create command aliases and simple macros to automate tasks
Use scripts to streamline startup or repetitive tasks
🧠 Why It Matters
Customization improves speed, accuracy, and consistency in your work. By tailoring AutoCAD to suit your tasks, you eliminate repetitive setup steps and simplify your user interface. A well-structured workspace helps you and your team work smarter and faster.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Use
Tool / Feature
Purpose
CUI Editor
Customize UI elements like menus, ribbons, and workspaces
Tool Palettes
Store frequently used blocks, hatches, and commands
Templates (.DWT)
Create standardized starting files for new projects
Command Aliases (acad.pgp)
Shorten command names for quicker access
Scripts (.SCR)
Automate drawing setup and batch tasks
🧭 Lesson Structure
1️⃣ Customize the Workspace
Use CUI to:
Create a new workspace
Add or remove toolbars, palettes, and ribbon panels
Save and set your workspace as default
2️⃣ Build Tool Palettes
Add commonly used blocks, hatches, and commands
Organize by category (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Architecture)
Drag content from open drawings or Design Center
3️⃣ Create and Save a Template
Save a drawing as .DWT with:
Preset layers and lineweights
Dimension and text styles
Standard title blocks and layouts
Set the template as default for new drawings
4️⃣ Define Command Aliases and Macros
Open acad.pgp file to add custom shortcuts
Example: XL for XLINE
Add simple macros to ribbon buttons or tool palettes
Example: ^C^Czoom;e;regen for quick view reset
5️⃣ Write a Basic Script
Create .SCR to:
Load settings or plot multiple files
Automate repetitive commands like layer creation
✅ Project Checklist
Task
Completed
Created and saved a custom workspace
☐
Organized blocks and hatches into tool palettes
☐
Built a reusable drawing template (.DWT)
☐
Defined at least 5 custom command aliases
☐
Created one ribbon macro or tool palette button
☐
Ran a script to automate a task
☐
📌 Quick Tips
Tip
Benefit
Keep tool palettes organized by discipline
Easier to find tools when switching tasks
Back up your .DWT, .PGP, and palette files
Avoid losing custom setups
Use network paths for palettes/templates
Ensure consistency in team environments
Document your aliases and macros
Helps onboard others or remind yourself
🧩 Real-World Applications
Application
Customization Example
Result
AEC Firm Standardization
Shared template with all annotation styles
Consistent drawings across departments
Manufacturing Shop Setup
Palettes for bolts, threads, machine parts
Faster mechanical drafting
Daily Drafting Automation
Script to create layers and set properties
Saves 10+ minutes every drawing
Training New Employees
Simple workspace with core tools only
Easier onboarding and fewer errors
📁 Files and Resources
Resource
Description
custom_workspace.cuix
Sample customized workspace file
starter_template.dwt
Standardized drawing template
macro_examples.txt
Sample macros and how to use them
alias_reference.pdf
Printable list of all custom command aliases
tool_palette_catalog.xtp
Exported palette file with blocks and hatch patterns
