Load a custom menu into a custom CUI

[jeff.garr]

I have created within 2007 a new CUI (JGarr 2007) and we have an existing pull down menu from 2006 called "Custom" (contains our title blocks, std notes, etc.) that I cannot get to attach into 2007. Is there a way that I can take just that portion from our 2006 CUI? When I open the customization screen and open the 2006 CUI it shows the Custom menu, but there is nothing associated to it and it will not copy. Any thoughts on what this means? Thanks.

[Mike.Perry]

Hi Jeffrey

Please note I have *moved* this thread from the AutoCAD Customization (http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?f=118) forum to this one, as I feel this particular forum is a more appropriate place for such a topic.

Thanks, Mike

Forum Manager

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

See if the following thread offers any assistance / help...

Import old MNU files into new CUI

Have a good one, Mike

[jeff.garr]

I don't know what I did, but it is working now.....

What's up with the menu display though? I have no real problem with it, but I cannot arrange the way the menu's are displayed at the top of the screen. I can move them around in the user interface and they will be saved there (if I close it and open the interface back up again), but it will not change the order they are displayed when I close the interface. Again, doesn't bother me- just interesting.....

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

Have you looked at Workspaces ?

Have a good one, Mike

[jeff.garr]

Nice- too easy! Thanks!

[chillme1]

I just went to a 2007 demo where either I napped (doubt it) or workspaces weren't mentioned.

Since r. 2004, AutoCAD hasn't been available to me - that is, until next week when I receive a new computer and 2007 ACAD.

So I ask, Workspaces: what are they and why are they the way to go?

Thanks

[jeff.garr]

Workspaces are a pretty powerful tool. You can set-up your screen how you want (menus, settings, toolbars, palettes, etc) on your screen- assign a name to it and save it. Then, create another "workspace" setting up your menus, toolbars, settings, etc differently than the first. It is a simple pull down and you can go back and forth between the different configurations with one click of the mouse! They are great! Very helpful if you only like a few toolbars showing depending on the type of drawing you are trying to create (ex- 3D vs 2D).
The CUI files and customizing those initially is a whole other ballgame (my opinion). They take a little to get used to. Once you do very simple to configure though.

[chillme1]

That's some excellent-sounding functionality. Thanks for the explanation, Mr. Jeff.

Now, to get my grubby paws on the software and experiment!!!

[Rico]

That's some excellent-sounding functionality. Thanks for the explanation, Mr. Jeff.

Now, to get my grubby paws on the software and experiment!!!
I'd use a bit of caution when playing with workspaces though. I know that in 2006, Workspaces were very unstable and when used, they sometimes caused CAD to crash because of a corrupt CUI file.

I went through that twice. The first time I thought it was just me - but when it happened again I knew it was not just me. It was so irritating! I'd spend hours customizing CAD and then the CUI file would become corrupt and I'd have to reload EVERYTHING and I'd have to re-customize again. And after that I did what I am about to advise you:

Before you begin playing with Workspaces, get your menus ready first. Any custom commands and toolbars should be created first. After you've done that, find the CUI file and copy and save it to a safe location. This CUI file will contain all the most recent customizations before a corruption / crash.

I've heard that Workspaces are more stable in 2007, but because of my experiences, I simply don't use them. Maybe I'll try them out again when I have some free time.

Food for thought.

[RobertB]

I'd use a bit of caution when playing with workspaces though. I know that in 2006, Workspaces were very unstable and when used, they sometimes caused CAD to crash because of a corrupt CUI file. ...
I've heard that Workspaces are more stable in 2007, but because of my experiences, I simply don't use them. Maybe I'll try them out again when I have some free time.
I've never had trouble with workspaces, beyond my early initial beta experimentation. I haven't even run into the unresolved issue to this point. (Now that I brag, tomorrow I'll be hosed!)

[Rico]

I've never had trouble with workspaces, beyond my early initial beta experimentation. I haven't even run into the unresolved issue to this point. (Now that I brag, tomorrow I'll be hosed!)
hahaha.

i was just putting that out for all to consider when using Workspaces.

[scott.wilcox]

I think the reward of benefit outweighs the risk of crash.

[Rico]

I think the reward of benefit outweighs the risk of crash.
have you ever crashed?

I've crashed twice. The risk of crashing and re-loading EVERYTHING (3+ Hours per crash) does not, IMHO outweigh the benefits. But that's my own personal opinion. To each his (or her) own.

[scott.wilcox]

have you ever crashed?

I've crashed twice. The risk of crashing and re-loading EVERYTHING (3+ Hours per crash) does not, IMHO outweigh the benefits. But that's my own personal opinion. To each his (or her) own.
Are you saying a corrupt CUI forced you to reinstall everything? I did have a corrupt CUI one time. I simply replaced it with the backup I created and went back to work.

[Rico]

Are you saying a corrupt CUI forced you to reinstall everything? I did have a corrupt CUI one time. I simply replaced it with the backup I created and went back to work.
No, I'm saying that I spent a long time customizing AutoCAD to look the way I wanted it to. Custom Commands, Menus, Toolbars ... the works. Then I created Workspaces and everything was fine until, for some reason, during one of the times I used it, the CUI crashed .... or rather, it became corrupt. I had not created a backup of the CUI file so I had to spend time finding it and then another few hours customizing everything again. And then it crashed a second time.

It was SO irritating and frustrating I decided that I did not wanna go through that again with Workspaces and swore them off (*violing music here*). It's been 5 months and, though I miss Workspaces dearly, I think I can never go back.

[jpaulsen]

Rico,

I think your case is the exception to the rule. We have over 100 users at my firm and none have any trouble with the CUI or workspaces crashing the system or have we had any corrupt CUIs.

IMO workspaces are a terrific tool for saving a user's UI.

[Rico]

Rico,

I think your case is the exception to the rule. We have over 100 users at my firm and none have any trouble with the CUI or workspaces crashing the system or have we had any corrupt CUIs.

IMO workspaces are a terrific tool for saving a user's UI.
I kind of figured mine was the freak accident. But it's happened twice to me. Maybe the 2007 Workspaces are more stable. I'll give them a shot when I get it installed on my PC. But until then, I'll just say no to crash.