Customizing CUI File in Civil 3D

[jlizard1]

First Time Forum Posting so bear with me. Thank you.

Ok loaded up AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008. Setting up my CUI file. Wanted to make a new CUI file so not to corrupt or change the existing CUI files that came preloaded. I took a stab at it and it did not work. Figured I messed up something in the process so I unistalled and reinstalled. So I am starting all new. Is there a step by step process that I should do in creating my own CUI file. When I attempted the first time, one of the problem that came up was the Partial CUI Files did not load. Another problem I had was it would not keep the change that I did make. Like adding the Draw pull down menu. So any help would be greatly appreciated.

JLizard1

[RobertB]

1st, are you doing this just for yourself? Or are you preparing for an office-wide deployment?

If you are doing this for yourself, fine. I'll go into detail below. However, if you are preparing for a deployment, you have some serious reading to do first. I would suggest the sticky threads in the forum for starters, then perhaps any CUI classes from prior AU's that are available from AUGI.

Ok, with that out of the way:

Of primary importance is that workspaces are only available when a CUI file is either main or enterprise. So although a partial CUI might have workspaces in it, you can't see them or load them.

That means that you need an empty CUI file if you want to load the core CUI file(s) in such a way that protects them. Making the core stuff part of the enterprise structure is the best way to protect them.

Take a screenshot of your interface now, before you go any further. Also, note what CUI files are loaded.

To get an empty CUI file to start using, go to the Transfer tab, select the right pane's drop down box and select Save As. After the file is saved, exit the CUI editor and make your new CUI file the main customization file in Options. Note that your interface "disappears", but you will recreate a workspace to return your interface in a moment.

Run the CUI, and add all the missing CUI files as partial to your new CUI file. Select the Workspace node and create a new workspace. Select the Modify Workspace button in the right pane, and in the left pane, check the items you want displayed in the various CUI files. You may reorganize the menu order in the right pane. When you are done, save your changes and exit the CUI editor.

Finally, arrange your toolbars as you like, then use the Workspaces toolbar to save the current layout. I would advise not checking the Automatically Save Chages option, as that can screw stuff up later.

Hopefully that is enough to get you started.

[jlizard1]

Thanks for the quick reply. Trying it out now. I really appreciate the help.

[jlizard1]

I am now at the step where you add all the missing CUI files. How do you add them to the Partial CUI Files?

[RobertB]

Simply right-click on the node. Right-click is very important in the CUI editor.

[jlizard1]

Ok got it. Now I have made a New Workspace and added menus and toolbars. So everything is looking good. One other question... do you know where the express tools cui file would be located at?

[RobertB]

If Express Tools was installed, it will be located in your Support folder, and is named AcETMain.cui.

[jlizard1]

It's all good. Thanks again for your help. Yo da Man!!!