AutoCAD Tip: Create Custom AutoCAD Commands and Macros with CUI

Build repeatable speed into your day by creating custom commands with the Customize User Interface (CUI). A few well‑placed macros on the Ribbon, Tool Palettes, or right‑click menus can cut dozens of clicks from common tasks. If you need AutoCAD or add‑ons, visit NOVEDGE for licensing and expert guidance.

Quick start: create a custom command and put it on the Ribbon.

1. Type CUI and press Enter.
2. In the left pane, under Customizations in All Files, expand your current CUIx (typically ACAD.cuix or your workspace’s partial CUIx).
3. Under Command List (bottom‑left), click Create a New Command.
4. On the right, set:
   • Name: meaningful and short (e.g., “Clean & Audit”).
   • Macro: the sequence you want AutoCAD to run.
   • Small/Large Image: click the Button Image Editor, or pick a built‑in icon.
   • Extended Help File/Tooltip: document what the button does.
5. Drag your new command into a Ribbon Panel:
   • Ribbon > Panels > [Choose or create a panel] > Row 1, then drop the command.
   • Drag that panel into Ribbon > Tabs > [Your tab], if needed.
6. Click Apply, then OK. Test the button.

Reliable macro patterns:

• Always start with ESC twice to cancel anything active:
  ^C^C
• Use underscores for international command names:
  _COMMAND
• Use semicolons for Enter, and backslash to pause for user picks:
  _COPY;\;; (prompts for selection, then base/second points)

High‑value example macros you can paste into the Macro field:

• Clean and audit a file in one click:
  ^C^C_-PURGE;ALL;*;N;_-PURGE;REGAPPS;*;N;_AUDIT;Y;
• Overkill on everything (remove duplicates, tidy geometry):
  ^C^C_SELECTSIMILAR;ALL;;_-OVERKILL;P;;
• Isolate layers for a quick edit, then restore:
  ^C^C_LAYISO;_Settings;_Off;_Lock;_Off;;\;_LAYUNISO;

Pro placement ideas:

• Ribbon: best for team‑wide discoverability.
• Tool Palettes: drag‑and‑drop access with custom icons per discipline.
• Shortcut menus: in CUI, add commands under Shortcut Menus > Default Mode Shortcut Menu for right‑click speed.
• Keyboard: pair your custom command with a short alias in acad.pgp (or map to a Ribbon hotkey via CUI).

Governance and portability:

• Store customizations in a Partial CUIx you control, not ACAD.cuix.
• Use the Transfer tab in CUI to migrate commands between CUIx files.
• For firm standards, load a read‑only Enterprise CUIx for everyone.
• Back up your CUIx; consider versioning via cloud storage. Need advice? Ask NOVEDGE.

Troubleshooting and best practices:

• If a macro stalls, add more ; to complete prompts or insert \ for required user input.
• Prefix with ^C^C to avoid conflicts with running commands.
• Test in a scratch file; then publish to your partial CUIx.
• Document each button’s purpose in Tooltips/Extended Help for team clarity.

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