Glossary of Customization Terms

A package file that contains multiple XML-based files and custom image files. Each one of the XML-based files contains data for a different type of user interface element that can be customized.

An object that makes up the user interface and can be customized.

On Windows, this might be a ribbon panel and tab, Quick Access toolbar, and so on. It is a node in the Customizations In <file name> pane that contains user interface items. On Mac OS, this is a menu or tool set.

The individual components of a user interface element.

On Windows, this might be a button on a ribbon panel, drop-down list on the Quick Access toolbar, command that is started by a shortcut key, and so on. On Mac OS, this might be a menu item or tool on a tool set.

A series of commands and input that are ran in a defined sequence to accomplish a drawing task.

A modeless interface element that can be docked to or set to float separately from the application window.

On Windows, this includes the Properties, Layer Properties Manager, Command Line, and so on. On Mac OS, this includes Properties Inspector and Layers among others.

A name that is assigned to a CUIx file to identify the customization content between different loaded CUIx files. Prior to the introduction of the AutoCAD 2006-based products, a customization group was referred to as a menu group.

A unique identifier of a user interface element. In earlier releases, an element ID was referred to as a tag.

An organizational structure used to lay out commands and controls for display on the dashboard, which was used in releases prior to AutoCAD 2009-based products. Starting with AutoCAD 2010-based products, the dashboard was replaced by the ribbon.

A CUIx file that is typically controlled by a CAD administrator or manager. It is often accessed by many users and is stored in a shared network location. The file is read-only to users to prevent the contents in the file from being changed. Often, a CAD administrator or manager creates an enterprise CUIx file by modifying the program's default main CUIx file, and saving the file to a shared network location. Users then specify this file in the Options dialog box.

An XML-based file that stores customization data for products starting with AutoCAD 2006-based products and ending with AutoCAD 2009-based products. The CUI file was replaced by the introduction of the CUIx file. A CUI file can be converted to a CUIx file using the Transfer tab of the CUI Editor (CUI command).

An ASCII based file that stores menu customization data for AutoCAD 2005-based products and earlier releases. Use the Transfer tab of the CUI Editor (CUI command) to convert a MNS file to a CUIx file.

An ASCII based file that is used as a template to define the contents of the MNS file for AutoCAD 2005-based products and earlier releases. Use the Transfer tab of the CUI Editor (CUI command) to convert a MNU file to a CUIx file.

A CUIx file that defines most of the user interface elements (including the standard ribbon panels and tabs, Quick Access toolbars, keyboard shortcuts, and so on) and is automatically loaded when the program starts.

An interface element that displays tabs made up of panels which contain commands and controls, and can be docked horizontally or vertically along the program’s application window.

An organizational structure used to lay out commands and controls for display on the ribbon or as a floating user interface.

A CUIx file that is not defined as the main or enterprise CUIx file. You can load and unload partial CUIx files as you need them during a drawing session.

An interface element that is located above the ribbon, by default, and provides access to common drawing file management tools.

A collection of user interface elements, including their contents, properties, display states, and locations.

An interface element that displays tool groups made up of commands and flyouts (or drop-downs) that are displayed vertically outside the drawing area.

An organizational structure used to lay out commands and flyouts (or drop-downs) for display on the Tool Sets palette.