How to Add Custom Tool Palette in AutoCAD?

Understanding Custom Tool Palettes in AutoCAD

Custom tool palettes in AutoCAD allow users to streamline their workflow by housing frequently used blocks, commands, and tools in a convenient format. This guide details the steps to effectively create and customize a tool palette in AutoCAD 2025.

Step 1: Access the Tool Palettes

To begin, you need to open the Tool Palettes window. This can be achieved by pressing CTRL+3 on your keyboard. Additionally, you can access it through the View tab: navigate to Palettes and select Tool Palettes.

Step 2: Create a New Tool Palette

Once the Tool Palettes window is open, you can create a new palette for your custom tools:

1. Right-click on any existing tab within the Tool Palettes window.
2. Select New Palette from the context menu.
3. Name your new palette by clicking on the tab title and typing the desired name.

Step 3: Adding Tools to Your Palette

You can populate your custom palette with various elements such as blocks, hatches, and commands. Follow these methods to add items:

• Drag and Drop from Drawings: If you have objects already in your drawing that you would like to add, simply select them and drag them onto your new tool palette.

• Utilize the DesignCenter:

  1. Open the DesignCenter (use the shortcut CTRL+2).
  2. Locate the drawings, blocks, or hatches you want to include.
  3. Click and drag the desired elements directly to your new palette.

• Customize Toolbar Buttons:

  1. Open the Customize dialog box.
  2. Find the specific toolbar buttons you want to add.
  3. Drag them into your palette.
• Drag Commands from the CUI Editor:
  1. Open the Customize User Interface (CUI) editor.
  2. Locate the Command List pane.
  3. Select a command and drag it to your custom palette.

Step 4: Organizing Your Tools

To improve your workflow, organize the tools within your palette:

• Rearranging Tools: Click and drag tools within the palette to arrange them according to your preference.
• Grouping: Consider creating multiple palettes for different tasks or projects, such as architectural or engineering tools.

Step 5: Modifying Palette Appearance

To change the appearance of your tool palette:

1. Right-click on an empty space in the Tool Palettes window.
2. Select View Options.
3. Adjust size and view style settings (small icons, large icons, or lists) as desired.
4. You can apply these changes to either the current palette or all palettes by selecting the appropriate option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I share my custom tool palettes with others?
Yes, you can export your custom tool palettes and share them with colleagues. This is typically done by saving the palette file to a shared location.

2. How do I load an existing tool palette?
To load a custom tool palette, right-click in the Tool Palettes window, select Add, then Browse to navigate to your saved palettes. Once found, click Open, then Apply to make it available for use.

3. What types of tools can be added to a palette?
You can add a variety of tools including objects, blocks, hatches, and commands specific to your needs, encompassing multiple disciplines such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.