AutoCAD

How to Create Your Own Toolbar in AutoCAD

Creating Your Own Toolbar in AutoCAD

Creating a custom toolbar in AutoCAD allows users to streamline their workflow by placing frequently used commands at their fingertips. Follow these detailed steps to design your own toolbar.


Step 1: Access the Customize Interface

Start by launching AutoCAD. To open the customization options, locate the CUI (Customize User Interface) command. You can access this by typing CUI in the command line and hitting enter.


Step 2: Create a New Toolbar

In the CUI interface, navigate to the left panel and find the Toolbars section. Right-click on the Toolbars node and select New Toolbar. This action will generate a new toolbar labeled Toolbar1 by default.


Step 3: Rename Your Toolbar

To give your new toolbar a meaningful name, right-click on Toolbar1 and select the Rename option. Enter your desired name that reflects its purpose to ensure clarity in your workspace.


Step 4: Adding Commands to Your Toolbar

Next, you will want to populate your toolbar with useful commands. Still in the CUI environment, locate the Command List panel on the right side. Scroll through the list or use the search function to find the commands you wish to add.

Once identified, simply drag your chosen command from the Command List panel to the custom toolbar you created in the left panel. Repeat this step for any additional commands you wish to include.


Step 5: Position Your Toolbar

Customizing the visual layout of your workspace is essential. To place your toolbar, exit the CUI editor and look for your new toolbar in the AutoCAD window. You can click and drag the toolbar to position it where it’s most convenient for you, either docked or floating.


Step 6: Save Your Custom Toolbar

After personalizing your toolbar to your satisfaction, it’s important to save your changes. Return to the CUI window, click Apply, and then OK to commit your modifications.


Step 7: Manage Your Toolbar

If you need to modify, import, or export toolbars in the future, you can revisit the CUI editor. Here, you can adjust command placements, delete unnecessary commands, or even drag and drop toolbars between different AutoCAD files.


FAQs

Q1: Can I customize the appearance of my toolbar in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can customize the appearance and layout of your toolbar. Through the CUI editor, you can arrange how buttons are displayed, including their size and orientation.

Q2: How do I restore a default toolbar if I mistakenly delete it?
To restore a default toolbar, access the Customize User Interface editor, navigate to the Toolbars section, and re-enable any default toolbars that have been disabled.

Q3: Is it possible to share my custom toolbar with others?
Absolutely! You can export your customized toolbars as a file and share them with others or import toolbars created by other users, ensuring a consistent experience across different AutoCAD installations.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.