AutoCAD

How to Change Icon Menu in AutoCAD Electrical?

Changing the Icon Menu in AutoCAD Electrical

Modifying the icon menu in AutoCAD Electrical allows users to customize their interface for easier access to frequently used tools and features. Below are detailed steps to change the icon menu effectively.

Accessing Project Properties

  1. Open AutoCAD Electrical.
  2. Navigate to the "Project Properties" dialog box by selecting the project you wish to modify.
  3. Locate the section labeled "Schematic Icon Menu File" or "Panel Icon Menu File."
  4. Click the plus sign (+) next to either option to expand the settings.

Modifying the Icon Menu Path

  1. Click inside the edit box that appears to alter the icon menu path.
  2. To choose a new icon menu, click the “Browse” button, which allows you to search for the desired menu file.
  3. If you want to revert to the default icon menu, simply hit the “Default” button.
  4. Confirm your changes by clicking "OK."

Locating Icon Menu Files

Icon menu files are stored in a specific directory on your computer. To access them:

  • Navigate to C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Electrical 2025\{release}\{country code}\Support.
  • In this location, you will find various icon menu files such as:
    • ACE_IEEE_MENU
    • ACE_JIC_MENU
    • ACE_IEC-60617_MENU
    • ACE_AS_MENU
    • ACE_HYD_MENU

Customizing the Workspace

To further tailor your interface, you may wish to adjust the workspace settings:

  1. Type CUI in the command line and press Enter.
  2. Select the workspace you want to customize.
  3. Click on "Customize Workspace," which will open the customization interface.
  4. Look to the left side and expand the “Menu” section to view available options.
  5. Select which tools and features you want to add to your workspace.
  6. Click “Done” once you have made your selections.
  7. Press “Apply” to save changes, and then click “OK” to exit the customization interface.

Restoring Toolbars

If any toolbars are missing, use the following steps to restore them:

  1. Enter MENUBAR in the command line and set its value to 1.
  2. Go to the "Tools" menu and select "Toolbars."
  3. Choose which toolbars you want to enable.

To manually customize the toolbar:

  1. Right-click any toolbar button and select "Customize."
  2. In the Customize tab, find the "Command List" pane.
  3. Drag and drop the desired command onto the toolbar. Adjust its location using the visual indicator for precise placement.

Managing Electrical Symbols

For inserting electrical symbols in your project:

  1. Navigate to the "Schematic" tab.
  2. Go to the "Insert Components" panel and click on "Icon Menu."
  3. Look for the symbol you wish to use; once located, select it.
  4. The symbol will be attached to the cursor for easy positioning in your layout.

FAQ

How do I resize an icon in AutoCAD?
To resize an icon, navigate to the "Edit" menu, select "Preferences," then go to the "Toolbars" tab. From there, you can choose the desired icon size and click "OK" to apply.

Where can I find help for AutoCAD Electrical?
Autodesk’s official website provides extensive documentation, tutorials, and forums that can help users troubleshoot issues and learn more about their software.

Can I revert to the original settings of my workspace in AutoCAD?
Yes, by accessing the CUI command, you can reset your workspace to default settings. Simply navigate to your customized workspace and choose to reset or revert changes.

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.