AutoCAD® 2011 & AutoCAD LT® 2011 Bible

Chapter 33. Customizing the Ribbon and Menus

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Understanding and working with the customization file

• Loading full and partial customization files

• Creating commands and macros

• Customizing the ribbon, menu bar, and drop-down lists

• Creating shortcut menus

• Customizing mouse buttons

• Creating image-tile menus

• Creating keyboard shortcuts

• Customizing what happens when you double-click an object

• Customizing the Quick Properties palette and rollover tooltips

Although the ribbon and menu are designed to be useful for most people, the whole point of customization is that everyone has different needs. You can probably draw more efficiently and faster by customizing the user interface to suit your own individual requirements. Not only can you add commands, but you can also add items consisting of a series of commands that run like a macro. If you're using AutoCAD, you can even add AutoLISP routines. You may want to create specialized items that are used only for one drawing — for example, to help clients view a drawing. User interface customization includes the ribbon, menus, mouse or puck buttons, toolbars (covered in Chapter 29), rollover tooltips, shortcut menus, image-tile menus, keyboard shortcuts, temporary override keys, the double-click function, and the Quick Properties palette. The only limits are your imagination and the time that you can devote to customization.

Working with the Customization File

The AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT user interface is contained in a file that you don't edit ...