AUGIWorld Magazine - May/June 2008 - (Page 19)

taining the blocks in the Support File Search Path, you do not have to path to these folders in the Tool Palettes File Location. A profile is a very important feature that can be used when configuring a new install of AutoCAD and making sure installs are consistent and run efficiently. AutoCAD automatically loads the previously used profile at startup, but you can also tell AutoCAD which profile to load at startup using the /p command-line switch. When you right-click the desktop icon for AutoCAD, the Properties dialog box is displayed. Add /p and then the profile name to the Target box after the path to the ACAD.exe file. The Figure 2: Sample folder structure for organizing blocks name of the profile can be a profile and other files related to palettes in AutoCAD or one exported from the Profile tab in the Options dialog box. An exported profile has the file listed under the Support File Search Path, AutoCAD will use the first block it can find extension ARG. Telling AutoCAD which profile to use that matches the name it is seeking. Under the Files tab in the Options dialog when started from a desktop icon ensures box, you will also find the Customization that all drafters are using the same network Files node. If you have recently upgraded paths and settings. When I set up a new from a release of AutoCAD prior to Auto- workstation, the first thing I do is import the CAD 2006 you will have to migrate your company profile and define the Target for menu files to work with newer releases. AutoCAD to launch using this profile. Networking with profiles I recommend that you place your customized CUI file on a network drive. Using a networked location for your CUI file will eliminate accidental changes and spare you a lot of headaches. Use your favorite Internet search engine to find an article on migrating your MNS files to CUI files. Under the Customization Files node is the Main Customization File node, which is used to define the main CUI file that AutoCAD loads. By default, this file is Acad.CUI. The main CUI file usually defines the toolbars and pull-down menus that are used to start commands. I recommend that you place your customized CUI file on a network drive. Using a networked location for your CUI file will eliminate accidental changes and spare you a lot of headaches. The Tool Palettes File Location should be defined with the path to the Categories folder that is written under the custom Catalog folder that you set up. While making palettes, it is a good idea to make separate folders in which to store all of the blocks that the palettes will be utilizing (see Figure 2). These folders can then be made read-only to eliminate the risk of a user changing the tools on a palette. Assuming that you have pathed the folders conM a y/ J u n 2 0 0 8 Also, if you ever have problems with AutoCAD or if a user changes something, all you have to do is re-import the profile and it gives you a clean slate. The correct way to set your Target so AutoCAD can load your Profile is with the /p command-line switch. Conclusion I hope this article taught you something new about controlling where AutoCAD looks for customized files and using the desktop icon to define profiles at startup to help manage CAD standards. Until next time, keep customizing! Matthew Hill has been customizing AutoCAD for 14 years. He has a strong background in structural engineering and standards management. He is currently the Applications Specialist at Thorson Baker & Assoc., Inc. in Richfield, Ohio. 19 http://www.bluebeamrocks.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of AUGIWorld Magazine - May/June 2008

AUGIWorld Magazine - May/June 2008 Table of Contents The CAD Manager From Drawing to Display: The Value of Autodesk Impression Designing for Auto-Dimensioning The Proof Is in the Footing Managing Customization and Profiles Getting to Know the Display Manager What's Cooking at Autodesk Labs? On the Back Page

AUGIWorld Magazine - May/June 2008

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