1.This document provides a comprehensive guide to using partial CUI files in BricsCAD. It explains what partial CUI files are, why they are beneficial, and how to create, load, and unload them. The document also includes real-world use cases and simple examples to illustrate the practical application of partial CUI files in customizing the BricsCAD experience.
2.Customizing your CAD workspace can significantly boost productivity and align with your team’s preferred workflow. In BricsCAD, partial CUI files offer a safe and flexible method to introduce custom menus, toolbars, or shortcuts without compromising your primary configuration. This guide offers a clear, step-by-step explanation of partial CUI files, their functionality, and their application in real-world projects.
What Is a Partial CUI File?
A partial CUI file is a distinct customization file that can be loaded into BricsCAD to incorporate new tools, menus, ribbons, or keyboard shortcuts. Unlike the main CUI file, which governs the entire interface, a partial CUI file exclusively contains your custom additions. This ensures that your modifications are isolated and protected, even during BricsCAD updates or main interface resets.
Consider it as adding an additional toolbox to your workspace: you gain access to new tools while maintaining the integrity of your primary setup.
Why Use Partial CUI Files?
-Safety: Your customizations remain intact even if BricsCAD undergoes updates or the main CUI is reset.
-Easy Sharing: You can easily share your partial CUI file with teammates or transfer it to another computer.
–No Risk to Main Settings: The core BricsCAD interface remains unaffected, allowing for unrestricted experimentation.
-Simple Management: Add or remove custom features by simply loading or unloading the partial CUI, eliminating the need to modify the main file.
How to Create a Partial CUI File (Step-by-Step)
1. Open the Customize Dialog
Type `CUSTOMIZE` in the command line and press Enter.
2. Create the Partial CUI File
In the File menu, select `Create new partial CUI file…`* Or, right-click on a Menu group and choose `Create new partial CUI file….`
3. Choose Save Location and Name
Select the desired save location (the default is the Support folder) and assign a name to the file.
-Save the File
Click `Save`. Your new partial CUI file is created and automatically loaded.
-Add Your Customizations
Within the Customize dialog, add new menus, toolbars, ribbon tabs, or shortcuts under your new partial CUI’s group. You can drag and drop commands from the available tools pane into your new toolbar or menu.
How to Load and Unload a Partial CUI File
To Load:
1. Open the Customize dialog (CUSTOMIZE command).
2. Go to File > Load partial CUI file… and select your file.
3. Alternatively, use the MENULOAD command, browse to your file, and click Load.
To Unload:
1. In the Customize dialog, right-click the partial CUI in the Menus tab and choose Unload.
2. Alternatively, in the MENULOAD dialog, select your partial CUI and click Unload.
Real-World Use Case: Team Custom Toolbars
Scenario:
A design team requires a custom toolbar containing frequently used commands for a specific project.
How They Use Partial CUI:
1. The team lead creates a partial CUI file and adds the custom toolbar with the necessary commands.
2. This file is saved to a shared folder or sent via email.
3. Each team member loads the partial CUI into their BricsCAD, instantly gaining access to the new toolbar without altering their main interface.
4. Upon project completion or toolbar updates, the partial CUI can be easily unloaded or replaced.
Result:
Enhanced efficiency for all team members with readily available tools, while maintaining a clean and stable main BricsCAD setup.
More Simple Examples
Example 1: Add a Custom Menu for Printing
You frequently print drawings and desire a quick menu for this task.
1. Create a partial CUI file named PrintvMenu.cui.
2. Add a menu called Quick Print containing your preferred print commands.
3. Load the partial CUI. You now have a Quick Print menu at the top!
4. Share PrintMenu.cui with your team to provide them with the same menu.
Example 2: Special Toolbars for Projects
You are working on a kitchen design project and consistently use specific commands.
1. Create a partial CUI file named KitchenTools.cui.
2. Add a toolbar with commands such as Draw Cabinet, Insert Sink, and Place Appliance.
3. Load KitchenTools.cui when working on kitchen projects and unload it for other tasks.
Tips for Using Partial CUI Files
-Name your partial CUI files descriptively (e.g., ProjectX_Toolbar.cui) for easy identification.
-Back up your partial CUI files as you would any other important project file.
-Share partial CUIs with new team members to facilitate a quick onboarding process.
-Experiment freely with new menus or shortcuts without the risk of disrupting your main setup.
Partial CUI files offer the simplest way to personalize BricsCAD, whether for individual or team customization. With just a few clicks, you can introduce powerful new features and maintain an organized, efficient, and secure workspace.
Conclusion
Partial CUI files in BricsCAD provide a straightforward and robust way to customize your CAD environment without risking your main configuration. They allow you to add menus, toolbars, and shortcuts tailored to specific projects or team needs, making it easy to boost productivity and share custom setups. Loading or unloading these files is simple, letting you experiment or adapt your workspace as needed. This approach keeps your primary interface stable and organized while offering flexibility for both individual and collaborative workflows. Overall, partial CUI files are an essential tool for efficient and secure CAD customization.