Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published May 2010

Adding a User-Defined Button (with Image) to the Quick Access Toolbar

On a rare occasion, Autodesk will remove commands from AutoCAD. Usually, they just pile on and make older commands less accessible. Training in west Michigan this week we discovered that the good ole DDATTE command is nowhere to be found in the Help documentation. Oh yes, you can type it, but it's not in the list of commands in the CUI which is where I typically go to customize my palettes and the Ribbon.

So here's how to add a user-defined button to the Quick Access Toolbar along with an image.

How To Add a New Button to the Quick Access Toolbar

1. Type CUI to open the Customize User Interface.

2. Under the Command list, click Create a New Command. This will add ‘Commandx’ to the command list.

3. Click your new ‘Commandx’ to open the Properties panel on the right side of the CUI.

   

4. Add the values similar to those shown in this figure for Name, some type of Description, Command Display Name, and Macro.

5. To assign a button top image, first, click the name of your new command in the list to make it current.

6. In the upper right pane - Button Image - scroll through the available list of buttons, then click one that suits you. [Yes, you could make your own, but I attended a seminar at AU where the presenter said it's just not worth the effort; works for me.]

7. The name of the button will appear under ‘Images’ in the Properties area, as well as beside your new command in the Command list.

   

8. At this point, I would click Apply to apply your edits to your new command.

9. To add your new button to the Quick Access Toolbar, just drag it from the Command list and release it where you want it up on the Quick Access Toolbar. You should be good to go!

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