Autodesk.windows.dll

[amenem8WZXL]

Hi, I’m developing a .NET plugin for AutoCAD (2023, full version, Educational license).
I want to create a custom Ribbon tab with panels and buttons for my tools.

I’ve seen many examples and docs referencing the Autodesk.Windows.dll assembly (for ComponentManager.Ribbon and RibbonTab, RibbonPanel, etc.).

What I already did:

• Installed AutoCAD 2023 (confirmed full, not LT)

• Downloaded and installed the ObjectARX SDK 2024 (ObjectARX_for_AutoCAD_2024_Win_64bit)

• Searched in all subfolders, including redistrib, lib-x64, inc, etc.

• Tried searching for Autodesk.Windows.dll globally — not found

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My questions:

1. Is Autodesk.Windows.dll still required in AutoCAD 2023+ to create custom Ribbon UIs via .NET?

2. If yes, where is it located in a proper installation?

3. Is there any specific component I need to activate during installation, or a separate SDK to download?

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I just want to confirm the official source and method to obtain the DLL, so I can use Autodesk.Windows.ComponentManager.Ribbon in a legal and supported way.

Thank you!

[engrjvb]

Hi @amenem8WZXL 

1. Yes
2. C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2023\AdWindows.dll

3. Just make sure all necessary references are available. There are also available .Net templates so you won't have to load most assemblies.

[_gile]

Hi,

The Autodesk.Windows namespace requires referencing AdUIMgd.dll and AdWindows.dll.

Both are available in the ObjectARX inc folder.

@engrjvb from the documentation:

"The DLLs in the ObjectARX SDK are simplified versions of the same files that ship with AutoCAD, as they do not contain dependencies on the AutoCAD user interface. It is recommended that you download and install the ObjectARX SDK, and then reference the DLL files that come with the SDK instead of those that are found in the install directory of AutoCAD or the AutoCAD-based program. "