Tool Palettes on server - AutoCAD 2026

[nfranklin9Q4AQ]

Hey All,

What is the best way to manage tool palettes in a server environment?

I don't understand how to make the content library work for this function

Thanks

@nfranklin9Q4AQ Your post title was modified to add the product name and version and to increase findability by @CGBenner  - Original: Tool Palettes on server

[imadHabash]

Hi,

The best way to manage tool palettes in a server environment is to create a centralized network location for them and then use AutoCAD's "Files" tab in Options to point users' "Tool Palette Files" to this server path. You can also set up a "Tool Palette Group" that points to a server-based content library, allowing multiple users to access and share standardized tool palettes and their content, ensuring consistency across the organization. Follow these 8 pages handout and see how it will help. >> Click <<

[nfranklin9Q4AQ]

Thanks for the response.  I do not believe this course is current to ACA26. On previous versions, I was able to export groups to a folder on the server, but now I think they want you to use the content browser to manage tool palettes, but I have not found any decent articles that walk you through how to do that

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[avishek.chakrabortyCSXPN]

Hello @nfranklin9Q4AQ 

Thank you for bringing this question to the forum. From your description, it sounds like you are looking for ways to manage and share a common AutoCAD Tool Palette in a server environment.

You may find the following Autodesk article helpful: https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Network-deployment...

If you encounter any issues while importing Tool Palettes from the server into AutoCAD, please refer to this article: https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Issues-importing-t...

Please let us know if these resources help resolve your query. If not, feel free to share more details so that the community can assist you further.

[nfranklin9Q4AQ]

I've saved the ATC files to a network folder, and routed the file path in the profile options.

However, there is no longer an option to "Export All".  Please see my screenshot attached below

[DGCSCAD]

Not sure about 2026, but this works for 2018 as a LISP function:

(command "*_toolpalettepath" "yourpath" "toolpalettes")

Here's an example of how this can work in a network environment...

I have the following LISP commands defined in a acaddoc.lsp:

This sets the network palette:

(defun c:NetPalette () (command "*_toolpalettepath" "N:\\AutoCAD Support\\Tool Palettes" "toolpalettes"))

This will set the AutoCAD default palette:

(defun c:StdPalette () (command "*_toolpalettepath" "C:\\Users\\%USERNAME%\\AppData\\Roaming\\Autodesk\\AutoCAD 2018\\R22.0\\enu\\Support\\ToolPalette" "toolpalettes"))

This sets a local palette, which allows me to work on changes locally, then copy paste any new tools or changes to the Network Palette (using Ctrl+A, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, etc.):

(defun c:LocalPalette () (command "*_toolpalettepath" "C:\\Users\\%USERNAME%\\AppData\\Roaming\\Autodesk\\AutoCAD 2018\\R22.0\\enu\\Support\\ToolPalette_2" "toolpalettes"))

Notes:

• If all users are pointed to the same acaddoc.lsp, then those users will have access to the above network and local palettes using the provided commands defined in that acaddoc.lsp, which should be saved in a SFSP (Support File Search Path) folder on your network.

• Make sure only the tool palette author has Read/Write permissions on that network folder holding the network tool palette to avoid any issues.

[avishek.chakrabortyCSXPN]

Hello @nfranklin9Q4AQ , did you have a chance to follow the instructions provided by @DGCSCAD ? Were they helpful?

[CGBenner]

@nfranklin9Q4AQ 

Hi, Did the information provided by @DGCSCAD help you to solve this? If so, please use Accept Solution so that others may find this in the future. Thank you very much!

If you still need help please feel free to provide an update here so we as Community know how we can help you best moving forward.

[nfranklin9Q4AQ]

@CGBenner  @DGCSCAD @imadHabash 

Saving .atc files to a network folder, and pathing to those folders are not my problem.

My trouble is with exporting the customized palette groups.  Currently, I have to create customized palette groups on every computer.

And if there are any changes to those groups, I have to modify each individual computer.  I would like to manage the palette groups from one server location

ACA26 does not allow exporting groups anymore, there has to be a palette group folder that I'm not seeing where these groups are saved?

[DGCSCAD]

The method I described utilizes one central location for your networked Tool Palettes that you can add/modify/etc. (manage) and will be instantly available to all users, so there is no exporting, nor modifying or creating customized palette groups on each individual computer. You modify the 'shared' palette on the server.

For 'grouping', you can create as many TAB's as needed on each main palette. You can also create as many main palettes as needed, then give them each a command name as I described.

Here's that same method (message 6). 

[Simon_Mathews]

theres a youtube video on autocad university channel from justin johnson that explains it pretty well . 

[avishek.chakrabortyCSXPN · Accepted solution]

Hello @nfranklin9Q4AQ,

Please refer to the following link, which includes a video explaining how to manage Tool Palettes in a network environment.
https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Managing-Tool-Palettes-Network-Environment-2021#v...

Kindly let me know if this helps.

[avishek.chakrabortyCSXPN]

Hello @nfranklin9Q4AQ ,

Did the video link provided help you resolve the issue? If so, please mark the response as Accepted Solution so that others can benefit from it in the future. Thank you!

If you still need assistance, feel free to provide an update here so the Community can continue to support you.