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acad-palettes

Create and manage AutoCAD UI palettes with PaletteSet and hosting APIs.

3|Updated Feb 17, 2026
Search Tags:#wpf#palette#autocad#palette-set#tool-palettes#properties-palettes
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/hebackus/c3d-api-plugin --skill acad-palettes
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: acad-palettes
Source: https://github.com/hebackus/c3d-api-plugin/tree/main/skills/acad-palettes
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/hebackus/c3d-api-plugin --skill acad-palettes

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This guide helps developers create and manage AutoCAD UI palettes by detailing PaletteSet, Palette, and related hosting patterns, enabling rich, dockable plugin UIs in AutoCAD/Civil 3D without heavy boilerplate.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Understand PaletteSet and Palette hosting methods (Add, AddVisual, Add(string, Uri)) to host WinForms or WPF content.
  • Leverage the Tool Palette API and the Properties Palette APIs for consistent, integrated UI experiences across AutoCAD.
  • Apply lifecycle patterns (IExtensionApplication, application/document events) to keep palettes responsive across documents and sessions, with practical examples and gotchas.

Quick Start

Create a simple PaletteSet named 'Sample Palette', add a WPF UserControl, and display it via a command.

Frequently Asked Questions about acad-palettes

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I create a dockable palette in AutoCAD using WPF?▼

To create a dockable palette, instantiate a PaletteSet and use the Add or AddVisual methods to host your WPF UserControl content within the AutoCAD application window.

What is the best way to manage palette lifecycle events across multiple documents in Civil 3D?▼

Manage palette lifecycle events by implementing IExtensionApplication and subscribing to application and document events, ensuring your palettes remain responsive and correctly updated during zero-document state transitions.

Can I host WinForms content in an AutoCAD PaletteSet?▼

Yes, you can host WinForms content in an AutoCAD PaletteSet by utilizing the appropriate Palette hosting methods such as Add or AddVisual to integrate standard Windows Forms controls into your plugin UI.

How does the AutoCAD Tool Palette API differ from using PaletteSet for plugin UI?▼

The Tool Palette and Properties Palette APIs provide consistent, integrated UI experiences native to AutoCAD, whereas PaletteSet offers a customizable dockable container for hosting your own custom WPF or WinForms user interfaces.

Why does my AutoCAD palette disappear in zero-document state?▼

Palettes often disappear in zero-document state due to improper lifecycle event handling; you must correctly manage application versus document events to ensure your dockable UI remains visible when no drawings are open.

Do I need IExtensionApplication to display tool palettes in an AutoCAD plugin?▼

Yes, implementing IExtensionApplication is required to properly initialize your plugin, subscribe to necessary application events, and safely manage the lifecycle of your tool palettes and properties palettes across sessions.

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