Where Are AutoCAD Workspace Files Saved? (Answered)

Many people want to know where AutoCAD workspace files are saved, how to back them up, and how to move or restore custom workspaces between computers. This guide explains, in clear step-by-step detail, where AutoCAD stores workspace data, how to export and import workspaces, alternative ways to back up your configuration, common problems and fixes, and practical tips to protect your custom UI.

Explications

AutoCAD’s workspace defines the arrangement of the ribbon, toolbars, palettes, command line, and other UI elements. Workspace data is not stored in a single obvious file only — it is kept in a combination of:

CUIx files (Custom User Interface files) — these hold ribbon, toolbar and workspace definitions. The main CUIx that ships with AutoCAD is often named something like AutoCAD.cuix or acad.cuix, and custom CUIx files you create will use the .cuix extension.
User profile / Windows Registry entries — some workspace choices and state are recorded under your user profile in the Registry (per Windows user).
Other support folders — tool palettes, templates, fonts, and other support files are stored separately (usually under %APPDATA% or in Program Files), and are required to fully reproduce a workspace.

Typical locations (Windows):

User customization files: %APPDATA%\Autodesk\AutoCAD\\Rxx.x\\Support\
Program-wide support files: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD \Support\
Registry keys (advanced): HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD\\Rxx.x\Profiles\\Workspaces

Because settings are split between CUIx, registry/profile, and support folders, moving or restoring a workspace typically involves exporting the CUIx and/or profile and ensuring required support files are copied.

Steps — Locate, Export, Save and Restore Workspaces

Find where your workspace definitions live

Open AutoCAD.
Run the command: CUI (press Enter). The Customize User Interface dialog opens.
In the Customization tree, look under “Customizations in Main CUI File” to see the active CUIx filename and the Workspaces node.
To see the full path, select the main CUIx file in the dialog and note the path shown or click Save As to see the current file location.

Save the current workspace (quick method)

Click the Workspace Switching control (gear icon) on the status bar or use the workspace drop-down on the ribbon.
Choose Save Current As…
Give the workspace a name and click OK. This writes the definition into the current CUIx/profile.

Export a workspace to share or back up (recommended)

Run CUI.
In the dialog, select the CUIx file that contains your workspace (often the Main CUIx).
Use Save As to create a copy of the CUIx file (this exports your ribbon/toolbar/workspace definitions).
Additionally, export your profile: run OPTIONS -> Profiles tab -> select your profile -> Export… and save the .arg file. This helps preserve many user-specific settings.

To include tool palettes and other items:

Copy tool palette files from %APPDATA%\Autodesk\AutoCAD\\Rxx.x\enu\ToolPalette.
Include any custom support files (LISP, images, fonts) from your support folders.

Import / restore a workspace on another machine

Copy the exported .cuix file (and any support files) to the target computer.
In AutoCAD, run CUI.
In the CUI dialog, click Load Partial Customization File… and select the .cuix file to load it into the current session.
If needed, use Customize -> right-click the Workspaces node and New Workspace or enable the loaded workspace.
Optionally import the profile: OPTIONS -> Profiles -> Import… and select the .arg file.
Ensure all custom support file paths are added to Options -> Files -> Support File Search Path.

Alternative methods

Use the OPTIONS -> Profiles -> Export (.arg) to capture many user settings quickly. Note: .arg does not include everything (some UI elements remain in CUIx).
Copy the entire %APPDATA%\Autodesk\AutoCAD\ folder to preserve profiles, tool palettes, and many personalized files.
Use company deployment tools or scripts to place CUIx and support files into standard folders and set AutoCAD search paths centrally.
For full UI transport, create a zip package containing the .cuix, .arg, tool palettes, LISP files and a short install/placement instruction.

Errors and fixes (common problems)

Problem: Workspace does not appear after loading CUIx.
- Fix: In the CUI dialog, ensure the workspace is listed under the active customization file and is set as active. If using a partial CUIx, you may need to transfer the workspace into the Main CUIx or load the CUIx as main.
Problem: Custom toolbar/ribbon items are missing or icons are blank.
- Fix: Check that support files (images, .png/.bmp) are present and that their folder is on the Support File Search Path (Options -> Files).
Problem: Workspace settings revert after restart.
- Fix: Make sure AutoCAD can write to your %APPDATA% folder and the Registry. Avoid running AutoCAD in a locked-down environment. If using roaming profiles, ensure profiles sync correctly.
Problem: “Cannot load customization file” or security warnings.
- Fix: Add the customization file location to Options -> Files -> Trusted Locations, or move the file into a trusted support path. Also check file permissions.
Problem: Exported profile (.arg) doesn’t pick up tool palettes or certain UI items.
- Fix: Export both the .cuix and the .arg, and copy tool palette files and other support files manually.

Tips (best practices)

Always export both .cuix and .arg when preparing a backup or transfer — together they preserve most UI and profile settings.
Keep a versioned backup folder (e.g., Backups\AutoCAD\CUIX\ and Backups\AutoCAD\Profiles) and include date stamps.
When sharing workspaces across a team, standardize a support file structure and update Support File Search Path so resources load correctly for everyone.
Use meaningful workspace names (e.g., “Architect_Ribbon_2D”, “MEP_Custom”) to avoid confusion.
Before upgrading AutoCAD, export your CUIx and .arg files — upgrades can change default CUIx names or locations.
If you script deployment, place CUIx files into ProgramData or a network location and update search paths via script or registry changes.
Test import on a clean machine to confirm all dependent files are included.

FAQ

Where exactly are AutoCAD workspace files stored on my computer?

Workspace definitions are stored primarily in CUIx files (customization files) and in parts within the Windows Registry under your user profile. CUIx files typically live under %APPDATA%\Autodesk\AutoCAD\\ or in Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD \Support\ depending on how they were created.

How do I move my workspace to another computer?

Export your .cuix (via CUI dialog Save As or copy the file), export your .arg profile (Options -> Profiles -> Export), copy any custom support files (tool palettes, LISP, fonts), and on the new computer load the .cuix (CUI -> Load Partial) and import the .arg profile.

Can I just copy one file to transfer everything?

No single file contains everything. Copy the .cuix for ribbon/toolbars and workspace definitions, the .arg for profile settings, and include tool palette files and other support resources for a complete transfer.

Why do some customizations disappear after upgrading AutoCAD?

Upgrades may replace or relocate default Main CUIx files and change registry keys. Always export your custom CUIx and .arg before upgrading and re-import them after installation.

Is it safe to edit the Registry to change workspace locations?

Editing the Registry can work but is risky. Prefer using AutoCAD’s CUI and Options -> Profiles dialogs. Only advanced users should edit registry keys, and always back up the registry first.

How can I back up workspaces automatically?

Automate by scripting a copy of your %APPDATA%\Autodesk\AutoCAD\ folder and any CUIx/.arg files to a backup location. Use Windows Task Scheduler or a centralized backup solution for regular backups.