Applies to: Civil 3D
Issue: You want to have the same Civil 3D instance on one computer as on another.
Solution:
Step 1 — Install Civil 3D on the New Machine
Before migrating settings:
Install the same version and service pack of Civil 3D that you’re using on your old machine.
Step 2 — Export Your Settings from the Old Machine
2.1 Export the user profile
1- In Civil 3D, type:
OPTIONS
2 - Go to the Profiles tab.
3 - Select your active profile → click Export.
4 - Save the .ARG file to a USB drive, network location, or cloud folder.
2.2 Export custom CUIX menus (if modified)
1 Type:
CUIEXPORT
2 Save the .CUIX file to your transfer location.
2.3 Copy tool palettes
If you customized tool palettes:
Copy:
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Civil 3D <version>\enu\Support\ToolPalette
2.4 Copy custom templates, plot styles, and support files
- Custom templates (.DWT): wherever you save them (e.g., Documents or project folders)
- Plot styles (.CTB / .STB):
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Civil 3D <version>\enu\Plotters\Plot Styles
- Linetypes, hatches, fonts: copy any custom files you've added.
Step 3 — Import Settings on the New Machine
3.1 Import the user profile
1 - Open Civil 3D
2 - Type:
OPTIONS
3 - Profiles tab → Import → select your .ARG file
4 - Set it Current
3.2 Load CUIX customizations (if applicable)
1 - Type:
CUIIMPORT
2 Load your .CUIX as main or partial.
3.3 Restore tool palette path
1 Type:
OPTIONS > Files tab > Tool Palette File Locations
2 Point it to your copied ToolPalette folder.
3.4 Restore templates, plot styles, and support paths
1 - In OPTIONS > Files, update paths for:
Template settings
Printer support file path → Plot style table search path
Support file search paths (for custom linetypes, hatches, etc.)
Step 4 — Create a New Shortcut with Default Profile
To ensure Civil 3D always opens with your migrated profile:
1 - Right-click your Civil 3D desktop icon → Properties
2 - In the Target field, append:
/p "YourProfileName"
- Example:
"C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2024\acad.exe" /product "C3D" /language "en-US" /p "MyCompanyProfile"
3 - Apply and OK.
