Transfer all Civil 3D settings from one machine to another

July 15, 2025 Nick Turner

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.

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