How to Import Tool Palettes (.XTP) in AutoCAD (Complete Setup, Deployment, and Troubleshooting Guide)
Importing Tool Palettes (.XTP files) into AutoCAD is straightforward, but most failures come from broken paths, missing dependencies, or incomplete deployment (XTP without DWG/Images/Groups).
If you’re managing a library of parametric dynamic blocks, set your source drawings in a permanent, trusted location before importing. If the path changes later, your palette breaks.
Import Tool Palettes (.XTP) in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Open the Tool Palettes Window
- Press Ctrl + 3
- Or type TOOLPALETTES
Step 2 — Access the Customize Menu
- Right-click the title bar (dark grey vertical bar) of the Tool Palettes window
- Select Customize Palettes…
This opens the Customize dialog box (this is where most users get stuck—import is not in Options).
Step 3 — Import the .XTP File
- In the Palettes column (left pane), right-click empty space
- Click Import…
- Select your .XTP file → Open
The palette appears in the list. Click Close
What Actually Gets Imported
An XTP file does not contain your blocks. It stores:
- References to source .DWG files
- Tool properties (layer, scale, rotation)
- Links to icon images
If the source files move, the palette still shows—but fails when used.
Technical Considerations (Keep Your Palettes Working)
Source Pathing
AutoCAD stores a pointer to the source .DWG file.
If you move or rename it:
- Icons remain
- Tools trigger “file not found” or redefinition errors
Best practice:
- Store blocks in a fixed location
- Use UNC paths for teams:
\\Server\CAD\Blocks\
Image Icons
Icons are stored in an Images folder relative to the XTP.
If missing:
- Tools display generic blank/cloud icons
Support File Search Path
- Go to: OPTIONS > Files > Support File Search Path
- Add your block folder
This helps AutoCAD resolve missing paths.
Reference:
Tool Palette File Locations
- Go to: OPTIONS > Files > Tool Palette File Locations
- Point to a shared palette folder
Trusted Locations
- Go to: OPTIONS > Files > Trusted Locations
- Add palette + block directories
Prevents security blocking.
More : Download Free Tool Palettes (.XTP)
Best Practices for Stable Tool Palettes
Use Relative vs Absolute Paths
- Absolute paths break when moved
- Relative paths work if folder structure stays consistent
Standard Folder Structure
\\Server\CAD\
├── Blocks\
├── ToolPalettes\
└── Images\
Lock Down Your Library (Permissions)
Set shared folders to read-only (Windows level) to prevent unwanted edits.
Important behavior:
- AutoCAD displays a lock icon at the bottom of the palette
- This confirms the palette is protected (normal and expected)
Use UNC Paths (Not Mapped Drives)
Mapped drives (Z:) vary per user and break references. Use UNC paths instead.
Managing Palette Groups (.XPG) — Often Missed
Importing a .XTP adds the palette—but not its group structure.
If you use organized sets like:
- Architecture
- Structure
- MEP
You must also export/import palette groups (.XPG).
To Export Groups
- Open Customize Palettes
- Right-click in the Groups section
- Select Export Groups
Without this:
- Users get a flat list of palettes, no organization
Network Deployment (Reliable Setup)
For teams:
- Store DWG blocks on server (UNC path)
- Store XTP + Images in shared folder
- Configure each workstation:
- Support File Search Path
- Tool Palette File Locations
- Trusted Locations
What You Must Copy (Source vs Destination)
| Element | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| .XTP file | Yes | Defines the palette |
| .DWG files | Yes | Actual blocks |
| Images folder | Yes | Tool icons |
| .XPG file | Optional (but recommended) | Group organization |
If one is missing, something breaks.
Common Problems and Fixes
Palette Imports but Tools Don’t Work
Cause: Broken DWG path Fix:
- Check source location
- Add to Support File Search Path
Icons Missing
Cause: Missing Images folder Fix:
- Restore folder
- Keep same structure
“File Not Found”
Cause: Moved or renamed DWG Fix:
- Restore path or update references
Tool Inserts Wrong Layer/Scale
Cause: Stored tool properties Fix:
- Right-click tool → Properties
Palette Doesn’t Update After Import
Cause: AutoCAD caching / ATC file already loaded Fix:
- Restart AutoCAD
AutoCAD does not always refresh palette structure dynamically.
Updating Blocks Without Reinserting
If a source block changes, it does not update automatically in existing drawings.
Fix:
- Right-click tool → Redefine
This updates the block without deleting and reinserting.
Export Tool Palettes (.XTP)
- Open Customize Palettes
- Right-click palette → Export…
- Save as .XTP
Always include:
- DWG source files
- Images folder
Alternative Fast Method (DesignCenter)
You can create palettes instantly:
- Open ADCENTER
- Right-click a .DWG file
- Select Create Tool Palette
AutoCAD generates a palette from all blocks in that drawing.
Advanced: The AcTpCatalog.atc File
The file AcTpCatalog.atc is the core index of all palettes.
Location:
- Inside the Tool Palette File Locations path
It controls:
- Palette registration
- Structure references
When to check it:
- Broken palettes after migration
- Missing palettes that exist on disk
- Corruption issues
For AutoCAD LT Users
Tool palettes work with limitations:
- Supported:
- Blocks
- Hatches
- Standard commands
- AutoLISP support:
- Works only in AutoCAD LT 2024+
- Express Tools-based commands do NOT work, even in LT 2024+
Reference:
FAQ — Tool Palettes (.XTP) in AutoCAD
Why does my Tool Palette show but not work?
Because the source DWG file is missing or moved.
Can I embed blocks inside an XTP file?
No. It only stores references.
Why are my icons missing?
The Images folder is missing or not found.
Why are my palettes not grouped correctly?
Because you imported .XTP only. You also need the .XPG file.
Do I need to restart AutoCAD after import?
Sometimes yes. AutoCAD does not always refresh palettes live.
How do I update a block already inserted?
Use Right-click > Redefine on the tool.
Should I use mapped drives?
No. Use UNC paths.
Can AutoCAD LT run all palette tools?
No. AutoLISP works only in LT 2024+, and Express Tools are not supported.
Where are Tool Palettes stored locally?
C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD <version>\Rxx.x\<language>\Support\ToolPalette
What is AcTpCatalog.atc?
It’s the main catalog file that tracks all palettes. If corrupted, palettes may disappear or fail to load.
This setup holds up across standalone machines and full network deployments if paths, permissions, and dependencies are handled correctly from the start.