From memory a user control is really only specific to a single project and ends in an .ascx extension. A custom user control is a control which is compiled down to a library object and can be reused in any asp.net project (You can add it to your toolbar and re-use it again and again). In summary; asp.net text box, asp.net button, asp.net gridview etc are custom controls. Your control you made via the asp.net project which has an .asscx extension is a user control. hth Markus