AutoCAD

How to Make Drop Down List in AutoCAD?

Creating a Drop-Down List in AutoCAD 2025

Understanding Drop-Down Lists

A drop-down list allows users to select from predefined options, improving efficiency and ensuring consistency in data entry. In AutoCAD, drop-down lists can facilitate user interactions within various applications and commands.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Drop-Down List in AutoCAD 2025

Step 1: Open AutoCAD

Begin by launching AutoCAD 2025 on your computer. Make sure you have a drawing file open to work with.

Step 2: Access the Ribbon

Locate the Ribbon at the top of AutoCAD. This area contains various tabs like Home, Annotate, and others. Ensure you are on the “Home” tab to start creating your list.

Step 3: Navigate to the Customization Options

  1. Look for the ‘Workspace’ dropdown. Click on it to view additional options.
  2. Select ‘Customize’ from the dropdown. This will open the customization interface, allowing you to modify toolbars and menus.

Step 4: Create a New Menu

  1. In the Customize menu, find the section labeled ‘Menus’.
  2. Right-click on ‘Menus’ and choose ‘New Menu’. This initiates a blank menu to which you can add functionality.
  3. You may rename your new menu by right-clicking on it and selecting ‘Rename’. Give it a descriptive title that reflects its function.

Step 5: Add a Drop-Down Command

  1. Within the new menu you have created, drag the desired commands from the Command List pane on the left side of the Customize window.
  2. If there is no pre-existing command you want to add, you can create a new command that will populate your drop-down list.
  3. Right-click your newly created menu, select ‘Add Command’, and enter the command parameters.

Step 6: Define Drop-Down Entries

  1. For each command you add, you can specify parameters or options that users will see in the drop-down.
  2. To do this, you may use the Properties panel to modify your command entries, specifying details like display text or associated actions.

Step 7: Save Changes and Test

After you have populated your drop-down list with the desired commands:

  1. Click ‘Apply’ or ‘OK’ to save the changes to your menu.
  2. Exit the customization interface, and your new drop-down list should now appear in your AutoCAD interface.

Step 8: Verify Functionality

To ensure that your drop-down works as intended:

  1. Hover over your menu to see the drop-down options.
  2. Click on different entries to verify that they perform the expected functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I edit existing drop-down lists in AutoCAD?
To edit an existing drop-down list, go to the Customize interface, find the desired menu, and make adjustments in the Command List pane like changing command names or reorganizing the list.

Can I create drop-down lists for specific commands?
Yes, you can create drop-down lists that correspond to specific commands by defining the commands during the Add Command step and configuring their parameters accordingly.

Is it possible to delete a custom drop-down list?
Absolutely, custom drop-down lists can be removed by accessing the Customize interface, selecting the menu you wish to delete, and right-clicking to choose the delete option.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.