AutoCAD

How to Change Ribbon Size in AutoCAD?

Understanding Ribbon Size in AutoCAD

The Ribbon in AutoCAD is a crucial feature that houses various design tools and commands. Customizing the size of the Ribbon can enhance the usability of the workspace, allowing for better access to the tools you frequently use.

Steps to Change Ribbon Size in AutoCAD

1. Select the Ribbon Panel

Begin by identifying the Ribbon panel that you wish to modify. You should open your AutoCAD environment and navigate to the Ribbon tab where your desired panel is located.

2. Access Properties Pane

Once you have selected the appropriate Ribbon panel, look for the Properties pane, usually found on the right side of the AutoCAD interface. If the Properties pane isn’t visible, you can activate it by typing PROPERTIES into the command line and pressing Enter.

3. Modify Resize Style

In the Properties pane, locate the "Resize Style" option. This feature allows you to determine how the Ribbon panel behaves when the workspace is resized. You will find three options to choose from:

  • Collapse as Needed: The panel will automatically reduce in size when not all the commands can fit.
  • Never Collapse: The panel remains at a fixed size, regardless of the available space.
  • Collapse Last: The panel collapses only when the last tab is minimized.

Select your preferred option and then click on the Apply button to implement the change.

Adjusting Toolbar and Icon Sizes

For better visual clarity, you might also want to change the sizes of the icons in your Toolbars:

1. Access Toolbar Settings

Right-click on an empty area of the Ribbon or Toolbar and choose Customize from the contextual menu. This opens the customization options where you can adjust the toolbar settings.

2. Set Icon Size

Within the customization area, look for settings related to icon size. You can typically select between standard and large icons. Choose the option that best suits your viewing preferences.

3. Save Changes

After making adjustments, ensure you save your changes. Click OK to exit the customization window and apply the new toolbar icon sizes.

Displaying or Hiding the Ribbon

If you’re looking to hide the Ribbon temporarily or want to toggle it back on:

1. Show the Ribbon

To display the Ribbon, simply type RIBBON in the command line and press Enter. This command will turn on the Ribbon if it has been disabled.

2. Hide the Ribbon

Conversely, if you want to hide the Ribbon, enter the command RIBBONCLOSE in the command line and hit Enter. This command will remove the Ribbon from the view until you choose to display it again.

FAQ

Q1: What should I do if the Ribbon doesn’t show my custom changes?
A1: Ensure that you click the "Apply" or "OK" button after making changes in the Properties pane. If issues persist, try resetting the Ribbon settings to defaults and start the customization process again.

Q2: Can I restore the default Ribbon settings?
A2: Yes, right-click anywhere inside the Ribbon area and select "Restore Default Ribbon," which will revert all changes made to the Ribbon settings.

Q3: How do I change the size of text in AutoCAD?
A3: To adjust text size, select the dimension that you wish to change, access the Properties palette, and modify the text height within the Text section. This will help you set the text size to your desired measurements.

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.