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How to Show Model and Layout Tabs in AutoCAD?

Displaying Model and Layout Tabs in AutoCAD 2025

When working in AutoCAD, having easy access to both Model and Layout tabs is essential for efficient drafting. If these tabs are not visible, follow the steps outlined below to display them effectively.

Enabling Model and Layout Tabs through Options

  1. Access the Drawing Area: Begin by right-clicking anywhere within the drawing area itself.
  2. Open the Options Menu: From the context menu that appears, select "Options."
  3. Navigate to Display Settings: In the Options dialog box, click on the "Display" tab.
  4. Locate the Layout Elements: Within the Display settings, find the section labeled "Layout Elements."
  5. Enable Display of Tabs: Check the box next to "Display Layout and Model Tabs" to ensure these tabs are visible during your drafting sessions.
  6. Confirm Changes: After checking the box, click "OK" to save your settings and exit the dialog. The Model and Layout tabs should now appear at the bottom of your workspace.

Activating Tabs Using Command Line

  1. Open the Command Line: Type LAYOUTTAB directly into the command line at the bottom of the interface.
  2. Set Value: Enter 1 to enable the display of the Layout tabs. This will instantly allow you to view these tabs as part of your default workspace.

Using the Ribbon to Show Layout Tabs

  1. Access the View Tab: Click on the "View" tab located in the main ribbon at the top of the AutoCAD window.
  2. Find the Interface Panel: Look for the "Interface" panel option.
  3. Toggle Layout Tabs: You will see an option labeled “Layout Tabs.” Click on it to toggle the tabs on. A blue highlight indicates that the feature is active.

Restoring Missing Toolbars and Panels

If your tabs or other panels are missing, you can restore them easily:

  1. Right-click on the Ribbon: Perform a right-click on any blank area of the ribbon.
  2. Show Tabs and Panels: From the pop-up menu, navigate to both the "Show Tabs" and "Show Panels" options, ensuring the desired selections are activated.

Understanding the Differences Between Model and Layout Tabs

  • Model Tab: The Model tab is used to create and modify your design in a 1:1 scale. Here, you focus on the actual draft of your model without worrying about dimensions or layouts for presentation.

  • Layout Tab: Layout tabs allow you to arrange your drawings for print. This workspace includes viewports, dimensions, notes, and title blocks, which simulate how your designs will look when printed. Each layout tab is analogous to a drawing sheet.

Opening Multiple Tabs in AutoCAD

To work simultaneously with different projects:

  1. Open the First Drawing: When you double-click a DWG file, it opens in AutoCAD by default.
  2. Launch Additional Instances: Open a second instance of AutoCAD through the Start menu or a desktop shortcut.
  3. Load Another Drawing: Utilize the OPEN command in the second instance to load another drawing file. This allows you to arrange two AutoCAD windows side by side for comparative or collaborative work.

Managing Layouts within AutoCAD

To effectively organize layouts:

  1. Select the Target Layout Tab: Click on the layout tab you want to manage.
  2. Navigate to Layout Settings: Click on the "Layout" tab in the ribbon menu.
  3. Setup Page Layout: From the Layout panel, choose "Page Setup."
  4. Create a New Page Setup: Click on "New," give it a relevant name, and select the appropriate printer type and paper size.
  5. Finalize the Setup: Keep the Plot Area dropdown at "Layout," and click "OK" to save the new layout configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I quickly switch between Model and Layout tabs?
You can easily switch by clicking on the respective tabs located at the bottom of the AutoCAD window. This allows for quick transitions between drafting and preparing for print.

2. What should I do if my tabs are still not showing after following these steps?
Try resetting your workspace by navigating to the Workspace dropdown in the toolbar and selecting a different workspace or resetting to default settings. Also, verify that your AutoCAD installation is up to date.

3. Is there a way to customize my Layout tabs further?
Yes, you can customize the Layout tabs by right-clicking on them to rename, delete, or reorder them based on your preferences for easier access.

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.