How to Change Classic Mode in AutoCAD 2015?

Understanding Classic Mode in AutoCAD 2015

For users who prefer a traditional workspace, switching AutoCAD to classic mode can enhance productivity by providing a familiar interface. This guide will walk you through the steps to transition to classic mode in AutoCAD 2015 effectively.

Accessing the Workspace Settings

1. Open AutoCAD 2015: Launch the application on your computer.

2. Locate the Workspace Selector: Look for the Workspace drop-down menu, usually found at the top-right corner of the screen, near the Quick Access Toolbar.

3. Select Classic Workspace: Click the Workspace drop-down and choose "AutoCAD Classic" from the listed options. If you do not see it, proceed to customize your workspaces.

Customizing Workspaces

If the classic workspace is not available, you can create one manually:

1. Open the Customization Window: Type CUI (Customize User Interface) into the command line and press Enter. This will open the customization dialog.

2. Expand the Workspaces Node: In the left pane of the dialog, locate the Workspaces node and click the plus sign (+) to expand it.

3. Create a New Workspace: Right-click on the Workspaces node and select "New." Name your new workspace (e.g., "My Classic Workspace").

4. Load Toolbars: After creating the workspace, you can add toolbars. Go to the "Toolbars" section, and drag your desired toolbars (like Standard, Drawing, etc.) into your newly created workspace.

5. Set the Workspace as Active: Once you have customized your workspace with all the necessary toolbars, right-click your new workspace in the left pane and choose "Set Current." Click Apply, then OK to close the customization dialog.

Switching Between Workspaces

To easily toggle back and forth:

1. Use the Workspace Drop-down: Once you’ve created your classic workspace, you can switch between different workspaces by accessing the same drop-down menu where you initially selected "AutoCAD Classic."

2. Keyboard Shortcut: You can also assign a keyboard shortcut for quick access. Access the customization dialog again (CUI), navigate to the Keyboard Shortcuts section, and add a new shortcut that switches to your classic workspace.

Accessing Additional Features

To enhance your experience further:

1. Add Tool Palettes: If you require tool palettes, you can bring them up by using the TOOLPALETTES command.

2. Interface Adjustments: If you wish to modify the appearance of your toolbars, right-click on any toolbar to access context menus that let you customize it further.

FAQ

1. Is switching to Classic Mode available in all versions of AutoCAD?
Not every version of AutoCAD provides a classic workspace option. Starting from AutoCAD 2015, users can switch to classic mode, though newer versions might not support it directly.

2. Can I save my custom workspace for future use?
Yes, once you create a custom workspace, it will be saved automatically in your AutoCAD settings. You can switch back to it whenever needed.

3. How do I reset my workspace to default settings?
You can reset your workspace by going into the Customize User Interface (CUI), selecting your workspace, and choosing "Reset" or by restoring settings from the AutoCAD application menu.