How to Hide Palette in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Tool Palette in AutoCAD

The Tool Palette in AutoCAD provides rapid access to various tools, styles, and blocks, streamlining workflows for users. However, there may be instances when you need to hide or manage these palettes for optimal focus on your drawing. Here’s how to effectively hide palettes in AutoCAD.

Steps to Hide the Tool Palette

1. Using the Command Line

   • Start by locating the command line at the bottom of your AutoCAD window.
   • Type SHOWPALETTES and hit Enter. This command toggles visibility for all palettes, including the Tool Palette. If they are displayed, they will hide, and vice versa.

2. Keyboard Shortcuts

   • You can also use a shortcut design to streamline the process. Press Ctrl + 0 to activate the Clean Screen feature, which will hide all palettes and toolbars for a clearer workspace.
3. Using the Status Bar
   • Look at the right side of the drawing window’s status bar. You should find the ‘Hide Palettes’ option.
   • Click on this button to quickly hide the Tool Palette along with any other displayed palettes.

Making Palettes Visible After Hiding

If you have hidden the Tool Palette and need it back:

1. Command Line Retrieval

   • Just return to the command line and type SHOWPALETTES again. This will restore any palettes you’ve hidden.
2. Reactivating via Shortcut
   • Press Ctrl + 3 on your keyboard. This shortcut opens the Tool Palette, allowing easy access to your tools once again.

Managing Palette Appearance and Behavior

To ensure your tool palettes are managed effectively:

1. Adjust Appearance Settings

   • Right-click on a blank area within any tool palette.
   • Select ‘View Options’ from the context menu. Here, you can modify various attributes such as size and style specific to the current palette or all palettes.
2. Toggle Quick Properties
   • For quick adjustments or to hide additional data points, you can toggle Quick Properties on or off with Ctrl + Shift + P. If you decide that Quick Properties are unnecessary, set the system variable QPMODE to 0 or -1 to turn it off completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why can’t I see my Tool Palette after hiding it?

   • If you need to view the Tool Palette again, try typing SHOWPALETTES in the command line or pressing Ctrl + 3. If none of these work, check if you have activated Clean Screen using Ctrl + 0.

2. Can I hide more than just the Tool Palette?

   • Yes, using the commands or shortcuts mentioned, you can hide all palettes and toolbars simultaneously to provide a clearer view of your drawing area.
3. How do I restore a specific palette if it has been moved?
   • If a specific palette has been relocated and is not appearing, typing SHOWPALETTES should restore its visibility. If it’s still out of sight, you might need to arrange it manually by clicking and dragging it back into view.