How to Show Menu Bar in AutoCAD 2017?

Understanding the Menu Bar in AutoCAD 2017

The Menu Bar in AutoCAD is a critical component that organizes various commands and features, making it easier for users to navigate the software. Knowing how to display this feature can significantly enhance your workflow and efficiency while working on designs.

Steps to Show the Menu Bar in AutoCAD 2017

1. Locate the Quick Access Toolbar:

   • Look towards the top-left corner of your AutoCAD workspace. The Quick Access Toolbar typically resides here, just above the drawing area.

2. Access the Drop-Down Menu:

   • Click on the small downward-facing arrow or the drop-down menu icon found at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar.

3. Select ‘Show Menu Bar’:

   • From the list that appears after clicking the drop-down, locate and select the option labeled ‘Show Menu Bar’. This action should enable the menu bar, displaying a comprehensive set of options and commands organized into categorized menus.

4. Verify the Menu Bar Visibility:

   • Upon selecting the option, observe if the menu bar appears at the top of your screen. It usually shows a series of menus such as File, Edit, and View.
5. Alternative Method Using Command Prompt:
   • If you prefer using the command line, type MENUBAR and hit Enter. When prompted, enter 1 to activate the menu bar. This command is an effective alternative for users who are comfortable navigating through text commands.

Managing Toolbars in AutoCAD

Understanding the toolbars associated with AutoCAD can also enhance your user experience. Toolbars provide immediate access to various tools and features.

Adding a New Toolbar

1. Open the CUI Command:

   • Type CUI in the command line and press Enter to open the Customize User Interface dialog.

2. Navigate to the Toolbars Section:

   • On the left side of the dialog, find the ‘Toolbars’ section. This is where you can manage existing toolbars or create new ones.

3. Create a New Toolbar:

   • Right-click on the Toolbars node and select ‘New Toolbar’. A prompt will appear allowing you to name this toolbar.

4. Customize Your Toolbar:

   • To add tools to your newly created toolbar, drag commands from the list on the left into the new toolbar. You should see an indicator as you hover over the toolbar area.
5. Apply Your Changes:
   • After customizing, ensure you click ‘Apply’ to save your changes, making the newly created toolbar available in your workspace.

Exploring AutoCAD’s Tool Options

AutoCAD offers a plethora of tools to facilitate drawing and design. Familiarity with these tools can save time and increase efficiency.

Essential Tools Include:

• Line: Draws straight lines between two points, a fundamental tool for any drawing project.
• Rectangle: Quickly creates rectangular shapes, essential for layouts and designs.
• Circle: Useful for creating circular shapes and arcs.
• Polyline: Assists in drawing connected line segments, ideal for complex shapes.
• Trim and Extend: These tools help modify line segments efficiently by trimming or extending them to meet other objects.

FAQ Section

Q: How can I reset the Quick Access Toolbar to default settings?
A: Open the Customize dialog by clicking on the Quick Access tab, then select ‘Reset’ under the Quick Access page. Confirm by clicking ‘Yes’ in the message dialog.

Q: What should I do if the Menu Bar does not show after following the steps?
A: Ensure that you have no conflicting custom settings. You can also try restarting AutoCAD after enabling it to see if the menu bar appears.

Q: How do I minimize the Menu Bar when I’m done?
A: Click on the drop-down menu of the Quick Access Toolbar and uncheck the ‘Show Menu Bar’ option to minimize it back to its hidden state. Alternatively, you can use the command MENUBAR and input 0.