AutoCAD

How to View AutoCAD Classic in 2020

Guidelines to Access AutoCAD Classic in 2020

For users preferring the AutoCAD Classic interface, follow these steps to switch your workspace settings in AutoCAD 2020.

Step 1: Save Current Workspace

Begin by navigating to the menu at the top of the screen. Locate and click on the “Tools” menu. From the dropdown options, select “Workspaces,” then choose “Save Current As.” This action will prompt a dialog box to open.

Step 2: Name Your Workspace

In the “Save Workspace” dialog box, you will see a field labeled “Name.” Enter the name “AutoCAD Classic” into this box. This custom name will help you easily identify this workspace later.

Step 3: Complete the Saving Process

After naming the workspace, click the “Save” button to finalize your changes. This will store your settings and allow you to access the classic view whenever needed.

Viewing Panels in AutoCAD 2020

If panels and tabs are missing after switching workspaces, you can easily restore them. Right-click anywhere on the ribbon interface, and a menu will appear. Look for options labeled “Show Tabs” and “Show Panels” and select the panels or tabs you wish to display.

Restoring the Ribbon in AutoCAD 2020

To bring back the ribbon if it becomes hidden, you can toggle the Clean Screen mode. Press the keys CTRL+0 simultaneously; this will toggle the default display settings. If the command line indicates “CleanScreenOn,” press CTRL+0 again to disable it. Additionally, to display the ribbon, just type “RIBBON” into the command line and hit Enter.

Working with Toolbars

If you want to add toolbars to your interface, begin by locating the Quick Access Toolbar on the top left. Click on the dropdown menu and select “Show Menu Bar” to display additional options. To display a specific toolbar, click on the “Tools” menu and choose “Toolbars”; here, you can select the ones you want to appear on your screen.

Displaying Layout Tabs

To ensure all layout tabs are visible, you can access the Options window by entering “OPTIONS” at the command line. Alternatively, you can go to the AutoCAD application menu found on the top-left corner. Once in the Options menu, switch to the “Display” tab. Under the “Layout elements” section, make sure to check the box that says “Display Layout and Model tabs” and then hit OK.

AutoCAD Version History

As of now, the latest version of AutoCAD is AutoCAD 2025, which features numerous enhancements and updates over its predecessors. Keeping your software updated ensures access to the latest tools and features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I revert back to the default workspace after switching to AutoCAD Classic?

Yes, you can switch back to the default workspace by selecting it from the Workspaces menu in the Tools section or by typing “WSCURRENT” into the command line and selecting the desired workspace from the list.

2. Does switching to AutoCAD Classic impact my drawings?

No, changing your workspace layout does not affect your drawings; it only alters the interface you use to interact with the software.

3. Are there any tools that are not available in AutoCAD Classic?

Some features and tools present in the newer interfaces might be missing from the AutoCAD Classic workspace. However, most essential drawing tools will still be accessible.

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.