AutoCAD

How to Add Menu Bar in AutoCAD 2014?

Understanding the Menu Bar in AutoCAD 2025

AutoCAD provides a user-friendly interface where the menu bar serves as an essential component, offering quick access to various commands and functions. Knowing how to enable and use the menu bar can greatly optimize your workflow. This guide details the steps to add the menu bar in AutoCAD 2025.

Step 1: Accessing AutoCAD

Before making any adjustments, ensure that AutoCAD is running properly on your system. Open the application as you usually would, ready to begin your modifications.

Step 2: Enabling the Menu Bar

To add the menu bar back into view, follow these steps:

  1. Use the Command Prompt: Locate the command line at the bottom of the AutoCAD window. Enter the command MENUBAR.

  2. Set the Menu Bar: After typing the command, press Enter. When prompted for a value, type 1 and press Enter again. This setting activates the menu bar.

Step 3: Displaying the Menu Bar from the Quick Access Toolbar

Another method to show the menu bar involves utilizing the Quick Access Toolbar:

  1. Look at the top left of the AutoCAD window.
  2. Find the Quick Access toolbar, typically displaying icons for commands you frequently use.
  3. Click on the drop-down arrow located on the right side of the Quick Access toolbar.
  4. From the options, select Show Menu Bar. This action should also restore the menu bar on your screen.

Step 4: Adding Toolbars for Enhanced Functionality

To further customize your workspace, consider adding specific toolbars that fit your needs:

  1. Type the command CUI (Customize User Interface) in the command line and press Enter.
  2. Once the CUI editor opens, navigate to the Toolbars section on the left side.
  3. Right-click in the Toolbars area and select New Toolbar from the menu.
  4. Assign a name to your new toolbar and select commands to add from the list below the toolbar section.
  5. Drag and drop your selected commands into the newly created toolbar.
  6. Click Apply to finalize your changes and integrate the toolbar into your AutoCAD workspace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I permanently enable the menu bar?
To make the menu bar a permanent feature, you can press the Alt key to access the view menu. Navigate to Toolbars, then check the option to enable the menu bar.

What should I do if the menu bar isn’t showing after following all steps?
If the menu bar is still missing, ensure that your workspace settings are correct. You can also try resetting your AutoCAD workspace by typing WORKSPACE in the command line and selecting a different workspace, then returning to your preferred layout.

Are there alternative ways to access commands without the menu bar?
Yes, many commands can be accessed through keyboard shortcuts or by typing the command directly in the command prompt. Familiarizing yourself with common commands can enhance your efficiency in AutoCAD.

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.