How to Display Palette in AutoCAD?

Accessing the Tool Palette in AutoCAD

The Tool Palette in AutoCAD is a convenient feature that allows users to quickly access various tools and functionalities including blocks, hatches, and commands relevant to different disciplines. Here’s how to display this useful palette in AutoCAD.

Opening the Tool Palette

1. Using Keyboard Shortcut:

   • Simply press CTRL + 3 to open the Tool Palette instantly. This will bring up a palette with multiple tabs, categorized by function such as Annotation, Construction, and Modeling.
2. Right-clicking a Tab:
   • After the Tool Palette is visible, you can right-click on any tab to create a new palette. This option appears in the contextual menu.

Displaying Tool Palette in AutoCAD 2025

1. Through the Ribbon:

   • Navigate to the Manage tab on the ribbon.
   • Locate the Customization panel and select Tool Palettes. This action will display the available tool palettes.
2. Customize Tool Palettes:
   • In the Customize dialog box that opens, identify the palette you wish to display. Drag it from the Palettes area into the Palette Groups area.
   • Click Close once you’ve made your selections.

Accessing Properties in AutoCAD

To check or modify the properties of objects within your drawing:

1. Use the PROPERTIES Command:

   • Type PR in the command line and press Enter.
   • Alternatively, press CTRL + 1 to bring up the Properties palette directly, or click on the small arrow in the Properties panel under the Home tab.
2. Context Menu:
   • Select an object in your drawing, right-click, and choose Properties from the context menu.

Managing Layout Tabs

If you wish to toggle the visibility of Layout Tabs:

1. Command Line Input:

   • Enter LAYOUTTAB in the command line and set the value to 1. This action will enable the display of layout tabs.
2. Using the Ribbon:
   • Go to the View tab on the ribbon.
   • From the Interface panel, click on Layout Tabs to toggle their visibility (make sure it turns blue indicating it is on).

Finding the Design Center in AutoCAD 2025

To access the DesignCenter, which allows for easy insertion of external content:

1. Navigating the Ribbon:

   • Click on the View tab and look for the Palettes panel.
2. Using Command Line:
   • Type ADC or ADCENTER at the command prompt to open the DesignCenter.

Customizing Display Properties

To alter how objects are displayed in your drawing:

1. Home Tab Options:

   • Click on the Home tab.
   • Open the Build panel and select Tools from the drop-down menu, then choose Properties.
2. Keyboard Shortcut:
   • Press CTRL + 1 to access the Properties panel.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I hide the Tool Palette in AutoCAD?
To close the Tool Palette, simply press CTRL + 3 again or click the close button on the palette’s title bar.

2. What commands can I find in the Tool Palette?
The Tool Palette includes commands tailored for various fields such as Architectural, Civil, and Manufacturing, along with commonly used hatches and blocks.

3. Can I create custom tool palettes?
Yes, you can create custom tool palettes. Simply open the Tool Palette, right-click on any tab, and select New Palette to design your own set of tools.