AutoCAD

How To Add Drop Down List In AutoCAD?

Understanding Toolbars in AutoCAD

Toolbars in AutoCAD are essential for quick access to commonly used commands and tools. Customizing these toolbars can enhance your workflow and improve efficiency.

Steps to Create a Drop-Down List in AutoCAD

To add a drop-down list to your AutoCAD workspace, follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Access the Customize Interface

  1. Open the CUI Command: Press CTRL + 3 or type CUI into the command line and hit ENTER. This command opens the Customize User Interface window.

Step 2: Create a New Dropdown List

  1. Navigate to Toolbars: In the Customize window, locate the ‘Toolbars’ section on the left pane.
  2. Create a New Toolbar: Right-click on ‘Toolbars’ and select New Toolbar. A dialog box will prompt you to name the new toolbar.
  3. Name Your Toolbar: Enter a descriptive name for your dropdown list and click OK.

Step 3: Add Commands to the Dropdown List

  1. Explore the Command List: In the Customize window, you will see a Command List pane on the right. This panel contains all available commands.
  2. Drag Commands to Your Toolbar: Find the desired commands from the Command List. Click and drag them to your newly created toolbar. You will see a blue arrow indicating where the command will be placed. Release the mouse button to drop it in place.

Step 4: Adjust Layout as Needed

  1. Rearrange Commands: You may need to adjust the order of commands in your drop-down list. Simply click and drag commands to rearrange them as preferred.

Step 5: Apply Your Customizations

  1. Have Changes Take Effect: Click Apply at the bottom of the CUI window to save your toolbar modifications.
  2. Close the Customize Window: Once you’re satisfied with the arrangement, close the Customize User Interface.

Showing the Newly Created Dropdown List

  1. Access the Toolbar: You need to ensure the new toolbar appears in your AutoCAD workspace.
  2. Enable Toolbars: Go to the View tab on the ribbon and select the Toolbars dropdown to enable your new toolbar.

Resetting Your Customizations

If your changes need to be undone, you can reset AutoCAD:

  1. Reset Settings: Click on the Start menu and go to AutoCAD. Select “Reset Settings to Default” to revert to factory settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I add more than one drop-down list?
Yes, you can create multiple drop-down lists in the toolbar section by repeating the steps for each new list you want to add.

2. What if I don’t see my dropdown toolbar?
Ensure you have enabled it by going to the View tab and selecting the toolbars option. You might need to restart AutoCAD for the changes to take effect.

3. How do I remove a command from the dropdown list?
Open the Customize User Interface (CUI) window, click on the command you want to remove, and drag it out of the toolbar section back into the Command List pane. This will delete the command from the toolbar.

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.