AutoCAD

How to Show AutoCAD Toolbar?

How to Enable the Toolbar in AutoCAD

To display the toolbar in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Open your AutoCAD application.
  2. Press the “Alt” key to reveal the menu bar momentarily, if it’s hidden.
  3. Navigate to the “View” option in the menu bar.
  4. Choose “Toolbars” from the dropdown menu.
  5. From the list, select the toolbar you wish to enable (for instance, the Standard toolbar), and ensure it is checked. This will activate it in the workspace.
  6. Repeat the process for any additional toolbars you require.

Restoring the Quick Access Toolbar

If the Quick Access toolbar is missing, you can restore it using these steps:

  1. Access the “Customize” dialog. You can do this by clicking on the small arrow in the Quick Access toolbar or by right-clicking on the ribbon.
  2. In the dialog, select the “Quick Access” tab.
  3. Locate the “Reset” option, and click it.
  4. Confirm your action by selecting “Yes” in the message dialog box that appears.
  5. Finally, click “Close” to exit the Customize dialog.

Understanding the Standard Toolbar in AutoCAD

The Standard toolbar holds essential commands right beneath the menu bar. It features buttons for frequently used actions like creating new files, opening existing ones, saving changes, and printing documents. Additionally, it includes text formatting tools, enabling users to modify font styles, sizes, and other text attributes.

Common Tools Available in AutoCAD

AutoCAD comes equipped with various tools critical for design and drafting, including:

  1. Line – Draw straight lines between two points.
  2. Circle – Create circles by specifying the center point and radius.
  3. Rectangle – Draw rectangles by selecting two opposite corners.
  4. Polyline – Draw connected segments that can create complex shapes.
  5. Trim – Shorten lines or shapes to meet cutting edges.
  6. Extend – Lengthen objects to meet the edges of other objects.
  7. Copy – Duplicate selected objects in your drawing.
  8. Mirror – Create a mirrored copy of selected objects across a specified axis.

How to Unhide Toolbars in AutoCAD

If your toolbars have disappeared, you can restore them through these methods:

  1. Press the “F11” key to exit full-screen mode, revealing hidden toolbars.
  2. If the command line is hidden, use the “F10” key to make it visible again.
  3. Once the command line is back, you can access the “View” option to display any missing toolbars.

Reasons for Toolbar Disappearance

Toolbars may vanish due to various reasons, including:

  • The taskbar could be set to “Auto-hide.” To fix this, right-click on the visible taskbar, choose “Taskbar Settings,” and disable the auto-hide feature.
  • Changes in screen resolution or display settings may cause a toolbar to exit the visible area. Adjusting your display settings can help.

Addressing Visibility Issues with the Quick Access Toolbar

If you can’t spot the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the File Explorer window, follow these steps to relocate it:

  1. Right-click on an empty space in the ribbon area.
  2. Select “Show Quick Access Toolbar Below the Ribbon” from the context menu.
  3. The Quick Access Toolbar will now appear just beneath the Ribbon.

Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar

The Quick Access toolbar in AutoCAD enables users to add frequently used commands. To customize it:

  1. Click “File” in the menu, then navigate to “Options.”
  2. Select the “Quick Access Toolbar” option from the sidebar.
  3. Right-click anywhere on the ribbon and choose “Customize Quick Access Toolbar…”
  4. Utilize the dropdown arrow on the Quick Access Toolbar to access “More Commands.”

Types of Toolbars in AutoCAD

AutoCAD features several types of toolbars, such as:

  1. Application Toolbar: Controls general application functions.
  2. Quick Access Toolbar: Provides quick access to common commands.
  3. Search Toolbar: Aids in finding specific commands or commands quickly.
  4. Bookmarks Toolbar: Facilitates easy navigation to frequently used files and locations.
  5. Thumbnail Toolbar: Displays thumbnail previews of drawings and files.

FAQ

1. How can I change the position of my toolbars in AutoCAD?
To reposition a toolbar, simply click on the title bar of the toolbar and drag it to your desired location within the AutoCAD window.

2. Can I fully customize my toolbars in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD allows extensive customization of toolbars, enabling users to add, remove, or rearrange commands according to their preferences.

3. What should I do if my toolbars still don’t appear after following the steps?
Ensure AutoCAD is up to date and consider resetting the workspace to default settings by using the command “-workspace” followed by “reset.”

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.