How to Change Background Color in AutoCAD?

Changing the Background Color in AutoCAD: A Step-by-Step Guide

AutoCAD offers users various customization options, including changing the background color to enhance visibility and comfort. Below are detailed steps tailored for different versions of AutoCAD, focusing particularly on the latest version, AutoCAD 2025.

Steps to Change Background Color in AutoCAD 2025

1. Access Options Menu

   • Launch AutoCAD and type OPTIONS in the command line. Press Enter to open the Options dialog box.

2. Navigate to Display Settings

   • Inside the Options dialog, locate and click on the Display tab.

3. Find the Colors Button

   • Look for the Colors button and click on it to open the Drawing Window Colors dialog.

4. Select Context and Background Type

   • Under the Context dropdown menu, choose the option for 2D model space. This option is usually selected by default, as it pertains to the primary working area.

5. Choose Background Color

   • In the Interface Element section, ensure that Uniform background is selected. After that, click on the Color dropdown menu. A palette will appear for you to select your desired background color.

6. Apply and Confirm Changes

   • After selecting your preferred color, click on Apply & Close and then hit OK in the Options dialog. Your background color will now be updated in the workspace.

Changing Background Color in Other Versions of AutoCAD

For users of AutoCAD 2023, 2021, or earlier versions, the procedure remains quite similar but may have slight variations:

• AutoCAD 2023 & 2021: Follow the same steps as above. The interface layouts are generally consistent across recent releases.

• AutoCAD 2015: Access the Options menu via the application button, go to the Display tab, and adjust as per previous steps.

• AutoCAD 2010: Use the command OPTIONS, navigate to the Display tab, and then follow through with the colors button as outlined.

Switching Layout Backgrounds to Black

1. Access Sheet Layout

   • Switch to your desired Sheet Layout.

2. Choose the Background Option

   • Select Uniform Background to manage the background color for the layout.

3. Set Color Preference

   • From the color options, pick Black or any color of your choice. This will change the entire layout’s background color.

Changing the Background from White to Black

1. Open the Options Menu

   • Click on the Application button and choose Options.

2. Display Tab Access

   • Go to the Display tab and click the Colors button.

3. Set the Preferred Background

   • In the Drawing Window Colors dialog, select the interface element and context you wish to modify, then choose Black or any other desired color.

Customizing Background Colors in Different Views (AutoCAD 2007)

1. Create a New View

   • Start by using the VIEW command to create a new view.

2. Override Defaults

   • Check the option for Override default background in the View dialog box.

3. Select Desired Color

   • Navigate to the Index tab and choose your preferred color from the list.

4. Set as Current View

   • Select your new view and click Set Current, then apply the changes.

FAQs

1. Can I set different background colors for different layouts in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can customize the background color for each layout by selecting the respective layout and following the same color-setting process outlined above.

2. Will changing the background color affect the print output in AutoCAD?
No, the background color is a visual setting for your workspace and does not affect the print output. Outputs are typically set to a white background unless changed during print setup.

3. Is there a recommended background color for specific types of work in AutoCAD?
Using a nearly black or gray background can reduce eye strain during long drawing sessions. A color RGB triplet of 70, 70, 70 is often recommended for optimal visual comfort.