AutoCAD

How to Change Background Display in AutoCAD?

Understanding the Background Settings in AutoCAD

Adjusting the background color in AutoCAD can enhance visibility and reduce eye strain while drawing. The background color settings can be customized for different environments, such as model space and layout, allowing for a more personalized working experience.

Changing the Background Color in AutoCAD

Steps to Change the Background in Model Space

1. Right-click anywhere in the drawing area to bring up a context menu.

2. From the menu, select Options, which will open the Options dialog box.

3. Navigate to the Drafting tab within the dialog box.

4. Click on Colors to access the color settings for the drawing environment.

5. In the Color Settings dialog, find 2D model space in the Context drop-down menu.

6. Choose Uniform background from the options provided.

7. Click the Color drop-down list, select the desired color (white or any other color), and then hit Apply & Close to save your changes.

Adjusting the Layout Background Color

1. Access the desired layout by clicking on the appropriate layout tab at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.

2. Right-click on the layout area and select Options from the menu.

3. Similar to model space, navigate to the Display tab and click on Colors.

4. In the Context drop-down menu, select Sheet / layout.

5. Choose Uniform Background and select the color you prefer (for instance, black or gray).

6. Click Apply & Close to confirm your changes.

How to Change Background in AutoCAD 2025

1. Open AutoCAD 2025 and type OPTIONS into the command line, then press Enter.

2. Under the Display tab, select Colors.

3. In the Context area, you can opt for either 2D model space or Sheet / layout.

4. Select Uniform background and click on the Color drop-down menu to choose your preferred color.

5. Don’t forget to click Apply & Close to make your selections effective.

Common Reasons for Background Color Changes

There can be various reasons why your background might appear white or a different color from your specified settings. If an unexpected change occurs, it often relates to the settings in the Options dialog, where you can recheck the selections made for both model space and layout.

Best Practices for Selecting a Background Color

It is recommended to use a color that minimizes eye fatigue. Shades of gray, particularly a color around RGB 70,70,70, are generally viewed as optimal choices. This allows for a comfortable viewing experience during lengthy design sessions and maintains the clarity of your drawings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I revert to the default background color in AutoCAD?
To return to the default background color (black), follow the same steps to access the color settings, select 2D model space, and change the uniform background color back to black, then apply the change.

2. Can I set different background colors for different layouts?
Yes, you can customize background colors individually for each layout within AutoCAD. Simply switch to each layout tab and modify the colors as needed following the steps for layout adjustments.

3. What should I do if the background color doesn’t apply correctly?
If changes don’t appear as intended, ensure that you have clicked Apply & Close after making adjustments, and consider restarting AutoCAD to refresh the display. Additionally, check if the configurations in the Display tab are accurately set.

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.