How to Change Screen Color in AutoCAD 2018

Changing the screen color in AutoCAD 2018 can improve visibility and reduce eye strain, especially during long working hours. Follow these detailed steps to customize your background color according to your preferences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Background Color in AutoCAD 2018

Accessing the Options Menu

1. Right-Click on the Drawing Area
   Begin by right-clicking anywhere within the drawing area of AutoCAD. This will bring up a contextual menu.

2. Select ‘Options’
   From the menu, click on the ‘Options’ choice. This will open the Options dialog window, where you can modify various settings in AutoCAD.

Changing Background Color

3. Navigate to the Display Tab
   In the Options dialog, locate the ‘Display’ tab at the top. Click on it to access display settings.

4. Open the Colors Setting
   Inside the Display tab, find the ‘Colors’ button and click on it. This will lead you to the Drawing Window Colors dialog where you can make your adjustments.

5. Select the Context and Interface Element
   In the Drawing Window Colors dialog, you will see two dropdown menus.

   • For Context, choose ‘2D model space’.
   • For Interface elements, select ‘Uniform background’.

6. Choose Your Desired Color
   Next, locate the Color drop-down list and click on it. You can either select a standard color or customize your own by adjusting RGB values. For a white background, simply select ‘White’ from the options available.

7. Apply Changes
   After selecting your desired color, click the ‘Apply & Close’ button in the Drawing Window Colors dialog. Then click ‘OK’ in the Options dialog to finalize your changes.

Additional Adjustments

Switching to Light Mode

If you’d like to switch to a light theme throughout AutoCAD, follow these additional steps:

1. Open the Options Menu Again
   Right-click in the drawing area and select ‘Options’ once more.

2. Select the Display Tab
   Navigate back to the Display tab within the Options window.

3. Change Color Theme
   Find the ‘Window Elements Color Theme’ section. Here, choose either ‘Light’ or ‘Dark’ to switch between themes as per your preference.

FAQs

1. Can I change the background color for Paper Space in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can change the background color for Paper Space by following similar steps. In the Drawing Window Colors dialog, simply select ‘PaperSpace’ as the context before choosing your preferred color.

2. What is the advantage of using a dark or light background in AutoCAD?
Using a dark background can help reduce glare and eye strain in low-light settings, while a light background may be preferable in well-lit environments. This choice often depends on personal comfort and the lighting conditions of your workspace.

3. How do I reset my background color to the default setting?
To revert to the default background color, open the Options menu, navigate to the Colors setting, and select ‘Black’ for both Model Space and Paper Space background options, then apply the changes.