AutoCAD

How to Disable Tabs in AutoCAD?

Disabling Tabs in AutoCAD: A Step-by-Step Guide

AutoCAD provides various functionalities, including file tabs that aid in navigating different drawings. Disabling these tabs can streamline your workspace. Here’s how to turn off the tabs in AutoCAD.

Using the Command Line to Disable File Tabs

  1. Access the Command Line: Launch AutoCAD and ensure the command line is visible. If it isn’t, you can activate it by pressing F2.

  2. Enter the Command: Type FILETAB into the command line and press Enter. This command controls the visibility of file tabs.

  3. Turn Off Tabs: To disable the file tabs, use the command FILETABCLOSE. Press Enter to complete the action.

  4. Confirm the Changes: You may not see the file tabs anymore, but remember that you can still switch between open drawings using shortcuts like CTRL-TAB.

Disabling Layout Tabs

  1. Using LAYOUTTAB Command: To disable layout tabs, type LAYOUTTAB into the command line and hit Enter.

  2. Set the Value: Change the value to 0 to disable the display of layout tabs. Press Enter to apply the changes.

  3. Toggle the Layout Visibility: If you want to check the status later, you can repeat this step. Setting the value back to 1 will re-enable the layout tabs.

Managing Start Tab Settings

  1. Modify Start Mode: To turn off the Start tab, type STARTMODE into the command line and press Enter.

  2. Input the Value: Enter 0 to deactivate the Start tab that appears when you first open AutoCAD or input 1 to enable it again.

Adjusting Contextual Tabs

  1. Open Options: Type OPTIONS in the command line and hit Enter to open the Options dialog box.

  2. Navigate to the Selection Tab: In the dialog box, click on the “Selection” tab.

  3. Change Contextual Tab Settings: Locate the “Ribbon Options” section and click on the “Contextual Tab States” button. Here, set the “Object selection maximum for contextual tab display” to 1 to limit the display of these tabs.

FAQs

1. Can I re-enable the tabs after disabling them?
Yes, you can easily reactivate the tabs by following the same steps but changing the commands or values back to enable the tabs again.

2. What shortcut can I use for switching open files without tabs?
You can use CTRL-TAB to cycle through your open drawings even when file tabs are disabled.

3. Will disabling tabs affect my AutoCAD experience?
Disabling tabs will streamline your workspace; however, functions remain accessible through the command line and shortcut keys, maintaining your productivity.

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.