AutoCAD

How To Get Screen Back In AutoCAD?

Restoring Your Screen in AutoCAD

If you’re having trouble seeing your viewports or certain elements in AutoCAD, there are several troubleshooting methods to restore your screen and ensure all functionalities are accessible.

Checking Layer Visibility

First, verify that all necessary layers are visible. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Layer Properties Manager by clicking on the layer panel.
  2. Look for the layer that contains your viewport geometry. Make sure that this layer is neither turned off nor frozen.
  3. If the layer is frozen, right-click it and select Thaw. If it’s turned off, click the icon next to the layer to turn it back on.
  4. Navigate to the layout tab where the viewport is located and check if it is now visible.

Restoring the Status Bar

If the status bar is missing:

  1. Press CTRL + 0 to toggle the Clean Screen mode. This can sometimes hide crucial interface elements.
  2. After pressing it, check the command line. If it displays CleanScreenOn, press CTRL + 0 again to turn it off.
  3. To restore your ribbon, enter the command RIBBON at the command line and press Enter.

Unlocking Viewports

If you are unable to select or interact with certain viewports:

  1. Click on the viewport border to select it.
  2. Type MV and press Enter to initiate the command.
  3. Next, type LOCK and hit Enter. A prompt will allow you to select the viewport; click on it to lock or unlock as needed.

Activating a Viewport

To work within a specific viewport:

  1. Double-click inside the larger viewport that encompasses the one you want to access.
  2. Press CTRL + R to toggle between any nested or adjacent active viewports until you reach the desired one.

Restoring the Menu Bar

Should your menu bar be absent:

  1. Look towards the top-left of your AutoCAD window.
  2. Click the drop-down menu next to the Quick Access Toolbar and choose Show Menu Bar.
  3. Alternatively, type MENUBAR in the command line and set it to 1 to display the menu.

Unlocking Various Objects in AutoCAD

If you need to unlock items like CAD files or hatches:

  1. For CAD files, deselect any selected objects. Right-click on an empty area and navigate to CAD Drawing Object > Properties. Uncheck options such as Lock size and position and Lock against deletion.
  2. For hatches, go to the Model tab, then access the layer properties from the Home tab. Either lock or unlock as necessary, ensuring you have selected the correct layer.

Managing Viewports

To effectively manage different viewports:

  1. Switch to the Layout tab of your drawing.
  2. Ensure that your current layer is set to one designated for layout viewports to avoid confusion.
  3. Click on the Insert View option under the Layout Viewports panel.
  4. Right-click to access a list of available scales and select your preference.
  5. Click to place the newly created viewport within your layout.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my viewports are still not showing?
Ensure that your zoom level is appropriate and that the viewports are not placed off-screen. Check your layer settings to confirm everything is visible.

2. Why can’t I move my viewport?
If a viewport is locked or if you are in paper space, you might be restricted from moving the viewport. Unlock the viewport and ensure you are in the correct mode.

3. How can I quickly reset my AutoCAD settings?
To reset your settings, go to the AutoCAD menu, select Preferences, then navigate to the Application Tab. Click on Reset Application Options and confirm the 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.