AutoCAD

How to Get Toolbars on AutoCAD?

Accessing Toolbars in AutoCAD

To effectively utilize the vast features of AutoCAD, displaying toolbars can greatly enhance productivity. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step process for displaying and managing your toolbars in AutoCAD.

Displaying the Menu Bar

  1. Open AutoCAD: Ensure that your AutoCAD application is running.
  2. Locate the Quick Access Toolbar: At the top-left corner of your workspace, find the Quick Access toolbar.
  3. Show the Menu Bar:
    • Click the drop-down arrow next to the Quick Access toolbar.
    • Select “Show Menu Bar” from the options available. This allows for easier access to more commands.

Enabling Toolbars

  1. Access the Tools Menu: Click on the “Tools” option in the main menu at the top of the application.
  2. Select Toolbars: Hover or click to open the sub-menu and see a list of available toolbars.
  3. Choose the Desired Toolbar: Click on the toolbar you want to display. You can select multiple toolbars if needed to enhance your workspace.

Showing Toolbars for Drawing Activities

  1. Menu Access: Click on the Quick Access Toolbar drop-down again.
  2. Show Menu Bar: Repeat the previous steps to ensure the menu bar is displayed for easy navigation.
  3. Tool Selection: Navigate to the “Tools” menu and select the “Toolbars” option.
  4. Enable Specific Toolbars: From the list that appears, choose any relevant toolbars you frequently use while drawing.

Restoring or Expanding Toolbars

  1. Open CUI Editor:
    • Type “CUI” into the command prompt and hit Enter. This action opens the Customize User Interface Editor.
  2. Expand Toolbars Section: Look for the “Toolbars” list within the editor and click to view all available options.
  3. Add Commands: If you wish to customize, select a command from the list at the bottom-left of the editor and drag it to your desired toolbar.

Managing Classic View in AutoCAD

  1. Switch to Command Prompt: Open the command line at the bottom of the AutoCAD interface.
  2. Enter Command for Classic Toolbars: Type “-TOOLBAR” and hit Enter.
  3. Select Standard Toolbar: Enter “STANDARD” and confirm by pressing Enter. This will enable the primary tool palette associated with the classic layout.
  4. Show Toolbars: Type “Show” and press Enter once again to confirm your selections.

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. Toolbar Not Visible:

    • Right-click on the tab bar to check for hidden toolbars.
    • Use the Alt key to access the classic menu and navigate to View > Toolbars to ensure all necessary options are enabled.
  2. Recovering Missing Toolbars in AutoCAD:

    • Revisit the CUI settings and explore the Toolbars list to find any toolbars that might have been hidden or altered by previous customizations.
  3. Full-Screen Mode Conflicts: If toolbars are missing after entering full-screen mode,

    • Press Alt + V to access the View menu.
    • Disable Full-Screen Mode to reveal your toolbars.

FAQ

1. What should I do if I cannot find a specific toolbar after enabling it?
Check your CUI settings to ensure the toolbar is not minimized or located on a different part of your interface. You can also try resetting your workspace.

2. Can I customize how my toolbars look?
Yes, by using the CUI editor, you can adjust toolbar layouts, add or remove commands, and create new toolbars tailored to your workflow.

3. Is it possible to restore the default toolbars in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can reset toolbars from the CUI editor by selecting the toolbar and choosing the “Restore” or “Reset” option, which will return it to its original settings.

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.