How To Open Multiple Drawings In One AutoCAD?

Methods for Opening Multiple Drawings in AutoCAD

Opening multiple drawings in AutoCAD can enhance your workflow by allowing you to switch between projects seamlessly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively open multiple DWG files in AutoCAD.

Step-by-Step Process for Opening Consecutive Files

1. File Selection: In your folder or directory housing the DWG files, navigate to the files you wish to open.

2. Select the First File: Click on the first DWG file in the sequence.

3. Utilize the SHIFT Key: While holding down the SHIFT key, click on the last file in the range you wish to select. This will highlight all the files between the first and the last selected files.

4. Open the Files: Right-click on the selected files and choose ‘Open’. This action will launch all highlighted drawings within AutoCAD simultaneously.

Step-by-Step Process for Opening Non-Consecutive Files

1. File Selection: As you browse through your files, hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard.

2. Select Multiple Files: Click individually on each DWG file you wish to open. This allows for the selection of non-consecutive files without opening everything in a row.

3. Launching the Drawings: After selecting all desired files, right-click on any of the highlighted files and then click ‘Open’ to open all of them at once.

Custom Taskbar Configuration for Viewing Drawings

To manage multiple open files more effectively, you can configure AutoCAD’s taskbar:

1. Access the Command Line: Open AutoCAD and ensure the command line is visible.

2. Enter the TASKBAR Command: Type TASKBAR and hit Enter.

3. Toggle Taskbar Items: Change the value to 1 to see each drawing in a separate taskbar entry. If you prefer a simpler view with just the current drawing’s name, set it to 0.

Opening Drawings in a Single Window

If you want to open a DWG file within the same instance of AutoCAD:

1. Locate Your DWG File: Open Windows File Explorer and locate the DWG file you want to open.

2. Right-Click for Options: Right-click on the DWG file and select Open With, and then Choose another app.

3. Select AutoCAD: In the subsequent window, pick “AutoCAD DWG Launcher” and check the option that says “Always use this app to open .dwg files.” Click OK.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I open AutoCAD files directly from other software?
Yes, you can open AutoCAD files from various applications, provided they have an option to import DWG or DXF formats. Ensure you have the necessary ADODB drivers or import permissions.

2. How many drawings can I open simultaneously in AutoCAD?
There’s no strict limit to the number of files you can open, but performance may be affected based on your system specifications and the complexity of each drawing.

3. Is it possible to switch between open files easily?
Absolutely. You can use the ALT + TAB shortcut on your keyboard to cycle through open AutoCAD windows or use the taskbar to select the drawing you want to work on.