How To Open Multiple Windows In AutoCAD?

Understanding Multiple Windows in AutoCAD

Opening multiple windows in AutoCAD enables users to compare drawings side-by-side or work on different aspects of a project simultaneously. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to open multiple windows in AutoCAD effectively.

Steps to Open a Split Screen in AutoCAD

1. Access the View Tab
   Navigate to the Ribbon at the top of the AutoCAD interface and select the View tab.

2. Locate the Model Viewports Panel
   Within the View tab, find the Model Viewports panel, which contains options for configuring window layouts.

3. Select Viewport Configurations
   Click the dropdown menu for Viewport Configurations. From here, various preset configurations tailored to your needs will be displayed.

4. Choose Your Desired Configuration
   Select the configuration that suits your project layout. Options typically include configurations like single, two, or four-pane views. This will split your current workspace according to your selection.

Displaying Multiple Drawing Tabs

1. Open the Command Line
   Type LAYOUTTAB directly into the command line and set the value to 1. This command enables layout tabs.

2. Activate Layout Tabs via the Ribbon
   Click on the View tab and find the Interface panel. Select Layout Tabs to ensure they are toggled on. A blue highlight indicates this feature is enabled.

Viewing Multiple Layouts

1. Use the Drawing Browser
   Open the drawing browser and click on the Drawing tab to view all available layouts.

2. Double-Click on a Layout
   Find the desired layout in the browser and double-click to make it active.

3. Create New Views
   Right-click on the layout icon and select New View. This will initiate the process of adding a new view.

4. Configure the New View
   In the dialog box that appears, specify the projected view’s location. You can continue adding as many views as needed by repeating this step.

5. Finalize Command
   Once all views are placed, press ENTER to exit the command.

Opening Multiple DWG Files

1. Start Another Instance of AutoCAD
   To work with more than one DWG file, launch a second instance of AutoCAD. This can be achieved by either double-clicking a DWG file in Windows or using the Start menu to open a new instance.

2. Utilize the OPEN Command
   In the new instance, employ the OPEN command to load another drawing file. Position the two AutoCAD windows side by side for comparison or collaboration purposes.

Adding Multiple Viewports in a Single Layout

1. Select a Layout Tab
   Choose a layout tab where you want to add multiple viewports.

2. Navigate to Viewport Options
   Click on the View menu on the Ribbon, then choose Viewports followed by New Viewports.

3. Choose Your Viewport Style
   In the pop-up dialog, pick a viewport configuration from the standard options available.

4. Configure Viewport Settings
   You can opt for either a 2D or 3D setup, depending on your project requirements. Additionally, select the desired style for your viewports.

FAQs

1. How do I switch between open AutoCAD files?
To switch between open AutoCAD files, use the shortcut CTRL + TAB. This will cycle through all the open drawings, allowing you to quickly access the file you need.

2. Can I customize the look and size of my viewports?
Yes, you can customize both the look and size of viewports. Once a viewport is created, you can click and drag its edges to resize it. Right-clicking on a viewport allows further options for styling.

3. What should I do if my tabs disappear?
If your model and layout tabs are not visible, right-click in the drawing area, select Options, go to the Display tab, and ensure that Display Layout and Model Tabs is checked. Click OK to restore them.