Accessing the Tool Palette in AutoCAD 2020
AutoCAD’s Tool Palette is an integral feature that enhances productivity by providing quick access to a variety of design tools and components. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to access and utilize the Tool Palette in AutoCAD 2020.
Step-by-Step Guide to Open the Tool Palette
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Navigate through the Home Tab
- Begin by locating the Home tab in the main ribbon at the upper part of the application.
- Within the Home tab, find the Build panel.
- Click on the Tools drop-down menu and select Tools to access your Tool Palette.
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Using Keyboard Shortcut
- For a quicker method, the keyboard shortcut can be utilized. Press CTRL + 3 on your keyboard. This simple combination will instantly open the Tool Palette window.
- Customizing the Tool Palette
- Once the Tool Palette is open, you can reposition it by dragging it to your preferred location on the screen, such as docked on the side.
- Right-click on the title bar of the palette to access additional settings, such as creating a new palette or managing existing ones.
Adding a Custom Tool Palette
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Access DesignCenter
- Right-click on any item within the DesignCenter tree view to reveal options.
- Select Create Tool Palette to initiate a new palette, or right-click on the background in the content area to perform the same action.
- Creating from Existing Drawings
- If you want to generate a palette from various blocks, right-click a drawing in either the DesignCenter tree view or the content area, and choose Create Tool Palette of Blocks.
Loading Tool Palettes
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Utilizing the Content Browser
- Click on the Home tab, then proceed to the Build panel and select the Tools drop-down before clicking on Content Browser.
- In the browser, navigate to the tool catalog that contains the tool palette you wish to add.
- Define Tool Palette Properties
- After selecting the relevant catalog, click within the left pane to open the Tool Palette Properties dialog.
- Here, you can specify a name for your new tool palette and adjust any additional properties as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What types of tools can I find in the Tool Palette?
The Tool Palette includes a diverse range of tools tailored for various disciplines such as Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Manufacturing. Users can find commonly used hatches, blocks, and commands that streamline the design process.
Q2: Can I import tool palettes from other projects?
Yes, it’s possible to import tool palettes from different projects. In the Tool Palette, right-click on a palette name and select the import option to bring in a tool palette group or specific tools.
Q3: How do I access the Tool Palette settings?
Tool Palette settings can be accessed by right-clicking within the Tool Palette window. This will bring up context menus that allow for customization and adjustments to be made according to user preferences.
