AutoCAD

How to Restore Menu Bar in AutoCAD 2018?

Restoring the Menu Bar in AutoCAD 2018

Restoring the menu bar in AutoCAD is essential for navigating the software efficiently. This guide provides detailed steps to bring back the menu bar, ensuring easy access to the tools and commands you need.

Understanding the Menu Bar

The menu bar in AutoCAD is a critical interface component that organizes commands into categories. This feature can significantly streamline your workflow, particularly when learning the software or searching for specific commands.

Steps to Display the Menu Bar

  1. Right-Click Method:

    • Move your cursor to an empty area on the toolbar.
    • Right-click and select the “Customize” option from the context menu.
    • From the customization window, look for the “Toolbars” section to enable the menu bar.
  2. Using the “3-bar” Menu Button:

    • Click on the three horizontal lines, often referred to as the “hamburger” menu.
    • Select “Customize” from the dropdown.
    • Navigate to the “Toolbars” section and choose the menu bar you wish to display.
  3. Via the View Menu:

    • Press the Alt key to show the hidden menu bar momentarily.
    • Click on “View” in the menu bar.
    • Select “Toolbars”.
    • Check the box next to the menu bar to make it visible.

Quick Toggle Options

  • Temporarily Show Menu Bar:
    • If you need to access the menu bar for a quick command, pressing the Alt key will temporarily display it, allowing you to navigate without permanently altering your layout.

Troubleshooting Hidden Toolbars

If you encounter hidden toolbars, follow these steps to unhide them:

  1. Full-Screen Mode:

    • If your toolbars are hidden due to full-screen mode, press the F11 key. This will exit full-screen mode and show all toolbars.
  2. Command-Line Visibility:

    • To bring up the command line, hold down the Ctrl key and press the 9 key. This action will enable the command line if it was turned off.
  3. Accessing Hidden Toolbars:

    • If the command line is visible but certain toolbars are still missing, press the F10 key. This opens the “View” command options, where you can enable any third-party toolbars that may have been hidden.

Managing Taskbar Settings

If your taskbar is set to auto-hide, it may seem the menu settings for AutoCAD are unavailable. To adjust this:

  1. Right-Click on Taskbar:
    • Right-click on an empty space on the taskbar.
    • Select “Taskbar Settings”.
    • Find the auto-hide option and ensure it is disabled. You can do this by toggling off the setting that says “Automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode”.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I switch to a classic view in AutoCAD 2025?

    • To switch to a classic view, go to the “Tools” menu, select “Workspaces”, then choose “Save Current As”. Name it “AutoCAD Classic” and save it.
  2. What can I do if my command line is missing?

    • If the command line vanishes, you can restore it by holding down the Ctrl key and pressing the 9 key.
  3. How do I customize my AutoCAD workspace?

    • Click on an empty portion of the toolbar, select “Customize” to access various customization options. You can modify the toolbars and menus to suit your preference.

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.