How to Set AutoCAD 2018 to Classic View?

Restoring AutoCAD 2018 to Classic View: A Step-by-Step Guide

AutoCAD users often prefer the Classic View for its familiar layout. If you’re looking to revert your AutoCAD 2018 interface back to Classic View, follow these detailed steps.

Accessing the Workspace Settings

1. Open AutoCAD: Launch the AutoCAD 2018 application on your computer.

2. Locate the Workspace Switcher: Find the Workspace Switching icon on the status bar, typically found towards the bottom of the application window. This icon may look like a small gear or have a small dropdown next to it.

3. Select Workspace Settings: Click on the icon, then choose the Workspace Settings option from the dropdown menu. A dialog box with workspace options will appear.

Setting Up Classic View

1. Create a New Workspace: In the Workspace Settings dialog, look for an option that allows you to create or manage workspaces. Here, you can set up a new workspace specifically for Classic View.

2. Naming Your Workspace: Once in the management section, find the option labeled "Save Current As." Input "AutoCAD Classic" as the name for your new workspace and save your changes.

Activating the Classic Workspace

1. Switch to Your Saved Workspace: Return to the Workspace Switching icon again. In the list of available workspaces, select "AutoCAD Classic" to activate this workspace.

Adjusting the User Interface Elements

1. Restoring Toolbars: If the toolbars and menu bar do not appear automatically:

   • Use the command line and type -TOOLBAR, then follow the prompts to display the necessary toolbars.
   • Alternatively, navigate to the Tools menu, select Toolbars, and manually enable any toolbars that are missing.
2. Ensuring Menu Bar Visibility: To ensure the menu bar is visible, enter the command MENUBAR at the command line, and then type 1 when prompted. This change will show the menu bar on top of your application.

Customizing Your Classic View

1. Organizing Command Panels: You can rearrange the toolbars to suit your workflow. Simply click and drag the toolbars to position them wherever you like on the interface.

2. Saving Your Workspace Configuration: If you make changes to your toolbars or layout, consider saving this configuration again to avoid losing your settings in the future. You would follow the same steps to save your workspace configuration as before.

FAQ

Q1: How can I switch back to a modern workspace after changing to Classic View?
You can easily switch back by following the same steps to access the Workspace Switcher and select a modern workspace such as "3D Modeling" or "Drafting & Annotations."

Q2: Are there any shortcuts to quickly toggle toolbars on and off?
Yes, you can customize the function keys or use command shortcuts in the command line to quickly show or hide specific toolbars.

Q3: Can my custom workspace settings be shared with other users?
Yes, you can export your workspace settings as a configuration file and share it with other AutoCAD users, allowing them to import your workspace setup into their own software.