Activating Classic Mode in AutoCAD 2020: A Step-By-Step Guide
AutoCAD has continuously evolved over the years, transitioning from traditional toolbars to a ribbon interface beginning with the 2020 version. If you prefer a more familiar setup reminiscent of earlier versions, you can switch to Classic Mode. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Access the Tools Menu
Start by launching AutoCAD. Once the application is open, locate the Tools menu situated at the top of the screen. This menu provides access to various settings and workspace configurations.
Step 2: Navigate to Workspaces
From the Tools menu, look for the Workspaces option. Hover over or click on it to reveal additional settings related to the current workspace. Here, you will find options to save and modify your workspace layout.
Step 3: Save Your Current Workspace
To transition into Classic Mode, you will need to save your current workspace. Click on Save Current As. This action opens the Save Workspace dialog box.
Step 4: Naming Your Workspace
In the dialog box, you will see a field labeled Name. Input "AutoCAD Classic" into this box. This name will identify the workspace configuration you are about to create.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
After entering the name, proceed by clicking the Save button. This will register your workspace setup under the name you specified.
Step 6: Enable the Classic Toolbars
To fully activate the classic experience, you must also enable the default toolbars that you are accustomed to. Begin by entering “-TOOLBAR” in the command line at the bottom of the interface. Follow the prompts to activate the desired toolbars.
Step 7: Verify Your Settings
It’s important to ensure that your Classic Mode has been activated correctly. You can check by looking for familiar toolbars that were standard in earlier versions of AutoCAD. If everything is set appropriately, your workspace should now reflect a classic look and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I can’t find the Tools menu in AutoCAD 2020?
If the Tools menu is not visible, try to enable it by going to the Quick Access toolbar settings. You can right-click on the toolbar area and check the option to display the menu bar. Alternatively, you can type "MENUBAR" in the command line and set it to 1 to activate the menu display.
Are there any drawbacks to using Classic Mode in AutoCAD?
While Classic Mode provides a more traditional interface, using it may result in missing out on some functionalities that newer versions have integrated into the ribbon interface. It is worth considering the advantages of the ribbon layout for newer features and workflows.
Can I switch back to the ribbon interface after enabling Classic Mode?
Yes, you can easily return to the ribbon interface. Simply go back to the Workspaces option in the Tools menu and select the default workspace that applies the ribbon view. You can also reset via the command line using the "RIBBON" command to toggle the ribbon’s visibility.
