Understanding Classic View in AutoCAD 2021

Switching your workspace to a classic view in AutoCAD can enhance the user experience for those accustomed to the older versions where the toolbars were more prominent and easily accessible. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to set the classic view in AutoCAD 2021.

Step 1: Access the Workspace Settings

1. Open your AutoCAD application on your computer.
2. Look for the status bar located at the bottom of the window.
3. Click on the "Workspace Switching" drop-down menu. If you don’t see this, right-click on the status bar area and select "Workspace Switching" to make it visible.
4. Choose Workspace Settings from the list.

Step 2: Create the Classic Workspace

1. In the Workspace Settings dialog box that appears, click on the Customize button.
2. A new window will open where you can modify your workspaces.
3. To create a new workspace, select New and give it a name, such as AutoCAD Classic.

Step 3: Add Toolbars to Your Classic Workspace

1. With your new workspace selected, you can now begin adding toolbars that you prefer.
2. Locate the available toolbars section, which displays options like Standard, Draw, and Modify.
3. Drag and drop the toolbars you commonly use into your workspace area displayed on the right.

Step 4: Save Your Classic Workspace

1. Once you have added the necessary toolbars, click Close to exit the customization window.
2. Back in the Workspace Settings dialog box, ensure your new workspace is selected.
3. Click on the Set Current button, and then click OK to apply the changes.

Step 5: Activate the Classic Menu Bar (Optional)

1. To display the menu bar, click on the Quick Access Toolbar drop-down located at the top-left corner of the application window.
2. Select Show Menu Bar from the dropdown options.
3. Alternatively, you can also activate the menu bar by entering MENUBAR at the Command prompt and typing 1 to display it.

Step 6: Using the New Workspace

1. Once you have completed the above steps, your AutoCAD interface should now resemble that of the classic view.
2. You can toggle between different workspaces any time by clicking on the Workspace Switching in the status bar.

FAQ

How do I revert to the default workspace in AutoCAD 2021?

To return to the default workspace, click on the Workspace Switching menu again and select the default workspace from the list.

Can I customize toolbars beyond the classic view?

Yes, AutoCAD allows further customization of toolbars and menus. You can create additional workspaces tailored to specific functions or projects.

What are the benefits of using the classic view in AutoCAD?

The classic view offers a more straightforward layout with readily available toolbars, which can increase efficiency for users who prefer a traditional interface over the ribbon style.