How to Switch to Classic View in AutoCAD 2016?

Restoring Classic View in AutoCAD 2016

Switching to classic view in AutoCAD 2016 can help streamline your workspace and provide a more familiar interface for users accustomed to earlier versions. Follow the steps below to easily transition to the classic view.

Step 1: Activate the Menu Bar

To start, you need to ensure that the menu bar is visible on your screen:

1. Open AutoCAD.
2. In the command line at the bottom of the window, type MENUBAR and hit Enter.
3. Set the value to 1 and press Enter again. This action will display the menu bar at the top of your interface.

Step 2: Access the Toolbars Menu

Next, you want to enable the classic toolbars that are essential for the classic view:

1. Click on the Tools menu located on the menu bar at the top.
2. Hover over Toolbars to display a list of available toolbars.
3. From this list, select AutoCAD. A submenu will appear with various toolbars to choose from.

Step 3: Select and Dock Toolbars

Now you can choose which toolbars to enable:

1. Click on the desired toolbars (e.g., Standard, Draw, Modify) to toggle them on.
2. Once the toolbars are visible, click and drag them to your preferred location on the left or right side of the workspace to dock them.

Step 4: Save Your Workspace

To maintain the changes you’ve made for future sessions:

1. Navigate back to the Tools menu.
2. Select Workspaces and then Save Current As.
3. Name your workspace and save it for easy access in the future.

Additional Adjustments for Classic View

If you are seeking to customize further or ensure compatibility with your favorite commands, explore these additional settings:

Enabling Classic Ribbon (If Necessary)

Though the classic view emphasizes toolbars over the ribbon, some users might prefer a mix:

1. Type RIBBON in the command line and press Enter to turn it on if it’s not visible.
2. To minimize it, type RIBBONMIN and press Enter, allowing only the tab names to show.

Resetting Toolbars to Default

If adjustments lead to confusion or errors, you might opt to reset the toolbars:

1. Again, type MENUBAR in the command line and set it to 1.
2. Click on Tools, select Toolbars, and check the boxes next to the desired toolbars to turn them back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I switch from classic view back to the standard interface easily?
Yes, you can revert to the standard interface by disabling the classic toolbars. Simply access the Tools menu, uncheck the toolbars you enabled, and turn the ribbon back on if desired.

Q2: What is the advantage of using classic view in AutoCAD?
Many users find the classic view more intuitive, especially if they have been using earlier versions of AutoCAD. This view organizes tools in a familiar layout, making for easier access to commands.

Q3: Is it possible to customize the toolbars in classic view?
Yes, you can customize the toolbars by right-clicking on them and selecting options such as adding or removing buttons, and adjusting their arrangement to suit your preferences.