AutoCAD

How To Turn Off Sheet Set Manager In AutoCAD?

Understanding Sheet Set Manager in AutoCAD

Sheet Set Manager (SSM) plays a crucial role in organizing and managing multiple layouts and drawings in AutoCAD. While useful for handling complex projects, there may come a time when users need to turn it off for a more simplified workspace. This guide outlines the steps necessary to deactivate the Sheet Set Manager in AutoCAD 2025.

Accessing Sheet Set Manager

To understand how to turn off the Sheet Set Manager, it’s imperative first to know how it is displayed. Typically, it can be accessed through the following methods:

  • Using the Ribbon: Navigate to the View tab, then locate the Palettes panel where Sheet Set Manager is listed.
  • From the Menu Bar: For users who have the MENU bar enabled (set to 1), look under the File section to find the SSM.
  • Utilizing the Command Line: Simply type SSM into the command prompt and press Enter to bring it up.

Steps to Turn Off Sheet Set Manager

If you decide that the Sheet Set Manager is more of a hindrance than a help, here’s how to turn it off:

  1. Open AutoCAD 2025 on your system.
  2. Access the Sheet Set Manager by one of the methods mentioned earlier.
  3. Once the Sheet Set Manager is open, look for the ‘X’ button located at the top-right corner of the Sheet Set Manager window. Click this button to close the manager, thus deactivating it from your immediate workspace.
  4. If AutoCAD does not automatically return to full screen after closing, you may need to adjust the workspace settings manually. Click on the ‘Application menu’ at the top left corner, select ‘Options’, and navigate to the ‘Display’ tab to modify the workspace view.

Alternative Method: Disabling via the Command Line

An alternative to closing the Sheet Set Manager through the user interface is by using a command line approach.

  1. With AutoCAD open, type SSM in the command line to bring the Sheet Set Manager into view.
  2. After it appears, utilize the ‘X’ button mentioned previously as a quick method to close it.

Understanding Locking Mechanisms in Sheet Sets

It’s also valuable to know the reasons why the Sheet Set Manager might not close or become locked. In some cases, a lock icon appears next to the sheet set’s name when the DST file is opened, indicating that it may be in a read-only format, or another user may have it open. Always ensure that no other users are accessing the sheets, and check for read-only settings in folder permissions if issues arise.

Regular Maintenance of the Sheet Set Manager

Occasionally, you might want to revisit the Sheet Set Manager for management purposes. Keeping it organized ensures an efficient workflow, so consider these routine checks:

  • Periodically remove completed or unnecessary sheets through the ‘Remove Sheets’ option found via right-clicking on the sheets listed.
  • Regularly update the sheet list to reflect recent changes by using the Update Sheet List Table option.
  • Make configurations to save your settings effectively whenever you create or modify a sheet set.

FAQ

What should I do if the Sheet Set Manager won’t close?

If the Sheet Set Manager does not respond to the close command, ensure that no other sessions of AutoCAD are accessing it. You may also try restarting AutoCAD or your computer to refresh system processes.

Can I disable the Sheet Set Manager permanently?

Currently, AutoCAD does not provide an option to disable the Sheet Set Manager permanently within the application settings. However, you can close it anytime you need to simplify your workspace.

How can I access my sheet sets after closing the manager?

To access your sheet sets after closing the Sheet Set Manager, simply reopen it through the View tab or by typing SSM in the command line again, and all previous sheets will be accessible.

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.