AutoCAD

How To Unhide The Menu Bar In AutoCAD?

How to Unhide the Menu Bar in AutoCAD

AutoCAD users may sometimes find themselves in a situation where the menu bar is hidden. To access essential commands and tools, it’s important to bring it back into view. Follow these step-by-step instructions to restore the menu bar in AutoCAD 2025.

Step 1: Access the Quick Access Toolbar

At the top-left corner of the AutoCAD application, locate the Quick Access Toolbar.

  1. Click on the downward-pointing arrow (drop-down menu) at the right end of the Quick Access Toolbar.
  2. Look for the option labeled “Show Menu Bar.”

By selecting this option, the menu bar should immediately reappear in your AutoCAD workspace.

Step 2: Use Command Line Options

If you prefer to use the command line to toggle the menu bar:

  1. Navigate to the Command prompt at the bottom of your screen.
  2. Type MENUBAR and then press Enter.
  3. Input the number 1 and press Enter again to display the menu bar.

This method provides a quick way to restore the menu bar without needing to navigate through the graphical interface.

Step 3: Enable Menu Bar via Options

Another option is to modify the settings directly through the Options window:

  1. Type OPTIONS into the Command line and hit Enter.
  2. This opens the Options menu. Click on the “Display” tab.
  3. Under the “Layout Elements” section, check the box next to “Display Layout and Model tabs.”
  4. Click OK to apply your changes and exit the Options window.

The menu bar should now be visible once again.

Step 4: Restore Toolbars

If specific toolbars are missing or you want to display additional ones:

  1. Click on the “Tools” menu located in the menu bar.
  2. Hover over “Toolbars,” which will present a list of available toolbars.
  3. Select the toolbar you wish to display by clicking on it.

Ensure the desired toolbars are checked to have them visible during your session.

Step 5: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

For quick access, you can use keyboard shortcuts:

  1. Press and hold the Alt key.
  2. While holding Alt, press the corresponding key that opens the View menu (usually V).
  3. Use the arrow keys to navigate to “Toolbars” and select the menu you want to enable.

The chosen toolbars will be restored instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I do if the menu bar does not appear after following the steps?
If the menu bar does not reappear, ensure that your AutoCAD software is up-to-date and try restarting AutoCAD. You can also reset the workspace to its default settings by typing WSCURRENT into the Command line, pressing Enter, and selecting a different workspace.

2. Can I customize the tools available in the menu bar?
Yes, you can customize the menu bar by adding or removing toolbars. Right-click on the menu bar and select “Customize.” From there, you can drag and drop available commands and tools into or out of the menu.

3. How can I prevent the menu bar from disappearing again?
To prevent the menu bar from disappearing, avoid minimizing the ribbon or wild changes in the workspace settings. You can lock your workspace settings to maintain a consistent layout between sessions.

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.