How To View All Drawings In AutoCAD?

Viewing All Drawings in AutoCAD

AutoCAD offers various methods for viewing all your drawings, whether you need to see layouts, open multiple files, or manage tabs effectively. Here’s how you can optimize your viewing experience in AutoCAD.

Displaying Layouts and Model Tabs

To see all layouts and model tabs in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

1. Access the Options Menu:

   • Type OPTIONS in the command line and press Enter.
   • Alternatively, click the AutoCAD application menu located in the top-left corner.

2. Navigate to the Display Tab:

   • In the Options window, select the Display tab.

3. Enable Tabs Visibility:

   • Find the section labeled Layout elements.
   • Check the box next to Display Layout and Model tabs.
4. Confirm Your Changes:
   • Click OK to apply the settings and close the Options window. This will enable you to view both the model and layout tabs at the bottom of the AutoCAD workspace.

Opening Multiple Drawings Simultaneously

To manage multiple AutoCAD drawings:

1. Open a New Instance:

   • Launch a new instance of AutoCAD by clicking the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.

2. Open Drawing Files:

   • Double-click the DWG or DXF file in Windows Explorer to open it in the first instance of AutoCAD.
   • Use the OPEN command in the second instance to select and open another drawing.
3. Arrange Windows:
   • Position both instances side by side. This allows for easy comparison and manipulation of both files.

Accessing Open Files

For users wanting to quickly navigate through currently opened files:

1. Use the Command Line:

   • Input FILETABCLOSE in the command line and hit Enter.
2. Cycling Through Open Files:
   • To switch between open files, hold down CTRL and press TAB. This will cycle through all active drawings.

Managing Drawing Tabs

To control how your tabs are displayed:

1. Display Layout and Model Tabs:

   • You can input LAYOUTTAB in the command line and set its value to 1, enabling the display of tabs.
2. Using the Ribbon:
   • Click on the View tab in the ribbon.
   • Under the Interface panel, find the option for Layout Tabs to toggle visibility.

Viewing AutoCAD Files

To open AutoCAD files effectively:

1. Open Files Through the Menu:

   • Click on File, then Open, followed by Browse.

2. Select File Type:

   • Next to the File name box, use the dropdown and select AutoCAD Drawing.
3. Open Your Desired File:
   • Locate and double-click your .dwg or .dxf file to open it within the application.

Unhiding Objects in AutoCAD

When trying to view hidden elements in your drawings:

1. Reveal Hidden Elements:

   • Look for the yellow light bulb icon at the bottom of your view window labeled as Reveal Hidden Elements.

2. Select Hidden Objects:

   • Click on the hidden element(s) within your drawing.
3. Unhide Elements:
   • Right-click on the selected item(s) and select Unhide Element from the context menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the settings for opening DWG files?
To adjust the settings for how DWG files open in AutoCAD, right-click a DWG file in Windows Explorer, then choose Open With > Choose another app. Select AutoCAD DWG Launcher, check the box for Always use this app to open .dwg files, and click OK.

Is there a way to view CAD files online?
Yes, Autodesk offers an online viewer that supports over 50 file formats, including DWG and RVT files. You can upload your designs directly to view them in your browser.

What if my drawing tabs are not showing?
If your drawing tabs are hidden, you can bring them back by typing OPTIONS in the command line, going to the Display tab, and ensuring the Display Layout and Model tabs option is checked. Additionally, you can use the LAYOUTTAB command to enable them.