How to View Drawings Side by Side in AutoCAD?

Step-by-Step Guide to Viewing Drawings Side by Side in AutoCAD

To effectively compare and analyze multiple drawings in AutoCAD, utilizing a split-screen can greatly enhance your workflow. Here’s a detailed guide to set up your workspace for side-by-side drawing view.

Accessing the View Tab

1. Open AutoCAD 2025: Start the application and load your primary drawing.
2. Locate the View Tab: At the top of the AutoCAD window, find and select the "View" tab on the Ribbon.

Configuring Viewports

1. Find the Model Viewports Panel: Within the View tab, navigate to the "Model Viewports" section.
2. Open Viewport Configurations: Click on the dropdown menu labeled "Viewport Configurations".
3. Choose Your Configuration: You will see various predefined options for how to arrange your viewports. Select “2 View” or “3 View” depending on whether you want to display two or three drawings simultaneously.

Adjusting the Viewports

1. Switch Between Viewports: Click inside the viewport where you want to make changes. You can adjust the view settings for each window independently.
2. Zoom and Pan: Make use of zooming and panning tools to analyze specific details in each drawing. You can do this using the mouse scroll wheel or by clicking and dragging.

Opening Multiple Drawings

1. Utilize the Application Menu: Click on the Application menu (the big A at the top left) to access the file opening options.
2. Select Drawings: Navigate to "Open" and locate the additional drawing files you wish to view side by side. You can open multiple DWG files by selecting each while holding the Ctrl key.
3. Drag and Drop Option: Alternatively, if you have your files accessible on your desktop or in a folder, you can drag them directly into the desired viewport.

Utilizing the DWG Compare Feature

For enhanced comparison between two existing drawings, use the DWG Compare feature:

1. Initiate Comparison: In the Application menu, select "Drawing Utilities" and then choose "DWG Compare".
2. Select Drawings: Follow the prompts to choose the two drawings you want to compare. The software will generate a side-by-side overview, highlighting any differences with color-coded annotations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I adjust viewport settings?
Yes, each viewport can be individually configured. Right-click inside the viewport and select "Viewport Properties" to adjust scale, view type, and more.

Q2: Is there a way to save my split-screen layout for future use?
Yes, after setting up your viewports, you can save your layout as a new workspace. Go to the "Workspace" option in the Application menu and select "Save Current As".

Q3: How can I switch between model space and paper space in AutoCAD?
You can toggle between model space and paper space by double-clicking within the respective area or by using the "Model" and "Layout" tabs located underneath the drawing area on the Ribbon.