Mastering AutoCAD E-Book

Shaun Bryant

• Herausgeber: Packt Publishing
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

AutoCAD helps you communicate your design intent by plotting your designs to drawings, in both paper and electronic format. But using AutoCAD can be daunting, even for an experienced user who wants to get their designs into the AutoCAD native DWG file format.
Written by an Autodesk Certified Instructor at Platinum level with 30+ years of industry experience, this book will guide you on how to use new and existing AutoCAD tools to work smarter, not harder, and it will familiarize you with the processes needed to use AutoCAD much more effectively. As you work through the chapters, you’ll get used to these new methodologies in AutoCAD and build up "muscle memory" so that these skills become second nature. You’ll also take advantage of the author's expertise and experience, learning some highly effective AutoCAD tips and tricks along the way.
By the end of this AutoCAD book, you’ll have gained valuable insights into the knowledge needed to confidently prepare for your Autodesk AutoCAD certification.

Leseprobe

Mastering AutoCAD

Level up your AutoCAD skills with advanced methods and tools, including AutoCAD Web and Trace

Shaun Bryant

Mastering AutoCAD

Copyright © 2025 Packt Publishing

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embedded in critical articles or reviews.

Every effort has been made in the preparation of this book to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. However, the information contained in this book is sold without warranty, either express or implied. Neither the author, nor Packt Publishing or its dealers and distributors will be held liable for any damages caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this book.

Packt Publishing has endeavored to provide trademark information about all of the companies and products mentioned in this book by the appropriate use of capitals. However, Packt Publishing cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Publishing Product Manager: Tejashwini R

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First published: February 2025

Production reference: 3100425

Published by Packt Publishing Ltd.

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B3 1RB, UK

ISBN 978-1-83763-969-4

www.packtpub.com

To my wife, Michelle, for enduring the numerous late nights of writing and editing and for being my ever-patient partner on our journey together. Your creativity and love always amaze me as we move forward in life. You are my safe harbor, especially in recent times.

To my children, stepchildren, and grandchildren. Some of you are fully grown now. Keep that child-like curiosity to ensure that you are always learning and pass that knowledge on to your children and my grandchildren.

To my sister and her family. You have been a rock in difficult times, ensuring I remain grounded during recent challenging circumstances. Thank you for your love and kindness at all times.

To Mum and Dad. You’re not here to see this book finally get published, but I do hope that, wherever you are, you can see the hard work and dedication put in to finally achieve my life goal of writing a book about AutoCAD, the Autodesk application that has been the foundation of my whole career. Inheriting your tenacious spirit and attention to detail has made me the person I am now. Thank you for everything. You will both always be loved.

- Shaun “CADjedi” Bryant

Foreword 1

It is my privilege to introduce “Mastering AutoCAD,” written by Shaun Bryant. As the Senior Director of Community at Autodesk, I’ve had the chance to work with some truly passionate and skilled professionals, and Shaun is a standout in our community.

Shaun started his journey with AutoCAD back in 1988 and has been dedicated to mastering and sharing his expertise ever since. His credentials are impressive: Autodesk Certified Instructor since 2000, AUGI Board Director from 2010 to 2016, and an Autodesk Expert Elite since 2017. He’s also been a LinkedIn Learning instructor since 2015, reaching countless learners around the world.

As the Group Leader for the AutoCAD User Group, which boasts over 12,000 members, Shaun has demonstrated exceptional leadership and community-building skills. His contributions as an experienced AU Speaker since 2006 have solidified his reputation as a trusted voice and mentor in the field.

I’ve witnessed firsthand the amazing impact that leaders like Shaun have on our community. His dedication and contributions truly capture the essence of what the Autodesk Community is all about. Enjoy the journey with “Mastering AutoCAD” and happy learning!

Jessica Langston

Senior Director, Autodesk Community

Foreword 2

The views and opinions expressed in this book are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or position of Autodesk, Inc. Autodesk is not affiliated with this book and did not endorse, sponsor, or compensate the author for this book. Autodesk does not take responsibility for the content or any outcomes resulting from use of the information presented in this book.

I have known Shaun Bryant for over 30 years. We met through our shared experiences at Autodesk University and enjoyed exchanging tips and tricks about CAD and its ever-evolving technology. Shaun is an Autodesk Certified Instructor in AutoCAD and Revit, boasting over 34 years of experience. As a leading expert in AutoCAD, Shaun is among the most sought-after consultants, trainers, CAD managers, and users globally. As the owner and author of the acclaimed CAD blog “Not Just CAD” and a LinkedIn Learning author, he offers a wealth of online instructional materials to help users excel in their fields. Shaun is recognized worldwide as a top instructor and speaker at Autodesk University. He recently served as an Autodesk Speaker Mentor, showcasing his exceptional ability to help others advance in their careers.

In this book, Shaun demonstrates some of the more advanced functionality of AutoCAD to enhance efficiency and productivity, helping you to get started quickly with AutoCAD processes and workflows. Shaun uses this book to demonstrate how to easily create a diverse range of drawings with examples that incorporate best practices and techniques utilizing the latest AutoCAD technology.

Jeanne Aarhus

President of Aarhus Associates, LLC

Author of AutoCAD 2025 Best Practices, Tips, and Techniques, MicroStation for AutoCAD Users, AutoCAD for MicroStation Users and several other training manuals.

Contributors

About the author

Shaun “CADjedi” Bryant is a seasoned CAD expert and technologist in the AECO industry. With 36+ years of experience with AutoCAD, Shaun is also an Autodesk Certified Instructor (ACI), Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP), and a member of the Autodesk Expert Elite program. He is also a seasoned Autodesk University (AU) speaker, starting his AU speaking career in 2006. As an active AU speaker mentor, he also assists first-time AU speakers in developing their AU classes for a global audience.

Shaun lives in East Yorkshire, UK, and works from his home-based, self-built office studio, affectionately known as The Workshop.

I want to thank everyone at this point in my career, including the amazing Autodesk Community team – Vikram Dutt, Jessica Langston, April Robinson, Chris Coumbe, Jonathan Hand, Amanda De Pancrazio, Amanda Pruyn, and all other Community team members and Expert Elites who remain too numerous to mention. Thank you.

I also want to thank the past and present Autodesk Expert Elite program team. I would not be an Expert Elite without them – Mark Gunn, Katinka Sante, Kate Merriman, and Maureen Higgins. The Autodesk Expert Elite program would not exist without you.

About the reviewer

Nisreen Khlefat is an experienced interior designer and educator dedicated to fostering creativity and functional design. At Milwaukee Area Technical College, she supports students in mastering AutoCAD and SketchUp, helping them build strong foundations in design software. In addition to teaching, Nisreen manages NK Interior Design, where she works with clients to create personalized, inviting spaces. With a balance of technical expertise and creative vision, Nisreen is passionate about enhancing interiors and guiding aspiring designers toward success.

Table of Contents

Preface

Part 1: The AutoCAD Interface – Enhanced

1

Customizing the AutoCAD Interface

Technical requirements

Introducing the default AutoCAD interface settings

Understanding the AutoCAD ribbon settings

Using sticky panels

Using the QAT effectively

Customizing the QAT

Other QAT settings

Introducing the CUI command

Summary

Exercise

2

Developing Your Own AutoCAD Workspace

Technical requirements

Exercise files

Using workspaces effectively

Choosing the right default workspace

Creating your own AutoCAD workspace

Saving AutoCAD interface changes to a custom workspace

Removing a redundant workspace from the AutoCAD CUI

Summary

3

Using the AutoCAD Interface to Work Smarter

Exercise files

Working with file tabs

Working with the Model and Layout tabs

Utilizing the drafting settings on the status bar

The AutoCAD ViewCube

The AutoCAD navigation bar

Navigation Wheels

Real-time Pan

Zoom

Orbit (flyout)

3Dconnexion

ShowMotion

Summary

4

Using Advanced Drafting Settings

Exercise files

Selecting objects using selection cycling

Utilizing 3D object snaps when 3D modeling

Working with ISODRAFT settings to create isometric views

Changing units via the status bar

Working with annotation scale to improve drawing legibility

Summary

Part 2: Advanced Drafting Techniques and Annotation

5

Developing Advanced Geometry Using Object Snaps

Technical requirements

Exercise files

Measuring angles accurately with Polar Tracking (POLAR)

Locking the cursor orthogonally with ORTHOMODE

Using Object Snap Tracking (AUTOSNAP) to draw efficiently with multiple Osnaps

Drawing accurately and effectively with Object Snaps (OSNAP) and snap overrides

Finding the Geometric Center

Working with Snap Overrides

Summary

6

Measuring and Modifying Geometry and Objects

Exercise files

Using Noun/verb selection for quick and easy object selection

Calculating lengths and angles with Quick Measure and Distance

Adding and subtracting areas using the Area tool

Measuring precise angles with the Angle tool

Refining drawings using the Modify panel

Summary

7

Developing Annotative Annotation Styles

Exercise file

Creating text styles to manage text sizes and fonts

Managing dimension annotation with dimension styles

Setting up specific leader styles

Working with accurate table styles

Summary

8

Working with Annotative Scaling

Exercise files

Setting up viewports and varying viewport scales

Working with annotation scales in the Model tab

Adding and deleting object annotation scales

Summary

Part 3: Content Re-Use Including Dynamic Blocks

9

Developing Block Libraries

Exercise file

Bringing blocks and dynamic blocks into drawings

Adding a regular door block

Adding a dynamic Door block

Using the Clipboard to create a new block library drawing

Adding the block library to the Blocks palette

Creating a new block library tool palette

Summary

10

Working with Block Attributes

Exercise file

Defining attributes within a block

Editing attributes in a block using Enhanced Attribute Editor

Using Block Attribute Manager (BATTMAN)

Summary

11

Creating a Dynamic Block with Parameters and Actions

Exercise file

Creating the regular door block

Adding a vertical flip to the door

Adding a horizontal flip to the door

Testing the new dynamic block in the drawing

Summary

12

Creating a Dynamic Block with Visibility States

Exercise file

Creating the washbasin block drawing

Adding the front block

Adding the top and side blocks

Adding the necessary blocks for each view

Adding visibility states in a dynamic block

Setting up the first visibility state

Adding two more visibility states

Using the new dynamic block with visibility states

Summary

Part 4: Communicating and Collaborating

13

Sharing Your AutoCAD Drawings

Exercise file and requirements

Using the Share Drawing tool

Working with shared drawings in AutoCAD Web

Using the Shared Views palette

Working with shared views in the Autodesk Viewer

Summary

14

Comparing Drawings and External Reference Files

Exercise files

Comparing drawings with DWG Compare

Working with drawing comparisons generated with DWG Compare

Comparing drawings with Xref Compare

Working with reference file comparisons generated with Xref Compare

Summary

15

Working with AutoCAD Web

Exercise file

Saving DWG files to the cloud from the AutoCAD desktop

Using the Drawing History tool

Opening and working with drawings in the AutoCAD web application

Opening and working with drawings in the AutoCAD mobile application

Using drawings updated in AutoCAD Web or the AutoCAD mobile application

Summary

16

Collaborating using Traces in AutoCAD

Exercise files

Using traces with AutoCAD desktop

Using traces in the AutoCAD mobile application

Using traces in AutoCAD Web

Reviewing traces in the AutoCAD desktop app

Summary

Index

Other Books You May Enjoy

Preface

AutoCAD is over forty years old and has had many versions. The full version of AutoCAD provides 2D drafting capabilities and 3D modelling tools that can be professionally lit and rendered, providing photo-realistic visualizations that can be incorporated in professional presentations. Precise 2D drawings can be created that include accurate drafting annotation, including dimensions, leaders, and data tables.

This book encourages the reader to master AutoCAD, introducing techniques and workflows that allow the reader to become even more competent with the AutoCAD application, empowering them to use the knowledge gained in this book to improve and enhance their existing AutoCAD skill set.

Who this book is for

This book is for existing users of AutoCAD who have already used AutoCAD professionally in their careers. Ideally, readers should already have a basic level of knowledge of AutoCAD to understand the concepts, workflows, and processes mentioned in this book. Typical readers would include intermediate level CAD technicians, CAD managers, and those who use AutoCAD on a regular daily basis.

What this book covers

Chapter 1, Customizing the AutoCAD Interface, looks at the AutoCAD interface and how it can be customized quickly and easily. With this customizability, you can make quick and easy changes to your AutoCAD interface to enhance productivity.

Chapter 2, Developing Your Own AutoCAD Workspace, will help you learn how to use workspaces in AutoCAD effectively and make the necessary interface changes to create a custom workspace. You will also learn how to remove a workspace that isn’t needed.

Chapter 3, Using the AutoCAD Interface to Work Smarter, shows how AutoCAD provides many functions and features that allow you to work smarter, not harder. These include file tabs, the Model and Layout tabs, drafting settings on the status bar, the AutoCAD ViewCube, and the AutoCAD navigation bar. This chapter teaches you how to use these tools effectively, enhancing your AutoCAD productivity

Chapter 4, Using Advanced Drafting Settings, talks about AutoCAD and its extensive range of drafting settings located on the AutoCAD status bar. This chapter will take you through some of the lesser-used, advanced drafting settings so that you can work more effectively and productively by working smarter, not harder.

Chapter 5, Developing Advanced Geometry Using Object Snaps, elaborates that AutoCAD is a precise design application, and accuracy must be maintained in your drawing files. This chapter will show you how to use specific drafting settings and object snaps (often referred to as Osnaps) that will allow you to draft and model precisely and accurately

Chapter 6, Measuring and Modifying Geometry and Objects, To achieve a high level of accuracy, AutoCAD users spend a lot of time modifying geometry and objects in drawings, often needing to measure lengths, areas, and angles. AutoCAD provides a comprehensive set of drafting and modeling tools to modify and measure the geometry quickly and accurately in your DWG files

Chapter 7, Developing Annotative Annotation Styles, This chapter you will learn the methodologies needed to use annotative annotation in your DWG files, including creating text styles to manage text sizes and fonts, managing dimension annotation with dimension styles, setting up specific leader styles, and working with accurate table styles

Chapter 8, Working with Annotative Scaling, This chapter takes you through how to utilize annotation styles with annotative scaling by setting up viewports and varying viewport scales, working with annotation scales in the Model tab, and adding and deleting object annotation scales. This allows annotation to be displayed appropriately to communicate design intent effectively and accurately

Chapter 9, Developing Block Libraries, By the end of this chapter, you will be able to work with regular and dynamic blocks in drawings and create your own block libraries using various methods, including the Clipboard. You will also learn how to use the Blocks palette and utilize tool palettes with your blocks

Chapter 10, Working with Block Attributes, Drawings become occupied with more and more blocks over time. Attributes allow you to identify your blocks and provide valuable information to anyone using your drawings. The methodologies you will need are in this chapter, such as defining attributes within a block, editing attributes in a block using Enhanced Attribute Editor, and using Block Attribute Manager (BATTMAN)

Chapter 11, Chapter Creating a Dynamic Block with Parameters and Actions, Dynamic blocks need both a parameter and an associated action, so if you were working with a block representing a door, you may need to add a parameter and action to control the swing direction of the door in the door opening in the drawing. This chapter covers the methodologies for working with those parameters and actions in your drawings.

Chapter 12, Creating a Dynamic Block with Visibility States, Visibility states allow you to create a dynamic block with numerous views in the same block. This chapter shows you how to create a washbasin block with three different views: top, front, and side

Chapter 13, Sharing Your AutoCAD Drawings, Sharing drawings and drawing views allows you to share aspects of your design in real-time, using the power of the internet and the cloud. This saves valuable drawing management and collaboration time by providing a much more dynamic drawing revision path.

Chapter 14, Comparing Drawings and External Reference Files, Comparing drawings and Xrefs is much easier and less time-consuming than it used to be. AutoCAD can compare drawing files and Xref drawing files. This technology also allows you to make a drawing file of the comparison and incorporate the compared objects into the relevant drawing

Chapter 15, Working with AutoCAD Web, The AutoCAD subscription comes with the AutoCAD Web offering, which incorporates the AutoCAD web and mobile applications. Both applications allow DWG file collaboration in the cloud, and the AutoCAD mobile application adds full mobility to your DWG files

Chapter 16, Collaborating using Traces in AutoCAD, As of AutoCAD 2023, the Trace function is also available in the AutoCAD desktop application and is much enhanced in the AutoCAD 2026 version. This availability provides full trace functionality across all three AutoCAD applications: desktop, web, and mobile.

To get the most out of this book

You will need a full version of AutoCAD 2026 installed on your computer (not AutoCAD LT 2025). All exercises and examples have been tested using AutoCAD 2026 on Windows OS. However, they should work with AutoCAD for Mac 2026 as well, and any differences between the Windows OS version of AutoCAD 2026 and AutoCAD for Mac 2026 are noted where applicable.

Software/hardware covered in the book

Operating system requirements

AutoCAD 2026

Windows OS

AutoCAD for Mac 2026

macOS

AutoCAD Web

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge Chromium

AutoCAD mobile application

iOS for iPhone or iPad, Android OS

If you are using this book’s physical or digital version, we advise you to download the exercises files mentioned in each chapter to a known location, such as your hard drive, network drive, or a cloud-based drive, for easy access.

After reading this book, the reader should utilize their extended AutoCAD knowledge to become more effective in their daily AutoCAD processes and workflows. It is also suggested that the reader consider looking into Autodesk Certification in AutoCAD to gain a recognized Autodesk Certification.

Download the exercise (DWG) files

You can download the exercise (DWG) files for this book from GitHub at https://github.com/PacktPublishing/Mastering-AutoCAD. If there’s an update to the exercises, it will be updated in the GitHub repository.

We also have other code bundles from our rich catalog of books and videos available at https://github.com/PacktPublishing/. Check them out!

Conventions used

There are a number of text conventions used throughout this book.

Filenames in text: Indicates the filenames of exercise files that should be used to work through the workflows and processes demonstrated in each chapter. Here is an example: “Having a DWG file open ensures you get access to all of the AutoCAD interface, so make sure to have the Workspaces.dwg file open and current in AutoCAD.”

Bold: Indicates a new term, an important word, or words that you see onscreen. For instance, words in menus or dialog boxes appear in bold. Here is an example: “You can also access the New command via the Application menu (top-left corner) and the Start screen in AutoCAD.”

Tips and tricks #25

When you select a viewport, it is not only the grips that are displayed. If you select the triangle dropdown in the center of the selected viewport, you will be able to see all available viewport scales. If you select a different scale from the existing viewport scale, the viewport will be resized and rescaled, as shown in Figure 8.5. This also works in AutoCAD for Mac.

Get in touch

Feedback from our readers is always welcome.

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Part 1:The AutoCAD Interface – Enhanced

The AutoCAD interface is fundamental to the effective use of AutoCAD in either 2D or 3D environments. Regardless of whether you are drafting a 2D floor plan or modeling a 3D automotive part, the interface is incredibly important. This part of the book teaches you how to customize the user interface and work with user-defined workspaces to make it work more effectively for you. You will also learn how to work smarter, not harder, when using the AutoCAD interface and how to use advanced AutoCAD drafting settings to your advantage.

This part has the following chapters:

Chapter 1, Customizing the AutoCAD InterfaceChapter 2, Developing Your Own AutoCAD WorkspaceChapter 3, Using the AutoCAD Interface to Work SmarterChapter 4, Using Advanced Drafting Settings

1

Customizing the AutoCAD Interface

AutoCAD is the world’s most well-known Computer-Aided Design (CAD) application. Globally used by architects, engineers, and designers, AutoCAD has been around for over 40 years. It has been the go-to CAD application for millions in that time, and the DWG file format is universally recognized.

This chapter looks at the AutoCAD interface and how it can be customized quickly and easily. With this customizability, you can make quick and easy changes to your AutoCAD interface to enhance productivity. You will also be able to work with different interface setups for different production environments.

By the end of the chapter, you will be able to work with your ribbon settings in AutoCAD, work effectively with the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT), and be more knowledgeable about the AutoCAD CUI command.

This chapter covers some of the best practices associated with the AutoCAD user interface. We also look at the following topics in depth:

Introducing the default AutoCAD interface settingsThe AutoCAD ribbon settingsUsing sticky panelsUsing the QAT effectivelyThe AutoCAD CUI command

Technical requirements

Using AutoCAD will require you to have a licensed version of AutoCAD installed either on your desktop computer or your laptop. You will also require the following:

A subscription (license) for AutoCAD. This will need to be the full version of AutoCAD, not AutoCAD LT. Ideally, this will be the latest version of AutoCAD: AutoCAD 2026. You can use earlier versions, but it is suggested that you go no further back than AutoCAD 2022.In order to use AutoCAD with a subscription, you will need an Autodesk account. If you do not have one, you can set one up at https://accounts.autodesk.com/.This book covers AutoCAD 2026, running on the Microsoft Windows Operating System (OS). All figures and graphics are from AutoCAD 2024 and the Windows 11 OS. However, this book contains instructions for both Windows and Mac users. While comprehensive instructions have been provided for Windows users, special instructions relating to deviations in the Mac interface have also been provided within callout boxes.All the graphics and drawings for this book can be found here: https://github.com/PacktPublishing/Mastering-AutoCAD.

Okay, let’s get into the chapter now!

Introducing the default AutoCAD interface settings

Before we jump into the rest of the chapter and learn about how to tweak AutoCAD’s UI for our benefit, let us familiarize ourselves with the default AutoCAD interface settings. These are known as workspaces. As an AutoCAD user, you will have more than likely already been using these workspaces without knowing it.

The following default workspaces are available in AutoCAD:

Drafting & Annotation: The Drafting & Annotation workspace is used primarily for 2D drafting in AutoCAD. This is the most-used AutoCAD workspace.3D Basics: The 3D Basics workspace is exactly what it says: a basic 3D interface that is used for 3D modeling. It is, however, a limited, cut-down 3D interface with only basic functionality.3D Modeling: The 3D Modeling workspace is a comprehensive 3D workspace that includes all the 3D ribbon tabs, panels, and commands. It would normally be the 3D workspace that you would use for everyday 3D modeling.

I have introduced you to these default workspaces now so that you can check where to find them and ascertain which workspace you are currently using. To check which workspace is being used, you can click on the fly-out arrow to the right of the gearwheel icon on the status bar,as shown in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1: The gearwheel icon on the status bar

When clicking on the fly-out arrow, the Workspace menu appears. The preceding figure shows that the Drafting & Annotation workspace is the current one (as indicated by the checkmark next to it).

Make sure to check which workspace you are using, and for the purposes of this chapter, make sure to set the Drafting & Annotation workspace as current. We will go into workspaces in more depth in Chapter 2.

AutoCAD for Mac

Some of you might be using AutoCAD for Mac on an Apple computer that uses the macOS OS. The AutoCAD for Mac interface is decidedly different from the AutoCAD interface you would see when running it on Windows OS. Workspaces in AutoCAD for Mac work differently. You will find the Drafting and Modeling workspaces in AutoCAD for Mac at the top of the icon menu on the left-hand side of the screen, as shown in Figure 1.2.

Figure 1.2: The Drafting and Modeling tabs in the AutoCAD for Mac interface

Now that you have an understanding of the AutoCAD interface, the next section introduces the AutoCAD ribbon and its settings.

Understanding the AutoCAD ribbon settings

The AutoCAD ribbon is a fundamental part of your AutoCAD interface. It provides you with ribbon tabs, each of which is occupied by ribbon panels, which incorporate most of the commands you need to operate AutoCAD effectively.

AutoCAD has four ribbon settings. These can sometimes inadvertently be activated, making you think you have broken AutoCAD somehow. You haven’t, trust me. It takes a lot to break AutoCAD nowadays!

The ribbon settings are activated by clicking on a small button on the top of the ribbon. If you blink, you might miss it, and many AutoCAD users do. It is one of those buttons that gets clicked on, and then you’re not sure how to get things back to what they looked like before.

If you check the top of your AutoCAD ribbon, you will see a small white rectangular button with an arrow on it. Figure 1.3 shows you where you will find it.

Figure 1.3: The ribbon settings button

Based on its size, you can understand why it gets missed easily, right? If you click on the button (not the fly-out arrow to the right of it), you will see the appearance of your ribbon change. Don’t panic. All you have done is change the appearance of the ribbon.

Each of the four settings displays the ribbon differently, giving you varying methods of utilizing the ribbon during your day-to-day AutoCAD work.

I’ll briefly explain how each setting works. The ribbon settings change based on whether you have clicked the ribbon settings button at the top of the ribbon and how many times you have clicked it consecutively:

The default ribbon (no click required): This ribbon setting is set by default when you first start using AutoCAD. As you can see in Figure 1.4, it provides a view of all the ribbon tabs, panels, and icons.

Figure 1.4: The default ribbon display

Minimize to Panel Buttons (first click): After the first click of the ribbon settings button, you will set the ribbon to Panel Buttons. The ribbon tabs are still available, but each panel on its respective tab will now only display as a button, as shown in Figure 1.5.

Figure 1.5: The ribbon display using Minimize to Panel Buttons

Upon clicking on any panel button, the selected ribbon panel will display, as shown in Figure 1.6.

Figure 1.6: The Draw panel selected while using Minimize to Panel Buttons

The preceding figure shows the Home tab as current, and the Draw panel after the Draw panel button has been clicked.

As you can see, this ribbon setting reduces the footprint of the ribbon, providing more screen space for your AutoCAD drafting and modeling, by only displaying the panel selected by the panel button. If you move the cursor away from the selected panel, it will revert back to the panel buttons view.

Minimize to Panel Titles (second click): After the second click of the ribbon settings button, you will set the ribbon to Panel Titles. The panels are now displayed with only their titles, thus reducing the ribbon footprint on your screen even more as seen in Figure 1.7.

Figure 1.7: The ribbon display using Minimize to Panel Titles

Upon clicking on any panel title, the selected ribbon panel will display, as shown in Figure 1.8.

Figure 1.8: The Draw panel selected when using Minimize to Panel Titles

The preceding figure shows the Home tab as current with the Draw panel title selected. As before, when you move the cursor away from the panel, it will revert back to the panel titles view.

Minimize to Tabs (third click): After the third click of the ribbon settings button, you will set the ribbon to Tabs. There are now no panel buttons or titles displayed, only the ribbon tabs. This is the most minimal view of the ribbon in AutoCAD as you can see in Figure 1.9.

Figure 1.9: The ribbon display using Minimize to Tabs

To access the ribbon panels when using the Minimize to Tabs setting, you will need to select the ribbon tab first, then select the required command icon on its respective panel, as shown in Figure 1.10.

Figure 1.10: The Home tab selected when using Minimize to Tabs

As you can see in the preceding figure, all the panels in the selected tab are displayed. In this case, the Home tab on the ribbon has been selected, displaying the Draw panel, the Modify panel, and all panels that display under the Home tab onthe ribbon

Note

Figure 1.10 has been truncated slightly to fit better on the page. Hence, only the Draw and Modify panels are displayed in full.

Back to default (fourth click): A fourth click on the ribbon settings button will bring you back to the default ribbon setting, as shown in Figure 1.11.

Figure 1.11: Back to the default ribbon setting on the fourth click

So, as you can see, it is easy to click on the ribbon settings button and make these changes in error. If you have never used the ribbon settings button before, it can cause a certain amount of trepidation as you wonder what you have done to your AutoCAD interface. However, by using the sequence of clicks I have described in this section on the ribbon settings button, you can now get back to the default ribbon setting if required.

You can now also see how the ribbon settings can be changed to suit your specific requirements. This allows you to utilize more screen space in AutoCAD by reducing the ribbon footprint. This is especially useful when your screen space is restricted. A typical example would be running AutoCAD on a laptop with a smaller screen.

Until this point, I have not mentioned the small fly-out arrow to the right of the ribbon settings button, as shown in Figure 1.12.

Figure 1.12: The fly-out menu on the ribbon settings button

Upon clicking on the fly-out arrow, you will see the small fly-out menu as shown in the preceding figure. This allows you to select a specific ribbon setting rather than clicking through them on the ribbon settings button, as mentioned earlier.

Once a specific ribbon setting has been selected, it will remain set. You will need to set the menu back to Cycle through All to use the ribbon settings button to cycle through each ribbon setting.

The ribbon settings in AutoCAD are a great way of gaining that little bit more screen real estate when working on smaller displays. As we move toward workstation replacement laptops, this will help. Yes, you can hook up to a gigantic display monitor when in the office, but when you’re traveling and you only have a 15-inch laptop display at your disposal, that ribbon settings button will prove mighty useful!

Tips and tricks #1

You will notice a fly-out arrow on the title bars of some of the ribbon panels. If you click on the fly-out arrow on the panel, the hidden command icons from that panel are displayed. Click on the small pin icon and those hidden command icons will remain pinned open and will display until the pin icon is clicked again. The hidden icons will then revert into the ribbon. Figure 1.13 shows you where you will find the pin icon using the Draw panel on the Home tab of the ribbon.

Figure 1.13: The pin icon that allows the hidden command icons to be pinned open (shown pinned)

Now that you know how you can fix the AutoCAD ribbon settings to suit your workflow without feeling like you have broken AutoCAD, let us move on to learning how we can improve the UI even further using sticky panels.

AutoCAD for Mac

AutoCAD for Mac does not have a ribbon interface like AutoCAD for Windows does, so there is no way of changing the ribbon appearance. AutoCAD for Mac uses an icon menu to the left of the AutoCAD for Mac screen. You can edit the icon settings for each icon panel by clicking on the gearwheel icon. Figure 1.14 shows the Draw panel and its default icon settings. In AutoCAD for Mac, you still click and hold for the fly-out icon menus, much like in AutoCAD for Windows, to get access to more instances of a command, such as the Arc fly-out menu.

Figure 1.14: The icon settings in the Draw panel in AutoCAD for Mac

You now have a good understanding of the AutoCAD ribbon and its settings and functionality. In the next section, you will learn how to use sticky panels (from the ribbon) to your advantage.

Using sticky panels

In this chapter, the assumption has so far been made that ribbon panels stay in the ribbon. That’s not the case. Ribbon panels can be moved into the AutoCAD drawing area and can float in the same way as dialog boxes and palettes can.

The following figure shows the Draw panel (from the Home tab) floating in the AutoCAD drawing area. This section covers how to get a sticky panel there, as well as how to get it back into the ribbon.

Figure 1.15: The floating Draw panel in the AutoCAD drawing area

To keep things simple, stay in the Home tab on the ribbon.

Move the cursor over the title bar of the Draw panel. Click and drag the Draw panel. You will see the Draw panel start to move and you can simply drop it into the AutoCAD drawing area by releasing the mouse button. Yes, it really is that easy!

This is known as a sticky panel. The description derives from the Post-It sticky notes you might use in the office. You are sticking the ribbon panel where you need it to be so that you can see it and use it more effectively.

The benefit of this is that the sticky panels are then not constrained by the ribbon. You can now go to other ribbon tabs to use other AutoCAD commands but still have quick and easy access to the commands on the sticky panels.

A typical scenario might be that you need the Draw panel so that you can create geometry, but you might be in the Annotate tab working on the annotation in the drawing. Figure 1.16 highlights that scenario.

Figure 1.16: The Draw panel is the sticky panel, while the Annotate ribbon tab is current

Getting the sticky panel back into the ribbon is not as difficult as you might think. Click and drag are not required, and AutoCAD even remembers which ribbon tab you took the sticky panel from.

To get the sticky panel back into the ribbon, you need to hover over the sticky panel in place. You will see the panel highlight and sidebars appear on both the left and right sides of the panel. Figure 1.17 shows the sidebars, as indicated by the arrows.

Figure 1.17: The sticky panel with sidebars indicated

On the left sidebar, you will see a graded or dotted area. You can click and drag this to relocate the sticky panel.

On the right sidebar, there are two small icons. The lower of these two icons will allow you to rotate the sticky panel from horizontal to vertical and vice versa.

You need the top-right icon. If you hover the cursor over it, the tooltip will read Return Panels to Ribbon. You can see this shown in Figure 1.18.

Figure 1.18: The sticky panel with Return Panels to Ribbon indicated

Upon clicking on this icon, the sticky panel will be returned to the ribbon. Regardless of which ribbon tab is current, AutoCAD will put the panel back on the appropriate ribbon tab.

If you are in the Annotate tab and you return your sticky Draw panel to the ribbon, not only will AutoCAD make sure it is placed on the appropriate ribbon tab, but it will even make sure it is back in the correct location on that ribbon tab!

This is done using the AutoCAD CUI settings, which we will touch on later in this chapter.

Tips and tricks #2

AutoCAD now has a feature known as floating drawing windows. This means that any drawing file tab can be dragged and dropped into any display location. This is often used when AutoCAD is used across a dual (or sometimes triple) monitor hardware setup. Sticky panels will remain in place even when the floating drawing is moved to another location. Figure 1.19 gives you an idea of what this might look like.

Figure 1.19: The Draw sticky panel is still in place with the floating drawing window behind it

Sticky panels are a great way of customizing your AutoCAD interface to suit the way you work. They can be located anywhere, especially when you need specific ribbon panels to always be available.

Now that you understand how to utilize sticky panels and put them back into their place, let us divert our attention to learning about the items in the QAT.

Using the QAT effectively

The AutoCAD QAT is located in the top-left of your AutoCAD 2024 application window. You may have used it already when working with AutoCAD. Figure 1.20 shows you the default non-customized QAT.

Figure 1.20: The QAT (non-customized)

In this section, we will learn about some useful workflows with the QAT that will help you become just that bit more efficient and productive.

Customizing the QAT

There is a very small but powerful icon on the QAT. For those of us who are over a certain age, it will remind us of the era of Compact Discs (CDs). These were used primarily for music and replaced vinyl albums. They were also used for software installations. AutoCAD used to be installed from CD media too. Music CDs were played on a CD player. The Customize Quick Access Toolbar icon on the QAT looks remarkably like the eject button on those old CD players. Figure 1.21 highlights the Customize Quick Access Toolbar button.

Figure 1.21: The Customize Quick Access Toolbar button

Upon clicking the icon, a drop-down menu will appear, as shown in Figure 1.22.

Figure 1.22: The Customize Quick Access Toolbar dropdown with default settings

You will notice that several of the settings have checkmarks next to them. This indicates that these functions are already displayed on the QAT. The functions without checkmarks can be selected to display on the QAT to improve your day-to-day AutoCAD work. This is the customization that we will focus on.

If the Layer option is selected from the drop-down menu, you will see that the Layer drop-down menu is added to the QAT, as shown in Figure 1.23.

Figure 1.23: The QAT with the Layer drop-down menu added and in use

The major benefit of this customization is that you now have access to all the AutoCAD layer controls all of the time. Regardless of which ribbon tab you use, you can control your layer properties at any time, thus not needing to keep returning to the Home tab on the ribbon to change any specific layer properties. Figure 1.23 also shows the QAT with the Layer drop-down menu added while it is in use. You can now see how easy it is to access your AutoCAD layers.

If you want to turn off the Layer dropdown on the QAT, you will need to repeat the customization process by clicking on the Customize Quick Access Toolbar icon. Then click on Layer on the drop-down menu and the checkmark will be removed. The Layer dropdown will also be removed.

Another useful drop-down menu to add to the QAT is the Workspace function. As mentioned previously, this is another function you can tick in the Customize Quick Access Toolbar dropdown. Figure 1.24 shows the Workspace function added to the QAT and in use.

Figure 1.24: The QAT with the Workspace function added and in use

As you can see, adding functionality to the QAT gives you a customized AutoCAD user interface that will enhance your workflows and provide you with that little bit of extra efficiency every day when using AutoCAD.

Other QAT settings

On the Customize Quick Access Toolbar dropdown for the QAT, you will also see other settings that can be used to customize your AutoCAD interface a little further.

The Show Menu Bar option will display a classic AutoCAD menu bar at the top of the AutoCAD application window, as shown in Figure 1.25.

Figure 1.25: The AutoCAD menu bar in position after being set in the QAT

This classic menu bar provides the older, more traditional AutoCAD drop-down menus from previous versions of AutoCAD. In Figure 1.26, the Draw function is selected, with the Modelingsub-option displayed.

Figure 1.26: The Draw dropdown from the menu bar, with the Modeling sub-option selected

You can utilize this option from the QAT to create a more classic AutoCAD interface, which more seasoned AutoCAD users might opt for, in conjunction with the ribbon settings button mentioned earlier in the chapter.

The Show Menu Bar option can be turned off by clicking on the QAT Customize Quick Access Toolbar icon and selecting Hide Menu Bar. This is shown in Figure 1.27.

Figure 1.27: The Hide Menu Bar option on the Customize Quick Access Toolbar dropdown

Another excellent setting on the Customize Quick Access Toolbar dropdown is the ability to move the QAT above or below the AutoCAD ribbon. This, again, is selected from the Customize Quick Access Toolbar dropdown. The default position of the QAT is above the ribbon, but if you select Show Below the Ribbon, you will position the QAT as shown in Figure 1.28.

Figure 1.28: The QAT positioned below the AutoCAD ribbon

If you go back to the QAT Customize dropdown, you can click on Show Above the Ribbon and the QAT will return to its default location above the ribbon.

While changing the position of the QAT or adding functionality to it may seem like a small, insignificant change to the AutoCAD interface, it’s amazing how many users use those tools to tweak and adjust their AutoCAD interface to suit their daily use. As they say, it’s the small things. And when combined with saving these settings to your own customized AutoCAD workspace, it all starts to make sense. When we look into workspaces in more detail later in the book, you will start to see their advantages and how they can allow you to have a fully customized AutoCAD workspace just for you.

AutoCAD for Mac

AutoCAD for Mac does not have a QAT. It has a simplified toolbar across the top of the AutoCAD for Mac application window, as shown in Figure 1.29. This can be customized by right-clicking on the toolbar and selecting Customize Toolbar.

Figure 1.29: The toolbar in AutoCAD for Mac

Introducing the CUI command

Up until now, we have used the AutoCAD interface to customize the AutoCAD interface. There is also an AutoCAD command that allows you to adjust the AutoCAD interface. That command is the Customize User Interface (CUI) command.

The quickest way to start using the CUI command is to type CUI and press Enter. You can type this directly, and it will appear near the cursor (crosshair), or you can type it on the command line at the bottom of the AutoCAD screen.

This will bring up the Customize User Interface dialog box. Figure 1.30 shows the Customize User Interface dialog box with the three default AutoCAD workspaces: Drafting & Annotation Default, 3D Modeling, and 3D Basics. These are found in the Customize tab in the dialog box.

Figure 1.30: The Customize User Interface dialog box with the default AutoCAD workspaces indicated in the Customize tab

If you make the dialog box bigger by dragging a corner or side of the dialog box, you can start to investigate how to customize your AutoCAD user interface.

Tips and tricks #3

Before committing to any changes in the Customize User Interface dialog box, it is always beneficial to duplicate the workspace you want to work with. This is to avoid any errors you might make that would affect one of your default workspaces beyond the point of no return! Simply right-click over the specific workspace in the dialog box and select Duplicate from the shortcut menu. It will save you from a whole world of pain later when you realize that you have changed a default workspace beyond all recognition!

If you select a workspace in the top-left pane of the dialog box (noting Tips and tricks #3), you can then select that workspace and start to see its structure and how it is made up of its component parts, ribbon tabs, panels, and commands.

In Figure 1.31, you can see that Drafting & Annotation is selected, with the ribbon/panel contents expanded. You can see all of the individual panels listed.

Figure 1.31: The Ribbon | Panels contents expanded in the CUI dialog box

Using the slider bar, you can slide down the list to find the Home 2D: Draw ribbon panel. If you expand this content and expand Row 1, you can see the Line, Polyline, Circle, and Arccommands there.

Expand the Circle command. You will then see all the different command options you would otherwise see when you click on the Circle fly-out arrow in the ribbon when drafting in AutoCAD. This is highlighted in Figure 1.32.

Figure 1.32: The different Circle command options displayed in the Customize User Interface dialog box

If the Center, Radius option is selected in the dialog box, all the settings for that command option will be displayed in the right-hand pane of the dialog box, allowing for command customization.

The right-hand pane also displays a panel preview so that you can check its display on the ribbon. The macro coding for that command is also shown. Look at Figure 1.33 to see how this looks in the dialog box.

Figure 1.33: The Customize User Interface dialog box with the Circle | Center, Radius command selected

The CUI command can edit or duplicate existing workspaces down to the command macro level. This means that programming in (full) AutoCAD can be applied to create new commands that might occupy new panels and tabs on the AutoCAD ribbon.

There are numerous methods to use the CUI command to dive deeper into customizing the AutoCAD interface. They are not covered in this book, but the internet is full of many resources and communities (including the Autodesk Community) where you can investigate this and discuss it with your fellow peers. Autodesk provides some great internet locations for you to talk to your fellow AutoCAD users. You will need to use your Autodesk Account to sign into any of the Autodesk communities below: -

Autodesk Forums, located here: https://forums.autodesk.comAutodesk Knowledge Network (AKN), located here: https://knowledge.autodesk.comAutodesk Community Tips: AutoCAD Products: located in the AutoCAD forumAutodesk Community Voices blog: located in the preceding Autodesk Forums link

AutoCAD for Mac

The CUI command is also applicable in AutoCAD for Mac, but the interface and dialog boxes are different. Figure 1.34 shows the Customize dialog in AutoCAD for Mac after the CUI command has been started. You will need to click on the tabs at the top of the dialog to access the necessary areas of the CUI command.

Figure 1.34: The Customize dialog box in AutoCAD for Mac

In the previous section, you learned how to customize the AutoCAD user interface, using the CUI command and the Customize User Interface dialog box. The next section summarizes what you have learned in this chapter.

Summary

In this chapter, you learned about changing and managing AutoCAD ribbon settings and set up sticky panels. We also looked at how to use the QAT effectively and how to work with AutoCAD CUI command and the Customize User Interfacedialog box.

All of these workflows and concepts are important to allow you, as an AutoCAD user, to enhance and customize the AutoCAD interface to suit your preferences and ideal working environment. In the next chapter, we will talk about how to develop and customize your own workspace in AutoCAD.

Exercise

Open a blank drawing in AutoCAD and follow along to explore the user interface customization options shown across all the sections in this chapter. This applies to AutoCAD for Windows and AutoCAD for Mac.

From Chapter 2 onward, I will be sharing exercise files so you can follow along and learn hands-on with AutoCAD.

2

Developing Your Own AutoCAD Workspace

AutoCAD 2026 comes with preset default workspaces for specific working environments. These are used primarily for 2D drafting and 3D modeling. Individual workspaces can be set up for use in specific production environments, thus making for a productive interface for each environment.

AutoCAD workspaces have already been introduced in Chapter 1. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to use workspaces in AutoCAD effectively and make the necessary interface changes to create a custom workspace. You can also remove a workspace that isn’t needed using the AutoCAD Customize User Interface (CUI) command.

Developing your own workspace personalizes the AutoCAD interface and allows you to utilize your screen and monitor space. A typical example is that you might only use a laptop screen when using AutoCAD, compared to a dual screen monitor setup for a desktop PC. You would then need to optimize your screen space to use AutoCAD effectively. Workspaces allow you to work in both screen configurations if required.

In the Introducing the default AutoCAD interface settings section in Chapter 1, we learned about the default workspaces available in AutoCAD. Make sure to check which workspace you are using, and for the purposes of this chapter, set the Drafting & Annotation workspace as current.

This chapter will take you through the AutoCAD workspace settings and teach you the following:

Using workspaces effectivelySaving AutoCAD interface changes to a custom workspaceRemoving a redundant workspace from the AutoCAD CUI

Technical requirements

For this and later chapters within this book, you would need to enable Dynamic Input and command prompt in AutoCAD. For instructions on how to do this, visit https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-enable-or-disable-dynamic-input-in-AutoCAD.html.

The AutoCAD command line or command prompt is always on the AutoCAD screen by default. You can hide it by typing COMMANDLINEHIDE and pressing Enter. You can bring it back by typing COMMANDLINE and pressing Enter or using Ctrl + 9.

Dynamic Input (DYNMODE) is also on by default. However, the Dynamic Input icon is not displayed on the status bar. Click on the Customization icon at the right-hand end of the status bar (three horizontal lines), and on the menu click on Dynamic Input, ensuring there is a check mark next to it. It will then display on the status bar. You can then turn DYNMODE off and on and access its settings by right-clicking on the Dynamic Input icon.

Exercise files

This chapter used a simple DWG file to ensure you had full access to all workspace-related features in AutoCAD. The filename of the DWG file is Workspaces.dwg.

Using workspaces effectively

Workspaces are incredibly useful. They allow you to work in specific spaces that are related to the AutoCAD environment you are working in. For example, the Drafting & Annotation workspace is the default AutoCAD workspace, used primarily for 2D drafting, whereas the 3D Basics and 3D Modeling workspaces are used for 3D modeling in AutoCAD.

Each workspace displays a certain set of ribbon tabs, panels, and icons, ensuring that AutoCAD’s necessary tools and features can be utilized effectively, based on what task AutoCAD is being used for at the appropriate time. But how do we choose the right workspace for our project?

Choosing the right default workspace

At the beginning of this chapter, I asked you to ensure that your default workspace is set to Drafting & Annotation. This is because we are going to complete an exercise to determine which AutoCAD workspace would work for your particular project, such as 2D drafting or 3D modeling. You will learn how to change your default workspace or customize your workspace to suit the project environment.

Before we start, I would like you to open this chapter’s exercise file called Workspaces.dwg, which you should have already downloaded from the link provided within the Preface.

Locate the exercise file and open it in AutoCAD. It will look like Figure 2.1

Figure 2.1: The Workspaces.dwg file when first opened

Contents

Mastering AutoCAD

Foreword

Contributors

About the author

About the reviewer

Preface

Who this book is for

What this book covers

To get the most out of this book

Download the exercise (DWG) files

Conventions used

Get in touch

Share Your Thoughts

Download a free PDF copy of this book

Part 1:The AutoCAD Interface – Enhanced

Chapter 1: Customizing the AutoCAD Interface

Technical requirements

Introducing the default AutoCAD interface settings

Understanding the AutoCAD ribbon settings

Using sticky panels

Using the QAT effectively

Customizing the QAT

Other QAT settings

Introducing the CUI command

Summary

Exercise

Chapter 2: Developing Your Own AutoCAD Workspace

Technical requirements

Exercise files

Using workspaces effectively

Choosing the right default workspace

Creating your own AutoCAD workspace

Saving AutoCAD interface changes to a custom workspace

Removing a redundant workspace from the AutoCAD CUI

Summary

Chapter 3: Using the AutoCAD Interface to Work Smarter

Exercise files

Working with file tabs

Working with the Model and Layout tabs

Utilizing the drafting settings on the status bar

The AutoCAD ViewCube

The AutoCAD navigation bar

Navigation Wheels

Real-time Pan

Zoom

Orbit (flyout)

3Dconnexion

ShowMotion

Summary

Chapter 4: Using Advanced Drafting Settings

Exercise files

Selecting objects using selection cycling

Utilizing 3D object snaps when 3D modeling

Working with ISODRAFT settings to create isometric views

Changing units via the status bar

Working with annotation scale to improve drawing legibility

Summary

Part 2:Advanced Drafting Techniques and Annotation

Chapter 5: Developing Advanced Geometry Using Object Snaps

Technical requirements

Exercise files

Measuring angles accurately with Polar Tracking (POLAR)

Locking the cursor orthogonally with ORTHOMODE

Using Object Snap Tracking (AUTOSNAP) to draw efficiently with multiple Osnaps

Drawing accurately and effectively with Object Snaps (OSNAP) and snap overrides

Finding the Geometric Center

Working with Snap Overrides

Summary

Chapter 6: Measuring and Modifying Geometry and Objects

Exercise files

Using Noun/verb selection for quick and easy object selection

Calculating lengths and angles with Quick Measure and Distance

Adding and subtracting areas using the Area tool

Measuring precise angles with the Angle tool

Refining drawings using the Modify panel

Summary

Chapter 7: Developing Annotative Annotation Styles

Exercise file

Creating text styles to manage text sizes and fonts

Managing dimension annotation with dimension styles

Setting up specific leader styles

Working with accurate table styles

Summary

Chapter 8: Working with Annotative Scaling

Exercise files

Setting up viewports and varying viewport scales

Working with annotation scales in the Model tab

Adding and deleting object annotation scales

Summary

Part 3:Content Re-Use Including Dynamic Blocks

Chapter 9: Developing Block Libraries

Exercise file

Bringing blocks and dynamic blocks into drawings

Adding a regular door block

Adding a dynamic Door block

Using the Clipboard to create a new block library drawing