How to Change AutoCAD 2022 to Classic View?

Understanding the Classic View in AutoCAD

For users who prefer the traditional interface of AutoCAD, reverting to the Classic view is a useful option. The Classic view provides familiar toolbars and menus, making it easier for those who have become accustomed to this setup. Below are the steps to change your AutoCAD workspace to the Classic view in AutoCAD 2022.

Accessing the Menu Bar

1. Show Menu Bar: Start by displaying the menu bar. Click on the Quick Access Toolbar drop-down arrow, and select "Show Menu Bar." This allows you to access traditional menus at the top of the window, making navigation easier.

Hiding the Ribbon

1. Disable the Ribbon: To switch off the Ribbon interface, navigate to the Tools menu. Select “Palettes,” then choose “Ribbon.” Ensure that you have an active drawing open to access the Tools menu. This action will remove the Ribbon and provide a cleaner workspace reminiscent of earlier versions.

Displaying Toolbars

1. Access Required Toolbars: After hiding the Ribbon, you may want to display additional toolbars that you will need:
   • Go to the Tools menu.
   • Click on "Toolbars" and select the ones you require from the list. Toolbars like "Drawing," "Modify," and "Dimension" can be helpful in the Classic view.

Saving Your Workspace

1. Save Your Workspace: Once you have arranged the toolbars to your liking, it’s important to save this layout. Click on the Workspace Switching button located at the bottom right of the status bar, then select "Save Current As." Name your workspace appropriately for easy identification in the future.

Changing Workspace Settings

If you wish to customize the Classic view further or switch back to it later:

1. Navigate to Workspace Settings: On the status bar, locate and click on "Workspace Switching."
2. Modify Settings: Select "Workspace Settings" from the options presented. Here, you can customize which toolbars and palettes are displayed.
3. Set as Default: Find your newly created Classic workspace. Right-click it and choose "Set Default," ensuring it loads automatically the next time you start AutoCAD.

Adjusting the Appearance

To make the Classic view more comfortable:

1. Change Background Colors: Click on the Application button and select "Options." In the Display tab, navigate to "Colors" to adjust the background color of the drawing area, which can enhance visibility and reduce eye strain.

2. Customize Interface Elements: Same as above, use the Drawing Window Colors dialog to choose preferred colors for various interface components, tailoring the environment to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I revert back to the new interface after switching to the Classic view?
Yes, you can switch back to the new interface by selecting a different workspace from the Workspace Switching options or by enabling the ribbon again.

2. Is there a way to permanently set the Classic view as my default whenever I open AutoCAD?
You can save your Classic workspace and designate it as the default so that it automatically loads each time you open AutoCAD.

3. What if I can’t find the Classic workspace option in AutoCAD 2025?
AutoCAD 2025 may not have a dedicated Classic workspace. However, you can mimic the Classic view by disabling the ribbon, displaying toolbars, and arranging them according to your preferences.