AutoCAD

How to Make My Paper Space Black in AutoCAD?

Adjusting Paper Space Background Color in AutoCAD

Changing the background color of paper space in AutoCAD can enhance visibility and help organize your workspace. Here’s a straightforward guide to setting the paper space to a black background in AutoCAD 2025.

Step 1: Accessing Page Setup Manager

To begin, you need to get into the layout settings:

  1. Locate and Click on the Layout Tab: This tab appears at the bottom of your AutoCAD window. Choose the layout you wish to modify.
  2. Right-Click: After selecting the layout, right-click on the layout tab you’ve just clicked.
  3. Select Page Setup Manager: A dropdown menu will appear; select the option labeled Page Setup Manager to access layout configurations.

Step 2: Modify Layout Properties

Once you are in the Page Setup Manager, follow these steps:

  1. Highlight Your Layout: In the Page Setup Manager dialog, you will see a list of available layouts. Click on the layout you want to alter.
  2. Click the Modify Button: After highlighting your chosen layout, click the Modify button. This opens up a new dialog window where you can change several display options.

Step 3: Change Background Color

Next, navigate to the background settings:

  1. Look For the Background Color Setting: In the Modify Page Setup dialog, scroll until you find the Uniform Background option.
  2. Select Your Desired Color: Click on the dropdown option next to the background color. A color palette will appear; choose black or any other color you prefer.

Step 4: Applying Changes

Once you have selected your color:

  1. Click OK: Confirm your choice by clicking OK in the Modify Page Setup dialog.
  2. Close the Page Setup Manager: After applying the changes, click close on the Page Setup Manager window to return to your drawing.
  3. Save Your Work: It’s important to save your drawing to preserve the changes you’ve just made. Use the Save function from the file menu or Ctrl + S.

Step 5: Confirming Changes

After you’ve made adjustments, it’s wise to confirm that the changes appear as intended:

  1. Switch to Paper Space: Click on your layout to view the paper space.
  2. Check the Background Color: Ensure that the background color now reflects your selected choice. If it appears differently, you may need to repeat the steps above.

FAQs

Q1: Why is my paper space background still not black after changing the settings?
A1: Ensure that you’ve checked the "Display plot styles" option in the page setup, and confirm that the plot style being used is set to monochrome. This setting can affect how colors are rendered in the paper space.

Q2: Can I customize different color schemes for multiple layouts?
A2: Yes, you can customize the color for each layout individually by following the same steps for each layout tab and adjusting the background colors as desired.

Q3: How does changing paper space colors affect the printing output?
A3: The changes you make to the paper space colors may not directly affect the print output unless the plot styles are set to display colors in a specific manner, such as monochrome. Always check your print preview before finalizing your drawings.

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.