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10 AutoCAD Ribbon Tips You Should Know

November 5, 2009 By 6 Comments

AutoCAD ribbonAutodesk introduced the Microsoft Office 2007 look alike to Autodesk products since version 2009. They introduced ribbon interface, and even a new menu structure in Autodesk 2010 version. Try to click the big A letter and you will see new file menu. You may hate it, but many new users may like it. However, I think we do need to get used to it. If one day it is become a ‘Windows compliant’ standard, then all Windows applications would look like that. Ouch!

Here are 10 AutoCAD ribbon tips I found on the internet (and one from my blog ;) that you might need to know.

AutoCAD UI ~ Best of Both Worlds is Flexible with Traditional Menus or New Ribbon +Plus+ UI Retro Mod’ing Fun

So you don’t like AutoCAD new interface and want to use your classic interface? I know many of you already know it, but who knows, it may be still useful. Shaan shares this to us, and further more, if you would like your ACAD looks like R14!

Speed Up as AutoCAD 2009-2010 Ribbon Menu Helps You!

Are you a new ACAD user? Then you must love the new interface! Orhan Toker posted how it can help you with detailed explanation for each tools!

AutoCAD 2010 Application Menu

The ribbon didn’t come by himself. It also changed the menu structure. Orhan Toker shares how to use the menu. Do you know that we can search a tool/command in the menu now?

AutoCAD 2010 – Hidden Trick

Many people complaint that the new interface take a lot of screen space. True, but do you know that you can minimize them? Mark W Kiker shares this on his CADD Manager Blog.

AutoCAD 2010: Getting Sticky with Sticky Panels

The most annoying thing about the new interface for me is I have to move to different tabs frequently. I found in Shaans blog that we can tear off a panel. This only applies to AutoCAD 2010 and later. With this sticky panel, we can use it just like toolbar!

Lock Down those AutoCAD Toolbars!

Now after you tear off your panel, you may want them lock at their position. You don’t want to accidentally move them. Lynn Allen shares that we can lock it just like we lock the toolbar!

New Shortcut Keys

Do you want to speed up when activating tools with the new interface? You may like this tip. This also applies to all Autodesk products that use ribbon.

Quickly Hide The Ribbon Using A Custom Keyboard Shortcut

This is an article by Richard Alexander. He’s giving a tip about creating a custom keyboard shortcut to quickly hide your ribbon. You may need that!

Add a Button to the ribbon in AutoCAD 2009

This is a tip from Ellen Finkelstein on how you can add a button. Originally written for ACAD 2009, but also applies to later versions. She explains the structure in details. If you new to CUI, you may want to read this.

Ribbon for AutoCAD Express Tools 2009

Are you using ACAD 2009 and loves the new interface? You may found something is missing: the express tools tab. You can add it manually. Xanadu explains how you can do it.

ACAD 2010 users don’t have to worry about this, it’s already there :)

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You might also interested to

  1. Preventing AutoCAD Ribbon Panels to Collapse
  2. Ribbon Shortcut Key on Autodesk Products
  3. Maximize Your Screen and Speed Up with Ribbon Shortcut
  4. AutoCAD 2010 Sticky Ribbon Panels
  5. AutoCAD Contextual Ribbon Tab

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Filed Under: AutoCAD Tips, Featured
About Edwin Prakoso

Edwin works as an Application Engineer in Jakarta, Indonesia. He has 4 years experience in building industry, then start to work for Autodesk reseller.
He is certified as Revit Architecture 2010 certified professional and CATIA V5 part design specialist. Currently he is involved as team leader for implementing SmarTeam as PDM in several companies.
You can reach him on twitter @cad_notes. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn. If you prefer email, reach him at edwin.prakoso@cad-notes.com.

  • Jose Guia

    Good post, lots of good tips there.

    You've been kicked .. a good thing:
    http://www.cadkicks.com/adkautocad/10_AutoCAD_Ribbon_Tips_You_Should_Know

  • Jose Guia

    Good post, lots of good tips there.

    You've been kicked .. a good thing:
    http://www.cadkicks.com/adkautocad/10_AutoCAD_Ribbon_Tips_You_Should_Know

  • Anonymous

    Good tips. But people should demand that the ribbon be sent to the junk yard. It takes up too much space — especially on wide screens. Why is it not on the side?
    Why is the hover time so long. With the old toolbars I can complete two commands by the time the ribbon becomes active. The ribbon has added additional steps and slows the process.

    gflowers

  • Anonymous

    Good tips. But people should demand that the ribbon be sent to the junk yard. It takes up too much space — especially on wide screens. Why is it not on the side?
    Why is the hover time so long. With the old toolbars I can complete two commands by the time the ribbon becomes active. The ribbon has added additional steps and slows the process.

    gflowers

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17111411452875625308 Edwin Prakoso

    @gflowers:
    Those who suffer the most by introducing the ribbon in AutoCAD are the 'senior users' :) I believe they who just learn AutoCAD won't suffer as much as we do.
    There are some tips above to maximize your screen by hiding ribbon. And I don't experience the long hover time as you do.
    It took along time for me to accept ribbon in AutoCAD. But I love it in Revit and Inventor. Task based tools work perfectly on them.
    One thing you need to know, MicroStation has this 'task based' tools navigation since XM. No, it doesn't look like ribbon, but works just like ribbon.
    Maybe this is why Autodesk decided to implement ribbon, as Microsoft use it now (but not for all products, sadly). It still a long shot to expect all application will use ribbon. But if Microsoft use it, there's a tiny chance it will become a 'Windows compliant' requirement. I want to be ready when it comes. :)

  • Edwin Prakoso

    @gflowers:
    Those who suffer the most by introducing the ribbon in AutoCAD are the 'senior users' :) I believe they who just learn AutoCAD won't suffer as much as we do.
    There are some tips above to maximize your screen by hiding ribbon. And I don't experience the long hover time as you do.
    It took along time for me to accept ribbon in AutoCAD. But I love it in Revit and Inventor. Task based tools work perfectly on them.
    One thing you need to know, MicroStation has this 'task based' tools navigation since XM. No, it doesn't look like ribbon, but works just like ribbon.
    Maybe this is why Autodesk decided to implement ribbon, as Microsoft use it now (but not for all products, sadly). It still a long shot to expect all application will use ribbon. But if Microsoft use it, there's a tiny chance it will become a 'Windows compliant' requirement. I want to be ready when it comes. :)