CAD Notes

Autodesk introduced the Microsoft Office 2007 look alike to Autodesk products since version 2009. They introduced the ribbon, and even a new menu structure in Autodesk 2010 version. 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 the ribbon and the menu structure 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+ AutoCAD UI Retro Mod’ing Fun

So you don’t like AutoCAD ribbon 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 AutoCAD looks like R14!

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

Are you a new AutoCAD user? Then you must love the ribbon! Orhan Toker posted how the ribbon can help you with detailed explanation for each AutoCAD 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 Ribbon Trick

Many people complaint that ribbon 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 Ribbon Sticky Panels

The most annoying thing about ribbon for me is I have to move to different tabs frequently. I found in Shaans blog that we can tear off a panel from ribbon. 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 ribbon 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!

Ribbon Shortcut Key on Autodesk Products

Do you want to speed up when activating tools via AutoCAD ribbon? 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 to your ribbon. Originally written for AutoCAD 2009, but also applies to later versions. She explains the ribbon structure in details. If you new to CUI, you may want to read this.

Ribbon for AutoCAD Express Tools 2009

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

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

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You might also interested to these posts:

1. AutoCAD 2010 Sticky Ribbon Panels
2. Maximize Your Screen and Speed Up with Ribbon Shortcut
3. Where is the Revit Shortcut List?
4. Ribbon Shortcut Key on Autodesk Products
5. Should Autodesk ‘PURGE’ AutoCAD Command Line?

Written by Edwin Prakoso

Application Engineer. Jakarta, Indonesia. 5+ years experience as CAD engineering application. AutoCAD, MicroStation, Revit, Inventor, and certified CATIA part design specialist. Here are some topics I am currently focusing on

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