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.
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! 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! 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? 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. 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! 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! 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. 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! 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.
AutoCAD UI ~ Best of Both Worlds is Flexible with Traditional Menus or New Ribbon +Plus+ AutoCAD UI Retro Mod’ing Fun
Speed Up as AutoCAD 2009-2010 Ribbon Menu Helps You!
AutoCAD 2010 Application Menu
AutoCAD 2010 – Hidden Ribbon Trick
AutoCAD 2010: Getting Sticky with Ribbon Sticky Panels
Lock Down those AutoCAD Toolbars!
Ribbon Shortcut Key on Autodesk Products
Quickly Hide The Ribbon Using A Custom Keyboard Shortcut
Add a Button to the ribbon in AutoCAD 2009
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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Application Engineer. Jakarta, Indonesia.
5+ years experience as CAD engineering application. AutoCAD, MicroStation, Inventor, Autodesk Revit Architecture 2010 certified professional, and certified CATIA part design specialist. Here are some topics I am currently focusing on 
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
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
@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. :)