This article will explain the name of parts on the AutoCAD user interface. This is very important to understand for people who are going to learn AutoCAD.
Why is that?
Because when we learn AutoCAD through articles or YouTube videos, a tutor often mentions the name of parts from the user interface.
For example, the sentence “you can activate commands from the command line“. A beginner who doesn’t know what a command line is will certainly be confused.
Therefore, let’s learn to know the name of parts on the AutoCAD user interface.
Look at the picture below:
The image above has already told us about the name of parts from AutoCAD user interface and their locations.
Now I will explain the function of each part of the user interface indicated in the image above.
1. Aplication Menu
The Application Menu is the AutoCAD logo button located in the upper left corner of the screen.
If we click it, the Application Menu contains standard menus that are common in other applications such as New, Open, Save, Save As, etc.
2. Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar contains commands that we often use. By default, this section contains the New, Open, Save, Save As, Undo and Redo commands.
These commands are also in the Application Menu, but in this position, the commands become directly visible and easier to reach.
We can add or reduce commands in it by right-clicking on the Quick Access Toolbar area, then selecting Customize.
3. Title Bar
The Title Bar is located at the top of the middle screen. This section contains information about the AutoCAD version and is followed by the file name or title of the currently opened document.
Example: “Autodesk AutoCAD 2017 Turbin-Design.dwg”
4. Menu Bar
Is a long row of menus located right below the Title Bar.
The Menu Bar contains a row of AutoCAD menus such as File, Edit, View, Insert, Tools, Draw, Modify, etc. These menus contain commands that have been grouped according to their function.
In the default settings, this Menu Bar is only displayed when we use the AutoCAD Classic workspace.
5. Tab Menu
The Tab Menu contains a row of menus like the Menu Bar, located right above the Ribbon Panel.
This menu is a replacement for the Menu Bar when we use a workspace other than AutoCAD Classic.
So, if we use the AutoCAD Classic workspace, of course we won’t see this Tab Menu.
The Tab Menu we choose will affect the commands that appear in the Ribbon_Panel.
6. Ribbon Panel
The Ribbon Panel is located right below the Tab Menu.
The Ribbon Panel contains a collection of commands that have been grouped by category. The contents of the Ribbon Panel change according to the Tab Menu we choose.
7. Crosshair
Is a replacement for the cursor when in the AutoCAD workspace (work screen).
“Crosshair” is the part that is shaped like a cross (+) and the small square in the middle is called “Pickbox”.
8. Workspace (Work Screen)
Workspace is the largest area that we use as a place to draw or create a design.
9. UCS Icon
UCS Icon functions to show the direction of the x, y and z axes to AutoCAD users.
The direction of the UCS axis will affect several AutoCAD commands such as EXTRUDE, ARRAY, etc.
10. Model & Layout Tab
The Model Tab and Layout Tab is a selector under the workspace that functions to move from Model Space to Layout Space and vice versa.
Model space contains the workspace where the design is made and Layout space contains paper space to prepare the design for printing.
11. Command Line
Is a long white box located under the workspace.
The function of the Command Line is to write commands directly. The command line also has a function to display a guide to running the active command.
12. Status Bar
The status bar is a row located at the bottom of the AutoCAD screen.
The Status Bar contains status information for several features in the active drawing, such as ORTHO, OSNAP, POLAR Tracking, etc.
13. Workspace Switching
Workspace Switching has a function to change the Workspace display. By default there are four workspace options, namely Drafting & Annotation, 3D Basics, 3D Modeling and AutoCAD Classic.
The Workspace Switching symbol is a gear icon with a dropdown on the right side. To select the AutoCAD display, simply click the gear icon then select the display you want.
It’s better to use a workspace display that matches with your drawing needs. For example, for 2D drawing, choose the Drafting & Annotation workspace; for 3D drawing, use the 3D Modeling workspace. Because each workspace type displays a different set of commands.
14. Customize Button
This section has a function to set items we want to display in the Status Bar. The Customize Button is located at the right end of the Status Bar.
To add or reduce information that appears in the Status Bar, click the Customize Button then check the items we want to display or uncheck the items we want to remove.
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