How Do I Change Display in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a powerful software used by architects, engineers, and designers to create detailed 2D and 3D models. One important aspect of working with AutoCAD is the ability to change the display settings to suit your needs. Whether you want to adjust the colors, line types, or background, AutoCAD provides several options for customization.

Changing the Background Color

If you find the default white background too bright or distracting, you can easily change it to a different color. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the “Application” button in the top-left corner of the AutoCAD window.
  2. Select “Options” from the drop-down menu.
  3. In the Options dialog box, click on the “Display” tab.
  4. Under the “Window Elements” section, you will find an option called “Colors.” Click on it.
  5. In the “Drawing Window Colors” dialog box, select “2D Model Space” or “3D Modelling.” These options allow you to change colors for different workspaces.
  6. Choose a color from the palette or enter a specific RGB value if you have one in mind.
  7. Click “Apply & Close” to save your changes and exit the Options dialog box.

Adjusting Line Types

In AutoCAD, you can control how lines appear by changing their line types. This is particularly useful when differentiating between various elements in your drawing. To modify line types:

  1. Type “LINETYPE” in the command line and press Enter.
  2. In the Linetype Manager dialog box that appears, click on “Load” to load additional line types.
  3. Select a line type from the list and click “OK.”
  4. Back in the drawing area, type “LTSCALE” in the command line and press Enter.
  5. Enter a new value for the line type scale. This determines how the selected line type appears relative to the drawing units.

Customizing Color Schemes

If you prefer working with different color schemes, AutoCAD allows you to create custom ones. Follow these steps:

  1. In the Options dialog box (accessible via the “Application” button), click on the “Display” tab.
  2. Under “Window Elements,” click on “Colors. “
  3. In the “Drawing Window Colors” dialog box, select either “2D Model Space” or “3D Modelling.

  4. Click on a color swatch to modify it or choose a different color from the palette.
    • Note: You can also change other elements such as text colors, grid lines, and crosshairs using this dialog box.
  5. Once you are satisfied with your changes, click on “Apply & Close. “

Changing Object Visibility

In complex drawings, it can be helpful to hide or isolate certain objects for better visibility. AutoCAD provides various tools for this purpose:

  • Hiding Objects: To hide specific objects, use the “HIDE” command. Select the objects you want to hide and press Enter.

    The hidden objects will be temporarily invisible until you use the UNHIDE command.

  • Isolating Objects: The “ISOLATE” command allows you to isolate specific objects, making it easier to work with them. Simply select the objects you want to isolate and press Enter. To exit the isolation mode, use the ENDISOLATE command.

By utilizing these features, you can change the display settings in AutoCAD to match your preferences and improve your workflow. Experiment with different colors, line types, and object visibility options to create a personalized workspace that suits your needs.