Hey guys! Are you trying to get that classic AutoCAD interface back in AutoCAD 2016? You know, the one that feels like home? You're in the right place! This guide will walk you through setting up AutoCAD 2016 to look and feel just like the classic version. Let's dive in!

Why Go Classic?

Before we jump into the how-to, let's talk about why you might want to switch to the classic interface. Many long-time AutoCAD users find the classic workspace more efficient and comfortable. The familiar toolbars and menu layout can significantly speed up your workflow, especially if you've been using AutoCAD for years. Plus, some users just prefer the cleaner, less cluttered look of the classic interface. Whatever your reason, getting that classic setup back is totally doable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up AutoCAD 2016 Classic

Step 1: Displaying the Menu Bar

First things first, let's get that classic menu bar back. By default, AutoCAD 2016 hides the menu bar, but it's super easy to bring it back. Here’s how:

1. Type MENUBAR in the command line and press Enter.
2. When prompted to enter a new value, type 1 and press Enter. This turns the menu bar on.
3. Voila! The classic menu bar should now be visible at the top of your AutoCAD window. This is the first step in making AutoCAD 2016 feel like the classic version we all know and love. Having the menu bar is essential for accessing many of the classic tools and settings that you might be used to.

Step 2: Switching to the Classic Workspace

AutoCAD 2016 comes with different workspaces, and the classic one might not be the default. Here’s how to switch to the AutoCAD Classic workspace:

1. Look for the Workspace Switching button on the status bar (usually at the bottom-right of the AutoCAD window). It looks like a gear icon.
2. Click the Workspace Switching button.
3. Select "AutoCAD Classic" from the list of available workspaces. If you don't see "AutoCAD Classic," don't worry; we'll cover how to create it in the next steps.
4. If "AutoCAD Classic" is available, selecting it will change the interface to a more familiar layout with toolbars around the drawing area. This makes it easier to find and use your favorite tools, and can significantly speed up your workflow. The classic workspace is designed to mimic the layout of older AutoCAD versions, which many users find more intuitive.

Step 3: Creating the AutoCAD Classic Workspace (If Needed)

If you don’t see the "AutoCAD Classic" workspace option, you'll need to create it. Don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it sounds!

1. Start with a Default Workspace: Switch to any available workspace, like "Drafting & Annotation". This gives us a starting point.
2. Customize the Interface:
   • Show Toolbars: Right-click on any toolbar area (e.g., the Quick Access Toolbar at the top). A menu will appear listing available toolbars. Select the toolbars you want to display, such as "Standard", "Object Properties", "Object Snap", "Dimension", and "Draw". Choose the toolbars that you commonly use to optimize your workspace for your specific needs.
   • Arrange Toolbars: Drag and drop the toolbars to arrange them around the screen just like you remember from the classic version. Place them at the top, sides, or bottom of the screen, wherever you find most comfortable and efficient. Customizing the toolbar layout is key to replicating the classic AutoCAD experience.
   • Customize Menus: Use the CUSTOMIZE command to customize the menu. Go to Manage > Customization > Interface to tailor the menus to your preferences. You can add, remove, or rearrange menu items to create a menu structure that matches your workflow. Customizing the menus ensures that the commands you use most often are easily accessible.
3. Save the Workspace:
   • Once you've arranged the toolbars and menus to your liking, click the Workspace Switching button again.
   • Select "Save Current As..."
   • Give your new workspace a name, like "AutoCAD Classic".
   • Click "Save". Now, you can easily switch to your custom classic workspace anytime you want.

Step 4: Customizing Your Toolbars

Now that you have the basic classic workspace set up, let's dive deeper into customizing your toolbars. This is where you can really fine-tune your setup to match your exact needs. Customizing toolbars can greatly enhance your efficiency, because it ensures that your most frequently used commands are readily available.

1. Adding and Removing Tools:
   • Right-click on any toolbar and select "Customize..." This opens the Customize User Interface (CUI) editor.
   • In the CUI editor, you can drag and drop commands from the command list on the left to your toolbars on the right. This is an excellent way to add commands that you use frequently but aren't already on the toolbar.
   • To remove a command, simply drag it off the toolbar and release the mouse button. This keeps your toolbars clean and clutter-free, allowing you to focus on the tools you need.
2. Creating Custom Toolbars:
   • In the CUI editor, right-click on "Toolbars" in the Customizations pane and select "New Toolbar".
   • Give your new toolbar a name. For example, you might create a toolbar specifically for your most frequently used commands.
   • Drag commands from the command list to your new toolbar.
3. Rearranging Toolbar Icons:
   • You can easily rearrange the order of icons on a toolbar by dragging them to their new positions. This allows you to group related commands together for faster access.
4. Import/Export Toolbars:
   • If you have a custom toolbar setup from a previous version of AutoCAD, you can import it into AutoCAD 2016.
   • In the CUI editor, go to the "Transfer" tab. You can then import or export customization files (CUIx) to share or backup your toolbar settings. This is especially useful when upgrading to a new version of AutoCAD or when sharing your custom setup with colleagues.

Step 5: Setting Options for Classic Behavior

To further enhance the classic feel, you can adjust some options in AutoCAD. These settings can help replicate behaviors from older versions that you might be accustomed to.

1. Right-Click Customization:
   • Type OPTIONS in the command line and press Enter.
   • Go to the "User Preferences" tab.
   • Click the "Right-Click Customization..." button.
   • Here, you can set the right-click behavior to repeat the last command, display a shortcut menu, or act as Enter. Setting it to repeat the last command can significantly speed up your workflow, especially when performing repetitive tasks.
2. Display Settings:
   • In the Options dialog, go to the "Display" tab.
   • Adjust settings like the crosshair size, colors, and fonts to match your preferences. A larger crosshair can be easier to see, while choosing the right colors can reduce eye strain. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.
3. Selection Settings:
   • Go to the "Selection" tab in the Options dialog.
   • Adjust settings like the pickbox size and grip size. A larger pickbox can make it easier to select objects, while larger grips can be easier to manipulate. Tweaking these settings can improve your precision and efficiency when working with complex drawings.

Step 6: Saving Your Workspace

Once you’ve customized everything to your liking, it’s crucial to save your workspace so you don’t have to redo everything next time you open AutoCAD. Saving your workspace ensures that your custom settings are retained, so you can start working immediately without having to reconfigure your environment.

1. Click the Workspace Switching button.
2. Select "Save Current As..."
3. Give your workspace a descriptive name, like "My AutoCAD Classic". This makes it easy to identify your custom workspace from the others.
4. Click "Save".

Now, your customized AutoCAD Classic workspace will be available every time you open AutoCAD. You can switch to it anytime by clicking the Workspace Switching button and selecting it from the list.

Additional Tips for a Classic AutoCAD Experience

• Use Aliases: Create command aliases for frequently used commands. Type ALIAS in the command line to open the Alias Editor. This allows you to execute commands with shorter, custom abbreviations, speeding up your workflow.
• Customize Quick Access Toolbar: Add frequently used commands to the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) at the top of the AutoCAD window. This provides quick access to your most essential tools, further streamlining your workflow.
• Explore Express Tools: AutoCAD has a set of Express Tools that can enhance productivity. Make sure they are installed and explore their features. Express Tools offer a variety of utilities that can automate tasks and simplify complex operations.
• Use Classic Templates: Start your drawings with classic AutoCAD templates (.dwt) to ensure consistent settings. Classic templates often include predefined layers, styles, and settings that are optimized for specific types of drawings.

Conclusion

Setting up AutoCAD 2016 to resemble the classic version is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your workflow and comfort. By following these steps, you can create a customized workspace that feels familiar and efficient. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the best of both worlds – the power of AutoCAD 2016 with the classic interface you love!

Hope this helps you guys get your AutoCAD 2016 looking and feeling just right. Happy designing!