AutoCAD Script to create Classic Workspace Automatically

In this Article...

I still receive some question asking how to get AutoCAD Classic Workspace. As we know, Autodesk decided to remove Classic Workspace since AutoCAD 2015.

I already wrote two articles about this topic:

But they might be not so easy for occasional users.

The last question I have is from my customer who recently upgraded from AutoCAD 2013 to 2017. They are not frequent users, and they have quite many licenses. So I decided to create a script file. I only need to send them the script and let the users run it. And almost like magic, they will have the classic interface in their AutoCAD.

I share the script here so that you can use it too.

Using the script

All you need to do to run the script is:

Download the script file here and extract the zip file.
Open AutoCAD
Type SCRIPT in command line then presses enter.
Select the script file (.scr) and click open.

What the script does

The script will do the following:

Load the menu bar
Close the ribbon
Load default toolbar (Draw, Layers, Modify, Properties, Standard, and Styles)
Save the new workspace as “Classic” and set it as current

If You Can’t Download the Script

Copy the following code and paste in on AutoCAD Command Line. You may need to press enter after all commands run to save the workspace.
MENUBAR 1 RIBBONCLOSE -TOOLBAR DRAW S -TOOLBAR Layers S -TOOLBAR Modify S -TOOLBAR Properties S -TOOLBAR Standard S -TOOLBAR Styles S WORKSPACE SA Classic

Why Script?

We can quickly distribute a script file and let multiple users use it. It will run a sequence of commands without user interaction. There is always AutoLISP and macro, but script suits better for this purpose.

The main benefit of the script is: it’s easy to use and AutoCAD LT users can use it too.

If you find this script is helpful and want to learn more about creating a script, you can read this tutorial: Learn how to write command scripts for AutoCAD and automate your plotting.

And don’t forget to share this article so your colleague can use it too!

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Sr. Consultant in PT Cipta Satria Informatika. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and I am also active in Autodesk discussion forum. I'm a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, an appreciation for individuals who give contributions to the Autodesk community.
Connect with me on twitter or LinkedIn.