How to create classic workspace in AutoCAD

If you have installed AutoCAD 2015, you should notice there is no more classic workspace. If you want to use the classic workspace, then you need to create the workspace by your own.

Let’s see your options how to have this “classic” workspace in AutoCAD 2015.

Migrate your settings from previous release

If you have previous release of AutoCAD on your computer, you can migrate the settings. That would include your workspaces, which is saved in your CUI files.

The first time you start your AutoCAD 2015, you will see this migrate custom settings dialog box. In this example below I only activate CUI files and deactivate the rest.

If you’ve already seen this dialog box before and click cancel, don’t worry. You can still access this tool from start menu. You can find it below AutoCAD 2015 folder> migrate custom settings. Click “Migrate From a Previous Release”.

After you migrated the settings, then you will see the workspaces from AutoCAD 2014.

If you want to rename and delete workspaces you don’t want, you can do it in CUI editor. Type CUI then enter. Right click above the workspace name to rename or delete it.

Create your own workspace

Another way to have the classic interface in AutoCAD 2015 is by creating your own workspace.

You can change the appearance by activate/deactivate workspace elements by typing in command line.

To close the ribbon:

Type RIBBONCLOSE then enter.

To open the menu bar:

Type MENUBAR then enter. Enter value 1 then enter again.

To open a toolbar:

It’s easier to show one toolbar then choose other toolbars by right clicking above it.

1. Type –TOOLBAR then enter (notice the – prefix).
2. Type DRAW to show draw toolbar, enter. We always show draw toolbar, don’t we?
3. Type S to show it, enter.

Now you will see draw toolbar. Right click above the toolbar to choose other toolbar to show.

Show all necessary toolbars and arrange them as you wish. After you finish, click workspace button at status bar. Click “save current as…” and give this new workspace a name.

Do you use classic toolbar?

I stopped using classic interface since the first time it was introduced in Revit. I see how other Autodesk software has fully implemented ribbon without options to use ”classic” interface. AutoCAD is the only one that still has it. New users are easily comfortable with ribbon. So I encourage myself to use it. Honestly, it’s not that bad. I use command line most of the time anyway.

So I thought the toolbar will be gone soon or later. So I better get used to ribbon soon.

Autodesk removed the classic workspace maybe means nothing. Because we can still create it anyway. Or maybe, this is a sign?

Do you use toolbar? What do you think if Autodesk removed toolbar from AutoCAD?

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Solution Consultant in Datech Solutions, Tech Data Indonesia. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and also active in Autodesk discussion forum.
I'm an Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) for Revit Architecture and AutoCAD. I'm also a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, appreciation for individuals who give contribution to Autodesk community.
Connect with me on twitter or LinkedIn