Layer Properties manager - unable to change colour.

[jakub.jakubac]

I am using student AutoCAD 2021 and I have a problem which fairly major and seemingly unsolvable

After opening the layer properties manager, I highlight a specific layer and then click on the colour, in order to change it to a different colour.

Unfortunately, nothing visible happens - usually another window opens with the colour palette but I can't see it. I have a feeling that it is open [somewhere] as unless I press escape, I cannot click on anything else within the Layer Properties Manager.
I believe this was caused by a dual monitor setup and that some how the color dialog box is now off in space. Is there a registry setting that I can change to get it back?

I would be grateful for any suggestions - I have reinstalled AutoCAD but that didn't change anything, and this problem is seriously hampering me as I use colour plot styles

Thanks

[Alfred.NESWADBA · Accepted solution]

Hi,

>> After opening the layer properties manager, I highlight a specific

>> layer and then click on the colour

This is not part of your video (no layer manager visible), how does the video match with your description?

>> usually another window opens with the colour palette but I can't see it

Ok, so you think this dialog is off the screen ... in this case do the same again then (when the dialog should appear, but is not visible)

• press <ALT><SPACE> to get a context menu
• with keyboard cursor keys <down> to "Move" then <ENTER>
• with keyboard cursor keys <left> or <right> to move the dialog into the visible area ... and when you see the dialog you can continue with the mouse to put it to a new location.

Should work well now. If not maybe a new video where we can see all would help 😉

- alfred -

[jakub.jakubac]

>>This is not part of your video (no layer manager visible), how does the video match with your description?

Yes you have true. The video was a desperate attempt visualize problem.

But you understood my problem and wrote me solution.  😄 

Thank you much, hope It will be helpful for other users.   

[donhardyZAPFP]

Sorry! Wrong person.

[donhardyZAPFP]

I'm trying this message again. A coworker and I have this problem also, since a week ago.

I tried your solution, but it didn't function properly. The moving cursor won't move beyond the layer property manager box, and I can't see the dialog box. The Layer Property box is also locked in place, and I cannot move it.

Thank you.

[donhardyZAPFP]

Update: I closed the Layer Property Manager, and tried to change just one layer, and the same events happened, but there clearly wasn't a dialogue box when I hit "move".

[tomsturch]

Same problem. Happened in every version except 2019. 

[pendean]

@tomsturch which exact problem is that? Elaborate on your own with your own words if an option.
And are you by chance trying to edit an XREF layer and forgetting your VISRETAIN variable setting?

[tomsturch]

Standard stuff. I open the Layer Properties Menu and cannot change the color of any non-xref layer (although I haven't attempted with xrefs). I click the color box, there's a visible flutter but the dialog box does not appear. Clicking again (without escaping from the command) the system "dings" as for disallowed commands. The notion that the dialog box is somehow off the screen makes sense, but the "solution" published here does not work as instructed. 

[pendean]

"dings" mean you have pop-up that needs your attention: you moved it out of the way by accident or changed recently from two monitors? Is this the fix you tried, if not, try it, if it is, OR what part "does not work" https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Dialog...

[tomsturch]

Thanks. I don't work with multiple monitors so I simply backed up my custom
settings and reset to defaults. The color dialog box in the LPM is back!
Thanks very much for your help.

[m_vantilburgN5898]

I had the same problem, this worked for me:
in autocad type the command:
cui, enter and then go to (see also printscreen) CUI:
 -ACAD
- work spaces
- Drafting and annotation standards (current)

on the right side:
- open Pallettes
- command line

bottom right in properties:
size width was set to 0 and I changed it to 422
- apply
-OK

Now I can adjust the color again.

I noticed that a width of 1 or 10 also works. a width of 422 is therefore not necessary