Toolbars not visible - trial of AutoCAD 2026
TLDR: working with toolbars is going to be problematic; don't use software that you don't like (if you can get away with it); I think I found out how to tell it which monitor to use with the coordinates- see screen setting in windows
A spicy one haha, I hear you complain about having to use workarounds, but From the 2026 perspective, you're forcing yourself into the workaround. Office implemented the ribbon in 2007, and AutoCAD in 2009. AutoCAD stopped using (for out-of-the-box setups) toolbars in 2015. You will inevitably have to use a workaround to force the application to behave like it did over 10 years ago. Just because you can still get to the tool bars doent mean its going to get the care with the updates. (granted when i do the above the UCS toolbar appears for me) If you buy a modern car off the lot and require a tape deck and have problems finding a new car with one, it's not an issue with the manufacturer; it's the parameters you areusing which are out side of whats out there. (Draftsigh and Briscad both have the ribbon)
AutoCAD has done quite a bit of innovation, but you won't see it if you are using the application the same way it worked a decade ago. I say all of this understanding full well the comfort and efficiency of working with AutoCAD the way you always have, but you also inherently miss things if you are working that way. In our firm, we support our toolbar users, but there are modern commands/workflows that are not available in the toolbars. We set a rule that your preference is not worth inefficiency so in any instance where user preference runs against workflow, workflow wins out. This was not at all popular lol, but we could not work effectively if half the company could not deliver what the other half needed.
When it comes to the issues of cost, the application is either worth it to you or it's not. Don't lose sleep over a program you don't like if its not worth it. If it is worth it to use it, you have to recognize that it exists as it currently does and work with it from there. I know some firms that have switched to clones and done fine, and i know some firms that had a horrible experience with switching to a clone. At the end of the day, use the system that works for your firm/you. I know for us, we are contractually obligated to use a DWG compatible application and furthermore some of our clients specify AutoCAD DWG engine. So if you do go with a clone just make sure you know what you are contractually obligated to turn over.
All that to say, I found what i believe dictates where the toolbars go when you give them coordinates. In your screen settings on Windows, you can tell it which window is your primary. When i change this, it changes which monitor the toolbars show up on.
CADnoob
