Viewport Controls Missing

[Anonymous]

There are no VIEWPORT CONTROLS showing in the top left corner of my layouts in AutoCAD LT 2021 trial.  I've been using AutoCAD 2018 (full version) as a student and have never had this problem.  In searching the forums, can only find solutions for AC not ACLT.  I need to be able to select specific views in my layouts/viewports, but can't without the controls showing.  Since LT doesn't offer 3D modeling, the solutions I have found don't apply.  Help.

[pendean]

Explain where those where you used them in R2018 exactly, nothing is really that different between the versions when it comes to that.

[Anonymous]

I agree, they should be there, and I can't find any reason why they are missing.  When in a Layout Tab, within a Viewport, and I click on the top left corner to select a view - no Viewport Controls appear.  I've closed everything down and tried a new startup, not a fix.  I've searched the forum and only found some solutions that suggest the color is too light and offer fixes that include:  making "sure Display Viewport Controls is checked" (in LT there is no 3D so no 3D tab in Display Options where the solution is shown in the post) or suggesting that a past update made the color of VC white and changing the color in Display Options would be a fix (again, I see no option in the color selection box of LT that shows "Viewport Controls" as the post picture shows.)  

[pendean]

Thanks for the info: you want this from full AutoCAD

But you only have this in LT

Sadly that is all part of the discount pricing that is LT that you are enjoying: LT only has by default 2D features in the Ribbon.

[Anonymous]

I so appreciate your help but that's not my trouble.  My issue isn't the ribbon, it's that no viewport controls show up when I click in the top left corner of the viewport.  Even in the F1 help for LT, it shows that viewport controls should be available in every viewport.  I just downloaded the LT trial, so I don't believe I have accidentally clicked off something in the display.  

This shows up when in F1 help:

but nothing shows up when I click in the top left.

[steven-g]

It would help if you used the LT help files, the page you are showing is the help file for full AutoCAD. Those controls allow you to change things like visual styles (LT doesn't have visualstyles) and so no viewport controls. They aren't missing they just aren't part of LT. What exactly are you trying to achieve with your viewport? there is possibly another method you need to use within LT

[Anonymous]

That is a picture from the LT help files.  If there are no viewport controls in LT, then that's the answer, but why would it show in the LT help (F1) as being part of "every viewport?"

[steven-g]

Strange indeed, it is the vpcontrol variable that shows or hides the controls, and searching in the LT help this variable is NOT found, apparently theses controls are available to Mac LT users maybe that is why the controls are shown in the LT help files. It is not available in LT for Windows.

So the question remains what are you wanting to do that these controls allow in the full version that you have used previously. There may be a way to achieve that some other way in LT

[pendean]

Human error: it happens. That's why these forums exist 😉

Use the VIEW tab in the Ribbon for buttons that are a bit closer (but missing a lot due to the $$ savings that is LT) to what you seek

[Anonymous]

I was trained to create specific views in the model tab and use the viewport controls to select them in the viewports in the layout tabs, then scale those views.  After having spent the morning trying to work around this while I try out the LT software, I have discovered that creating views is superfluous.  I can just set the scale for the viewport and simply move the view to show the areas I need in each plot.  Having no viewport controls in Windows LT may be deal breaker for me and I'll have to pony up for the full version.  THANKS to you all for your help today!

[pendean]

You did a very smart thing by testing the software before spending any $$.
Good luck.

[ferdi.jafar · Accepted solution]

LT does not have the viewport control for model space in the top left-hand corner. However, you can get them by typing "view" in your command bar or going to your view tab. The reason being is LT is not meant to be for 3D.

[Anonymous]

THANK YOU so much!  That is the exact answer I needed.  I appreciate you all taking the time to reply and help me find a solution.

[knight1fox3]

Hello All,

Glad I found this topic as I was also experiencing this "issue". In working with my CAD group at my employer, they were thoroughly confused as to why I didn't have any viewport control within my current AC 2020 LT version (Windows platform). Reading the responses above addresses that thankfully. Though I do have a follow-up question to this. The viewport I have created shows a 3D rendering of some equipment based on an XREF that is loaded. My CAD point of contact instructed me to change the viewport layout to "2D Wireframe" which will improve the workability of the layout (presently it is really bogged down) and therefore won't have as much detailing active. Is there a way I can do this though without access to viewport controls? I'm guessing not but that is how he showed me I need to do it on his end. Otherwise I am guessing I will need to request a more functional (i.e. full) version of AC 2020 from IT. Thank you in advance for any feedback.

[steven-g]

The command you want is 'SHADEMODE' it gives you the option to pick '2D wireframe' or 'Hidden' but be aware in AutoCAD LT if you open a drawing that has a visual style active then changing to 2D wireframe will turn off that visual style forever it cannot be turned back on, SHADEMODE=hidden will let you see a 3D model with hidden lines removed but it will not restore a visual style.

[knight1fox3]

Thank you @steven-g , that command worked great! And understood on either option being irreversible. Appreciate the help!