The most basic tool in the CAD user’s arsenal is the drawing workspace. How CAD users set up their workspace can make their experience either a pleasure to work or a frustrating experience.
With today’s WFH (work-from-home) hybrid environment, CAD operators may end up with any number of options for their computer setup. The same workspace I use on my desktop, with its dual monitors and plenty of open desk space, would be highly impractical for the laptop user without external monitors or a small display.
The AutoCAD workspace is almost infinitely customizable. This creates a dual-edged sword. The CAD operator will often misjudge the “necessary” embellishments to be productive, based on what tools they expect to need daily. Newer CAD operators are well known for this.
A CAD drawing workspace must be configured with several things in mind and research into what works best for an individual user. My misjudgment in what is helpful vs. what is just clutter has led me to what I feel are some best practices, which I will review here.
These methods of workspace management, and the included examples, work best for me. I use AutoCAD electrical (ACADE), which is pretty much self-sufficient in its own tool set. There are some tools external to those included in the ACADE setup that I still use regularly, as well as efficiency features that I have included.
Left-click on the gear option at the bottom of your workspace, as shown below.
As the screenshot below shows, I have saved my workspace to a custom name. I recommend that you, even if you do not make any changes, make a named copy of your current workspace, as a backup, in case things get corrupted. This copy is also a good place to set up and fine-tune your desktop layout as you revise things. When creating the workspace name, it should be logical. This will allow other users to take advantage of the improvements you have already made, should others need to use your computer.
You will notice that I have selected “display Workspace label”. This option must be selected, or the name will be hidden by default, leaving users to figure out what is going on.
The list of default workspaces will depend on what flavor of AutoCAD you are using. Also in the list of options are more tools related to the workspace. The active workspace will have a checkmark next to its name.
When selecting “Workspace Settings,” the following dialog box opens. Many options are available for setting up the display list if so desired.
I do not recommend automatic saving of workspace changes, to prevent inadvertent overwriting of the original setups.
The screenshot below is my home workspace. I have a few additions to it, as I prefer open real estate on my screen (those of us with older eyes like to have cleaner displays).
The areas I have modified are done precisely and with much thought. At the top of the drawing window, you will see a dimensioning toolbar with the text edit tool. Also, I include osnap options, although I often use the right-click option. Even ACADE uses tools from the “home” tab regularly. For efficiency, I stay on the “schematic” tab, avoiding the others, yet I will need tools in other places occasionally. I also have added tool pallets to the right side of my drawing window. The items here, again, are on other tabs or buried in a menu somewhere. The only other change that I make is to display the workspace name.
I recommend that new users stay in the native or default tab for their application when starting to use their software, making a list of tools that are not found on that tab. This list should be a “wish list” of sorts and should cover anything that might be of use. A user will need to balance what they see as necessary or beneficial with available real estate.
The screenshot below has more tools that I would like to see; however, the screen has become quite busy and my drawing window is getting compromised. As the highlighted areas show, I have added more toolbars. I have a 26” monitor in this example, so you may not think it is too bad. Take the same layout to a 15” laptop and see what happens, though. The already tiny drawing window will be bordered on all sides with small, hard-to-read icons and cut your drawing window quite a bit. One could always increase the icon size in their settings; however, there would also be the need to remove some toolbars if you do so.
After naming and setting up your workspace, you will see toolbars with a handle for manipulation, as the screenshot below indicates.
Right-click in the area shown in the screenshot below.
All layouts start with the toolbars being movable for customization purposes. This needs to be turned off when you have a final design. By selecting the “Lock Location” and selecting “All” the “locked” option is highlighted as shown below.
Selecting this option will change the toolbars, removing the handle from each, as shown below.
Now your custom workspace with added toolbars is set and the toolbars cannot be accidentally moved. When you are satisfied with the layout open the layout switcher (the gear icon) and re-save the final design over the old version. The layout can be edited by "unlocking" the workspace, just as you locked it before.
For those with a laptop that also have a desk with larger monitors, create multiple work spaces, one for each situation. Just be sure to keep the core additions on all your styles of workspace.
For those who are curious, adding “all” toolbars to the workspace looks like this…..
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