AutoCAD WORKSPACE

WORKSPACE is a Generic AutoCAD concept that manages the generic AutoCAD work environment. This is quite different from MycadHELPER’s Work Environment that is designed toautomatically set up a work environment recommended by the author of ‘HELPER but this does not limit the operator’s discretion to set their own preferred WORKSPACE. Check the ‘HELPER Install option to see how an operator can modify the default start-up WORKSPACE provided by ‘HELPER.

1. Purpose of the AutoCAD WORKSPACE Command

The WORKSPACE command allows you to switch between, save, or customize different workspaces in AutoCAD. A workspace in AutoCAD is essentially a set of user interface settings, including:

  • Toolbars
  • Ribbon tabs
  • Palettes (Properties, Tool Palettes, etc.)
  • Command line settings
  • Menu arrangements

This is useful if you perform different types of tasks (e.g., 2D drafting vs 3D modeling) and want different interface layouts for each.

MycadHELPER starts up with a blank background screen and no graphical menus just a four line Command-line area (Status Line) at the bottom of the screen.

2. How to Use the Command

  1. Type WORKSPACE in the command line.
  2. AutoCAD will display options like:
    • Save Current As – Save the current layout as a new workspace.
    • Switch To – Switch to an existing workspace.
    • Customize – Open the Workspace settings where you can configure what appears in the workspace.

Example:

Command: WORKSPACE
Enter an option [Save Current As/Switch To/Customize]: Switch To
Available Workspaces: Drafting & Annotation, 3D Basics, 3D Modeling
Enter workspace name: 3D Modeling

3. Workspace Types

AutoCAD usually comes with default workspaces such as:

  1. Drafting & Annotation – Optimized for 2D drafting, includes tool palettes and annotation tools.
  2. 3D Basics – Simplified 3D interface with only the essential 3D tools.
  3. 3D Modeling – Full 3D interface with modeling, rendering, and visualization tools.

You can also create your own workspace that keeps only the tools and palettes you use most frequently.

4. Customizing a Workspace

To customize your workspace:

  1. Type WORKSPACE → Customize.
  2. The Customize User Interface (CUI) dialog opens.
  3. Here you can:
    • Add or remove toolbars.
    • Arrange ribbon panels.
    • Set which palettes open automatically.
  4. After customization, save your workspace so it can be restored anytime.

5. Tips

  • Switching workspaces is faster than manually hiding or showing palettes each time.
  • If you want to reset a workspace to its default, you can do it from the Workspace Switching dropdown in the bottom-right corner of AutoCAD.
  • Custom workspaces are stored in *.cuix files, which can be shared between computers.

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