File, model, and layout overview

Last updated: 2021-11-09

Total video time: 5:50

File tabs

File tabs display the current open files. They are located directly above the Toolspace palette and model space.
To turn off display tabs
1. Right-click in the modelspace > right-click menu > Options...
2. Options dialog box
  1. Display tab > Window elements > uncheck box Display File Tabs
    Tip: Keep the box checked to keep the tabs displayed.
3. OK to save changes, Apply to see changes, or Cancel to exit
Hover over tab to see open layouts. Each layout has the option to layout or plot.
If the file name, in the tab, has an asterisk (*) at the end, it has not been saved yet. Select Save in the Quick Access toolbar to have to disappear.
Right-click on a tab to get right-click menu dropdown. Commands include: New, Open, Save, Save As, Save All, Close, Close All, and Close All Other Drawings. On the active drawing you get two additional commands: Copy Full File Path and Open File Location.
Plus symbol, next to the tabs, will open a new file using your default template.

Model and layout tabs can be found on the lower left.
1. Model tab is modelspace, displaying the drawing at 1:1 ratio.
2. Layout tab is paperspace, used for plotting at scale. Paperspace includes the printable area, title block information, and a viewport to display portions of Modelspace.
To turn off tabs
1. In paperspace, right-click on the drawing > right-click menu > Options...
2. Options dialog box
  1. Display tab > Layout elements > uncheck box Display Layout and Model Tabs
    Tip: Keep the box checked to keep the tabs displayed.
In paperspace, the squares/rectangles are called viewports. Viewports are like picture frames into modelspace, the area selected to be viewed. When a viewport is selected, the scale appears in the bottom status bar.
The ribbon displays commands based on the tab selected.
Plus symbol, next to the tabs, will open a new layout.