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How to Change Background in AutoCAD 2007

Published in AutoCAD Display Settings 4 mins read

Changing the background color in AutoCAD 2007 can refer to a couple of different areas: the main drawing window (model space or layout) or the background associated with a specific saved view. Here's how to address both, including the method for changing the background of a saved view as described in your reference.

AutoCAD 2007 allows you to customize the visual appearance of your drawing environment. You can change the background color of the main drawing area for comfortable viewing or set a specific background color for a particular saved view.

Changing the Main Drawing Window Background

This is the most common way users change the background color where you draw. This setting affects the entire model space or layout tab.

Here’s how you typically change the main background color:

  1. Open the Options dialog box:
    • Type OPTIONS on the command line and press Enter, or
    • Go to the Tools menu and select Options.
  2. Navigate to the Display tab: In the Options dialog box, click on the Display tab.
  3. Access Color Settings: Click the Colors... button in the 'Window Elements' section.
  4. Specify Context and Interface Element:
    • In the 'Drawing Window Colors' dialog box, select the context from the 'Context' dropdown (e.g., 2D model space, Layout tabs, Block Editor).
    • Under 'Interface element', select Uniform background.
  5. Choose Your Color:
    • From the 'Color' dropdown, select the desired color. Common choices are Black or White, but you can select any color from the palette.
  6. Apply Changes:
    • Click Apply & Close in the 'Drawing Window Colors' dialog box.
    • Click Apply and then OK in the Options dialog box.

Your main drawing window background color will update immediately.

Changing the Background Color Associated with a Specific View

Your reference describes a method using the VIEW command to create a new view and associate a specific background color with it. This color is displayed only when that particular view is set as the current view.

Here are the steps based on the provided reference:

  1. Create a new view using the VIEW command.
    • Type VIEW on the command line and press Enter.
    • In the View dialog box, click the New... button to create a new view.
    • Give your new view a name (e.g., "MyCustomView").
  2. In the View dialog box, select the "Override default background" check box.
    • In the 'New View / Edit View' dialog for your new view, locate and check the box labeled Override default background.
  3. On the Index tab, select the color you want to use.
    • After checking the override box, a color selection area becomes active. Select the Index Color tab (or select a color directly if index colors are shown).
    • Choose the color you want for this specific view's background by clicking on it.
    • Click OK in the 'New View / Edit View' dialog.
  4. Select your new view, and then click Set Current.
    • Back in the main View dialog box, select the name of the view you just created from the list.
    • Click the Set Current button.
  5. Click Apply.
    • Click the Apply button in the View dialog box, and then click OK to close the dialog.

When this specific view is active, AutoCAD will display the background color you set for it, temporarily overriding the main drawing window background color you might have set via the Options.

Practical Insight:

  • Changing the Main Drawing Window Background via Options is for your general preference while working. Black or dark gray backgrounds are common to reduce eye strain, while some prefer white for better contrast or when preparing for plotting.
  • Changing the background for a Specific View via the VIEW command is less common but can be useful for presentation purposes or when you want a particular visual look tied to a saved perspective or area of your drawing.

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