Switching between multiple drawings in AutoCAD is a common task when you are working simultaneously on different projects or parts of a design. As highlighted in tutorials on the topic, knowing how to efficiently navigate between several opened drawings is essential for productivity.
There are several straightforward methods you can use to switch between your open AutoCAD drawing files.
Methods to Switch Between Open Drawings
When you have multiple drawing files (.DWG) open in your AutoCAD session, you can use the following techniques to switch between them:
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Using File Tabs: This is often the easiest and most visual method in modern AutoCAD versions.
- Look at the top of the drawing area, just below the Ribbon. You will see tabs for each open drawing file (e.g., Drawing1.dwg, Project_Plan.dwg).
- Simply click on the tab of the drawing you want to make active.
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Using Keyboard Shortcuts: Keyboard shortcuts offer a quick way to cycle through open drawings without using the mouse.
- Press Ctrl + Tab to cycle forward through your open drawings. Each time you press this combination, AutoCAD switches to the next drawing in sequence.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Tab to cycle backward through your open drawings.
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Using the "Switch Windows" Command (Quick Access Toolbar): You can access a list of all open drawings via the Quick Access Toolbar, usually located at the top left of the AutoCAD window.
- Click the down arrow on the Quick Access Toolbar.
- Hover over or click the "Switch Windows" option.
- A list of your open drawings will appear. Click on the name of the drawing you want to switch to.
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Using Alt + Tab (Windows Level): This is a standard Windows shortcut that works for switching between any open applications, including multiple instances of AutoCAD or different drawings within one instance if configured that way.
- Hold down the Alt key and press the Tab key. A window will appear showing thumbnails of your open applications.
- Keep holding Alt and press Tab repeatedly to cycle through the applications. Release Alt when the desired application (AutoCAD) or window (specific drawing instance) is selected.
Choosing the best method depends on your preference and how many drawings you have open. File tabs are great for a few drawings, while keyboard shortcuts or the Switch Windows list can be more efficient with many open files.
