Restarting AutoCAD can refer to either simply closing and reopening the application or resetting its settings to their default state. The process for resetting settings is detailed below.
Resetting AutoCAD Application Options
If you are experiencing issues and need to reset AutoCAD's settings back to their default configuration, you can follow these steps:
- Access the AutoCAD Menu: Locate and click on the AutoCAD menu.
- Open Preferences: From the AutoCAD menu, select Preferences. This action opens the Preferences dialog box.
- Navigate to the Application Tab: Within the Preferences dialog box, click on the Application tab.
- Initiate the Reset: On the Application tab, find and click the Reset Application Options button.
- Confirm the Reset: A confirmation prompt will appear. Click Reset AutoCAD to proceed with restoring the default settings.
Source: Based on information available as of 27-Aug-2024 regarding AutoCAD settings reset.
This process effectively gives you a "fresh start" by reverting customized settings to their original state, often resolving common software glitches or performance issues without needing a full reinstallation.
Standard Restart (Closing and Reopening)
To perform a standard restart, simply close the AutoCAD application completely and then open it again from your operating system's application launcher or desktop icon. This is the typical method used when you need to refresh the program's memory or apply system-level changes.
Steps for a Standard Restart:
- Save Your Work: Ensure all active drawings are saved to prevent data loss.
- Close AutoCAD:
- Click the 'X' button in the top-right corner of the application window (Windows).
- Go to
AutoCAD>Quit AutoCAD(macOS). - Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut
Alt + F4(Windows) orCmd + Q(macOS).
- Reopen AutoCAD: Launch AutoCAD again from your Start Menu (Windows), Applications folder (macOS), or desktop shortcut.
| Restart Type | Purpose | Method | Impact on Settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Restart | Refresh application, apply basic changes | Close and reopen the software | None |
| Reset Application Options | Restore default settings, troubleshoot | Via Preferences -> Application tab -> Reset | Reverts customizations |
Choosing the correct "restart" method depends on what you are trying to achieve. A standard restart is quick for simple refreshes, while resetting application options is necessary when troubleshooting persistent issues related to corrupted settings.
