How do I open two files side by side in AutoCAD?

To view two AutoCAD files side by side, you can open each drawing and then arrange their windows. While the referenced video mentions opening files, it doesn't explicitly detail the specific commands to arrange them side-by-side. Here's a detailed explanation on how to achieve this:

Methods for Viewing AutoCAD Files Side-by-Side

There are a couple of primary methods to display two or more AutoCAD drawings simultaneously:

1. Using the TILE Command:

This is the most direct method for arranging open drawings side-by-side.

• Open both drawings in AutoCAD.
• Type TILE in the command line and press Enter. AutoCAD may then prompt you for whether you want to tile horizontally or vertically.
• Select the desired tiling arrangement. If prompted, choose "Horizontal" or "Vertical" to determine the arrangement of the drawings. AutoCAD will automatically resize and position the open drawings to fit side-by-side (or top-to-bottom if you chose horizontal tiling).

2. Using the ARRANGE Command (or manual window adjustments):

Alternatively, AutoCAD provides a command to arrange all open windows, though it might not offer precise side-by-side placement. Manual adjustment might be necessary.

• Open both drawings in AutoCAD.
• Type ARRANGE in the command line and press Enter. This command arranges the windows of all open drawings. This might arrange windows in a cascaded or tiled fashion (depending on your AutoCAD settings).
• Manually Adjust Windows (if necessary): If the ARRANGE command doesn't perfectly align the windows side-by-side, you can manually drag and resize the windows to your preferred layout. Click and drag the title bar of each drawing to reposition it. Click and drag the edges of the windows to resize them.

Additional Tips:

• Monitor Configuration: Ensure you have sufficient screen space to comfortably view both drawings side-by-side. Multiple monitors can greatly enhance productivity when working with multiple drawings.
• Third-Party Tools: Some third-party AutoCAD add-ons or utilities can offer more advanced window management capabilities, including options for precise side-by-side arrangement. However, the built-in TILE command is typically sufficient for most users.
• Floating Windows: You can also detach a drawing window from the main AutoCAD interface, making it a floating window that you can position on a second monitor or alongside another AutoCAD window.