Where in AutoCAD Would You Create a Custom Viewport Configuration?

In AutoCAD, you would create a custom viewport configuration by using the tools located on the View tab of the Ribbon, specifically within the Viewports panel, or by using the MV command.

Accessing Viewport Creation Tools

Creating any viewport configuration, whether standard or custom, begins by accessing the tools provided by AutoCAD for layout viewport creation. These tools allow you to define the shape, size, and number of viewports you need on a layout tab.

According to the reference:

Viewports can be created from the Ribbon View tab > Viewports panel. Command-line: To start the Viewport tool from the command line, type “MV” and press [Enter].

This clearly indicates the primary locations to initiate the viewport creation process.

Methods for Creating Viewports

You have two main ways to start creating viewports:

1. Using the Ribbon: Navigate through the user interface elements.

   • Go to the View tab.
   • Find the Viewports panel.
   • Click on the appropriate viewport creation tool (e.g., New Viewports, Polygonal, Object).

   This method often brings up a dialog box where you can select from standard configurations or begin defining your own.

2. Using the Command Line: Directly type the command to start the tool.

   • Type MV in the command line.
   • Press Enter.

   This command initiates the MVIEW command, allowing you to draw polygonal, rectangular, or create viewports from objects, which are the building blocks for any custom layout.

Creating a Custom Configuration

A "custom viewport configuration" typically refers to arranging viewports on a layout tab in a specific layout that is not one of the standard presets (like Two Vertical, Three Right, etc.). While AutoCAD provides standard configurations through the New Viewports tool (accessible from the View tab > Viewports panel), creating a custom arrangement involves using the viewport creation tools to:

• Draw new rectangular or polygonal viewports (MVIEW or MV command).
• Resize and reposition existing viewports using standard editing commands (MOVE, COPY, STRETCH).
• Create viewports from existing closed objects on the layout (MVIEW or MV command with the Object option).

By combining these methods, you can design a layout with viewports of varying shapes and sizes, placed exactly where you need them, forming your unique custom configuration.

While the initial tools accessed via the View tab > Viewports panel or the MV command allow you to select standard layouts or start drawing new viewports, it is through the flexible use and arrangement of these individual viewports that a custom configuration is achieved on a layout tab.

Method	Location	Command	Primary Use Cases
Ribbon	View tab > Viewports panel	-	Accessing standard configs, creating new viewports
Command Line	Command line prompt	MV	Drawing new viewports (Rectangular, Polygonal, Object)

In summary, the location to start creating the elements of a custom viewport configuration is the View tab > Viewports panel on the Ribbon or by typing MV at the command line. You then use the capabilities of these tools to define your desired unique layout.