Changing your custom model view in AutoCAD simply means restoring or applying a previously saved view of your model. This allows you to quickly navigate to specific orientations, zoom levels, and locations within your drawing. AutoCAD provides several easy ways to switch between these saved views.
Whether you're working in 2D or 3D, saving custom views (often called "Named Views") is a powerful way to streamline your workflow. When you want to change your current view to one of these saved states, you can use one of the methods outlined below, directly referencing the steps provided in AutoCAD's interface.
Methods to Change Your View
You can access and apply your saved custom model views using the viewport controls, the ribbon, or the dedicated View Manager dialog.
Method 1: Using Viewport Controls
This method is quick and accessible directly within the drawing area.
- Locate the Viewport controls at the top-left corner of your model viewport. These controls typically show the current view state (e.g., "Top", "Front", or "Custom").
- Click on the View Controls drop-down list.
- From the list, navigate to Custom Model Views and then select the desired view name.
This instantly updates your viewport to match the settings saved for that named view.
Method 2: Using the View Tab on the Ribbon (Restore View)
The View tab on the ribbon provides direct access to many viewing commands, including restoring saved views.
- Go to the View tab on the AutoCAD ribbon.
- In the Named Views panel, locate the Restore View drop-down list.
- Click the drop-down arrow and choose the view name you wish to apply.
Selecting a view from this list immediately changes your current viewport to that saved view.
Method 3: Using the View Manager
The View Manager provides a comprehensive list of all saved views in your drawing. It's useful when you have many views or need to manage (edit, delete, etc.) them.
- Navigate to the View tab on the ribbon.
- In the Named Views panel, click on the View Manager button.
- The View Manager dialog box will open, listing all saved views.
- Select the view name you want to apply from the list.
- Click the Set Current button.
- Click OK to close the View Manager and apply the selected view to your current viewport.
The View Manager, often accessed via the _VIEW command (Find), is the central place to see and manage all your saved views.
Why Use and Change Custom Model Views?
Utilizing named views and being able to quickly switch between them offers significant benefits:
- Efficiency: Instantly jump to specific areas or orientations without manually zooming and panning.
- Consistency: Ensure repeatable views for presentations, documentation, or collaboration.
- Navigation: Create saved viewpoints for key features or sections of complex models.
By saving different perspectives of your model as named views, you create bookmarks that you can easily return to using any of the methods described above. Changing your custom model view is as simple as selecting the desired saved view from a list.
Summary of Methods
Here's a quick overview of the ways to change your custom model view:
| Method | Location | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Viewport Controls | Top-left of Viewport | Click View Controls > Custom Model Views > [View Name] |
| Restore View (Ribbon) | View Tab > Named Views Panel | Click Restore View drop-down > [View Name] |
| View Manager | View Tab > Named Views Panel > View Manager | Open Manager > Select View > Set Current > OK |
Each method effectively changes your current viewport to the saved orientation, zoom, and position defined in the named view.
