Tutorials

How to change AutoCAD Classic to 2019? (Solved)

Many users who upgrade to newer AutoCAD releases want back the familiar AutoCAD Classic look (menu bar + floating toolbars) instead of the Ribbon interface introduced in later versions. This guide explains how to recreate or import the Classic workspace in AutoCAD 2019, with clear, beginner-friendly steps, alternatives, common errors and fixes, and practical tips to keep your Classic setup working.

Why change to AutoCAD Classic in 2019?

Many drafters prefer the Classic workspace for faster access to familiar toolbars and the menu bar. AutoCAD 2019 ships with the Ribbon and modern workspaces by default, but you can:

  • Recreate the Classic look manually,
  • Import a Classic workspace from an older AutoCAD CUI/CUIX file, or
  • Download a ready-made Classic workspace package.

This guide covers each approach and solutions for common problems.

Quick answer — the shortest path

  1. Type MENUBAR → set it to 1 to show the classic menu bar.
  2. Close the Ribbon: type RIBBONCLOSE.
  3. Right-click a blank area of the interface → Toolbars → enable the toolbars you want (Draw, Modify, Layers, etc.), or use -TOOLBAR to show specific toolbars.
  4. Arrange and dock/float toolbars to your preference.
  5. Save this layout: click the gear (workspace switching) → Save Current As → give it a name like Classic.

If you have old customizations, import them via the CUI editor (see full instructions below).

Complete step-by-step tutorial (manual recreate)

1) Show the classic menu bar

  • Type: MENUBAR then press Enter.
  • Enter 1 to turn on the classic menu bar (File, Edit, View…).

2) Close the Ribbon

  • Type RIBBONCLOSE and press Enter. This hides the ribbon and frees space for toolbars.

3) Show and position toolbars

  • Right-click on any empty area near the top and choose Toolbars → select the toolbar sets (e.g., Draw, Modify, Layers, Dimension).
  • Or use command-line: -TOOLBAR → Show → enter the toolbar name (e.g., Draw) → Enter.
  • Drag toolbars to dock at the top, left, or let them float like Classic.

4) Restore palette windows (Properties, Layer Manager, etc.)

  • Use commands like PROPERTIES, LAYERPROPERTIES, or press Ctrl+1 for Properties. Dock or float these palettes as desired.

5) Save your workspace

  • Click the gear icon in the status bar (Workspace Switching) → Save Current As → name it Classic.
  • This lets you switch back anytime and makes the layout persistent across sessions.

Import Classic workspace from older AutoCAD (.cui / .cuix)

If you have an older AutoCAD .cui or .cuix file that already contains the Classic workspace:

Steps to import

  1. Type CUI and press Enter to open the Customize User Interface editor.
  2. Go to the Transfer tab.
  3. On the left pane, click Load Customization File, and open the old acad.cui or acad.cuix file.
  4. Expand the old file and drag relevant nodes (Workspaces, Toolbars, Menus, Partial CUI items) into the current (right) customization tree.
  5. Click Apply and OK.
  6. Use the gear icon to select the imported workspace or save it under a new name.

Notes:

  • If you only need Workspaces, export/import those nodes rather than overwriting everything.
  • Back up your current CUIX before importing.

Alternative methods

  • Download a community or Autodesk-provided Classic workspace package (search “AutoCAD Classic workspace 2019 .cuix” on Autodesk Knowledge Network or trusted forums). Load it via CUI or place the .cuix in the AutoCAD Support folder and load it.
  • Use the built-in Drafting & Annotation workspace (or customize it) as a compromise between Ribbon and Classic.
  • Create keyboard shortcuts and tool palettes to replicate frequently used Classic tools while keeping the Ribbon.

Common errors and fixes

  • Problem: Classic workspace not available after import

    • Fix: In CUI, ensure the workspace is present under the Workspaces node and is set to reference the toolbars/menus you transferred. Click Apply and OK.

  • Problem: Toolbars don’t appear or disappear after restart

    • Fix: Save the workspace after arranging toolbars (gear → Save Current As). Also export your profile or CUIX so you can restore it if settings are reset.

  • Problem: Menu bar visible but menu items don’t work (missing commands)

    • Fix: You may have incomplete customization—import missing menus or ensure the correct partial customization files (.mnu/.cuix) are loaded. Reset to default profile then re-import if necessary.

  • Problem: CUI/CUIX appears corrupted or changes aren’t saved

    • Fix: Back up and replace the corrupted CUIX with a known good copy, or reset AutoCAD to default settings (use “Reset Settings to Default” for AutoCAD 2019 from the Start Menu -> Autodesk folder). Then re-import your Classic workspace.

  • Problem: You’re using AutoCAD LT

    • Fix: AutoCAD LT supports many UI customizations but lacks LISP and some customization options. You can still enable MENUBAR and toolbars, and save workspaces, but some third-party Classic packs may not be compatible.

Tips to keep your Classic workspace stable

  • Back up your current .cuix or profile after creating Classic: CUI > Save CUI file, or export profile via Options > Profiles > Export.
  • Place any imported .cuix into AutoCAD’s Support folder and create a copy in a safe location (documents or network share).
  • Use Workspaces → Save Current As so you can quickly switch if a reset occurs.
  • Create a short startup script or LISP that sets MENUBAR=1 and opens the toolbars you need, then load it at startup if you frequently lose the layout.
  • If multiple users need the same Classic setup, distribute the exported .cuix and instructions to load it.

FAQ

How do I make the Classic workspace the default at startup?

Set up the workspace exactly how you want, then save it with a clear name (gear → Save Current As). To make it default, switch to that workspace and then export your AutoCAD profile (Options → Profiles → Export). Import that profile on startup or apply it via a login script. Alternatively, add a small startup script or LISP to set WORKSPACE on startup.

Can I get back the Classic menu if the MENUBAR command has no effect?

If MENUBAR doesn’t respond, ensure your profile hasn’t been locked or your CUIX is corrupted. Reset settings to default and try again, or re-import a valid CUI/CUIX that contains the menu definitions.

Where are .cui / .cuix files stored on my computer?

Typical paths: %AppData%\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2019\R23.0\enu\Support or the installation Support folder. Use the CUI dialog to Save or Export to your preferred location.

Is there an official Autodesk Classic workspace download for 2019?

Autodesk removed the built-in Classic workspace after several releases, but community packages and Autodesk Knowledge Network articles sometimes provide compatible .cuix files. Use trusted sources and scan downloads for safety.

If I import a workspace from an older AutoCAD, will it break my current settings?

Importing can overwrite or conflict with current toolbars/menus. Always back up your current .cuix and profile before importing. Use the CUI Transfer tab to selectively copy only what you need.

How do I share my Classic workspace with coworkers?

Export your custom .cuix and an AutoCAD profile, then provide instructions to place the .cuix in their Support folder and load it via CUI or have them import the profile. Optionally, provide a small startup script that sets MENUBAR and loads the workspace.

My toolbars vanish after a workspace change — how to stop that?

Save the workspace after arranging toolbars (gear → Save Current As). If you still lose them, create a startup LISP or script to re-open the required toolbars at launch.

Can I still use keyboard shortcuts and aliases with Classic?

Yes. Keyboard shortcuts and command aliases are controlled by acad.pgp and CUI settings. Export/import these if you are moving workspaces between machines.

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