If you need to close the Block Authoring Palettes while working in the AutoCAD Block Editor, the bauthorpaletteclose command is designed for that. Below is a clear, beginner-friendly guide that explains what the command does, how to use it step‑by‑step, alternatives if you prefer the GUI, common reasons it may not work and how to fix them, plus practical tips and a FAQ.
Explanation — what is bauthorpaletteclose?
The bauthorpaletteclose command in AutoCAD closes the Block Authoring Palettes window while you are inside the Block Editor (BEDIT). The Block Authoring Palettes provide tools and components used when creating or editing dynamic blocks and custom block authoring content. Running bauthorpaletteclose hides that palette so you have more drawing space or a cleaner interface.
This command is most relevant when working on block definitions or dynamic block authoring and is normally available only while the Block Editor is active.
How to use bauthorpaletteclose (step-by-step)
Follow these steps to use the command:
- Open the block you want to edit:
- Type BEDIT (or use the Block Editor entry point on the ribbon) and press Enter.
- Confirm the Block Editor is active and that the Block Authoring Palettes are visible.
- Invoke the command:
- Type bauthorpaletteclose on the command line and press Enter.
- The Block Authoring Palettes should immediately close and no longer appear in the Block Editor window.
- To reopen the palettes later, use the corresponding open command (for example, bauthorpaletteopen, or reopen from the Block Editor ribbon or right‑click menu) or use the UI method described below.
Example (before/after):
- Before: Block Editor open, Block Authoring Palettes visible on the side.
- After: Block Editor open, palettes closed — more workspace available.
Note: Commands are not case sensitive. You can enter them in upper or lower case.
Alternative methods to close the Block Authoring Palettes
If you prefer using the graphical interface or the command does not suit you, use one of these alternatives:
- Click the X (close) button on the top-right corner of the palette window (if floating).
- Right‑click the palette title bar and choose Close (or Hide, depending on version).
- Use the Block Editor ribbon: look in the Palettes or View panel for a toggle that shows/hides the Block Authoring Palettes.
- Change workspace or hide palettes by docking/undocking them — sometimes docking state affects visibility.
- Create a custom toolbar button or keyboard alias that runs bauthorpaletteclose (see Tips section for creating an alias).
These methods work across many AutoCAD versions and are helpful when the command-line method is inconvenient.
Why bauthorpaletteclose may not work (common problems) and how to fix them
If typing bauthorpaletteclose does nothing or returns an error, consider these likely causes and solutions:
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Problem: You are not in the Block Editor.
- Fix: Enter the Block Editor by typing BEDIT and then run bauthorpaletteclose. The command typically only works while editing a block.
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Problem: The palettes are already closed (or were never open).
- Fix: Check whether the palettes are hidden/docked; try reopening them with the open command or via the ribbon to verify state.
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Problem: Command not found or AutoCAD reports an unknown command.
- Fix: Ensure you typed the command correctly. If correct, your AutoCAD version or workspace customization might not include this command. Try reopening the Block Editor and check the documentation for your AutoCAD version or any vertical product (AutoCAD Architecture / Mechanical may have differences).
- Additional: Use the Customize User Interface (CUI) to search for the command name or add an alias if your profile removed it.
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Problem: The palette is docked or locked, so closing behaves differently.
- Fix: Undock the palette and then close it via the X or right‑click menu. Or toggle visibility from the ribbon.
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Problem: UI corruption or workspace issues prevent UI elements from responding.
- Fix: Save your work, restart AutoCAD. If problem persists, try resetting the workspace to default, or repair AutoCAD via the Autodesk installer.
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Problem: You’re using a custom workspace/profile that changes palette behavior.
- Fix: Switch to a default workspace (e.g., Drafting & Annotation) or restore your profile temporarily to see if the command works.
If none of these resolve the issue, consult Autodesk Knowledge Network or your IT support for product‑specific troubleshooting.
Practical tips and shortcuts
- To ensure the command is always available, consider adding an alias in your acad.pgp file:
- Open the CUI (Customize User Interface) and add a new alias pointing to bauthorpaletteclose.
- If you frequently toggle palettes, create a macro button on a custom toolbar or ribbon panel that runs bauthorpaletteclose and the open command.
- Remember the command only affects the Block Authoring Palettes (not all tool palettes). For Tool Palettes use TOOLPALETTES.
- If you want to quickly free up screen space while still keeping the palette accessible, dock it or set it to auto‑hide (if supported in your AutoCAD version).
- When scripting or creating batch procedures for block edits, include a call to bauthorpaletteclose after BEDIT to keep automated sessions tidy.
FAQ — Can I run bauthorpaletteclose without opening the Block Editor?
No. The bauthorpaletteclose command is intended for the Block Editor environment. Run it while editing a block (BEDIT); outside of Block Editor it typically has no effect.
FAQ — How do I reopen the Block Authoring Palettes after closing them?
Reopen via the Block Editor ribbon (look for Palettes or View), right‑click the block editing workspace and choose palettesshow/open, or run the corresponding open command (e.g., bauthorpaletteopen, if available). You can also use a custom macro or alias to reopen them.
FAQ — The command returns “unknown command.” What should I check?
First check spelling. If correct, verify you are in the Block Editor and that your AutoCAD version supports the command. Check your CUI and command aliases — a customization may have removed or renamed it.
FAQ — Does this command affect Tool Palettes or other palettes?
No. bauthorpaletteclose only targets the Block Authoring Palettes. To toggle Tool Palettes, use TOOLPALETTES.
FAQ — Can I create a keyboard shortcut for bauthorpaletteclose?
Yes. Use the CUI dialog to map a keyboard shortcut or a command alias to bauthorpaletteclose for faster access.