Commands

ADCCLOSE command in AutoCAD : Closes DesignCenter

Introduction

If you use AutoCAD’s DesignCenter to browse blocks, layers, styles and content from other drawings, the ADCLOSE command is the simple built‑in way to close that pane. This guide explains what ADCLOSE does, how to run it step‑by‑step, why it may not work, useful alternatives, practical examples, troubleshooting, and short tips to speed your workflow.

What is the ADCLOSE command?

The ADCLOSE command in AutoCAD closes the DesignCenter palette/window. DesignCenter (also opened by the ADCENTER or DESIGNCENTER commands) is a dockable palette that helps you access content from other drawings, but sometimes you simply want it closed to free screen space or reduce clutter. Using ADCLOSE removes the DesignCenter interface from the current workspace.

Quick explanation (key points)

  • Command name: ADCLOSE
  • Purpose: Close the DesignCenter palette.
  • Opposite command: ADCENTER or DESIGNCENTER (opens DesignCenter).
  • Where to run: AutoCAD command line or via a custom alias/shortcut.
  • Also possible: Close by clicking the palette’s close (X) button, or use ribbon/palette controls.

How to use ADCLOSE — step by step

  1. Make sure AutoCAD is active and you can type in the command line.
  2. Check if DesignCenter is open:
    • If you see the DesignCenter palette, proceed. If not, you can open it with ADCENTER or DESIGNCENTER to confirm its behavior first.
  3. Type the command exactly: adcclose and press Enter.
    • You may also type it uppercase: ADCLOSE (AutoCAD is not case‑sensitive).
  4. After pressing Enter, the DesignCenter palette should close immediately.
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Example command line session:

  • Type: adcclose
  • Press Enter
  • Result: DesignCenter disappears from the screen

Shortcut notes:

  • There is no universal single‑key default specifically for ADCLOSE in all AutoCAD versions, but many users:
    • Use ADCENTER (or DESIGNCENTER) to toggle/open, then ADCLOSE to close.
    • Assign a custom alias in the acad.PGP file or a custom keyboard shortcut via the CUI to run ADCLOSE quickly.
    • Some AutoCAD versions map Ctrl+2 or other keys to open/close DesignCenter — check your CUI for your workspace configuration.

Alternatives to ADCLOSE

  • Click the X in the palette title bar to close DesignCenter manually.
  • Use the ribbon: View tab → Palettes → select/deselect DesignCenter (or similar path in your version).
  • Use the command ADCENTER to open and then manually close the palette UI.
  • Create a custom pgp alias (for example add a line in acad.pgp: ACDCL, *ADCLOSE) or add a button in the Quick Access Toolbar or a custom ribbon panel that calls ADCLOSE.
  • If you want to hide multiple palettes at once, check workspace settings or manually close each palette (there is no built‑in “close all palettes” single command in all versions).

Common reasons ADCLOSE doesn’t work and fixes

  1. ADCLOSE returns “Unknown command” or does nothing

    • Possible cause: Command alias (acad.pgp) or CUI was modified or the command was disabled.
    • Fixes:
      • Try ADCENTER or DESIGNCENTER; if those also fail, inspect your acad.pgp to ensure no alias conflicts.
      • Use the underscore variant: type _ADCLOSE (forces English command name if your locale changes names).
      • Restart AutoCAD or reset to default settings (use the AutoCAD Reset Tools) to restore missing command aliases.

  2. DesignCenter is not visible but ADCLOSE still appears to do nothing

    • Possible cause: DesignCenter may be docked off‑screen or hidden behind other windows.
    • Fixes:
      • Use ADCENTER to force it to appear, then close it with the X or ADCLOSE.
      • Use the workspace or window arrangement commands to bring palettes back into view (undock/dock or reset workspace).

  3. A third‑party app or LISP is intercepting commands

    • Possible cause: Custom toolbars, LISP routines, or ARX applications can override or suppress commands.
    • Fixes:
      • Start AutoCAD with the /SAFE or use a clean profile to test.
      • Disable third‑party add-ons and test the command again.

  4. Keyboard shortcut does not work

    • Possible cause: Shortcuts are managed by CUI and can be reassigned.
    • Fix:
      • Open CUI (Customize user interface), search for your keyboard shortcut (e.g., Ctrl+2) and reassign it to ADCLOSE if desired.

  5. ADCLOSE closes for the current drawing but reappears in other open drawings

    • Explanation: Palettes can be controlled per drawing or global based on workspace. Behavior can vary with version and workspace settings.
    • Fix:
      • Close DesignCenter in each drawing, or save the workspace after closing to make it persistent.

  6. Permissions or corrupted profile

    • Possible cause: Corrupt user profile or insufficient user permissions.
    • Fix:
      • Reset AutoCAD to default settings or create a new profile via Options > Profiles.
      • Run AutoCAD as an administrator to test permission issues.
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Practical examples

Example A — Close DesignCenter quickly:

  • You have DesignCenter open and need more drawing space.
  • Type: adcclose → Enter
  • Result: Palette closes and drawing area expands.

Example B — Add a keyboard shortcut to close DesignCenter:

  • Open CUI (Customize User Interface).
  • Create a new keyboard entry or command that runs ADCLOSE.
  • Assign the desired key combination (for example Ctrl+Alt+D).
  • Save and test.

Example C — If ADCLOSE reports unknown command:

  • Type designcenter → Enter (to open it)
  • If that works, type adcclose → Enter (to close)
  • If ADCLOSE still fails, check acad.pgp and CUI for alias conflicts.

Tips and best practices

  • If you frequently toggle DesignCenter, create a custom alias or ribbon button for ADCLOSE to speed up your workflow.
  • Save your workspace after closing palettes if you want the same palette layout to persist between sessions: Command: WSSAVE or save workspace from the status bar/workspace menu.
  • Use the underscore prefix (for example _ADCLOSE) in scripts to ensure the command runs regardless of language or localized versions.
  • When troubleshooting, replicate the issue in a clean profile or safe mode to isolate whether add-ons cause the problem.
  • Keep a copy of your customized acad.pgp and CUIx files so you can restore keyboard aliases or ribbon customizations quickly.

How do I reopen DesignCenter after using ADCLOSE?

Type ADCENTER or DESIGNCENTER, or use the View → Palettes → DesignCenter control in the ribbon. If you added a custom shortcut, use that.

Will ADCLOSE close other palettes (Tool Palettes, Properties, etc.)?

No. ADCLOSE specifically closes the DesignCenter. To close other palettes use their corresponding commands (for example TOOLPALETTES for Tool Palettes) or close them manually.

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Why does AutoCAD say “unknown command” when I type ADCLOSE?

This can happen if your command aliases or CUI have been changed, or a third‑party app interferes. Try _ADCLOSE, check acad.pgp for aliases, reset AutoCAD to defaults, or test in a clean profile.

Can I assign a keyboard shortcut to ADCLOSE?

Yes — open CUI, create a keyboard shortcut entry and point it to the ADCLOSE command, or add a custom button/alias in acad.pgp.

Does ADCLOSE affect other drawings that are open in the same AutoCAD session?

Behavior may vary by version and workspace settings. Typically ADCLOSE closes the DesignCenter for the active workspace window; if other drawings use the same workspace, they may reflect the same layout. Save the workspace after closing to make the layout persistent.

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