If you want a clear, beginner-friendly guide to using the ASSISTANTCLOSE command in AutoCAD — what it is, how to run it, why it sometimes fails, alternative ways to hide the Assistant, and practical tips — read on.
What is the ASSISTANTCLOSE command?
The ASSISTANTCLOSE command in AutoCAD closes the Autodesk Assistant palette (the pane that displays help links and support options). The Assistant is normally shown inside the Task Pane or as a docked palette and provides quick access to learning content and support resources.
When you run ASSISTANTCLOSE, AutoCAD hides that specific Assistant palette so it no longer occupies screen space.
How to use ASSISTANTCLOSE (step by step)
Below are multiple, beginner-friendly ways to close the Assistant — command line, GUI and how to create a shortcut alias.
Using the command line (quickest)
- Click the Command line or press Ctrl+9 if your command line is hidden.
- Type: ASSISTANTCLOSE
- Press Enter.
Notes:
- AutoCAD commands are not case sensitive.
- If the Assistant is present, it will close immediately.
Using the GUI (click-to-close)
- Locate the Assistant or Task Pane on the side of your drawing area.
- Click the X in the palette’s title bar, or right-click the palette title and choose Close.
- Alternatively: Ribbon → View tab → Palettes panel → toggle Task Pane (this hides the entire Task Pane which contains the Assistant).
Create a keyboard alias (optional)
If you use this often, create a simple alias:
- Type CUI and press Enter to open the Customize user interface.
- Under command aliases, add a new alias (for example ACLOSE).
- Assign the macro or command name ASSISTANTCLOSE.
- save changes. Now you can type ACLOSE + Enter to close the Assistant.
Examples: before and after
- Before: The Assistant palette is docked on the right side showing help links and support options, taking up drawing area.
- Action: Run ASSISTANTCLOSE at the command line or click the palette X.
- After: The palette is closed; you regain screen space for model/layout view and toolbars.
Why ASSISTANTCLOSE might not work — common causes and fixes
If ASSISTANTCLOSE does nothing or returns an error, check these possibilities:
The Assistant is not available in your AutoCAD version
- Fix: Confirm your AutoCAD release includes the Autodesk Assistant. Some LT or older builds may not include it.
The Assistant is part of the Task Pane and Task Pane is not visible
- Fix: Run TASKPANE to toggle visibility or use View → Palettes → Task Pane. If the Task Pane is hidden, ASSISTANTCLOSE may have no visible effect.
Command returns “Unknown command”
- Fix: Ensure you typed the command correctly. If still unknown, the command may be removed in your product build. Check Autodesk documentation for your AutoCAD version.
Palette is docked or locked in a way that prevents closing
- Fix: Right-click the palette title and check options (undock/auto-hide). Undock then close.
Corrupt workspace or user profile
- Fix: Reset AutoCAD settings to default (use the Start Menu shortcut “Reset Settings to Default” for your AutoCAD version) or recreate the workspace that you use.
Third-party plug-ins interfering
- Fix: Start AutoCAD in safe mode or temporarily disable add-ins to test.
Permissions or installation issues
- Fix: Run AutoCAD as administrator, repair the installation, or update to a newer build.
Alternative methods to close or hide the Assistant
- Use the TASKPANE command to toggle the entire Task Pane (this hides Assistant plus other panes).
- Click the X on the palette title or right‑click the palette → Close.
- Use Auto‑hide: right-click the palette title → Auto‑hide to keep it collapsed until needed.
- Remove the Assistant from startup: customize workspaces so the Task Pane/Assistant is not loaded.
- Create a custom macro or LISP wrapper that runs ASSISTANTCLOSE and binds it to a toolbar button or hotkey.
- Reset or switch workspaces: some workspaces don’t show the Assistant by default (Ribbon → workspace switching).
Tips for workflow and screen management
- Use Auto‑hide instead of fully closing if you occasionally need the Assistant — it preserves quick access while freeing space.
- Create a keyboard alias for ASSISTANTCLOSE if you toggle it frequently.
- Keep your workspace organized: remove palettes you rarely use to maximize drawing area.
- If you share drawings across multiple machines, standardize workspaces so the Assistant behavior is consistent.
- Update AutoCAD regularly: some palette behaviors change across versions and updates may resolve issues.
FAQ
How do I reopen the Assistant after using ASSISTANTCLOSE?
Reopen by running the command or method that shows the Task Pane/Assistant in your version: try ASSISTANTOPEN (if available), or toggle the Task Pane via TASKPANE, or use View → Palettes → Task Pane.
The command returns “Unknown command”. What should I do?
Confirm your AutoCAD version supports the Assistant. If it should, try resetting AutoCAD settings or repairing the installation. You can also toggle the Task Pane (TASKPANE) as an alternative.
Can I permanently remove the Assistant from my workspace?
Yes — customize your workspace via CUI or workspace settings and remove Task Pane/Assistant from the saved workspace configuration so it won’t load by default.
Is there a default keyboard shortcut for ASSISTANTCLOSE?
AutoCAD typically has no default keyboard shortcut for this command. Create one using CUI by adding a Command alias or keyboard shortcut mapped to ASSISTANTCLOSE.
Will hiding the Assistant affect my drawing files?
No. Hiding or closing the Assistant only changes the UI state on your machine and does not alter drawing content or file data.
The palette is docked and I can’t find the X. How can I close it?
Right-click the palette title bar to access the context menu and choose Close or Undock first, then close. You can also toggle the Task Pane (TASKPANE) to hide it.