Tutorials

How to install AutoCAD Classic in AutoCAD? (Solved)

Many people prefer the familiar AutoCAD Classic interface (pull‑down menus + toolbars) over the modern Ribbon layout. This guide explains, in plain language and step‑by‑step, how to restore or recreate an AutoCAD Classic workspace in recent AutoCAD versions. It includes a quick answer, a full tutorial, alternative methods, common errors and fixes, and practical tips.

Short answer (quick steps)

  • Type MENUBAR at the command line and set it to 1 to restore the classic menu bar.
  • Close the Ribbon with the RIBBONCLOSE command or by right‑clicking the Ribbon and choosing Close.
  • Show toolbars via the right‑click menu on the Ribbon/toolbar area → Toolbars → select toolbars you want (or use the TOOLBAR command).
  • Save the layout as a new workspace via WORKSPACE or CUI → Save Current As so you can switch back easily.

Use the full tutorial below for screenshots, exact menus, and alternate methods if your version lacks the built‑in Classic workspace.

Complete step‑by‑step tutorial

1) Prepare: know your AutoCAD version and back up settings

  • Check your version (type ABOUT or look at the application menu). Procedures vary slightly between versions.
  • Back up customizations: export your current workspace and CUIx file via CUI → Transfer or Customize → Export. Save copies to a safe folder.

2) Restore the classic menu bar

  • Type MENUBAR in the command line, press Enter, then enter 1.
    • This displays the traditional pull‑down menu (File, Edit, View, etc.) at the top of the window.
    • To hide it again, set MENUBAR to 0.

3) Close the Ribbon

  • Type RIBBONCLOSE to hide the Ribbon quickly.
    • Alternatively, right‑click an empty area of the Ribbon and choose Close.

4) Show classic toolbars

  • Right‑click on an empty area of the toolbar/ribbon/status bar → choose Toolbars → select toolbars such as Draw, Modify, Layers, Properties, Object Snap, etc.
  • Or use the command TOOLBAR (type TOOLBAR, press Enter, then type the toolbar name, e.g., Draw).
  • Arrange and dock toolbars where you prefer (top, left or right).

5) Load legacy menus or menu files (if needed)

  • If you have an older .mnu or .mnc menu file, type MENULOAD, browse to the file, and load it.
  • For .cuix files (the modern customization file), use the CUI command:
    • Open CUI, go to Transfer or Customize tab, and use Load Partial CUI or Load to import menus/toolbars from other .cuix files.

6) Create and save your Classic workspace

  • After arranging menus and toolbars:
    • Click the Workspace Switching icon (gear icon) on the status bar → Save Current As → name it AutoCAD Classic (or another name).
    • Or open CUI → Workspaces, click New, set which Menus and Toolbars are enabled in that workspace, then Apply and OK.
  • Set this workspace as the default if you want it every time AutoCAD starts: in Workspace Switching, right‑click the workspace → Set Current, and in Options you can set startup workspace.

7) Test and finalize

  • Close and reopen AutoCAD to ensure the workspace loads correctly.
  • If some toolbars or menus don’t appear, reopen CUI and confirm those elements are enabled for the workspace and loaded from the correct .cuix or .mnu file.

Alternative methods

  • Create a Classic look via CUI only:
    • Use CUI to manually add Menu Bar, toolbars, and remove the Ribbon. This is robust and works across versions.
  • Import a workspace from an older installation:
    • From the older AutoCAD, export the workspace (via CUI or Workspaces export). Copy the resulting .cuix / workspace file to the new machine and import using CUI or MENULOAD.
  • Use third‑party or community “Classic workspace” files:
    • Many CAD forums and blogs host ready‑made .cuix/.mnu files tailored to mimic AutoCAD Classic. Verify the source and compatibility with your AutoCAD version before using.
  • Use a script to automate:
    • A startup script (SCR) can set MENUBAR, close the ribbon, open toolbars, and switch workspace automatically on startup.

Common errors and fixes

  • Error: “Toolbar/menu not found” or toolbars don’t show after loading

    • Fix: Verify you loaded the correct .cuix/.mnu file. Use CUI to locate the toolbar and ensure it’s assigned to your workspace. Restart AutoCAD after loading external customization files.

  • Error: MENUBAR = 1 doesn’t show menus

    • Fix: Some very new or heavily customized profiles may hide the menu. Reset to default settings temporarily (Reset Settings to Default in the Start menu) to check if system files are intact. If default shows menus, reapply custom settings carefully.

  • Error: Workspace changes are not saved between sessions

    • Fix: Use Save Current As in the Workspace Switching menu and then set it current. Also export your CUIx file as a backup. Ensure AutoCAD has permissions to write to the profile folder.

  • Error: Old .mnu files are incompatible (errors or missing commands)

    • Fix: Convert .mnu to .cuix (recreate menus in CUI), or load as partial and reassign missing commands. Some legacy commands may be removed in modern releases and need replacement.

  • Error: After an update, Classic workspace disappears

    • Fix: Reimport your exported workspace or load saved CUIx file. Keep backups of custom .cuix files in a safe folder outside the AutoCAD program directory.

Tips and best practices

  • Always export your current CUIx and workspace before making big changes.
  • Name your workspace clearly (e.g., My AutoCAD Classic 2025) so you can identify it after upgrades.
  • Keep a small set of essential toolbars visible instead of every toolbar; this reduces clutter and speeds layouts.
  • Use keyboard shortcuts (alias editor or CUI) to supplement toolbars and increase productivity.
  • If you manage multiple computers, store your .cuix and workspace files in a synced folder (OneDrive, Dropbox) so you can import them quickly.
  • Document custom commands and menu changes in a simple text file for easier recovery later.

FAQ

How do I make AutoCAD start in the Classic workspace automatically?

Save your classic configuration as a workspace (Workspace Switching → Save Current As), set it as Current, and then in Options > Profiles ensure your profile loads at startup. Export and backup the workspace (.cuix) so you can reimport if an update resets settings.

My ribbon keeps reappearing after I close it — what can I do?

Ensure your saved workspace has the Ribbon disabled. In CUI, under Workspaces, explicitly remove the Ribbon elements from the workspace contents. Save the workspace and make it current. If updates reset it, keep a startup script (SCR) to run RIBBONCLOSE and MENUBAR 1.

Can I use older AutoCAD menus (.mnu) in modern AutoCAD?

You can load many legacy .mnu files with MENULOAD, but not all functions may map cleanly. Best practice is to recreate or convert menus into a .cuix via CUI for full compatibility.

Where are AutoCAD workspace and CUIx files stored?

Default locations vary by version and OS, but typically:

  • CUIx files: %AppData%\Autodesk\\Rxx.x\enu\Support
  • Workspaces: stored in profile folders or inside the CUIx.
    Export your CUIx through CUI to a known folder for backups.

I lost my custom toolbars after an AutoCAD update — how to restore them?

If you exported your custom .cuix earlier, import it via CUI → Load Partial or Transfer. If not, check for a backup in your AutoCAD support folders or reinstall from your backup. Consider using the AutoCAD “Reset Settings to Default” only as a last resort.

Is the Classic workspace supported by Autodesk officially?

Autodesk moved to the Ribbon interface as the default, but most Classic elements (menu bar, toolbars) and commands (MENUBAR, MENULOAD, CUI) remain available in many versions. Official support for specific legacy behaviors can change between releases, so test after upgrades.

Can I share my Classic workspace with colleagues who have different AutoCAD versions?

Yes, but compatibility is not guaranteed. Export the workspace/CUIx and have the colleague import it. If versions differ significantly, some commands or UI elements may be missing and require manual adjustments.

What’s the safest way to customize without breaking AutoCAD defaults?

Work inside a custom workspace and export the workspace and CUIx regularly. Avoid overwriting the default acad.cuix or default profiles — instead create named copies and keep backups outside the AutoCAD program directory.

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