Adjusting to AutoCAD 2009
If you preferred the way the old version's interface looked, here are some quick tweaks to take you back to the future. January 28, 2009
Question
I just started using AutoCAD 2009 and I have to say that I'm not too impressed so far. It looks pretty nice, but they've changed the icons so much that you almost have to "learn the program again". Right off the bat I would say that the one thing I hate the most is that they took away the words “ortho” and “polar” and replaced it with symbolized icons with no words. They also changed the “Match Properties” icon look too.
Glitz and glam isn't what is going to help us. Functionality is and having to re-learn where basic items are just makes it even more time consuming to draw and non-productive. I also have to add that I can't stand it when you hover over a line, it shows the properties of that line, arc, circle, etc in a pop up window. Does anyone know how to get it to stop doing that?
Forum Responses
(CAD Forum)
From contributor K:
To turn off that highlighting option go to “Options”, “Selection tab”, and turn it off under “Selection Preview”. 2009 does have a nice look (I'm using Lite so I'm really happy to have fields, finally). I do agree with you somewhat, but I got used to it really fast. It is a shock when you first see it.
From the original questioner:
I tried that but it didn't work. When I hover over the line the popup still comes out.
From contributor K:
The full version may have something different. My Lite Options are set like this:
Selection Preview,
Uncheck - When a command is active
Uncheck - Shen no command is active
Selection Preview Effect - Both checked
Area Selection Effect - Indicate selection area - checked
Visual Effect Settings: Advanced Options:
I have everything unchecked.
Try these settings. Beyond this, I'm not too sure what to tell you. As I said, the full version may be a little different.
From contributor J:
I just recently got ACAD 09 as well. I have used it a few times and I would like to say that I really like it. The ribbon is much easier to use than the dashboard from '08. If you use the aliases, it doesn't matter as much where the basic commands are relocated. The 3-d capabilities are so much better than the previous 6 releases I’ve had experience using. I highly recommend the change because from the look of it, it seems that this new layout is most likely going to be a permanent change to ACAD.
From contributor S:
I just downloaded the trial version. It looks like Microsoft Word. I didn't use it a lot. I will probably make slow changes because time is critical and I don’t have a lot of time to relearn. I completely agree with contributor M. It does not matter how the icons look. Functionality and convenience of use is much more important.
From contributor A:
Typical autodesk release: new window dressing with limited functionality gains. Mine is still in the box, and will be for a while. By then a service pack will likely have been released and all the quirks and troublesome kinks will be well documented (with solutions).
FWIW, the ribbon bar can be set to the default '08 look if you like. For us, just being able to grip edit xclips will be worth the price of subscription.
You can customize how (or if) quick properties displays object properties: QPMODE. Also look to the CUI for quick properties customization. "Selection preview" in the options dialog box is something entirely different.
From contributor K:
Right click on the icons and click "use icons" off. Your text tabs will come back. Dynamic input is more like the command line at the crosshairs, however, there is a tab down there called "QP" (quick props) and that will turn off the little window that pops up when you hover over something. It also turns off the quick properties window that opens when you select something. I've come to find this window to be handy, but I had to float it in a corner. It is annoying when it pops up in your face.
From contributor B:
Like anything new, some will like it and others will not. I really like it. I was able to customize it rather quickly just using the online help. Just be sure to save your workspace and export your profile after you get it the way you want. I use the Aliases so I don't need too many icons. I really appreciate the additional screen real estate. I think it has a lot to do with how you were taught.
From the original questioner:
I just spoke with someone from Autodesk about the popup windows showing when you hover over the icon. If you want to turn them off, you type in tooltips and set the variable from 1 to 0 and poof, their gone!
From contributor C:
Using commands will solve most of your issues. Command alias's have been the same since I can remember with any Autodesk product.
