By Justin Doughty
The Ribbon interface has been the default way of using AutoCAD for quite some time now. However there are some users who still use the Classic Interface with toolbars. I was recently asked how you would persuade a user to switch from Classic to the newer Ribbon? The best way to do this is highlight the benefits of using the Ribbon Interface:
1. The grouping of like tools with proper names that let you explore more features (as opposed to looking through several toolbars to find the right icon!):
2. The automatic previews of things like blocks, text and hatches:
3. Dedicated Ribbons that switch as you work, such as Hatch Creation or Text Editor:
4. The ability to make the ribbon smaller if more screen space is needed. This can even be condensed to 1 row of headings (smaller than using the classic toolbars!):
5. Being able to move between any PC and use AutoCAD fully, straight away.
6. For users new to AutoCAD, the Ribbon design follows other software, like Microsoft Word and other Autodesk software so this should help get started with a familiar interface.
7. Most importantly, embrace the change!