by Dennis Collin
If you have lost or misplaced your AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT command line, Worry not! This is a common issue especially when working on a workstation that it connected to multiple monitors. There are several ways of getting it back without having to reset your Workspace or Profile settings. Indeed, if AutoCAD LT is being used, there is no profile to set, but do read on to see how the command prompt can be restored and located back to its default position.
The first thing I always advise users is to check the CTRL+9 keystroke combination and see if the command prompt can be forced to recentre with a couple of key presses!
The first time of pressing will turn it off completely! Pressing CTRL+9 a second time will toggle it back on and will usually display it within the AutoCAD application window. The prompt can then be dragged and docked into a desired position.
The 2nd method carries a little bit of risk. If in any doubt get an experienced colleague to perform this task.
The CUI command edits the ACAD or ACADLT.CUI file so as with any customisation make a backup file first!
Type in CUI and hit return. Do not worry if you cannot see what you are typing. The commands will still work even if the command line is not visible on any screen.
Indeed, with newer versions of AutoCAD or LT a command list should appear on the screen with predictive text functionality.
The typed CUI command will launch the Customize User Interface tool. In the upper-left hand window, expand the Workspaces tree and select your current workspace (bracketed as current).
Now on the adjacent, upper-right hand window, expand the Palettes tree and scroll down and look for the entry ‘Command Line’.
Select it and then consult the lower-right hand window area, locate Orientation option, choose Bottom, and hit Apply.
Tip: It may be worth toggling the apply button with a few other options before clicking apply to force a change, but finish with the 'Bottom' Orientation setting, click apply and the command prompt should appear above the status bar as expected.
A lot of these processes, tips and tricks are covered on our custom AutoCAD courses, bespoke workshops or ‘at elbow days’. For more information visit https://arkance.world/gb-en/training or ask a question on the Live Chat facility where we can provide more help.