14
AutoCAD and Its Applications—Basics
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Ribbon
The ribbon docks horizontally below the AutoCAD window title bar by default.
See Figure 1-12. The ribbon provides a convenient location from which to select
commands and options that traditionally would require access by extensive typing,
multiple toolbars, or several menus.
Use the tabs along the top of the ribbon to access collections of related ribbon
panels, or panels. Each panel houses groups of similar commands. For example,
the
Annotate
tab includes several panels, each with specifi c commands for creating,
modifying, and formatting annotations, such as text. The tabs and panels shown
when the
Drafting & Annotation
workspace is active provide access to 2D drawing
commands. Highlighted, context-sensitive tabs appear when some commands, such
as the
HATCH
command, are active or when you work in a unique environment, such
as the
Block
Editor.
tab: A small stub
at the top or side
of a page, window,
dialog box, or
palette that allows
you to access other
portions of the item.
ribbon panels
(panels): Divided
areas in the
ribbon that group
commands.
Figure 1-11.
Use the
Quick
Access
toolbar to
access commonly
used commands.
Pick a button
to activate the
corresponding
command or pick
a flyout to access
related or alternative
commands.
Pick to
display a
flyout
Pick to display options
for customizing the
Quick Access
toolbar
Default Toolbar When
a Drawing Is Open
Default Toolbar When
No Drawing Is Open
Figure 1-12.
The ribbon is docked at the top of the drawing window by default and provides access to
commands and command options.
Tabs Drop-down list
Flyout
button Panels
Panel
title
Pick to expand
a panel
Pick to display a dialog
box or palette associated
with the panel
Minimize flyout