Since AutoCAD move to the MDI world back in 1999, users have wanted a fast way to switch drawings. Some of these include...
- Set the system variable TASKBAR to 1 and you get a button for each open drawing on the Windows taskbar. This is how R14 would have appeared when you had multiple "sessions" open.
- The Windows pull-down menu allows you to select an open drawing.
- Ctrl+Tab cycles through drawings pretty quickly if you are a keyboard junkie.
How about another layer of "tabs" like you have for switching layouts? 8 years later and it's still not built into AutoCAD, but there are several vendors out there with add-on's that provide this functionality. We use the "DWG Tabs/Manager". It's basic, but free and stable. I have tested some, but NOT all of these. This is not meant to be a rating grid, only a summary so that if you are looking for this type of tool, all the links are here.
If I have missed any, let me know.
| Name | Version | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWG Tabs/Manager | 2000-2007 | FREE | Very basic, but stable. |
| DWGSTRIP | 2000-2007 | FREE | |
| iDwgTab | 2000-2007 | FREE | Multiple files, no install program. Customizable. |
| AcadXTabs™ | 2000-2007 | See Prices | |
| DocBar | 2000-2007 | See Prices | Many features as seen on website. |
| Drawing Tabs | 2007 Only | FREE | Limited features, no Vista support, no tooltips in Win2k. |
Labels: Add-on utilities
PermaLink Posted 1/16/2007 08:22:00 AM
1 COMMENTS!
Comment from:
Date: May 16, 2008 at 10:01:00 AM CDT
I have tried iDwgTab and found it to have amazing functionality for a freeware. Thanks.