New Start Screen
Instead of the Welcome Screen that we’ve all gotten used to over the past few years, AutoCAD 2015 now has a new Start Screen that opens when the application is launched. The new Start Screen looks like a blank drawing tab, and is divided into two sections.
Create Page
The Create page is set up for all things drawing related. From the Create page, you can start a new drawing, select from a list of template files (DWT) to create drawings, open existing drawings, sign-in to your Autodesk 360 account, and see Program Notifications for updates and performance related information.
Learn Page
The Learn page contains links and videos to references and resources related to AutoCAD 2015. Here you can find videos on Getting Started with AutoCAD, New Features, Tips, and Online Resources.
Switching from page to page is as easy as clicking on the links at the bottom of the screen.
New Dark Themed Ribbon and Customizable Status Bar
The Ribbon in AutoCAD 2015 has been updated to support a dark gray theme. In past releases, the Ribbon was a consistent lighter color regardless of the dark or light theme selected. The new darker theme provides a more consistent appearance when used with a dark Model Space background color.
The old format Status bar with icons lined along the bottom of the drawing area has also been updated in the 2015 release. We now have control over which status options are displayed at the bottom of the screen via the customize pop up list in the bottom right corner. The list includes all status options from Coordinate display to Clean Screen options. This pop up does not control the on/off functionality of the particular feature; just the display of the icon.
Check marks indicate which icons will appear on the Status bar for easy one-click on/off control. Common hotkey shortcuts also work, regardless of the icon being visible or not. This can make it somewhat confusing, so it is a good idea to keep the icons you intend to use visible on the status bar. Unfortunately, the option of displaying Text versions of the Status Icons is no longer available in 2015 through the right-click “Use Icons” option that was there in the past.
The standard blue/gray color scheme still indicates the on/off status of the icons, and they are displayed based on which items you check in the customization pop up.
So what do you think about the new dark theme and customizable status bar?
When you’re getting started with AutoCAD 2015, spend some time digging through the new user interface and see what other cool updates you can find.
Check out the video: AutoCAD 2015: User Interface Updates
Also, for information on training and consulting for the various products Ideate services, visit our website at www.ideateinc.com
Don’t forget to look through other great features our Ideate Technical Team has found in the new 2015 releases for AutoCAD, Navisworks, Civil 3D, Revit Architecture, and more: ideateinc.com/2015
Matt Miyamoto, P.E.
Ideate AEC Application Specialist
Matt is a licensed Civil Engineer in the state of Hawaii. Matt obtained a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and has 7 years of private sector design experience which he applies in his role as an application specialist with Ideate, Inc. His project experience includes residential and commercial site development, private and public sewer, water and drainage systems, harbors improvements, and roadway improvements. While in Hawaii, Matt was involved in multidisciplinary projects for City and County agencies, State Departments, the Army COE and private developers. @MattM_PE
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