To open the Model tab in AutoCAD, simply click the Model tab located in the lower-left corner of your application window. This tab allows you to access and work directly in model space, where you create and modify your drawing geometry.
How to Access the Model Tab
Accessing the Model tab is usually a straightforward process, but there are a few scenarios to consider, especially if the tabs are not visible or if you're working within a layout.
1. Direct Click Method
The most common way to open the Model tab is by directly clicking it.
- Locate the Model tab at the bottom-left of your AutoCAD application window. It's typically next to any Layout tabs you might have created (e.g., "Layout1," "Layout2").
- Clicking this tab will switch your view to model space, allowing you to draw and edit your design elements at their true size.
2. When Model and Layout Tabs Are Hidden
If you don't see the Model or Layout tabs at the bottom of your screen, they might be hidden. You can make them visible again by adjusting a system variable.
- System Variable: The
LAYOUTTABsystem variable controls the visibility of the Model and Layout tabs. - Setting the Variable:
- Type
LAYOUTTABin the command line and press Enter. - If the current value is
0, type1and press Enter to make the tabs visible.
- Type
- Explanation: Setting
LAYOUTTABto1displays the Model and layout tabs. Setting it to0hides them.
| System Variable | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
LAYOUTTAB |
1 |
Displays Model and Layout tabs |
LAYOUTTAB |
0 |
Hides Model and Layout tabs |
For more details on system variables, you can refer to the Autodesk AutoCAD documentation (note: this is an example link structure, actual links might vary by version).
3. Accessing Model Space from a Layout Viewport
Sometimes, you might be working on a Layout tab and need to make precise edits directly within a viewport that displays your model space.
- Double-Click Inside Viewport: If you are on a Layout tab and want to access model space within a specific layout viewport, simply double-click inside that layout viewport.
- Viewport Border: When you double-click, the border of the active viewport will typically thicken, indicating that you are now in model space through that viewport. You can pan, zoom, and make edits to your model geometry directly.
- Returning to Paper Space: To return to paper space (where you edit layout elements like title blocks, dimensions specific to the layout, etc.), double-click outside the viewport, or click the "Model" button on the status bar (which changes to "Paper" when in paper space).
Understanding these methods ensures you can always navigate between model space and layout space efficiently in AutoCAD, whether you're starting a new design or refining existing layouts.
