Show or Hide Viewport Controls in AutoCAD

Someone asked me “Sam, How do you turn off those text notes on the top left of my model space?” I thought yes you can do that but let’s first explain what these controls are and show you what those controls do.  Note: The images are linked to knowledge network articles on the subject matter.

Viewport controls were first introduced back in AutoCAD 2012. These controls let you add viewports and control the visual display of your model very quickly. The controls are placed on the top left corner of the viewport. When you select each element on the controls a fly out menu will show up with various options for you to view your model quickly.

I am a Civil 3D designer which makes these controls essential when I am looking at my surface and changing views. To control the visibility type VPCONTROL at the command prompt and set the system variable to 1 or 0. You could put a macro on your tool palette to toggle the the system variable on and off. Simply create the button and paste this code (shown below) into the macro section and you will now have a button to toggle the variable on and off.

^C^C$M=$(if,$(=,$(getvar,vpcontrol),1),vpcontrol;0;;,vpcontrol;1;;)

To control the visibility in the options dialog box type options at the command prompt and switch to the 3D modeling tab and check/uncheck the “Display the Viewport Controls check box” as shown below. Click on the image for additional information about this tab.

To change the color of this go to the options tab and select display and find the viewport controls color on the menu as shown in the video.

That’s it.  These controls are great to have available; make sure you check them out while you are working in AutoCAD and Civil 3D or another vertical product.

I am excited to present at Midwest University this coming week. I have been preparing on my weekends and am ready to present Plan and Production in Civil 3D. Look for me to post tips and tricks on how to use this important tool and become more efficient in Civil 3D.

That’s me getting ready to present my class!

Have a great weekend wherever in the World you may be.

Sam