How to Use Document Tabs

Quick answer: Each open drawing gets its own tab at the top of the drawing area. From there you can switch between drawings, open a new one with the + button, or close one with its X. Document tabs need the SHOWDOCTABS system variable on to show at all, which they do by default.

What You Can Do With Document Tabs

• Switch drawings: click any tab to bring that drawing to the front.
• Open a new drawing: click the + button to the right of the tabs.
• Close a drawing: click the X on its tab.

Settings That Affect Document Tabs

• SHOWDOCTABS needs to be on for tabs to show at all (on by default).
• If you double-click a DWG file from your operating system’s file browser to open it, the Start tab also loads alongside it in Document Tabs, but only if STARTUP is set to 2 or 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren’t my document tabs showing? Check that SHOWDOCTABS is on. It’s on by default, but if it’s been switched off, tabs won’t display.

Why does the Start tab open automatically when I double-click a DWG file? Only if the STARTUP system variable is set to 2 or 3. Other values won’t trigger it.

How do I open a new, blank drawing without going through the Start page? Click the + button to the right of the document tabs.