Floating Windows in AutoCAD

Do you have to copy objects or properties from one drawing into another? In my work, I have to create new datasets based on templates and other drawings in AutoCAD. For this purpose, it is necessary to have two drawings open simultaneously: the existing drawing that I reference and the new drawing that I am creating. I would tackle this situation by constantly switching between the windows from the Files tab bar, which makes the whole process cumbersome. So, when the floating windows feature was added in AutoCAD 2022, I was absolutely thrilled. Let me explain how this feature can be used to increase efficiency while creating a new drawing by copying portions and properties from an existing drawing. (You can also view my webcast where I discussed this topic and provided a demonstration in the AutoCAD software. Click here to view my on-demand webcast recording.)

• Open both drawings. Note that they are listed in the Files tab bar, but only the currently active drawing is displayed in the drawing window.

• Click, hold, and drag one of the drawing tabs out of the File Tabs bar as a new floating drawing window. Note how both drawings are displayed on the screen.
  
• If you have a second monitor, you can easily drag the floating drawing onto that screen and have the two drawing files displayed on two separate screens side by side.
• If you want to keep the drawing in the overlapping mode, then be aware that the currently active drawing will be on top.

• If you want to keep the floating window always on top, you can pin it. It ignores the active drawing and stays always on top of the main application window.

• The floating window has its own command line and dynamic input. Although the Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, and Status bar are available in the main application window only, you can use them in the floating drawing window as well.
• Once you are done working in the floating drawing, simply click and drag its title bar and drop it back into the Files tab bar.

This simple enhancement is quite impactful, and it has quickly become one of my favorites! I hope you will try this new feature - it might possibly become one of your favorites as well.

About the Author

Learning Content Developer<br><br>Renu is a learning content developer for AutoCAD and AutoCAD Toolsets, Autodesk 3ds Max, and other Autodesk products. She has over 25 years of experience working with Autodesk products and specializes in AutoCAD and design visualization software. She enjoys sharing her knowledge via blogs and webcasts and uses her instructional design expertise to create effective learning content for Autodesk software users. Renu holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering.

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