How to Change the AutoCAD 2011 Paperspace Background

AutoCAD is a drawing package that allows you to create anything from simple two-dimensional drawings to complex three-dimensional, photo realistic fly throughs. Paperspace is the part of AutoCAD where plotting (or printing) occurs. Using Paperspace Layouts, you can preset drawings to print out at various scales and on various paper sizes. This saves you time in recreating Layouts each time. These Layouts can also be imported into other drawings, which saves you even more time.

Instructions

1. Open AutoCAD. Type "Options" and then press "Enter." The Options dialog box will open.

2. Click on the "Display" tab in the dialog box. Pick the "Colors" button. This opens the Drawing Windows Colors dialog box..

3. Pick "Sheet/Layout" from the Context list on the left of the dialog. In the Interface Element list, choose "Uniform" background. You can now pick the color you want the Layout to be from the drop-down box to the right of the dialog.

4. Click "Apply & Close" on the Drawing Windows Colors dialog box. This will return you to the Options dialog box. Click "Apply" and then "OK." You can check to see if the changes have taken effect by opening a Layout tab.

Tips & Warnings

• When saving your changes in the Options dialog box, it is vital you click "Apply" and then "OK." If you just click "OK," the changes will be lost.

• Don't choose colors that are too bright or that will make the Layout difficult to read when previewing before plotting.

References

• Between The Lines: How to Change the AutoCAD Layout Background Color
• CAD-A-Blog: AutoCAD 2009 -- Color Change -- WHY?
• Autodesk: AutoCAD 2011 Help