AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts: Boost Your Productivity with Commands
Introduction
AutoCAD is one of the most widely used software applications for architects, engineers, and designers. It allows users to create precise 2D and 3D designs efficiently. One of the best ways to enhance your productivity in AutoCAD is by using AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts. Instead of navigating through multiple menus, you can use AutoCAD keyboard commands to perform actions quickly and efficiently.
In this article, we will explore various AutoCAD shortcut keys, including basic, advanced, and custom shortcuts. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, mastering these shortcuts will save you time and effort in your projects.
Why Use AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts?
AutoCAD offers a range of tools that can be accessed through menus, toolbars, or command-line input. However, using shortcut keys in AutoCAD provides several advantages:
- Increased Speed: Performing tasks without using the mouse speeds up the design process.
- Improved Efficiency: Reducing the number of clicks and menu selections makes your workflow smoother.
- Less Strain on Hands: Continuous mouse use can cause fatigue; using the keyboard is often more comfortable.
- Better Accuracy: Typing commands directly ensures precision and minimizes errors.
Let’s explore the essential keyboard shortcuts every AutoCAD user should know.
Basic AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts
These shortcuts are commonly used for basic operations in AutoCAD:
| Shortcut Key | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CTRL + N | New | Creates a new drawing file |
| CTRL + O | Open | Opens an existing drawing |
| CTRL + S | Save | Saves the current drawing |
| CTRL + P | Opens the print dialog box | |
| CTRL + Z | Undo | Reverses the last action |
| CTRL + Y | Redo | Reapplies the last action |
| CTRL + C | Copy | Copies selected objects |
| CTRL + V | Paste | Pastes copied objects |
| CTRL + X | Cut | Cuts selected objects |
| CTRL + A | Select All | Selects all objects in the drawing |
| CTRL + 1 | Properties | Opens the Properties palette |
| CTRL + 2 | Design Center | Opens the Design Center |
| CTRL + 3 | Tool Palettes | Opens the Tool Palettes window |
| ESC | Cancel | Cancels the current command |
Essential AutoCAD Drawing Shortcuts
AutoCAD drawing commands help create precise designs efficiently. Here are the most useful AutoCAD keyboard commands for drawing:
| Shortcut Key | Command | Description |
| L | LINE | Draws a straight line segment |
| C | CIRCLE | Draws a circle |
| REC | RECTANGLE | Draws a rectangle |
| PL | PLINE | Creates a polyline |
| ARC | ARC | Draws an arc |
| POL | POLYGON | Creates a polygon |
| ELL | ELLIPSE | Draws an ellipse |
| H | HATCH | Fills an enclosed area with a pattern |
| SPL | SPLINE | Creates a smooth curve |
AutoCAD Editing Shortcuts
Editing commands allow users to modify existing objects efficiently.
| Shortcut Key | Command | Description |
| M | MOVE | Moves objects to a new location |
| CO (or CP) | COPY | Creates duplicates of selected objects |
| RO | ROTATE | Rotates objects around a point |
| SC | SCALE | Resizes objects |
| TR | TRIM | Trims overlapping objects |
| EX | EXTEND | Extends objects to meet boundaries |
| ST | STRETCH | Stretches objects |
| F | FILLET | Creates a rounded corner between two lines |
| CH | CHAMFER | Creates an angled corner between two lines |
| O | OFFSET | Creates parallel copies of objects |
AutoCAD Annotation Shortcuts
Annotations are essential for documentation and detailing.
| Shortcut Key | Command | Description |
| D | DIM | Creates a dimension |
| LE | LEADER | Creates a leader with an annotation |
| MT | MTEXT | Creates multiline text |
| DT | TEXT | Creates single-line text |
| H | HATCH | Fills an area with a pattern |
| MA | MATCHPROP | Matches properties of objects |
AutoCAD Layer Management Shortcuts
Managing layers effectively helps organize complex drawings.
| Shortcut Key | Command | Description |
| LA | LAYER | Opens the Layer Properties Manager |
| LAYISO | LAYISO | Isolates a selected layer |
| LAYOFF | LAYOFF | Turns off a selected layer |
| LAYON | LAYON | Turns on all layers |
| LAYLCK | LAYLCK | Locks selected layers |
| LAYULK | LAYULK | Unlocks selected layers |
Advanced AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts
For more experienced users, these advanced shortcuts provide additional functionality:
| Shortcut Key | Command | Description |
| CTRL + SHIFT + C | Copy with Base Point | Copies objects with a specified base point |
| CTRL + SHIFT + V | Paste as Block | Pastes copied objects as a block |
| AL | ALIGN | Aligns objects with reference points |
| DI | DIST | Measures the distance between two points |
| ID | ID | Displays the coordinate values of a point |
| LIST | LIST | Lists the properties of selected objects |
| PURGE | PURGE | Removes unused objects and layers |
| AUDIT | AUDIT | Checks and fixes errors in the drawing |
Creating Custom AutoCAD Shortcut Keys
If the default AutoCAD shortcut keys do not meet your needs, you can create custom shortcuts using the CUI (Customize User Interface) editor:
- Type
CUIand press Enter. - In the Customize User Interface dialog, expand Keyboard Shortcuts.
- Select Shortcut Keys, then click New.
- Assign a custom key combination.
- Choose a command and assign it to the shortcut.
- Click Apply and OK.
This allows users to customize shortcuts for better efficiency.
Read More: AutoCAD User Interface Explained: Tools & Features
Conclusion
Mastering AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts significantly enhances productivity by reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks. Whether you’re drawing, editing, or managing layers, knowing the right AutoCAD keyboard commands will streamline your workflow.
Start using these shortcut keys in AutoCAD today, and you’ll notice a significant improvement in your speed and efficiency. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to bookmark it for future reference and share it with other AutoCAD users!
