AutoCAD Commands, Functions & Shortcuts Reference Guide
A comprehensive, categorized reference of AutoCAD commands, functions, and keyboard shortcuts for efficient 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and design automation
AutoCAD Drawing Commands
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| LINE | Draws a straight line segment between two points. | LINE → First point → Next point → Enter |
| CIRCLE | Creates a circle by specifying a center and radius. | CIRCLE → Center: 0,0 → Radius: 5 |
| ARC | Draws an arc by specifying start, center, and end points. | ARC → Start → Center → End |
| RECTANGLE | Creates a rectangle from two opposite corners. | RECTANGLE → Corner1: 0,0 → Corner2: 10,5 |
| POLYLINE (PL) | Creates connected lines and arcs as a single object. | PL → Pick points continuously → Enter |
| POLYGON | Draws a regular polygon with a specified number of sides. | POLYGON → 6 → Center → Radius |
| ELLIPSE | Creates an ellipse from center and two axis points. | ELLIPSE → Axis1 → Axis2 |
| SPLINE | Creates smooth curves passing through or near points. | SPLINE → Pick fit points → Enter |
| POINT | Places a point object in the drawing. | POINT → Specify point |
AutoCAD Modify Commands
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| MOVE | Moves objects from one point to another. | MOVE → Select object → Base → Destination |
| COPY | Copies objects to a new location. | COPY → Select object → Base → Destination |
| ROTATE | Rotates selected objects around a base point. | ROTATE → Select object → Base → 90 |
| SCALE | Resizes objects using a scale factor. | SCALE → Select → Base → 2 |
| TRIM | Trims objects to meet other boundaries. | TRIM → Select edge → Select to trim |
| EXTEND | Extends objects to meet boundaries. | EXTEND → Select edge → Select to extend |
| OFFSET | Creates parallel copies at a distance. | OFFSET → Distance: 2 → Select → Side |
| MIRROR | Creates a mirrored copy of objects. | MIRROR → Select → Define axis |
| FILLET | Rounds the edges of two objects. | FILLET → Radius: 2 → Select edges |
| CHAMFER | Bevels edges between two lines. | CHAMFER → Distance1 → Distance2 → Select lines |
| ARRAY | Creates multiple copies in patterns. | ARRAY → Rectangular / Polar |
| STRETCH | Stretches portions of objects. | STRETCH → Crossing window → Move |
| ERASE | Deletes selected objects. | ERASE → Select → Enter |
AutoCAD Annotation Commands
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| TEXT | Adds single-line text. | TEXT → Start point → Enter text |
| MTEXT | Adds multi-line formatted text. | MTEXT → Define box → Type text |
| DIMLINEAR | Creates horizontal or vertical dimensions. | DIMLINEAR → Pick points |
| DIMRADIUS | Creates radius dimensions for circles/arcs. | DIMRADIUS → Select circle |
| DIMANGULAR | Creates angular dimension between two lines. | DIMANGULAR → Select lines |
| LEADER | Adds a leader line with annotation. | LEADER → Points → Enter text |
| MLEADER | Creates multi-leaders with styles. | MLEADER → Pick points → Enter text |
| HATCH | Fills closed areas with patterns. | HATCH → Select boundary → Pattern |
| TABLE | Creates and edits tables. | TABLE → Insert from template |
AutoCAD 3D Modeling Commands
| Command | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| EXTRUDE | Converts 2D objects into 3D solids. | EXTRUDE → Select → Height: 10 |
| REVOLVE | Revolves 2D shapes around an axis. | REVOLVE → Select → Axis → 360 |
| SWEEP | Creates 3D solids by sweeping a profile along a path. | SWEEP → Profile → Path |
| LOFT | Creates 3D solids between cross-sections. | LOFT → Select profiles |
| PRESSPULL | Extrudes faces dynamically. | PRESSPULL → Select area → Height |
| UNION | Combines selected solids. | UNION → Select solids |
| SUBTRACT | Subtracts one solid from another. | SUBTRACT → Main → Subtract object |
| INTERSECT | Creates solid from overlapping volumes. | INTERSECT → Select solids |
| 3DORBIT | Rotates view interactively in 3D. | 3DORBIT → Drag mouse |
| SECTION | Creates 2D section from 3D object. | SECTION → Select 3D model |
AutoCAD Utility & Shortcut Commands
| Command / Shortcut | Description | Example / Use |
|---|---|---|
| LAYER | Manages layers and layer properties. | LAYER → Create / Rename / Freeze |
| BLOCK | Creates a block (group of objects). | BLOCK → Name → Select objects |
| WBLOCK | Writes a block to an external file. | WBLOCK → File path → Select objects |
| INSERT | Inserts saved blocks or drawings. | INSERT → Select block → Place |
| LAYOUT | Manages drawing layouts and sheets. | LAYOUT → Create / Set current |
| ZOOM | Zooms in/out or to extents. | ZOOM → Extents |
| PAN | Moves the drawing view. | PAN → Drag mouse |
| CTRL + S | Quickly saves current drawing. | Press CTRL + S |
| CTRL + Z | Undo last action. | Press CTRL + Z |
| CTRL + Y | Redo previously undone action. | Press CTRL + Y |
| CTRL + 9 | Toggles command line visibility. | Press CTRL + 9 |
| F3 | Toggles Object Snap (OSNAP). | Press F3 |
| F7 | Toggles grid display. | Press F7 |
| F8 | Toggles Ortho Mode for straight lines. | Press F8 |
| F9 | Toggles Snap Mode. | Press F9 |
| ESC | Cancels current command. | Press ESC |
| HELP | Opens AutoCAD help topics. | HELP → Type command name |
About AutoCAD Commands, Functions & Shortcuts
This AutoCAD commands and shortcuts reference is a comprehensive, categorized guide for working efficiently in 2D drafting, 3D modeling, annotation, and design automation. It’s ideal for engineers, architects, drafters, and CAD designers who want to quickly find, learn, and apply essential commands to produce accurate and professional drawings.
Applications
- Drawing Commands – Quickly create lines, circles, arcs, splines, rectangles, and polygons for precise 2D designs.
- Modify Commands – Edit and transform objects using MOVE, COPY, ROTATE, SCALE, TRIM, MIRROR, OFFSET, FILLET, and CHAMFER efficiently.
- Annotation Commands – Add text, dimensions, leaders, hatches, and tables for clear and professional documentation.
- 3D Modeling Commands – Build and manipulate 3D solids with EXTRUDE, REVOLVE, SWEEP, LOFT, UNION, SUBTRACT, and INTERSECT.
- Utility & Shortcut Commands – Manage layers, layouts, system tools, and use keyboard shortcuts like
CTRL + S,F8,F3, andESCto maximize productivity.
Using AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts and commands significantly improves workflow by reducing repetitive navigation and speeding up drafting operations.
By mastering these commands, you can:
- Increase drafting speed and overall efficiency
- Create accurate 2D drawings and 3D models
- Maintain consistent standards across projects
- Automate repetitive CAD tasks to save time