Working in AutoCAD efficiently starts with mastering commands. Whether you’re drawing a simple line or designing a complex model, commands help you draw and edit with ease.
For our AutoCAD Foundations blog series, we’re sharing three quick tips to help you understand how to start commands, use Dynamic Input, and cancel and undo a command. For the full tutorial on how to use AutoCAD commands, you can also check out the AutoCAD Foundations article.
Tip #1: How to Start a Command in AutoCAD
Commands in AutoCAD can be launched in several ways, from the ribbon, toolbars, or menus. But the fastest method is using the Command line.
Try It: Draw a Circle
Simply begin typing the name of the command, like CIRCLE or its alias C. Press Enter or the spacebar to start the command. Want to repeat the last command? Just press Enter or spacebar again.
Tip #2: Take Advantage of Dynamic Input
Dynamic Input displays command prompts right next to your cursor, letting you enter values directly in the drawing area. When active, you’ll see fields pop up that let you enter distances, angles, or other values.
Try It: Draw a 2-point Circle
Type in C or CIRCLE at the Command prompt.
1. When the command prompt appears, type 2P and press Enter to draw a 2-point circle or press the Down Arrow to display a menu of available options.
2. Type in coordinates to determine the first point of the circle.
3. Type in absolute or relative coordinates to determine the second point.
Tip #3: How to Cancel and Undo Commands
Made a mistake? No problem. If you accidentally click on the screen, display a shortcut menu, or start a command, you can always escape by pressing the Esc key on your keyboard. Esc also works to cancel object selecting, too.
Occasionally you will need to undo some of your work. Two standard toolbar buttons reverse mistakes in your drawings.
- Undo. You can backtrack previous actions. For example, click Undo to delete an object that you just created.
- Redo. You can reinstate the actions that you backtracked with Undo. For example, click Redo to restore the object you just deleted.
Learn More: How to Use AutoCAD Commands
Be sure to check out the entire AutoCAD Foundations article for even more in-depth tutorials on working with commands. And stay tuned for our entire series here on the blog (or catch up on past articles!) as we highlight even more great tips for getting started with AutoCAD.
