AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts and Commands List
AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts help you move faster through everyday drafting tasks, from opening files and saving work to drawing, editing, navigating, and managing the screen. This guide brings together commonly used AutoCAD shortcut keys, command aliases, hotkeys, and workflow-based command lists so you can quickly find the tools you need and keep your focus on the drawing.
Use it as a quick-reference resource whether you are learning AutoCAD for the first time, building better keyboard habits, or looking for a faster way to access the commands you use most.
What Are AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts?
AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts are keys, key combinations, or command aliases that help you access tools and complete actions faster. Instead of opening a menu or ribbon panel, you can press a shortcut key or type a short alias at the Command Line to start a command.
The terms often overlap. Shortcut keys and hotkeys usually refer to keyboard combinations, such as Ctrl+S for saving a drawing. Command aliases are short typed entries, such as L for LINE or C for CIRCLE. AutoCAD commands are the actual tools or actions those shortcuts run.
For a broader reference, see Autodesk’s official AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts guide.
Essential AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts for Beginners
If you are getting started in AutoCAD, begin with the shortcuts you will use in almost every drawing session. These AutoCAD shortcut keys cover the basics: opening and saving files, undoing edits, copying objects, drawing simple geometry, modifying objects, and moving around the drawing area.
| Command or action | Shortcut key or command alias | Use case |
| New drawing | Crtl+N | Start a new drawing |
| Open drawing | Ctrl+O | Open an existing drawing file |
| Save drawing | Ctrl+S | Save your current drawing |
| Plot | Ctrl+P | Open the Plot dialog box |
| Select all | Ctrl+A | Select all objects |
| Copy | Ctrl+C | Copy selected objects |
| Paste | Ctrl+V | Paste copied objects |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | Reverse the last action |
| Redo | Ctrl+Y | Restore the last undone action |
| Cancel | Esc | Exit the current command |
| LINE | L | Draw straight line segments |
| CIRCLE | C | Draw a circle |
| MOVE | M | Move selected objects |
| TRIM | TR | Trim objects to selected cutting edges |
| ZOOM | Z | Change the drawing view magnification |
| PAN | P | Move the current view |
These beginner shortcuts give you a solid working set before you move into more detailed AutoCAD commands lists, one-key shortcuts, and workflow-specific hotkeys.
AutoCAD One-Key Shortcuts
One-key AutoCAD shortcuts are command aliases you can type at the Command Line with a single letter. They are useful for commands you run often because you can start the tool without typing the full command name or moving through the ribbon.
Note: Some commands in the following table are full AutoCAD commands rather than short keyboard aliases, so use this section as a workflow-based command reference rather than a complete shortcut-key table.
AutoCAD One-Key Shortcuts
One-key AutoCAD shortcuts are command aliases you can type at the Command Line with a single letter. They are useful for commands you run often because you can start the tool without typing the full command name or moving through the ribbon.
Note: Some commands in the following table are full AutoCAD commands rather than short keyboard aliases, so use this section as a workflow-based command reference rather than a complete shortcut-key table.
| Key | Command | Function |
| Q | QSAVE | Saves the current drawing |
| A | ARC | Creates an arc |
| Z | ZOOM | Increases or decreases the magnification of the view in the current viewport |
| E | ERASE | Removes objects from a drawing |
| L | LINE | Creates straight line segments |
| C | CIRCLE | Creates a circle |
| M | MOVE | Moves objects a specified distance in a specified direction |
| T | MTEXT | Creates a multline text object |
| X | EXPLODE | Breaks a compound object into its componenet objects |
These one-key shortcuts give you fast access to common drawing, editing, viewing, and file-saving commands before you move into more detailed AutoCAD shortcut keys and command lists.
Want to learn more AutoCAD One-Key Shortcuts? Explore the full guide here.
AutoCAD Shortcut Keys for Drawing and Editing
When you are creating and refining geometry, the right AutoCAD shortcut keys can keep your workflow moving. These command aliases cover common drawing and editing actions, from sketching basic objects to adjusting, copying, trimming, and organizing geometry.
| Action | Command | Shortcut key or alias | Use case |
| Draw a line | LINE | L | Create straight line segments |
| Draw a polyline | PLINE | PL | Create connected 2D line and arc segments |
| Draw a circle | CIRCLE | C | Create a circle |
| Draw an arc | ARC | A | Create an arc |
| Draw a rectangle | RECTANG | REC | Create a rectangular polyline |
| Add a hatch | HATCH | H or BH | Fill an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern, solid fill, or gradient fill |
| Move objects | MOVE | M | Move objects a specified distance in a specified direction |
| Copy objects | COPY | CO | Copy objects a specified distance in a specified direction |
| Rotate objects | ROTATE | RO | Rotate objects around a base point |
| Scale objects | SCALE | SC | Enlarge or reduce selected objects while keeping their proportions |
| Mirror objects | MIRROR | MI | Create a mirrored copy of selected objects |
| Offset objects | OFFSET | O | Create concentric circles, parallel lines, and parallel curves |
| Trim objects | TRIM | TR | Trim objects to meet the edges of other objects |
| Extend objects | EXTEND | EX | Extend objects to meet the edges of other objects |
| Erase objects | ERASE | E | Remove objects from a drawing |
| Explode objects | EXPLODE | X | Break a compound object into its component objects |
| Match properties | MATCHPROP | MA | Apply the properties of a selected object to other objects |
For day-to-day drafting, this is the shortcut set many users reach for first: draw the object, edit its shape or position, clean up intersections, and match properties so the drawing stays consistent. As you build muscle memory, these aliases can become a practical bridge between beginner shortcuts and a fuller AutoCAD commands list.
AutoCAD Toggle and Screen Management Shortcuts
Toggle and screen management shortcuts help you control how AutoCAD responds while you draft. They are especially useful for turning drafting aids on or off, managing palettes, showing the Command Line, and clearing screen space when you want a larger drawing area.
| Category | Shortcut key | Function |
| Toggle drawing mode | F1 | Display Help |
| Toggle drawing mode | F2 | Toggle text screen |
| Toggle drawing mode | F3 | Toggle object snap mode |
| Toggle drawing mode | F4 | Toggle 3D object snap |
| Toggle drawing mode | F5 | Toggle Isoplane |
| Toggle drawing mode | F6 | Toggle Dynamic UCS |
| Toggle drawing mode | F7 | Toggle grid mode |
| Toggle drawing mode | F8 | Toggle ortho mode |
| Toggle drawing mode | F9 | Toggle snap mode |
| Toggle drawing mode | F10 | Toggle polar mode |
| Toggle drawing mode | F11 | Toggle object snap tracking |
| Toggle drawing mode | F12 | Toggle dynamic input mode |
| Manage screen | Ctrl+0 | Clean screen |
| Manage screen | Ctrl+1 | Properties palette |
| Manage screen | Ctrl+2 | DesignCenter palette |
| Manage screen | Ctrl+3 | Tool Palettes window |
| Manage screen | Ctrl+4 | Sheet set palette |
| Manage screen | Ctrl+6 | DBConnect Manager |
| Manage screen | Ctrl+7 | Markup Set Manager palettte |
| Manage screen | Ctrl+8 | QuickCalc |
| Manage screen | Ctrl+9 | Command Line |
For many users, F3, F8, F10, F11, and F12 become everyday AutoCAD hotkeys because they affect precision and input behavior while drawing. On the screen management side, Ctrl+0, Ctrl+1, and Ctrl+9 are helpful when you need more workspace, object properties, or quick access to the Command Line.
AutoCAD Commands List by Workflow
An AutoCAD commands list is easier to use when it follows the way you work. Instead of scanning an alphabetical list, you can group commands by task: drawing geometry, editing objects, adding annotation, managing layers, changing the view, and handling files.
Use this workflow-based table as a practical command reference alongside the AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts and shortcut keys covered above.
| Workflow category | Commands | What |
| Drawing | LINE, PLINE, CIRCLE, ARC, RECTANG, POLYGON, HATCH | Create basic geometry, closed shapes, and filled areas |
| Editing | MOVE, COPY, ROTATE, SCALE, MIRROR, OFFSET, TRIM, EXTEND, ERASE, EXPLODE | Modify, duplicate, clean up, or remove drawing objects |
| Annotation | TEXT, MTEXT, DIM, DIMSTYLE, MLEADER, TABLE | Add notes, dimensions, leaders, and tabular information |
| Layers | LAYER, LAYISO, LAYUNISO, LAYFRZ, LAYOFF, MATCHPROP | Create and manage layers, isolate or restore layer visibility, turn layers off or freeze them, and apply object properties from one object to another |
| Blocks | BLOCK, INSERT, BEDIT, WBLOCK, EXPLODE | Create, insert, edit, write, or break apart block-based content |
| Viewing and navigation | ZOOM, PAN, REGEN, VIEW, VPORTS | Navigate the drawing, refresh the display, save views, or manage viewports |
| File management | NEW, OPEN, QSAVE, SAVEAS, CLOSE, PLOT | Create, open, save, close, and plot drawing files |
| Inquiry and measurement | MEASUREGEOM, DIST, AREA, LIST, ID | Measure distances and areas, inspect objects, or identify point coordinates |
This kind of task-based AutoCAD commands list helps you find the right command faster when you know what you need to do, even if you do not remember the exact command name yet. It also gives newer users a clearer path from basic AutoCAD hotkeys into broader command-line workflows.
What Are the Most Useful AutoCAD Hotkeys?
The most useful AutoCAD hotkeys are the ones that help you repeat common actions without breaking focus. These include file actions, undo and redo, precision toggles, screen controls, and command aliases for frequent drawing and editing tasks.
| Hotkey | Command or action | Use case |
| Ctrl+S | Save | Save the current drawing |
| Ctrl+O | Open | Open an existing drawing |
| Ctrl+P | Plot | Open the Plot dialog box |
| Ctrl+Z | Undo | Reverse the last action |
| Ctrl+Y | Redo | Restore the last undone action |
| Esc | Cancel | Exit the current command |
| F3 | Object snap mode | Toggle object snap mode |
| F8 | Ortho mode | Toggle ortho mode |
| F10 | Polar mode | Toggle polar mode |
| F11 | Object snap tracking | Toggle object snap tracking |
| F12 | Dynamic input mode | Toggle dynamic input mode |
| Ctrl+0 | Clean Screen | Expand the drawing area by hiding interface elements |
| Ctrl+1 | Properties palette | Show or hide object properties |
| Ctrl+9 | Command Line | Show or hide the Command Line |
| L | LINE | Create straight line segments |
| C | CIRCLE | Create a circle |
| M | MOVE | Move selected objects |
| CO | COPY | Copy selected objects |
| TR | TRIM | Trim objects to meet the edges of other objects |
Think of hotkeys as your fastest path to high-frequency actions. You do not need to memorize every AutoCAD shortcut at once. Start with the hotkeys tied to your daily work, then add more command aliases as your drafting habits become more automatic.
How to Customize AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts
After you learn the default AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts, you may want to adjust command aliases around the way you draft. For example, if you use one command far more often than another, a custom alias can make that command faster to start from the Command Line.
In AutoCAD, command aliases are managed through the Program Parameters file, also known as the PGP file. Autodesk Support also notes that shortcut keys can be customised through the Customize User Interface editor, and that custom aliases should be added under the “User Defined Command Aliases” section rather than by editing existing default aliases. Changes may require AutoCAD to restart or reload the PGP file before they take effect.
Autodesk Support provides step-by-step guidance to customize command aliases in AutoCAD.
A simple customization checklist:
- Start with repeated commands: Look for commands you use many times per session, such as drawing, editing, layer, or annotation commands.
- Keep aliases memorable: Choose shortcuts that are short, logical, and easy to type without looking away from the drawing.
- Avoid accidental conflicts: Check existing aliases before replacing a default shortcut your team already uses.
- Update the PGP file carefully: Follow Autodesk Support instructions for editing command aliases, saving the file, and applying the changes.
- Test before using on project work: Try the new alias in a sample drawing so you know it runs the command you expect.
Custom shortcuts work best when they support real drafting habits. A small set of well-chosen command aliases can be more useful than a long custom list no one remembers.
AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac
Mac user? Start with the right shortcut path. Many AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts, AutoCAD shortcut keys, and AutoCAD hotkeys support the same drafting intent across platforms, but AutoCAD for Mac follows Mac keyboard conventions in important ways. You may see Command, Control, Option, and function-key behavior differ from Windows-based shortcut examples.
For example, AutoCAD for Mac lists Cmd-S or Ctrl-S for saving, Cmd-3 or Ctrl-9 for showing or hiding the Command Window, and Fn-F8, Cmd-L, or Shift-Cmd-O for toggling Ortho mode. These examples show why Mac users should check the Mac-specific shortcut reference instead of assuming every Windows shortcut behaves the same way.
For a broader setup and workflow overview, see our guide on how to use AutoCAD on Mac. For the dedicated Mac shortcut reference, bookmark the AutoCAD for Mac keyboard shortcuts page.
Tip: If a Windows shortcut does not behave as expected on your Mac, check the Mac-specific shortcut list before changing your workspace, aliases, or keyboard settings.
Download the AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts PDF
Want a shortcut reference you can keep open on a second screen or print for your desk? Download the AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts PDF for a quick-reference guide to common AutoCAD shortcut keys, hotkeys, toggles, and commands.
You can also browse the full AutoCAD keyboard commands and shortcuts guide online when you want to jump by shortcut category.
AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts FAQs
What are the most common AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts?
Some of the most common AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts help you move faster through everyday drafting tasks. Examples include L for LINE, C for CIRCLE, M for MOVE, CO for COPY, RO for ROTATE, TR for TRIM, EX for EXTEND, Z for ZOOM, and CTRL+S to save.
The shortcuts you use most will depend on your work. A drafter cleaning up geometry may lean on TRIM, EXTEND, and FILLET, while someone building layouts may use COPY, MOVE, SCALE, and MATCHPROP more often.
What is the difference between AutoCAD shortcuts and commands?
AutoCAD commands are the tools or actions you run, such as LINE, HATCH, MOVE, COPY, or PLOT. AutoCAD shortcuts are the faster ways you start those commands, usually through keyboard input, command aliases, function keys, or key combinations.
Think of the command as the action and the shortcut as the quickest route to that action.
Can you customize AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts?
Yes, you can customize many AutoCAD shortcut behaviors. Depending on what you want to change, you may work with command aliases, the Customize User Interface editor, or related customization files and settings.
For example, command aliases let you type a short letter combination at the command line to start a command. If your team follows a CAD standard, check with your CAD manager before changing shortcuts so your setup stays consistent with shared workflows.
What are AutoCAD command aliases?
AutoCAD command aliases are short keyboard entries that start commands from the command line. For example, typing L can start LINE, while C can start CIRCLE.
Aliases help you keep your hands on the keyboard and reduce repeated trips to the ribbon. They are especially useful for commands you run dozens of times a day.
Are AutoCAD shortcuts different on Mac?
Some shortcut behavior can differ on Mac because AutoCAD for Mac follows Mac keyboard conventions. Keys such as Command, Control, and Option may behave differently from Windows examples, and function-key behavior can also depend on your Mac keyboard settings.
If you use AutoCAD for Mac, check the Mac-specific shortcuts before changing aliases or keyboard settings.
Where can I download an AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts PDF?
You can download the AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts PDF from Autodesk. The PDF gives you a printable, easy-to-scan guide to common AutoCAD shortcut keys, hotkeys, toggles, and commands, so you can keep the shortcuts you use most beside your workstation or share them with your team.
It is especially helpful when you are learning AutoCAD shortcuts, onboarding new users, or standardizing everyday drafting workflows.
