AutoCAD Command Cheat Sheet for Beginners

Master AutoCAD Faster With These Essential Commands
AutoCAD is a powerful tool for creating precise 2D and 3D designs. But for beginners, navigating its many commands can feel overwhelming. This cheat sheet simplifies the process, highlighting key commands to improve your workflow, save time, and boost accuracy.

Key Takeaways:

• Drawing Basics: Use commands like L (Line), C (Circle), and REC (Rectangle) to create foundational shapes.
• Editing Tools: Simplify modifications with TR (Trim), CO (Copy), and M (Move).
• Layer Management: Organize your drawing with LA (Layer Properties) and LISO (Layer Isolation).
• Precision Tools: Ensure accuracy using F8 (Ortho), F3 (Object Snap), and F10 (Polar Tracking).
• Text & Dimensions: Add clarity with MT (Multiline Text) and DIMLIN (Linear Dimension).
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Speed up tasks with commands like Ctrl+Z (Undo) and Z (Zoom).

Quick AutoCAD Command Cheat Sheet Reference Table:

Command	Shortcut	Purpose
LINE	L	Draw straight lines
CIRCLE	C	Create circles
TRIM	TR	Cut intersecting objects
COPY	CO	Duplicate objects
LAYER	LA	Manage layers
ZOOM	Z	Adjust view size

Tip: Practice these commands regularly to make them second nature. AutoCAD is vast, but mastering these essentials will set you up for success.

20 Must know AutoCAD Shortcuts & Commands! AutoCAD Tips & Tricks

Basic Drawing Commands

Get familiar with the fundamental drawing commands to kickstart your AutoCAD projects. These commands form the backbone of every design, allowing you to create the basic shapes needed for your work.

Simple Shape Commands

The LINE command is where it all begins. By typing L and pressing Enter, you can draw straight line segments, which can then be combined to create more intricate shapes.

Need a circle? Type C and hit Enter. From there, you can define the circle’s center and radius, or even use options like diameter or three points to customize your shape.

For rectangles, type REC or RECTANG. This lets you quickly draw a rectangular polyline, making future edits much easier.

To create complex outlines as a single object, use the PL command (type PL and press Enter). This command connects segments into one unified shape.

For polygons, type POLYGON and specify the number of sides (e.g., enter 6 for a hexagon). If you need specific edge lengths, choose the Edge option and define the endpoints. Similarly, for ellipses, type ELLIPSE and press Enter. You can define the center and radii or use the Rotation option to create angled ellipses.

Once you’ve mastered these shapes, you can move on to arcs and curves to add more intricate details.

Arc and Curve Commands

To draw curves, type ARC and press Enter. You can create arcs by specifying three points: the start, a point along the curve, and the endpoint.

For more precise arcs, use methods like Start–End–Radius or Start–Center–End. Plus, you can adjust the arc’s position easily using grips.

If your design calls for a mix of straight and curved segments, the Arc option within the POLYLINE command is your go-to.

With these essential drawing tools at your fingertips, you’re ready to dive into editing and modifying your designs.

Editing and Modification Commands

After sketching out your initial shapes, the next step is refining and tweaking them to achieve accurate designs. AutoCAD’s editing commands let you modify existing elements without starting over, streamlining your workflow and saving time. These tools allow you to adjust, copy, and reposition objects efficiently, building on the foundation of your drawing.

Basic Editing Tools

The TRIM command acts like a pair of precision scissors for your designs. Simply type TR and press Enter to start. This tool removes parts of objects by cutting them at their intersection points with other objects. To apply TRIM to all intersecting objects, press Enter again after activating the command. If a portion of an object remains after trimming, you can use the “eRase” option to clean it up completely.

On the flip side, the EXTEND command is the counterpart to TRIM. Type EX and press Enter to extend lines or curves until they meet a boundary object. Like TRIM, pressing Enter again activates the “Select All” option, making every object in your drawing a potential boundary for extension.

For duplicating objects, the COPY command is your go-to. Type CO, select the objects you want to duplicate, and then specify where the copies should go. This allows you to replicate objects at a specific distance and direction. If you need to move objects instead of copying them, use MOVE. Type M, select the objects, and define their new location.

Command	Shortcut	Function
COPY	CO	Duplicate objects or text
MOVE	M	Relocate objects to a new position
TRIM	TR	Cut shapes or lines at intersections
EXTEND	EX	Extend lines to meet boundaries
ERASE	E	Delete objects from the drawing

Once you’ve mastered these basics, you can explore more advanced commands to enhance precision and efficiency in your designs.

Advanced Editing Commands

The OFFSET command is perfect for creating parallel lines or objects at a set distance from the original. Type O, input the desired offset distance, and select the object to offset. This tool is especially handy for tasks like drafting walls in floor plans or maintaining consistent spacing between elements. To adjust the offset distance, simply restart the command by pressing Enter twice and entering a new value. After offsetting, you can use TRIM to clean up overlapping lines.

For symmetrical designs, the MIRROR command is invaluable. Type MI, select the objects, and define the mirror line to create a reflected copy.

The ROTATE command lets you pivot objects around a specific base point. Type RO, select the objects, choose a base point, and input the rotation angle.

To resize objects proportionally, use the SCALE command. Type SC, choose the objects, define a base point, and enter the desired scale factor.

For more complex operations, AutoCAD’s Express Tools include MOCORO (Move, Copy, Rotate), which combines these functions into a single command, saving time when duplicating and positioning objects at precise angles.

If you’re working with polylines and need to break them into individual segments, the Explode command (type X) is your solution. This makes it easier to apply tools like TRIM and OFFSET to specific portions of the polyline.

With regular practice, these editing commands will become second nature, turning tedious redrawing into quick, accurate adjustments that keep your workflow efficient and your designs precise.

Layer Management Commands

Once you’ve refined your drawing using editing tools, organizing elements into layers can make your workflow smoother and more efficient. Think of layers as transparent sheets that help you group related parts of your drawing. By using layers, you can logically organize objects that share similar properties, making it easier to control visibility, editability, and appearance.

Each layer comes with its own set of properties: name, color, linetype, lineweight, transparency, and visibility settings. Assigning consistent attributes like color or linetype to specific layers ensures a uniform look across related elements. For example, you can assign one layer for dimension lines, another for text, and another for construction geometry, helping to maintain a professional and consistent style.

Layer Control Commands

The LAYER command (shortcut LA) is your go-to tool for managing layers. It opens the Layer Properties Manager, where you can view and adjust all the layers in your drawing. You can toggle layer visibility using the On/Off option (indicated by the lightbulb icon) or freeze layers to prevent accidental edits. Freezing layers is often better than turning them off because it locks them in place without impacting performance.

Locking layers is another useful feature. By locking a layer, you prevent changes to its objects while still keeping them visible. This is especially helpful when referencing geometry without risking accidental edits.

For more focused work, the LAYISO command (or LISO) isolates specific layers, hiding everything else. Simply select an object on the layer you want to isolate, and AutoCAD will hide all other layers. To bring everything back, use LAYUNISO (or LUNISO).

Another powerful tool is the LAYERSTATE command (shortcut LAS), which allows you to save, restore, and manage layer settings. With layer states, you can preserve visibility, color, and lock settings, making it easier to switch between different project views or phases.

Command	Shortcut	Function
LAYER	LA	Opens the Layer Properties Manager
LAYISO	LISO	Isolates selected layers
LAYUNISO	LUNISO	Restores previously isolated layers
LAYERSTATE	LAS	Saves and manages layer settings

These tools are essential for keeping your layers organized and your workflow efficient.

Layer Organization Tips

Clear naming conventions are key to effective layer management. Instead of using generic names, opt for more descriptive ones like WALLS-EXTERIOR or DIMENSIONS-PLAN. This makes it easier to identify and work with specific layers.

Matthew Marrero, a professional civil designer, highlights the importance of these practices:

“Effective layer management allows for clear organization, streamlined editing, and efficient plotting, making it an indispensable skill for any serious AutoCAD user.”

Assigning specific colors to layers can also help you quickly identify different elements. For instance, you might use red for fire safety features and blue for plumbing. This visual system speeds up your workflow and reduces errors.

Regular maintenance is another important habit. Use the PURGE command to remove unused layers and clean up your file, and the LAYMRG command to merge redundant layers. Adding prefixes or suffixes to layer names – such as DIM- for dimension layers or -HIDDEN for construction elements – can further simplify your organization.

For recurring projects, creating layer templates can save time and ensure consistency across drawings. Training your team in these practices helps maintain standards and improves collaboration.

Mastering layer control not only keeps your drawings organized but also enhances the precision and efficiency that AutoCAD demands.

Precision and Accuracy Tools

Creating precise drawings in AutoCAD goes beyond mastering basic commands. To ensure every component of your design is exact, AutoCAD provides a range of built-in precision tools. These tools help align objects perfectly and maintain exact measurements throughout your work. Features like object snaps ensure lines connect seamlessly, while snap and grid modes keep spacing consistent. Measurement commands, on the other hand, allow you to verify distances and areas, ensuring your design meets all specifications.

Snap and Grid Commands

Grid Snap restricts your cursor movement to specific increments, making it easier to position objects at uniform distances. You can toggle snap mode on or off by pressing F9, or customize snap spacing by typing DS to open the Drafting Settings dialog box. When snap mode is active, the cursor jumps between set points instead of moving freely, ensuring precise placement.

Grid mode provides a visual reference by displaying a grid in the drawing area, which you can activate with F7. Although the grid helps visualize snapping intervals, it is purely a visual guide and does not affect cursor movement.

Object Snaps (OSNAP) are indispensable for precision, allowing your cursor to lock onto specific geometric features like endpoints, midpoints, centers, or intersections. This makes it easy to connect lines and shapes with pinpoint accuracy.

For controlled movement, use Ortho (F8) to constrain the cursor to horizontal or vertical directions. Alternatively, activate Polar Tracking (F10) to lock movement to specific angles.

To draw a line perpendicular to an existing one, start the LINE command, hover over the target line to activate the perpendicular snap, click to set the starting point, and then use Polar Tracking to set the direction. Enter the desired length using Direct Distance Entry (DDE) for precise results.

Dynamic Input (F12) is another powerful tool, displaying real-time coordinates and command prompts near the cursor. This feature keeps critical information like distance and angle visible, so you can input values without looking away from your drawing.

Function Key	Command	Purpose
F3	Object Snap	Toggles snapping to geometric features
F7	Grid	Displays or hides the visual grid
F8	Ortho	Restricts movement to horizontal/vertical
F9	Snap	Limits cursor movement to set intervals
F10	Polar Tracking	Locks movement to specified angles
F12	Dynamic Input	Shows real-time coordinates and prompts

Once you’ve established precise object placement, measurement commands allow you to verify the dimensions of your design.

Measurement Commands

AutoCAD provides several tools for measuring distances, areas, and other properties without altering your drawing. These commands ensure your design meets required specifications.

The MEASUREGEOM command is a versatile tool that measures distance, radius, area, volume, and angles as you hover over different parts of your drawing. You can access it from the Home ribbon’s Utilities panel or by typing the command name. It combines the functions of older tools like AREA and DISTANCE into one streamlined command.

For straight-line measurements, use the DISTANCE command (shortcut DI). This tool calculates the distance between two points and also provides horizontal and vertical components.

The AREA command lets you calculate the area of a defined space. You can either click points to outline a boundary or select a closed object like a circle or polygon. This is especially helpful for estimating material quantities or floor areas.

To pinpoint exact locations within your drawing, the ID command displays the X, Y, and Z coordinates of a selected point.

When working with circles or arcs, use the CIRCLE > Center, Radius command. Enable the Midpoint snap on a reference line to place the center accurately, then enter the radius value using Dynamic Input for precise dimensions.

Text and Dimension Commands

Clear text labels and precise dimensions are key to creating professional-looking drawings. AutoCAD provides a range of commands to handle text formatting and placement, making it easier to enhance your drafts after mastering basic drawing, editing, and layer tools.

Adding Text and Dimensions

AutoCAD includes two main text commands tailored to different needs. The TEXT command (shortcut T or DT) is perfect for single-line text, such as simple labels, part numbers, or brief annotations. To use it, activate the command and specify the insertion point, text height, and rotation angle.

For more detailed text, the MTEXT command (shortcut MT) allows multiline editing and formatting. This opens a text editor where you can adjust fonts, spacing, and even add bulleted lists. To maintain a consistent appearance across your drawing, use the STYLE command (shortcut ST) to define and manage text styles.

Editing text is straightforward – use the TEXTEDIT command (TEDIT) or double-click the text to make changes. To align multiple text objects, the TEXTALIGN command (TA) is invaluable, letting you organize text vertically, horizontally, or at custom angles.

AutoCAD also excels at dimensioning, offering tools to create accurate and formatted measurements. Dimensions are categorized into four main types: Linear, Radial, Ordinate, and Angular. Each serves specific purposes to meet your drawing’s measurement needs.

Linear Dimensions:

• DIMLINEAR (DIMLIN): For horizontal or vertical measurements.
• DIMALIGNED (DIMALI): For measurements along angled lines.
• DIMCONTINUE (DIMCONT): To create a chain of connected dimensions.
• DIMBASELINE (DIMBASE): For multiple dimensions originating from a single reference point.

Radial Dimensions:

• DIMRADIUS (DIMRAD): Annotates the radius of circles or arcs.
• DIMDIAMETER (DIMDIA): Marks the diameter of circular objects.
• DIMCENTER: Adds center marks to circular shapes.

Angular and Ordinate Dimensions:

• DIMANGULAR (DIMANG): Measures angles between lines or points.
• DIMORDINATE: Annotates X or Y coordinate points for precise references.

Dimension Type	Command	Shortcut	Purpose
Linear	DIMLINEAR	DIMLIN	Horizontal or vertical measurements
Aligned	DIMALIGNED	DIMALI	Measurements along angled lines
Angular	DIMANGULAR	DIMANG	Angle measurements between lines
Radius	DIMRADIUS	DIMRAD	Radius of circles and arcs
Diameter	DIMDIAMETER	DIMDIA	Diameter of circles and arcs
Continue	DIMCONTINUE	DIMCONT	Chain dimensions from existing ones
Baseline	DIMBASELINE	DIMBASE	Multiple dimensions from one base point

Dimensions automatically update when changes are made – use the DIMREGEN command to reposition them as needed.

For customization, the DIMSTYLE command opens the Dimension Style Manager. Here, you can create and modify dimension styles, adjusting everything from text fonts and arrowhead designs to line weights and precision settings. This is especially useful when different levels of precision are required for various types of drawings.

To improve clarity when dimension lines overlap with drawing objects, use the Dimension Break tool. This creates gaps in the dimension lines, ensuring measurements are easy to read and reducing any potential confusion.

Next, we’ll dive into keyboard shortcuts to help you work even faster in AutoCAD.

AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are a fantastic way to speed up your workflow and get more done with fewer clicks. By using a few keystrokes, you can execute commands instantly, saving time and effort. Most shortcuts either involve a single letter followed by Enter or familiar Ctrl key combinations, much like other Windows applications. Once you get the hang of these shortcuts, your productivity – and drawing speed – can skyrocket. Below, we’ll cover some essential navigation and action shortcuts to make your drafting process smoother.

View and Navigation Shortcuts

Navigation shortcuts are all about efficiency. For example, to use the ZOOM command, simply type Z and hit Enter. From there:

• Enter E for Zoom Extents to see your entire drawing.
• Use W for Zoom Window to zoom in on a specific area.
• Hit P for Zoom Previous to return to your last view.

Want to pan across your drawing? Type P and press Enter, or just use your mouse wheel to scroll and zoom in or out.

For precision, toggle ORTHO mode with F8, which restricts lines to horizontal or vertical directions. Similarly, use F3 to turn object snap (OSNAP) on or off – perfect for aligning elements accurately.

Common Action Shortcuts

Many shortcuts will feel familiar if you’ve used other Windows programs. Here are a few basics:

• Ctrl+Z: Undo your last action.
• Ctrl+Y: Redo an undone action.
• Ctrl+C: Copy selected objects.
• Ctrl+X: Cut selected objects.
• Ctrl+V: Paste copied objects.
• Ctrl+A: Select all objects in your drawing.

Saving your work frequently is crucial, so press Ctrl+S to save your progress. If you need to adjust object properties like layer, color, or line type, use Ctrl+1 to open or close the Properties Palette.

Here’s a quick reference table for some of the most useful shortcuts:

Shortcut	Command	Purpose
Z + Enter	ZOOM	Access zoom options
P + Enter	PAN	Move the view around the drawing
F8	ORTHO	Toggle horizontal/vertical line constraints
F3	OSNAP	Toggle object snap on/off
Ctrl+Z	UNDO	Reverse the last action
Ctrl+Y	REDO	Restore an undone action
Ctrl+S	SAVE	Save the current drawing
Ctrl+1	PROPERTIES	Open/close the Properties Palette

For additional commands, you can type M followed by Enter to activate the MOVE command or X followed by Enter to use EXPLODE, which breaks down complex objects into simpler components.

Tips for Mastering Shortcuts

The key to mastering these shortcuts is consistent practice. Start with the basics – like navigation and undo commands – and gradually incorporate others into your routine. You can even customize shortcuts for commands you use frequently but don’t have a default key, tailoring the system to your needs. Over time, these shortcuts will become second nature, making your design process faster and more intuitive.

Summary and Next Steps

You’ve now got a solid grasp of the essential commands for drafting and design. These tools are the backbone of daily drafting work, whether you’re sketching basic shapes or managing more intricate layer setups.

Key Commands Review

Let’s quickly revisit the standout commands. Your basic drawing tools are indispensable, but editing commands like MOVE, COPY, and TRIM are what keep your workflow efficient. Similarly, LAYER commands help you stay organized, while navigation tools like ZOOM and PAN make it easier to manage your designs.

Focus on commands that solve your most frequent design challenges. If you notice yourself spending too much time on repetitive tasks, there’s probably a shortcut or command to make things easier. Many AutoCAD users continue to discover new tools even after years of experience. With so many commands available, prioritize the ones that directly improve your workflow.

Don’t underestimate the power of keyboard shortcuts. Commands like Ctrl+Z (undo), F8 (ortho mode), and single-letter commands followed by Enter can save you significant time when used consistently.

To take your skills to the next level, structured training can make a big difference.

Additional Training Options

Once you’ve practiced and refined these key commands, consider enrolling in structured training to dive deeper into AutoCAD’s capabilities. CAD Training Online offers a range of courses designed to help you master AutoCAD, led by Autodesk Certified Instructors with over 30 years of experience. These professionals have trained more than 10,000 users and bring real-world expertise to the table.

Their courses include both instructor-led and self-paced options, tailored to different industries like interior design, fire protection, and solar panel layout. As an Autodesk Authorized Training Center, CAD Training Online ensures you’re learning industry-standard techniques through practical, hands-on projects.

Every course comes with a satisfaction guarantee and an official certificate of completion. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your foundational skills or specialize in advanced workflows, structured training goes beyond simply learning commands. It equips you with best practices, industry-specific workflows, and advanced techniques – transforming your understanding of AutoCAD from basic proficiency to true mastery.

FAQs

What are the essential AutoCAD commands every beginner should learn first, and why are they important?

For those new to AutoCAD, getting familiar with a few essential commands can make all the difference in building a solid foundation and working more efficiently. Begin with basic drawing tools like LINE (L) for straight lines, CIRCLE (C) for creating circular shapes, and TRIM (TR) to tidy up overlapping or unnecessary parts of your design. These tools are crucial for crafting precise and accurate drawings.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, shift your focus to manipulation commands. Tools like COPY (CO) and MOVE (M) allow you to adjust or duplicate objects effortlessly, while PASTE (P) helps you place copied elements exactly where you need them. Don’t overlook the importance of DIMENSION (D) commands, which enable you to add exact measurements to your designs, ensuring they meet specific project standards. Mastering these commands early on will not only simplify your workflow but also set you up for success as you tackle more complex projects down the line.

How does managing layers in AutoCAD improve efficiency, and what are some tips for using layers effectively?

Managing layers in AutoCAD is a game changer for keeping your projects organized and your workflow efficient. Layers let you separate different elements of your design, making it easier to focus on specific parts without unnecessary distractions. They also give you precise control over visibility and editing, which simplifies adjustments and ensures your final prints look exactly how you want.

Here’s how to make the most of layers:

• Name layers clearly and descriptively so their purpose is immediately obvious.
• Stick to consistent naming conventions across all your projects for better organization.
• Use the Layer Properties Manager to assign colors and line types, helping you visually distinguish design elements.
• Take advantage of layer states to quickly toggle between different setups or configurations.
• Keep your workspace clutter-free by regularly purging unused layers.

By adopting these simple practices, you’ll make your AutoCAD projects smoother, faster, and less prone to mistakes.

How can I use tools like Object Snap and Polar Tracking to improve accuracy in my AutoCAD designs?

To boost precision in your AutoCAD designs, tools like Object Snap and Polar Tracking are game-changers. Here’s how to get the most out of them:

• Use Object Snap with Polar Tracking: Object Snap helps you lock onto key points like endpoints, midpoints, or intersections, while Polar Tracking ensures you maintain accurate angles. Together, they keep your designs perfectly aligned and precise.
• Tailor Polar Tracking Settings: Adjust the angle increments in Polar Tracking to suit your project. For instance, using 45° or 90° increments can make aligning elements much easier.
• Turn On Dynamic Input: Activating Dynamic Input gives you real-time feedback on distances and angles as you draw. This pairs well with Polar Tracking, allowing for smooth and precise adjustments.

By leveraging these tools effectively, you can simplify your workflow and achieve top-notch accuracy in your designs.