AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts
95+ AutoCAD shortcuts and command aliases for drafting, editing, and navigation. Essential reference for CAD professionals.
Drawing
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Line | |
| Polyline | |
| Circle | |
| Arc | |
| Rectangle | |
| Ellipse | |
| Polygon | |
| Spline | |
| Multiline | |
| Construction Line (Xline) | |
| Ray | |
| Hatch | |
| Boundary Hatch | |
| Point | |
| Region | |
| Multiline Text | |
| Single Line Text | |
| Donut |
Modify
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Move | |
| Copy | |
| Rotate | |
| Scale | |
| Mirror | |
| Offset | |
| Array | |
| Trim | |
| Extend | |
| Fillet | |
| Chamfer | |
| Stretch | |
| Break | |
| Join | |
| Explode | |
| Edit Polyline | |
| Erase | |
| Lengthen | |
| Align |
Navigation
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Zoom | |
| Zoom Extents | |
| Zoom All | |
| Zoom Window | |
| Zoom Previous | |
| Pan | |
| Pan (hold) | |
| Zoom In/Out | |
| Zoom Extents | |
| 3D Orbit |
Selection
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Select All | |
| Deselect / Cancel | |
| Toggle Object Snap (OSNAP) | |
| Toggle Ortho Mode | |
| Toggle Snap to Grid | |
| Toggle Polar Tracking | |
| Toggle Object Snap Tracking | |
| Toggle Dynamic Input | |
| Toggle Grid Display |
Annotation
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Dimension (auto) | |
| Linear Dimension | |
| Aligned Dimension | |
| Radius Dimension | |
| Diameter Dimension | |
| Angular Dimension | |
| Leader | |
| Multileader | |
| Tolerance | |
| Table |
Layers
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Layer Manager | |
| Line Type Manager | |
| Line Weight Settings | |
| Color dialog | |
| Properties palette | |
| Match Properties | |
| Turn all layers on | |
| Turn selected layer off | |
| Isolate layer | |
| Unisolate layers |
General
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| New drawing | |
| Open drawing | |
| Save | |
| Save As | |
| Plot / Print | |
| Undo | |
| Redo | |
| Copy to clipboard | |
| Paste from clipboard | |
| Cut to clipboard | |
| Toggle Properties palette | |
| Toggle DesignCenter | |
| Quick Calc |
Blocks
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Create Block | |
| Insert Block | |
| Write Block (Wblock) | |
| External Reference Manager | |
| Attach Xref | |
| Edit reference in-place | |
| Block Editor | |
| Edit block attributes |
Pro tips
Command Line is King
AutoCAD's command line is the fastest way to work. Type shortcut aliases instead of clicking toolbar buttons. Most pros never touch the ribbon.
Master OSNAP (F3)
Object Snap is critical for precise drafting. Set your running OSNAPs to Endpoint, Midpoint, Center, and Intersection. Toggle with F3.
Use Ortho + Polar Tracking
F8 for Ortho (horizontal/vertical only) and F10 for Polar Tracking (any angle increment). These ensure your lines are perfectly aligned.
Repeat Last Command with Enter
Press Enter or Space to repeat the last command. This is huge when drawing multiple lines, circles, or when trimming many objects.
Layer Management is Essential
Use LAYISO to isolate a layer, LAYOFF to hide layers. Well-organized layers are the difference between a manageable drawing and chaos.
Dynamic Input (F12)
Dynamic Input shows dimensions and angles near your cursor as you draw. Toggle it on for quick drafting without watching the command line.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between command aliases and shortcuts?
Command aliases (like L for Line, C for Circle) are typed into the command line. Keyboard shortcuts (like Ctrl+S for Save) use modifier keys. AutoCAD relies heavily on command aliases - they're faster than toolbar buttons once memorized.
How do I customize command aliases?
Edit the acad.pgp file (Tools → Customize → Edit Program Parameters). You can change any alias - for example, change 'C' from Circle to Copy if you use Copy more often. Restart AutoCAD after editing.
What's the fastest way to select objects?
Click and drag left-to-right for a Window selection (must fully contain objects). Drag right-to-left for a Crossing selection (selects anything the box touches). You can also type 'ALL' to select everything.
How do I use TRIM and EXTEND efficiently?
After starting TR (Trim) or EX (Extend), press Enter to select all objects as boundaries. Then just click the edges you want to trim/extend. Hold Shift while in Trim to temporarily switch to Extend, and vice versa.
What are the essential F-key toggles?
F3 = OSNAP (snap to geometry), F7 = Grid, F8 = Ortho (straight lines), F9 = Snap to Grid, F10 = Polar Tracking, F11 = Object Snap Tracking, F12 = Dynamic Input. F3 and F8 are the most used.
How do I set up AutoCAD for productivity?
Set your running OSNAPs (Endpoint, Midpoint, Center, Intersection). Create a template (.dwt) with your standard layers, text styles, and dimension styles. Customize the Quick Access Toolbar with your most-used commands.
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