AutoCAD Shortcut Keys: Essential Commands and Key Combinations in AutoCAD
AutoCAD, a widely used tool for design, drafting, and engineering, offers numerous shortcut keys to enhance productivity and efficiency. Here's a guide to essential AutoCAD shortcut keys to help you navigate and manipulate your drawings more effectively.
Getting Started
- To create a new drawing, use the 'CTRL + N' shortcut.
- To open an existing drawing, use 'CTRL + O'.
- Practice regularly to build muscle memory with shortcut keys.
Basic Drawing Commands
- To draw a straight line, use the 'L' shortcut.
- To draw a circle, use the 'C' shortcut.
- To draw an arc, use the 'ARC' shortcut and specify start, center, or end points.
- To create a polygon with a specified number of sides, use the 'POL' shortcut.
- To draw a rectangular shape, use the 'REC' shortcut.
Selection and Manipulation
- To select all objects in the current drawing, use 'CTRL + A'.
- To add or remove objects from a selection, use 'SHIFT + Click'.
- To duplicate selected objects, use 'CO' or 'CP' shortcut.
- To stretch portions of objects, use the 'S' shortcut.
- To move selected objects to a new location, use the 'M' shortcut.
Layers and Visibility
- To manage and control layers, use the 'LA' shortcut.
- To isolate selected layers for a cleaner view, use the 'LAYISO' shortcut.
- To restore the previous layer settings, use the 'LAYERP' shortcut.
Annotations and Text
- To add simple text annotations, use the 'DT' shortcut.
- To add more complex text blocks, use the 'MT' shortcut.
- To create leader lines with annotations, use the 'LE' shortcut.
Dimensions
- To create various types of dimensions, use the 'DIM' shortcut.
Object Snap and Tracking
- To toggle object snap on/off, use 'F3'.
- To toggle object snap tracking, use 'F11'.
- To toggle grid display, use 'F7'.
Trimming and Extending Objects
- To trim objects at cutting edges, use the 'TR' shortcut.
- To extend objects to meet other edges, use the 'EX' shortcut.
Printing and Saving
- To print or plot the drawing, use 'CTRL + P'.
- To save the current drawing, use 'CTRL + S'.
Customizing Shortcuts
- Customize shortcuts in AutoCAD's preferences to suit your workflow.
For a comprehensive guide to AutoCAD shortcut keys, consider reading the book "Essential AutoCAD Shortcut Keys" authored by Bonnie Roskes and Steven R. Akers.
Navigating Your Drawing
- To move around your drawing without changing zoom levels, use the 'P' shortcut.
- To adjust your view of the drawing, use the 'Z' shortcut.
By mastering these shortcut keys, you can save time, boost productivity, and streamline your AutoCAD workflow. Happy drawing!
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