AutoCAD Commands List: Draw, Modify & 3D Commands

Did you know one of the best CAD applications in the market is AutoCAD? The advantages of this CAD application are innumerable. It has an advanced user interface, sophisticated technology, and a plethora of tools. In this blog, we will explore the basic AutoCAD commands along with AutoCAD drawing commands, modifying commands, 3D commands, and more. 

Introduction to AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a popular computer-aided design software used by architects, engineers, and designers worldwide. It provides a range of powerful tools for creating and editing 2D and 3D drawings. It includes a vast library of commands that allow users to customize and automate their workflows.

List of AutoCAD Basic Commands

It’s crucial to understand the fundamental AutoCAD commands to fully utilize the software. Given below is an AutoCAD commands list.

Full Form	Command	Description
Audit	AUDIT	Checks and removes errors from your work.
BEdit	BE	Opens the block definition in the Block Editor.
BClose	BC	Closes the Block Editor.
CloseAll	CLOSEALL	Closes all the open windows in AutoCAD.
CloseAllOther	CLOSEALLOTHER	Closes all open windows, except for the one you are currently working on.
Copy	CO	Copies objects or text.
Color	COL	Sets the color of new objects.
Distance	DI	Finds the distance between two points in a drawing.
Erase	E	Removes or erases objects from a drawing.
ETransmit	ZIP	Creates a Self-Extracting or Zipped file.
Insert	I	Inserts (an existing block or drawing as a block).
List	LI	Accesses the properties of different objects within a drawing.
Matlib	MATLIB	Imports or exports materials from a library.
Multiple	MULTIPLE	Repeats any command without having to press Enter each time (press the Esc key to cancel this command).
Oops	OOPS	Restores the last object you deleted.
Options	OP	Opens the options window (contains the settings for AutoCAD).
PasteClip	PASTECLIP	Pastes copied objects from the clipboard into your work.
Preview	PRE	This shows how your work will be presented when printed.
QSave	QSAVE	Autosaves the file you’re working on.
RecoverAll	RECOVERALL	Recovers and repairs a corrupted or damaged drawing.
Rotate	RO	Rotates an object.
SaveAll	SAVEALL	Saves all the open drawings in AutoCAD.
Spell	SP	Performs a spell check on selected text.
DDStyle	ST	Opens the text style window.
Time	TIME	Accesses information such as the date you created a certain piece of work or time spent editing a drawing.
Block Save	BS	Helps reusing a complex object or a group of objects in a drawing.
Attribute Edit	ATE	Helps edit custom information associated with specific blocks.
Text	DT	Allows inserting text strings at specified locations to provide additional information.
Set Var	SET	Allows modifying the values of system variables.
Quick Save	QSAVE	Saves the current drawing.
Quick Calc	QC	Opens QuickCalc to perform calculations.
Import	IMP	Helps in inserting a file (any format) into the drawing.
Command Line Interface	CLI	Shows the command line in every drawing.
Check Standards	CHK	Performs a check in the drawing to identify violations of standards.
DRM Drawing Recovery Manager	DRM	Displays previous unsaved ongoing drawings that were not saved due to system failure.
JPEG Output	JPGOUT	Saves drawings in .jpeg format.

These commands can help you manage and edit your AutoCAD projects more efficiently. To learn more about these commands in detail, you can choose an AutoCAD course.

AutoCAD Drawing Commands

These AutoCAD commands are essential for creating precise geometric shapes. Mastering them can significantly increase your productivity in CAD design.

Full Form	Command	Description
Line	L	It is used to draw a straight line between two points. Simply type “LINE” into the command line and select the starting point. Then, select the endpoint. You can also specify the length and angle of the line by typing in specific values.
Circle	C	It draws a circle or an arc. To use this command, type “CIRCLE” into the command line and specify the center point and radius. You can also create an arc by specifying the start and end angles.
Arc	A	It draws an arc of a circle. To use this command, type “ARC” into the command line. Then, specify the center point, radius, and start and end angles.
Offset	O	This creates a parallel line or curve at a specific distance from an existing line or curve. To use this command, type “OFFSET” into the command line and select the object you want to offset. Lastly, specify the distance.
Trim	TR	The TRIM command trims off parts of an object that extend beyond another object. To use this command, type “TRIM” into the command line and select the objects you want to trim. Then, select the object that will be used as the cutting edge.
Extend	EX	The EXTEND command extends an object to meet another object. To use this command, type “EXTEND” into the command line and select the object you want to extend. Then, select the object that will be used as the boundary edge.
Fillet	F	The FILLET command rounds off the corners of two intersecting objects. To use this command, type “FILLET” into the command line, select the first object, and select the second object. Then, specify the radius of the fillet.
Chamfer	CHA	It creates a beveled edge between two intersecting objects. To use this command, type “CHAMFER” into the command line, select the first object, and select the second object. Then, specify the distance and angle of the chamfer.
Mirror	MI	This command is used to create a mirror image of an object. To use this command, type “MIRROR” into the command line and select the object you want to mirror. Finally, select the mirror line.
Array	AR	The ARRAY command creates a pattern of multiple objects. To use this command, type “ARRAY” into the command line, select the object you want to duplicate, and specify the number of rows and columns. Lastly, specify the spacing between the objects.
Rectangle	REC	The RECTANGLE command draws rectangles. To use this command, type “RECTANGLE” in the command line. Specify the first corner point and then specify the opposite corner point.
Polyline	PL	The POLYLINE command draws a series of connected lines and arcs. To use this command, type “POLYLINE” in the command line and specify the first point.
Hatch	BH/H	The HATCH command fills an enclosed area with a pattern. To use this command, type “HATCH” in the command line and select the area to be hatched. Then, specify the hatch pattern and scale.
Dimension	DIMENSION	The DIMENSION command adds dimensions to your drawing. To use this command, type “DIMENSION” in the command line and select the objects to be dimensioned. Then, specify the location and type of dimension.
Mtext	MT	The MTEXT command adds multiline text to your drawing. To use this command, type “MTEXT” in the command line and specify the insertion point. Then, enter your text.
Append	AP	Appends one object to another by combining them. To use this command, type ”AP” in the command line and specify the two objects.
Layout	LO	Creates and modifies various drawing layout tabs.
Multiple Lines	ML	Draws multiple parallel lines.
Polygon	POL	Constructs a polygon. To use this command, type “POL” and specify the number of edges and the center.
Ray	RA	Draws a ray from a particular point.
Stretch	ST	Stretches an object up to a specified point. To use this command, type “ST” and specify the point you want to stretch the object to.
Table	TB	Inserts a table in the drawing. To use this command, type “TB” and specify the number of rows and columns you want in your table.
Extended Line	XL	Creates a line. To use this command, type “XL” and specify the length of the line you want to draw.

You can use a broad variety of AutoCAD tools to create accurate shapes and designs. Knowing these commands helps you get a better understanding of the software and bring the best out of it. 

AutoCAD Modifying Commands

The following commands let you experiment with the properties and make necessary design changes.

Full Form	Command	Description
Adcenter	ADC	This command allows you to insert or manage content, such as blocks, hatch patterns, and xrefs. You can access the content from a single dialog box, making it easier to find and use.
Align	AL	This command allows you to align objects with other objects in 2D and 3D. You can align them based on different criteria, such as endpoints, centers, and edges.
Base	BASE	This command allows you to alter the base point of a drawing without changing its origin. You can move the base point to a different location.
B Parameter	PARAM	This command allows you to add a parameter with grips to a dynamic block definition. You can use this command to make a block more flexible.
Break	BR	This command allows you to create a break (or gaps) in objects at one or two points. You can use this command to break up a line or object into smaller parts.
Bsave	BS	This command allows you to save the current block definition.
Burst	BURST	This command allows you to explode a block but retain its attribute settings and layer definition. You can use this command to convert a block back into individual objects.
Copybase	COPYBASE	This command allows you to copy an object according to a base point. You can use this command to make a copy of an object.
Divide	DIV	This command allows you to divide objects into multiple equal parts. You can use this command to create evenly-spaced points or lines.
Layers	LA	This command allows you to open the Layer Properties Manager Palette.
Match properties	MA	This command allows you to copy the properties of one object onto another.
Mocoro	MOCORO	This command allows you to move, copy, rotate, and scale an object in one command.
Overkill	OVERKILL	This command allows you to remove overlapping or unnecessary objects from your work.
Purge	PU	This command allows you to remove unused objects from a drawing.
Scale	SC	This command allows you to change the scale of an object. You can use this command to resize an object without changing its proportions.
Scaletext	SCALETEXT	This command allows you to change the scale of the text. You can use it to resize text to fit a specific space.
Textfit	TEXTFIT	This command allows you to alter the size of a piece of text. You can use it to resize text to fit a specific area.
Texttofront	TEXTTOFRONT	Brings annotations to the front.
Torient	TORIENT	Changes the orientation of the text.
Trim	TR	Trims a shape or line.
Units	UN	Alters the unit settings of your drawing.
Explode	X	Breaks up an object into its individual components; for example, a polyline into simple lines.
Xbind	XB	Binds the definitions of named objects in an xref.
Delete	DL	Deletes a particular object from the drawing.
Gradient Fill	GD	Fills a specific area with a gradient effect.
Group	G	Groups multiple objects into a single one.
Move	M	Moves an object to another location after selecting the object and specifying the new location.
Join	J	Creates a new object by joining or overlapping the existing objects.
Lwpolylineedit	LWE	Edits a lightweight polyline by adding or removing vertex points.
Regen	RE	Regenerates the drawing while taking into consideration the existing updates.
Rename	REN	Renames the layers and blocks inside the drawing.
Undo	U	Undoes the previous command.

AutoCAD 3D Commands

In AutoCAD, the commands are not limited to 2D. Many instructions might add an extra dimension to your AutoCAD project. Here are a few examples:

Full Form	Command	Description
3D Move	3DMOVE	Moves objects along a specified axis or plane in 3D space.
3D Align	3DALIGN	Aligns objects in 3D space using specified points.
3D Array	3DARRAY	Creates a 3D array of objects in a specified pattern.
3D Config	3D CONFIG	Opens the 3D Configuration Manager to adjust settings for working in 3D.
3D Distance	3D DISTANCE	Measures the distance between two points in 3D space.
3D Poly	3DPOLY	Creates a 3D polyline by specifying vertices in 3D space.
Box	BOX	Creates a 3D solid box with specified dimensions.
Cylinder	CYL	Creates a 3D solid cylinder with specified dimensions.
Extrude	EXT	Extrudes 2D objects or shapes into 3D solids.
Loft	LO	Creates a 3D solid or surface by lofting between specified shapes or objects.
Revolve	REV	Creates a 3D solid or surface by revolving a 2D object or shape around an axis.
Section	SEC	Creates a section view of a 3D object or surface.
Solid edit	SOLIDEDIT	Edits the properties of 3D solids, such as their faces or edges.
Sphere	SPHERE	Creates a 3D solid sphere with specified dimensions.
Subtract	SU	Subtracts one 3D solid from another to create a new solid.
Union	UNI	Combines two or more 3D solids into a single solid.
View	V	Creates and saves different views of a 3D object or surface.
Visual styles	VSM	Adjusts the visual style settings for working in 3D.
Wcs	WCS	Switches between working in world coordinates and object coordinates.
Zoom 3D	ZOOM3D	Zooms in or out on a 3D object or surface.
Orbit	O	Rotates the view of a 3D object or surface around a specified axis.
Pan	P	Moves the view of a 3D object or surface in a specified direction.
Render	RR	Creates a photorealistic rendering of a 3D object or surface.
Materials	MAT	Applies materials to 3D objects or surfaces to create a realistic appearance.
Light	LIGHT	Adds lights to a 3D scene to create a realistic lighting environment.
Intersect	IN	Allows the user to create a new 3D object at the intersection of two or more objects.
Sweep	SW	Allows the user to create a 3D object by sweeping a 2D object or sub-object along a specified path.
Slice	SL	Divides a 3D surface using a cutting plane.
Trim 3D	TRi	Trims a 3D surface based on another object (2D or 3D).

AutoCAD Object Selection Commands

You can select and manipulate specific elements in your drawings through AutoCAD object selection commands. Let us look at some of these commands here: 

Full Form	Command	Description
Select	S	It allows the user to select objects for editing or modification.
Window	W	It allows the user to select objects within a specified rectangular area called the selection window.
Crossing	C	It allows the user to select objects crossed by the selection rectangle or crossing area.
Quick Select	QSELECT	It allows the automatic selection of objects based on specified criteria like color, object types, etc.
Filter	FI	With this command, the user can define a criteria and create a filter that displays objects meeting this criteria.
Previous	PRE	This command allows the user to reselect a group of objects previously worked on.

AutoCAD Dimensioning Commands

Dimensioning commands in AutoCAD help the user to decide size and spatial relationships of objects. Let us explore some of these essential commands here: 

Full Form	Command	Description
Dimstyle	D	It allows the creation and modification of dimension styles.
Dimradius	DRA	It enables adding radius dimensions (distance from the center of a circle or arc to the circumference).
Dimangular	DAN	It allows adding angular dimensions to your drawings. The measurements are added in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
Dimdiameter	DDI	It allows adding diameter dimensions to circles or arcs.
Dimordinate	DOR	It allows defining a base point, which can be used to measure perpendicular distances of other points from the baseline.
Dimbaseline	DBA	It enables the user to define a baseline dimension.
Qleader	LE	It allows the user to add annotation leaders with text to drawings. It is useful in providing extra information.
Measure	ME	It measures the dimension of an object.

AutoCAD Layer Management Commands

Layers help you group and categorize different elements. This way you can easily edit and control their visibility. Some of the layer management commands in AutoCAD are as follows: 

Full Form	Command	Description
Layer	LA	It allows the user to define different attributes of layers like names, line types, colors, etc.
Layiso	LI	It allows the user to isolate a selected layer and temporarily hide the others.
Layer Previous	LAYERP	With this, the user can revert to a previously saved layer configuration.
Layer Freeze	LAYFRZ	It freezes specific layers and their objects are not displayed or regenerated.
Layer Thaw	LAYTHW	It unfreezes previously frozen layers and restores their visibility.
Layer Off	LAYOFF	It can turn off specific layers permanently and hide their objects from view.

AutoCAD Plotting and Printing Commands

Plotting and printing help designers transform their digital designs into either physical paper prints or digital files. Several commands in AutoCAD facilitate this process. Here are some of them: 

Full Form	Command	Description
Plot	P	It allows the user to configure plot settings like plot scale, paper size, plot style, plot area, etc.
Page Setup	PAGESETUP	It allows the user to customize the layout settings for plotting.
Publish	PUBLISH	It publishes drawings to design web format (DWF), DWFx, PDF files, printers, or plotters.
Export PDF	EPDF	It enables the user to save the drawings in PDF format.

Keyboard Shortcuts for AutoCAD Commands

Autocad shortcuts keys allow you to quickly execute an AutoCAD command. It saves time and increases efficiency. Let us explore some of the common keyboard shortcuts for basic AutoCAD commands: 

Keyboard Shortcut	Use
CTRL+E	This shortcut is used to shift between system displays.
CTRL+F	It is used to display snap points with the help of the cursor.
CTRL+SHIFT+H	It is used to show or hide color palettes.
CTRL+T	It creates a new text object.
CTRL+I	This is used to shift between the display of the coordinates in the status bar.
CTRL+A	It selects all the objects in the drawing.
CTRL+C	It copies selected objects to the clipboard.
CTRL+V	It pastes selected objects from the clipboard.
CTRL+X	It cuts the selected object and stores it in the clipboard.
CTRL+Z	It is used to undo the previous action.
CTRL+Y	It is used to redo the previously undone action.
CTRL+G	It is used to turn the grid display on or off.
CTRL+H	It is used to select the visibility of the Pick Style window.
CTRL+L	It is used to turn the ortho mode on or off.
CTRL+M	It creates a new viewport in the layout.
CTRL+SHIFT+I	It is used to apply geometric restrictions on the objects.
CTRL+W	It is used to close a current drawing.
CTRL+T	It creates a new text object.
CTRL+0	It is used to switch to the Model tab.
CTRL+1	It is used to switch to the Properties palette.
CTRL+2	It is used to toggle the DesignCenter palette on or off.
CTRL+3	It opens the Tool palette which contains tools, commands, and blocks.
CTRL+4	It opens the Sheet Set palette. Here, you can manage multiple sheets and layouts.
CTRL+5	It is used to toggle the InfoCenter palette on or off.
CTRL+6	It opens DBConnect Manager to connect the user to the external database.
CTRL+7	It is used to toggle the Markup Set Manager palette on or off.
CTRL+8	It is used to toggle the QuickCalc palette on or off.
CTRL+9	It is used to switch the Command line window on or off.

Conclusion

With the help of AutoCAD commands, you can create and modify technical drawings with ease. These commands allow you to perform varying tasks ranging from drawing, object manipulation, text and annotation, editing, dimensioning, layer management, 3D modeling, plotting, and printing. You can learn the shortcuts for these commands to save time and enhance your productivity. 

Are there any particular commands you use regularly in your AutoCAD projects? Share your answers with us in the comments section below. Further, if you are going to appear for an interview soon, check out AutoCAD interview questions. You can practice these to answer confidently and ace your interview. 

FAQs