Whether you're new to using AutoCAD or have been using the program for years, it can be overwhelming to remember every command for the program. It can also be incredibly infuriating when you can't remember the name of the command that you need to complete your project. That's why we've compiled this list of 70+ AutoCAD commands to help make your life easier.
1) APPLOAD
The appload feature defines which applications to load upon opening / starting AutoCAD.
2) AUDIT
The audit command is incredibly useful since it will detect and correct some errors found within the drawing.
3) AUTOSCALE SETTING
You can adjust your default scale factor by setting the Auxiliary scale factor to Plot Scale or Dimscale.
4) BACKGROUND
If you do not like the default light grey colour, then you can manipulate the background image so that it is a solid colour, a gradient, or an image you've uploaded from your computer.
5) BATTMAN
If you're looking to change your blocks that contain attributes, then you should use the battman control. This command manages all attribute properties and settings within a selected block. This means that when it is used, it can allow you to change the properties and order of block definitions.
6) BMPOUT
This command allows you to save selected objects to a file in bitmap (.bmp) format.
7) BOUNDARY
By drawing a line through an object and then using the boundary command, the object becomes split in half. AutoCAD will automatically determine the boundary line and create properly sized polylines for each half.
8) BOX
The boxcommand will create a 3D box. You can still define the height, width, and depth of the 3D box before it is created within the drawing.
9) BURST
The burst command is highly valuable as it explodes a block or an object, but keeps its attributes intact after exploding it.
10) CHSPACE
If you're looking to move your objects in a drawing from one layout to another, or one space to another, then you can do so using the chspace command as it allows you to move text or objects between viewports.
11) Change Your MText to Lower Case or Upper Case
Accidentally forgot to capitalize text? Luckily, this can be easily fixed by right clicking and then selecting change case. Alternatively, you can use CTRL + SHIFT + U or CTRL + SHIFT + L, for upper case and lower case respectively.
12) CLOSEALL
If you've finished your project, choosing the close all command will close all AutoCAD windows easily, but not before asking you to save each unsaved drawing. Once you've saved, the windows will close, but the AutoCAD interface will remain opened.
13) COLOR
If you're looking to incorporate multiple distinguished layers within the drawing, for example furniture, lines, or block, then you should choose the color command as it allows for you to choose a new layer colour for each object.
14) Ctrl+Shift+V
The Ctrl+Shift+Y command allows you to paste as block
15) DEFAULT NO PLOT LAYER
If you want to change a layer's plot style or want to add notes to your project, then you should consider the 'default no plot layer' command. This creates a layer called DEFPOINTs where you can add notes. The drawback to this method is that it will not plot.
16) DIMALIGNED
If you're looking to create an aligned linear dimension, then you should use this command. There are two options for this command: you can choose an extension line origin, where you can specify the first and second extension line origin points. Or you can select the object and the origin points will be automatically determined.
17) DIMANGULAR
If you need to know the angle between geometric objects or 3 points, then you should use the dimangular command.
18) DIMBASELINE
The dimbaseline command creates a linear, angular, or ordinate dimension from the previous or selected baseline dimension.
19) DIMRADIUS
Unlike dimangular and dimbaseline, the dimradius command creates a radius dimension for circles and arcs.
20) DIMROTATED
The dimrotated command makes a linear dimension with a rotated dimension line.
21) DIMTEDIT
To change the text location of existing dimensions then use the dimtedit command.
22) DIVIDE
If you want to create evenly spaced point objects or blocks along the length of a line or the perimeter of an object, then use the divide command.
23) EDGESURF
If you're looking to create a three-dimensional polygonal mesh, then you can use the edgesurf command. It's important to note that while creating the mesh, you must have all of the edges touch at their endpoints in order to create a single, closed loop.
24) EXPLODE
The explode command dissects your object into each of its individual components. It's important to note that before using the tool, you are on the correct layer.
25) FILEDIA
If you're looking to open dialog boxes in AutoCAD, then you should use the filedia command. You can set the value to 1 which will allow for dialogue boxes, or you can set it to 0 to have everything done in the command line instead.
Learn the other 30+ commands in this downloadable PDF found here.
