Top 10 AutoCAD Commands Every Drafter Should Know

By | December 17, 2024
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AutoCAD has long been the industry standard for drafting, and mastering its key commands is essential for efficiency and precision. Whether you’re a beginner or brushing up on your skills, these top 10 commands will simplify your workflow and make you a more productive drafter.

Now, let’s break down the 10 most important AutoCAD commands you need to know!

1. LINE (L) – The Foundation of Drafting

The LINE command creates straight line segments, forming the basis of any drawing.

How to Use:

  1. Type L in the command line and press Enter.
  2. Click to specify a start point, then an endpoint.
  3. Press Enter to finish or continue with more points.

Shortcut: Use Ortho Mode (F8) to ensure perfectly horizontal or vertical lines.

2. OFFSET (O) – Duplicate with Precision

The OFFSET command allows you to create parallel lines, arcs, or concentric shapes at a specified distance.

Steps:

  1. Type O and press Enter.
  2. Enter the offset distance.
  3. Select the object and click on the side where you want the offset.

Example: Use OFFSET to quickly create parallel walls or framing elements.

3. TRIM (TR) – Clean Up Lines

The TRIM command cuts unwanted portions of objects where they intersect.

How to Use:

  1. Type TR and press Enter.
  2. Select the cutting edges and press Enter.
  3. Click the parts you want to trim away.

Pro Tip: Double-tap Enter to use all objects as cutting edges automatically.

4. EXTEND (EX) – Connect Lines Perfectly

The EXTEND command lengthens lines until they meet a boundary edge.

Steps:

  1. Type EX and press Enter.
  2. Select the boundary line.
  3. Click on the lines you want to extend.

Shortcut: Double-tap Enter to use all objects as boundaries.

5. COPY (CO) – Duplicate Objects Quickly

The COPY command allows you to create exact duplicates of objects and place them elsewhere.

How to Use:

  1. Type CO and press Enter.
  2. Select the object(s) and specify a base point.
  3. Move your cursor and click to place the copy.

6. MOVE (M) – Relocate Objects

The MOVE command shifts objects to a new position without changing their dimensions.

How to Use:

  1. Type M and press Enter.
  2. Select the object(s).
  3. Specify a base point and a destination point.

7. MIRROR (MI) – Create Symmetry

The MIRROR command creates a mirrored copy of objects across a defined axis.

Steps:

  1. Type MI and press Enter.
  2. Select the object(s) and specify two points to define the mirror line.
  3. Press Enter to confirm.

Use Case: Mirroring doors, windows, or symmetrical components.

8. ERASE (E) – Delete Objects

The ERASE command removes unwanted objects from your drawing.

How to Use:

  1. Type E and press Enter.
  2. Select the object(s) to erase.
  3. Press Enter to confirm.

Shortcut: Use the Delete key after selecting objects.

9. DIMENSION (DIM) – Add Measurements

The DIMENSION command adds precise measurements to your drawing, ensuring clarity for construction or review.

Steps:

  1. Type DIM and press Enter.
  2. Select the objects or points you want to measure.
  3. Place the dimension line.

Pro Tip: Use the DIMSTYLE command to customize dimension styles.

10. ZOOM (Z) and PAN – Navigate Your Drawing

Navigating large drawings efficiently is just as important as creating them. Use ZOOM and PAN to focus on details.

ZOOM:

  • Type Z and press Enter.
  • Choose options like Extents, Window, or Previous for precise zooming.

PAN:

  • Press and hold the mouse wheel to drag the view.

Conclusion

These top 10 AutoCAD commands are the foundation of efficient drafting. From drawing lines and creating symmetry to cleaning up your geometry and adding measurements, these tools will help you work smarter and faster.