AutoCAD is keyboard-first software: drafters type one- and two-letter command aliases hundreds of times a day, and the F-keys control drawing precision. This complete list of AutoCAD keyboard shortcut keys explains command aliases, F-key toggles and control shortcuts in plain words.
Command Aliases (type and press Enter)
| Alias | Command / Function |
|---|---|
| L | LINE — draw straight segments |
| PL | PLINE — draw a connected polyline |
| C | CIRCLE |
| A | ARC |
| REC | RECTANG — draw a rectangle |
| POL | POLYGON |
| EL | ELLIPSE |
| H | HATCH — fill an enclosed area |
| T / MT | TEXT / MTEXT — single-line / multiline text |
| M | MOVE |
| CO (or CP) | COPY |
| RO | ROTATE |
| SC | SCALE |
| MI | MIRROR |
| AR | ARRAY (rectangular/polar/path) |
| O | OFFSET — parallel copies at a distance |
| TR | TRIM — cut objects at edges |
| EX | EXTEND — lengthen objects to edges |
| F | FILLET — round a corner |
| CHA | CHAMFER — bevel a corner |
| S | STRETCH |
| E | ERASE |
| X | EXPLODE — break a block/polyline into parts |
| B | BLOCK — create a block from objects |
| I | INSERT — place a block |
| G | GROUP |
| DI | DIST — measure the distance between two points |
| LI | LIST — show an object's properties in detail |
| DIM | Dimension tools (smart dimensioning) |
| D | DIMSTYLE — dimension style manager |
| LA | LAYER properties manager |
| LT | LINETYPE manager |
| Z | ZOOM (then E for extents, W for window, P for previous) |
| PAN | Pan the view (or hold the mouse wheel) |
| RE | REGEN — regenerate/refresh the drawing display |
| U | Undo a single step |
F-Key Toggles (drawing precision)
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| F1 | Help |
| F2 | Toggle the Text Window (full command history) |
| F3 | Toggle Object Snap (OSNAP) on/off |
| F4 | Toggle 3D Object Snap |
| F5 | Cycle the isometric drawing plane (left/top/right) |
| F6 | Toggle Dynamic UCS (3D modeling) |
| F7 | Toggle the grid display |
| F8 | Toggle Ortho mode (locks movement to horizontal/vertical) |
| F9 | Toggle Snap mode (cursor jumps in fixed steps) |
| F10 | Toggle Polar Tracking (angle guides) |
| F11 | Toggle Object Snap Tracking |
| F12 | Toggle Dynamic Input (dimensions at the cursor) |
| Esc | Cancel the current command / deselect |
| Enter or Spacebar | Repeat the last command (when no command is active) |
Control Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + N / Ctrl + O / Ctrl + S | New / open / save a drawing |
| Ctrl + Shift + S | Save As |
| Ctrl + P | Print / Plot |
| Ctrl + Q | Exit AutoCAD |
| Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y | Undo / redo |
| Ctrl + A | Select all objects |
| Ctrl + C / Ctrl + X / Ctrl + V | Copy / cut / paste |
| Ctrl + Shift + C | Copy with a base point |
| Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste as a block |
| Ctrl + 1 | Toggle the Properties palette |
| Ctrl + 2 | Toggle DesignCenter |
| Ctrl + 3 | Toggle the Tool Palettes |
| Ctrl + 9 | Toggle the command line |
| Ctrl + 0 | Clean Screen (hide all UI for a full drawing view) |
| Ctrl + J | Repeat the previous command |
| Ctrl + H | Toggle group/object selection modes (PICKSTYLE) |
| Ctrl + Shift + H | Hide/show all palettes |
| Ctrl + Tab / Ctrl + Shift + Tab | Next / previous open drawing |
| Ctrl + Page Up / Page Down | Switch layout tabs within the drawing |
| Mouse wheel | Zoom (scroll), Pan (hold and drag), Zoom Extents (double-click) |
Tips for AutoCAD Users
The drafter's rhythm is alias + Enter, and Spacebar doubles as Enter — your right hand never leaves the mouse. F8 (Ortho) and F10 (Polar) are the two toggles touched most: Ortho for strict right angles, Polar for guided angles like 30°/45°. Zoom Extents by double-clicking the mouse wheel rescues a lost drawing instantly, and Ctrl + 0 gives clients a clean full-screen look in one chord.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I repeat the last command in AutoCAD?
Press Enter or Spacebar with no command active — the last command starts again. Ctrl + J does the same thing.
What is the difference between F8 and F10 in AutoCAD?
F8 (Ortho) locks the cursor strictly horizontal or vertical. F10 (Polar Tracking) guides you along chosen angles (like 45°) while still allowing free movement.
How do I zoom to see the whole drawing in AutoCAD?
Type Z, Enter, then E, Enter (Zoom Extents) — or simply double-click the mouse wheel.
How do I copy objects with a base point in AutoCAD?
Press Ctrl + Shift + C, click your base point, then Ctrl + V in the target drawing and place it exactly from that reference point.
By Umar Farooq, Tech Know.
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