Making Changes in AutoCAD Doesn't Have to Be Difficult
Editing drawings is a normal part of every design project. Whether you're updating layouts, correcting annotation or revising object properties, AutoCAD includes several commands designed to make those changes faster and more accurate.
While some commands are used daily, others are often overlooked despite offering valuable time-saving benefits.
In this guide, we'll look at four AutoCAD commands beginning with CH that can help improve your workflow, from moving objects between model and paper space to quickly editing properties and hyperlinks.
CHSPACE - Move Objects Between Model Space and Paper Space
One of the most useful commands on this list is CHSPACE (Change Space).
If you've ever realised that dimensions, text or other annotations have been created in the wrong space, CHSPACE allows you to move them between paper space and model space without needing to recreate them.
The command automatically maintains the correct scale, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.
How to use CHSPACE
- Open a Layout tab (the command cannot be used from the Model tab).
- Type CHSPACE and press Enter.
- Select the objects you want to move.
- If moving from paper space, select the destination viewport.
AutoCAD transfers the selected objects while preserving their size relative to the viewport, making it ideal for correcting misplaced annotations.
Best used for
- Moving dimensions to the correct space
- Correcting misplaced notes and annotations
- Avoiding unnecessary redrawing
- Maintaining annotation scale automatically
CHANGE - Modify Objects from the Command Line
The CHANGE command has been part of AutoCAD for many years. Although most users now edit properties using the Properties palette, CHANGE still has its place.
After selecting an object, you can modify various properties directly from the command line, including:
- Colour
- Layer
- Linetype
- Thickness
- Elevation
- Linetype scale
Because it is entirely command-line driven, many users rarely encounter it today. However, it remains useful when creating scripts or AutoLISP routines where command-line automation is preferred.
Best used for
- AutoLISP development
- Scripts and automation
- Command-line based editing
CHPROP - A Faster Way to Change Properties
If you only need to modify object properties, CHPROP offers a quicker alternative to CHANGE.
Rather than presenting additional editing options, CHPROP focuses solely on property changes, allowing you to update objects more efficiently.
Like CHANGE, it operates from the command line, making it useful for automated workflows and experienced AutoCAD users who prefer keyboard-driven commands.
Typical properties you can modify include:
- Layer
- Colour
- Linetype
- Lineweight
- Transparency
- Linetype scale
Although similar to CHANGE, CHPROP removes unnecessary steps, helping streamline repetitive editing tasks.
Best used for
- Bulk property changes
- Faster command-line workflows
- Scripted editing processes
CHURLS - Update Hyperlinks Attached to Objects
The final command is one many AutoCAD users have never come across. CHURLS allows you to quickly edit hyperlinks attached to drawing objects.
If your drawings contain links to:
- Project documentation
- Specifications
- BIM documentation
- External websites
- Cloud-based project files
CHURLS lets you update those links without recreating them. The command is available within the Express Tools tab.
Simply:
- Start CHURLS
- Select the object containing the hyperlink
- Replace the existing URL with the new one
- Save your changes
For organisations using digital project information or linked documentation, this can be much quicker than recreating hyperlinks individually.
Best used for
- Updating project links
- Revising documentation references
- Maintaining connected project information
Best Practices for AutoCAD Commands
When working on large architectural, engineering or construction projects, consistency is just as important as speed. Before making widespread changes:
- Work on a copy or use version control where appropriate.
- Check your editing objects in the correct space before moving them.
- Use layers and standards consistently to avoid unnecessary property changes later.
- If using hyperlinks, ensure URLs point to current project documentation to avoid broken references.
- Taking a few moments to verify changes can prevent coordination issues further into the project lifecycle.
Make the Most of AutoCAD's Built-In Commands
AutoCAD contains hundreds of commands, many of which are easy to overlook. While CHSPACE is widely recognised as an essential productivity tool, commands such as CHPROP and CHURLS can also save valuable time in the right situations.
Learning these lesser-known features can help you work more efficiently, reduce repetitive editing and improve the overall quality of your drawings.
Looking to get even more from AutoCAD? TMS CADCentre offers Autodesk-authorised training designed to help architecture, engineering and construction professionals build confidence and work more productively.
