When you use AutoCAD every day, even small improvements to your workflow can make a noticeable difference.
Keyboard shortcuts and command aliases give you a quicker way to access the tools you use most, helping you spend less time navigating the ribbon and more time working on your drawings.
Whether you're relatively new to AutoCAD or have been using it for years, learning a few useful shortcuts can help make everyday tasks quicker and more efficient.
In this helpful guide, we'll look at some of the most useful AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts and commands to help speed up your workflow.
What Are AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts?
AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts allow you to quickly access commands and features without searching through menus or ribbon panels.
There are a few different types you may come across:
- Keyboard shortcuts use a combination of keys to perform an action, such as Ctrl + S to save your drawing.
- Command aliases are shortened versions of AutoCAD commands that you type into the Command Line, such as L for LINE.
- Function keys allow you to quickly switch drafting tools and settings on or off, such as F3 for Object Snap.
You don't need to learn every shortcut available. Starting with the commands you use most frequently can quickly make your everyday workflow feel more efficient.
Essential AutoCAD Shortcuts to Get Started
If you're new to using keyboard shortcuts in AutoCAD, these are some of the most useful ones to learn first.
| Action | Shortcut | What is does |
| New drawing | Ctrl + N | Creates a new drawing |
| Open | Ctrl + O | Opens an existing drawing |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Saves your current drawing |
| Plot | Ctrl + P | Opens the Plot dialog box |
| Select All | Ctrl + A | Selects all objects |
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Copies selected object |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Pastes copied objects |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Reverses your last action |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y | Restores your asy undone action |
| Cancel | Esc |
Cancels current command |
These shortcuts may seem simple, but because they're used so regularly, getting into the habit of using them can save time throughout the working day.
Useful AutoCAD Command Aliases
Command aliases are particularly useful when you're drawing and editing because they allow you to launch commonly used tools directly from the Command Line. Instead of typing the full command name, you can enter a shorter alias.
| Alias | Command | What it does |
| L | Line | Create straight line segments |
| PL | PLine | Creates connected line and arc segments |
| C | CIRCLE | Creates a circle |
| A | ARC | Creates an arc |
| REC | RECTANG | Creates a rectangle |
| H | HATCH | Adds a hatch to an enclosed area |
| M | MOVE | Moves selected objects |
| CO | COPY | Copies selected objects |
| RO | ROTATE | Rotates selected objects |
| SC | SCALE | Changes the size of selected objects |
| MI | MIRROR | Creates a mirrored copy |
| O | OFFSET | Creates parallel or concentric objects |
| TR | TRIM | Trim objects |
| EX | EXTEND | Extends objects to meet another edge |
| E | ERASE | Removes selected objects |
| X | EXPLODE | Breaks a compound object into its individual components |
| MA | MATCHPROP | Matches properties between objects |
Once you become familiar with these aliases, you can move between commands quickly without constantly moving between your drawing and the ribbon.
AutoCAD Function Key Shortcuts
AutoCAD's function keys are another useful way to quickly control drawing settings.
| Function Key | Setting |
| F1 | Opens Help |
| F2 | Toggles the text screen |
| F3 | Toggles Object Snap |
| F4 | Toggles 3D Object Snap |
| F5 | Cycles through Isoplanes |
| F6 | Toggles Dynamic UCS |
| F7 | Toggles Grid Mode |
| F8 | Toggles Ortho Mode |
| F9 | Toggles Snap Mode |
| F10 | Toggles Polar Tracking |
| F11 | Toggles Object Snap Tracking |
| F11 | Toggles Dynamic Input |
For everyday drafting, F3, F8, F10, F11 and F12 are particularly useful to remember.
For example, if you regularly switch Ortho Mode on and off while drawing, pressing F8 is much quicker than changing the setting through the interface.
Useful Shortcuts for Managing Your AutoCAD Workspace
Shortcuts aren't only useful for drawing. They can also help you manage your AutoCAD workspace and quickly open frequently used palettes.
A few worth remembering are:
- Ctrl + 0 - Clean Screen: Hides interface elements to give you more drawing space.
- Ctrl + 1 - Properties: Shows or hides the Properties palette.
- Ctrl + 2 - DesignCenter: Opens the DesignCenter palette.
- Ctrl + 3 - Tool Palettes: Shows or hides the Tool Palettes window.
- Ctrl + 4 - Sheet Set Manager: Opens the Sheet Set Manager palette.
- Ctrl + 9 - Command Line: Shows or hides the Command Line.
Ctrl + 1 can be particularly useful when you're regularly checking or editing object properties, while Ctrl + 0 gives you a quick way to maximise the available drawing area.
AutoCAD Commands for Different Tasks
Another way to improve your AutoCAD workflow is to learn commands based on the type of work you're carrying out.
Drawing
Useful commands include LINE, PLINE, CIRCLE, ARC, RECTANG, POLYGON and HATCH.
These cover many of the basic tools you'll need when creating geometry.
Editing
For modifying existing geometry, useful commands include MOVE, COPY, ROTATE, SCALE, MIRROR, OFFSET, TRIM, EXTEND and ERASE.
Learning the aliases for the editing commands you use most frequently can make repetitive drawing tasks considerably quicker.
Annotation
For adding information to your drawings, you may regularly use TEXT, MTEXT, DIM, DIMSTYLE, MLEADER and TABLE.
Layers
Useful commands for managing layers include LAYER, LAYISO, LAYUNISO, LAYFRZ and LAYOFF.
For example, LAYISO allows you to quickly isolate selected layers when you need to focus on a particular part of your drawing.
Blocks
If you regularly work with blocks, useful commands include BLOCK, INSERT, BEDIT and WBLOCK.
Using blocks effectively can also help improve consistency and reduce repetitive work across your drawings.
Viewing & Navigation
Useful commands include ZOOM, PAN, REGEN, VIEW and VPORTS.
These make it easier to navigate around your drawing and control what you're viewing without interrupting your workflow.
Which AutoCAD Shortcuts Should You Learn First?
With so many AutoCAD shortcuts and commands available, trying to memorise them all at once isn't necessary.
Instead, think about the commands you use repeatedly throughout the day.
If you're regularly drawing and modifying geometry, you might start with:
- L - LINE
- C - CIRCLE
- M - MOVE
- CO - COPY
- TR - TRIM
- EX - EXTEND
- O - OFFSET
You could then gradually introduce shortcuts for layers, annotation and other areas of AutoCAD.
The aim isn't to use the keyboard for everything. It's to reduce unnecessary clicks for the commands you use most often.
Can You Customise AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts?
Yes. If the standard shortcuts don't suit the way you work, AutoCAD provides options for customising them.
Command aliases can be managed through AutoCAD's Program Parameters (PGP) file, while shortcut keys can also be customised through the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor.
This can be particularly useful if there are certain commands you use frequently and want to access more quickly.
However, if you're working within a wider team, it's worth considering whether everyone follows a standard AutoCAD setup before making significant changes. Keeping shortcuts and configurations consistent can make it easier for users to move between workstations and maintain shared workflows
Build Shortcuts into Your Everyday AutoCAD Workflow
Keyboard shortcuts might only save a few seconds each time you use them, but across hundreds of commands and actions, those small savings can quickly add up.
Start with the commands you use most frequently and gradually add more shortcuts as they become familiar. Before long, many of them will become a natural part of the way you work in AutoCAD.
And if you're looking to improve your AutoCAD skills further, instructor-led training can help you discover more efficient ways to work.
At TMS CADCentre, we're an Autodesk Authorised Training Centre, offering AutoCAD training delivered by experienced Autodesk trainers. Whether you're new to AutoCAD or looking to develop your existing skills, our courses can help you work more confidently and efficiently.
Explore our upcoming AutoCAD training courses or contact our team to discuss your training requirements.
