AutoCAD is one of the most powerful tools for drafting and design, but navigating its interface can be time-consuming without the use of hotkeys. Hotkeys, or keyboard shortcuts, allow you to execute commands quickly and efficiently, reducing the time spent searching for tools or navigating menus. By mastering these shortcuts, you can significantly enhance your productivity and focus on the creative aspects of your work.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most useful hotkeys in AutoCAD, organized by category, and provide tips for customizing them to suit your workflow.
Table of Contents
What Are Hotkeys in AutoCAD ?
Hotkeys in AutoCAD are predefined keyboard shortcuts that execute specific commands or functions. Instead of clicking through the ribbon, menu bar, or tool palettes, you can press a combination of keys to perform actions instantly. AutoCAD comes with a robust set of default hotkeys, but you can also customize them to fit your needs.
Benefits of Using Hotkeys in AutoCAD
- Speed: Perform tasks faster, especially repetitive ones like copying, moving, or zooming.
- Efficiency: Reduce hand movement between the keyboard and mouse.
- Precision: Quickly access precise tools without navigating through menus.
- Customization: Tailor shortcuts to match your workflow and preferences.
Essential Hotkeys for AutoCAD
Here is a categorized list of the most commonly used hotkeys in AutoCAD:
Basic Hotkeys
| Hotkey | Command | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + S | Save | Saves the current drawing. |
| Ctrl + O | Open | Opens an existing drawing. |
| Ctrl + N | New | Creates a new drawing. |
| Ctrl + P | Print/Plot | Opens the print/plot dialog box. |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo | Undoes the last action. |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo | Redoes the last undone action. |
| Ctrl + A | Select All | Selects all objects in the drawing. |
Drafting and Design Hotkeys
| Hotkey | Command | Function |
|---|---|---|
| L | Line | Draws a straight line segment. |
| C | Circle | Draws a circle based on a center point and radius. |
| REC | Rectangle | Creates a rectangular shape. |
| ARC | Arc | Draws an arc by specifying three points. |
| PL | Polyline | Creates a connected sequence of line or arc segments. |
| H | Hatch | Fills an enclosed area with a pattern or solid color. |
| TR | Trim | Trims objects to meet the edges of other objects. |
| EXT | Extend | Extends objects to meet the edges of other objects. |
| OFFSET | Offset | Creates parallel lines or curves at a specified distance. |
| MIRROR | Mirror | Creates a mirrored copy of selected objects. |
Editing Hotkeys
| Hotkey | Command | Function |
|---|---|---|
| E | Erase | Deletes selected objects from the drawing. |
| M | Move | Moves objects to a new location. |
| CO | Copy | Copies objects to a new location. |
| RO | Rotate | Rotates selected objects around a specified base point. |
| S | Stretch | Stretches selected objects. |
| SC | Scale | Scales objects larger or smaller based on a scale factor. |
| CHA | Chamfer | Bevels the edges of two objects. |
| F | Fillet | Creates a rounded corner between two objects. |
| X | Explode | Breaks a compound object into its component parts. |
Navigation and View Hotkeys
| Hotkey | Command | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Z | Zoom | Zooms in or out on the drawing area. |
| P | Pan | Moves the drawing view without altering the objects. |
| V | View | Opens the view manager to save or restore views. |
| Ctrl + 1 | Properties | Opens the Properties palette for selected objects. |
| Ctrl + R | Cycle Viewports | Cycles through multiple viewports in the layout. |
Annotation Hotkeys
| Hotkey | Command | Function |
|---|---|---|
| D | Dimension | Creates dimensions for distances, angles, and arcs. |
| T | Text | Creates single-line text. |
| MT | Multiline Text | Creates multiline text. |
| LE | Leader | Draws a leader with an annotation. |
Customizing Hotkeys in AutoCAD
AutoCAD allows you to create or modify hotkeys to better suit your workflow. Customizing hotkeys can help you streamline repetitive tasks or match shortcuts to other software you use.
Steps to Customize Hotkeys
- Open the CUI Editor: Type CUI in the command line and press Enter. This opens the Customize User Interface editor.
- Navigate to Keyboard Shortcuts: Expand the Keyboard Shortcuts section in the Customization panel.
- Add or Modify Shortcuts:
- Select a command from the Command List.
- Drag the command to the Shortcut Keys section.
- Assign a new hotkey by clicking in the Key(s) field and pressing the desired combination.
- Save Changes: Click Apply and OK to save your customized shortcuts.
Backing Up Custom Shortcuts
To avoid losing your customized hotkeys, export your settings:
- Open the CUI Editor.
- Click Transfer to open the Transfer tab.
- Save your current settings as a
.cuixfile.
Tips for Mastering AutoCAD Hotkeys
- Memorize Common Shortcuts: Focus on frequently used commands like L (Line), TR (Trim), and M (Move) to build muscle memory.
- Use Mnemonic Devices: Many hotkeys correspond to the first letter of the command (e.g., C for Circle), making them easier to remember.
- Practice Consistently: Regular use of hotkeys will naturally embed them into your workflow.
- Print a Shortcut Reference: Keep a printed list of hotkeys near your workspace until they become second nature.
- Customize for Efficiency: Modify shortcuts to align with your specific workflow or to match other software you frequently use.
FAQs
What are hotkeys in AutoCAD?
Hotkeys in AutoCAD are keyboard shortcuts that allow users to execute commands quickly without navigating menus or toolbars.
Can I customize AutoCAD hotkeys?
Yes, you can customize hotkeys using the CUI (Customize User Interface) editor. This allows you to assign shortcuts to commands or modify existing ones.
Are AutoCAD hotkeys case-sensitive?
No, AutoCAD hotkeys are not case-sensitive. Typing “L” or “l” will execute the same command.
How can I reset AutoCAD hotkeys to default?
To reset hotkeys, open the CUI Editor, navigate to the Transfer tab, and restore the default .cuix file.
What is the most useful hotkey in AutoCAD?
This depends on your workflow, but commonly used hotkeys like L (Line), M (Move), and TR (Trim) are essential for most users.
Can I import hotkey settings from another user?
Yes, you can import .cuix files from another user by loading them in the CUI editor.