AutoCAD Cheat Sheet – Essential Commands & Shortcuts

Last Updated: August 29, 2026

This AutoCAD cheat sheet provides a practical reference for commonly used commands, keyboard shortcuts, drafting tools, editing commands, dimensioning tools, layer controls, and drawing-management functions.

It is designed for AutoCAD beginners, students, drafters, engineers, architects, and CAD learners who want a quick reference while working on drawings.

Note: Command names, aliases, shortcuts, and interface behavior can vary depending on your AutoCAD version, workspace, customization, or company CAD standards.

1. Essential AutoCAD Commands

These are some of the most useful commands to learn first.

Command	Common Alias	Main Use
LINE	`L`	Creates straight lines
PLINE	`PL`	Creates connected polylines
CIRCLE	`C`	Creates circles
ARC	`A`	Creates arcs
RECTANG	`REC`	Creates rectangles
POLYGON	`POL`	Creates regular polygons
ELLIPSE	`EL`	Creates ellipses
HATCH	`H`	Fills enclosed areas
SPLINE	`SPL`	Creates smooth curves

Example

To draw a line:

Type L.
Press Enter.
Select the first point.
Select the second point.
Press Enter to finish.

2. Drawing Commands

Drawing commands are used to create new geometry.

LINE — `L`

Creates straight line segments.

Example: Draw a wall or centerline.

POLYLINE — `PL`

Creates connected line and arc segments as a single polyline object.

Example: Create a continuous boundary.

CIRCLE — `C`

Creates a circle using different available methods.

Example: Draw a circular column or mechanical hole.

ARC — `A`

Creates an arc.

Example: Draw a curved portion of a profile.

RECTANGLE — `REC`

Creates a rectangular polyline.

Example: Create a room boundary.

POLYGON — `POL`

Creates a regular polygon.

Example: Create a six-sided geometric shape.

ELLIPSE — `EL`

Creates an ellipse.

Example: Create an elliptical component or graphical shape.

HATCH — `H`

Creates a pattern or fill inside an enclosed area.

Example: Represent a material or section.

3. Essential Editing Commands

Editing commands are used to modify existing geometry.

Command	Alias	Purpose
MOVE	`M`	Moves objects
COPY	`CO` / `CP`	Copies objects
ROTATE	`RO`	Rotates objects
MIRROR	`MI`	Creates mirrored geometry
SCALE	`SC`	Changes object size
OFFSET	`O`	Creates parallel/concentric geometry
TRIM	`TR`	Removes unwanted portions
EXTEND	`EX`	Extends objects
FILLET	`F`	Creates rounded corners
CHAMFER	`CHA`	Creates beveled corners
STRETCH	`S`	Stretches selected geometry
ARRAY	`AR`	Creates repeated arrangements
ERASE	`E`	Removes objects

4. MOVE Command

The MOVE command changes the location of selected objects.

Example

Suppose a door symbol needs to be moved 500 mm to the right.

Type M.
Select the door.
Press Enter.
Select a base point.
Specify the new location.

Use precise input whenever the location is important.

5. COPY Command

The COPY command creates one or more copies of existing objects.

Example

If a floor plan contains identical windows, you can copy an existing window instead of drawing it again.

Common aliases include:

CO

CP

6. OFFSET Command

OFFSET creates parallel lines, polylines, or concentric geometry at a specified distance.

Example

Suppose you have a wall centerline and want to create another line 150 mm away.

Type O.
Enter 150.
Select the object.
Click the required side.

OFFSET is especially useful for:

Wall layouts
Road edges
Construction details
Parallel lines
Concentric geometry

7. TRIM Command

TRIM removes portions of objects that extend beyond selected boundaries.

Example

If two walls intersect and one extends beyond the required corner, TRIM can remove the unwanted section.

Basic workflow:

Start TRIM.
Select appropriate cutting edges if required.
Select the unwanted portion.
Finish the command.

8. EXTEND Command

EXTEND increases the length of an object until it reaches a suitable boundary.

Example

If a line stops before reaching a wall, EXTEND can be used to continue it to the wall.

9. FILLET Command

FILLET creates a rounded connection between suitable objects.

Example

Two perpendicular lines can be joined with a specified radius.

A common workflow is:

Start FILLET.
Specify the radius if necessary.
Select the first object.
Select the second object.

10. CHAMFER Command

CHAMFER creates a beveled connection between objects.

It is commonly used where a sharp corner needs to be replaced with a straight angled edge.

11. MIRROR Command

MIRROR creates a reversed copy of selected geometry around a specified mirror line.

Example

If the left side of a symmetrical layout is already complete, you can mirror it to create the right side.

This can save time and maintain symmetry.

12. ROTATE Command

ROTATE changes the orientation of selected objects around a base point.

Example

If a door symbol needs to be rotated 90°:

Select the object.
Start ROTATE.
Select the base point.
Enter the required angle.

13. SCALE Command

SCALE changes the size of selected objects.

It can be useful when working with imported blocks, reference geometry, or objects that need to be resized.

Important

Always understand the units and required scale before resizing technical geometry.

14. ARRAY Command

ARRAY creates repeated copies of objects in an organized arrangement.

Common array types include:

Rectangular
Polar
Path

Example

If a drawing contains regularly spaced columns, an array can help create repeated geometry efficiently.

15. Annotation Commands

Annotation tools are essential for communicating information on technical drawings.

Command	Common Alias	Purpose
TEXT	`DT`	Creates single-line text
MTEXT	`MT`	Creates multiline text
DIM	`DIM`	Creates dimensions
LEADER	`LE`	Creates leader annotations
MLEADER	`MLD`	Creates multileaders
TABLE	`TABLE`	Creates tables
TOLERANCE	—	Creates geometric tolerances

The exact aliases may differ depending on customization and AutoCAD version.

16. Dimensioning Commands

Dimensions communicate sizes and distances.

Common dimension-related commands include:

DIM
DIMLINEAR
DIMALIGNED
DIMANGULAR
DIMRADIUS
DIMDIAMETER

Example

For a horizontal wall measuring 4,000 mm, a linear dimension can be used to communicate the length.

Always follow the project's required dimension style and units.

17. Layer Commands

Layers are essential for organizing complex drawings.

Command	Purpose
`LAYER`	Opens Layer Properties
`LAYISO`	Isolates selected layers
`LAYOFF`	Turns selected layers off
`LAYON`	Turns layers on
`LAYFRZ`	Freezes selected layers
`LAYTHW`	Thaws frozen layers
`LAYMCUR`	Changes current layer
`LAYMCH`	Changes selected objects to another layer

Example Layer Structure

A project might contain layers such as:

WALL
DOOR
WINDOW
TEXT
DIMENSION
CENTERLINE
HATCH

The exact naming system should follow the project's CAD standards.

18. Object Snap Shortcuts

Object Snap, or OSNAP, helps select precise geometric points.

Shortcut	Purpose
`F3`	Toggles Object Snap
`OSNAP`	Opens Object Snap settings

Common Object Snap modes include:

Endpoint
Midpoint
Center
Intersection
Perpendicular
Tangent
Quadrant
Nearest

Example

If you want to start a new line exactly at the endpoint of an existing wall, Endpoint OSNAP helps you select the precise point.

19. Drafting Mode Shortcuts

These function keys are particularly useful for precision drafting.

Key	Function
`F3`	Object Snap
`F5`	Isoplane
`F7`	Grid
`F8`	Ortho Mode
`F9`	Snap Mode
`F10`	Polar Tracking
`F11`	Object Snap Tracking
`F12`	Dynamic Input

The behavior of function keys can be affected by your system, keyboard settings, or AutoCAD configuration.

20. Ortho Mode

F8 toggles Ortho Mode.

Ortho Mode restricts cursor movement to horizontal and vertical directions.

Example

When drawing a rectangular room layout, Ortho Mode can help maintain horizontal and vertical geometry.

21. Polar Tracking

F10 toggles Polar Tracking.

Polar Tracking helps guide the cursor along specified angular directions.

Example

You can use it when drawing geometry at angles such as:

45°
30°
15°
90°

The available tracking settings can be customized.

22. Grid and Snap

Grid — F7

Grid provides a visual reference in the drawing area.

Snap — F9

Snap restricts cursor movement according to configured snap spacing.

These features can be useful for certain drafting workflows, but precise technical work should also use appropriate dimensions, coordinates, and Object Snap.

23. Object Snap Tracking

F11 toggles Object Snap Tracking.

It allows recognized points on existing geometry to act as temporary alignment references.

Example

You can align a new object with the midpoint of another object without permanently drawing a construction line.

24. Dynamic Input

F12 toggles Dynamic Input.

It can display information near the cursor while you work.

Depending on the configuration, this can help with entering:

Distances
Angles
Coordinates
Command information

25. Zoom and View Commands

Command	Alias	Purpose
ZOOM	`Z`	Changes drawing view
PAN	`P`	Moves the view
REGEN	`RE`	Regenerates the drawing
REGENALL	`REA`	Regenerates all viewports

Useful Zoom Technique

A commonly used workflow is:

Z → Enter → E → Enter

This uses the Zoom Extents option to display the drawing extents.

Be careful if your drawing contains objects far away from the main geometry because they can affect the extents.

26. Properties and Measurement

Command	Purpose
`PROPERTIES`	Displays object properties
`DIST`	Measures distance
`AREA`	Calculates area
`LIST`	Displays object information
`ID`	Identifies coordinate location

Example

To check the distance between two points:

Start DIST.
Select the first point.
Select the second point.
Review the measured distance.

This is useful for checking drawing accuracy.

27. File and Drawing Commands

Command	Purpose
`NEW`	Creates a new drawing
`OPEN`	Opens a drawing
`SAVE`	Saves the drawing
`SAVEAS`	Saves using another file name/location
`QSAVE`	Quickly saves the current drawing
`CLOSE`	Closes the current drawing
`EXPORT`	Exports drawing information
`PLOT`	Plots or prints a drawing

28. Block Commands

Blocks allow related objects to be combined into reusable drawing components.

Command	Purpose
`BLOCK`	Creates a block
`BEDIT`	Edits a block definition
`INSERT`	Inserts a block
`EXPLODE`	Breaks suitable compound objects into components

Example

A door symbol can be created as a block and inserted repeatedly throughout a floor plan.

This improves consistency and reduces repetitive drawing work.

29. External Reference Commands

External references, commonly called Xrefs, allow drawings or other supported files to be referenced without permanently combining their geometry into the current drawing.

Common commands include:

XREF

and related reference-management tools.

Xrefs are particularly useful for large projects where different drawing disciplines need to work with coordinated information.

30. Hatch Commands

Command	Purpose
`HATCH`	Creates hatch
`HATCHEDIT`	Edits an existing hatch

Hatch can be used to represent materials, sections, surfaces, or selected areas.

Always use hatch patterns according to the applicable drawing standard.

31. Modify Objects Quickly

A useful beginner workflow is:

Select → Modify → Verify

For example:

Move

M → Select → Base point → New point

Copy

CO → Select → Base point → New location

Rotate

RO → Select → Base point → Angle

Offset

O → Distance → Select object → Side

Trim

TR → Cutting boundary → Object to trim

Extend

EX → Boundary → Object to extend

Learning these workflows can significantly improve drafting speed.

32. Essential AutoCAD Shortcuts at a Glance

Shortcut	Command/Function
`L`	LINE
`PL`	PLINE
`C`	CIRCLE
`A`	ARC
`REC`	RECTANGLE
`H`	HATCH
`M`	MOVE
`CO`	COPY
`O`	OFFSET
`TR`	TRIM
`EX`	EXTEND
`RO`	ROTATE
`MI`	MIRROR
`SC`	SCALE
`F`	FILLET
`CHA`	CHAMFER
`S`	STRETCH
`AR`	ARRAY
`E`	ERASE
`Z`	ZOOM
`P`	PAN
`DI`	DIST
`AA`	AREA
`LA`	LAYER
`PR`	PROPERTIES

Note: AutoCAD command aliases can be customized. If an alias doesn't work in your installation, use the full command name or check your customization settings.

33. Function Key Cheat Sheet

Key	AutoCAD Function
F1	Help
F2	Text Window
F3	Object Snap
F4	3D Object Snap
F5	Isoplane
F6	Dynamic UCS
F7	Grid
F8	Ortho Mode
F9	Snap Mode
F10	Polar Tracking
F11	Object Snap Tracking
F12	Dynamic Input

Some functions are more relevant to specific workflows, and the exact behavior can depend on your AutoCAD configuration.

34. Beginner Practice Exercise

The best way to learn AutoCAD commands is through practice.

Try creating a simple room layout using the following dimensions:

Room Length: 4,000 mm
Room Width: 3,000 mm

Step 1 — Create the Boundary

Use:

REC

Create the basic rectangular boundary.

Step 2 — Create Wall Thickness

Use:

O

Enter an appropriate wall thickness according to your exercise.

Step 3 — Create a Door Opening

Use:

LINE
OFFSET
TRIM

to create the opening.

Step 4 — Add a Window

Use:

COPY

to reuse suitable geometry where appropriate.

Step 5 — Add Dimensions

Use:

DIM

to show the important dimensions.

Step 6 — Add Hatch

Use:

H

to represent the wall or another appropriate area.

Step 7 — Check the Drawing

Use:

Object Snap
DIST
Properties

to verify important geometry.

This small exercise lets you practice several fundamental AutoCAD commands in one drawing.

35. Tips for Learning AutoCAD Faster

Instead of trying to memorize every command at once:

Start With These

Learn:

LINE
PLINE
CIRCLE
RECTANG
MOVE
COPY
OFFSET
TRIM
EXTEND
FILLET
HATCH
DIM
LAYER

Then gradually add more advanced tools.

Use Keyboard Input

Typing commands can be faster than searching through menus once you become familiar with them.

Learn Object Snap

Precision is more important than simply drawing quickly.

Practice Real Drawings

Instead of repeatedly drawing random shapes, practice:

Floor plans
Simple sections
Mechanical profiles
Site layouts
Basic construction details

Choose exercises that match your field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important AutoCAD commands for beginners?

Start with LINE, PLINE, CIRCLE, RECTANG, MOVE, COPY, OFFSET, TRIM, EXTEND, FILLET, HATCH, DIM, and LAYER.

What is the shortcut for Line?

The common alias is:

L

What is the shortcut for Circle?

The common alias is:

C

What is the shortcut for Offset?

The common alias is:

O

What is the shortcut for Trim?

The common alias is:

TR

What is the shortcut for Extend?

The common alias is:

EX

What is the shortcut for Hatch?

The common alias is:

H

What does F8 do in AutoCAD?

F8 commonly toggles Ortho Mode.

What does F3 do in AutoCAD?

F3 commonly toggles Object Snap.

What does F10 do in AutoCAD?

F10 commonly toggles Polar Tracking.

What does F11 do in AutoCAD?

F11 commonly toggles Object Snap Tracking.

What does F12 do in AutoCAD?

F12 commonly toggles Dynamic Input.

Are AutoCAD command aliases always the same?

Not necessarily. Command aliases can be customized, and some may differ depending on the installation or CAD standards being used.

Quick Learning Path

If you are completely new to AutoCAD, learn the tools in this order:

1. Navigation

Zoom → Pan → Object selection

2. Basic Geometry

Line → Polyline → Circle → Rectangle

3. Precision

Object Snap → Ortho → Polar Tracking → Dynamic Input

4. Editing

Move → Copy → Offset → Trim → Extend

5. Advanced Editing

Mirror → Rotate → Scale → Array → Fillet → Chamfer

6. Organization

Layers → Blocks → Xrefs

7. Documentation

Text → Dimensions → Leaders → Hatch → Plot

This progression helps build a practical foundation without trying to learn the entire software at once.

Conclusion

An AutoCAD cheat sheet is useful as a quick reference, but learning the commands through practical drawing exercises is much more effective than memorizing a long list.

Start with the fundamental drawing and editing commands, become comfortable with Object Snap and other precision tools, and then gradually learn layers, blocks, annotation, and plotting.

Keep this page available as a reference while practicing. Over time, frequently used commands will become part of your normal drafting workflow.

Note: AutoCAD and Autodesk are trademarks or registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. Simple AutoCAD Tutorials is an independent educational website and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, authorized by, or endorsed by Autodesk, Inc.