Shortcut Keys Essential in AutoCAD Operation
Streamlining Your Design Workflow with AutoCAD Shortcuts
AutoCAD, the widely-used software tool for design, drafting, and engineering developed by Autodesk, Inc., offers a multitude of shortcut keys to boost productivity and save time. Here are some essential shortcuts every AutoCAD user should know.
To undo the last action, simply press CTRL + Z. If you've accidentally undone an action and want to redo it, use CTRL + Y. The 'Z' shortcut can also adjust your view of the drawing, while F7 toggles grid display on and off.
For precise drawing, F9 toggles snap mode, and F3 turns object snap on and off. F8 toggles ortho mode, ensuring straight lines are drawn accurately. F11 toggles object snap tracking, which can help in creating complex shapes.
To select objects, use 'SHIFT + Click'. To add or remove objects from a selection, use 'SHIFT + Click' again on the selected object. To duplicate selected objects, use the 'CO' or 'CP' shortcut. To move selected objects to a new location, use the 'M' shortcut. To rotate objects around a specified point, use the 'RO' shortcut.
For drawing basic shapes, L creates a straight line between two points, REC draws a rectangular shape, and the 'C' shortcut creates a circle by specifying its center and radius. To draw an arc, use the 'ARC' shortcut and specify start, center, or end points. For more complex text blocks, use the 'MT' shortcut.
To manage layers, use the 'LA' shortcut. To isolate selected layers for a cleaner view, use the 'LAYISO' shortcut. To restore the previous layer settings, use the 'LAYERP' shortcut. To select all objects in the current drawing, use 'CTRL + A'.
For advanced features, 'EX' extends objects to meet other edges, 'TR' trims objects at cutting edges, and 'S' stretches portions of objects. 'DIM' can create various types of dimensions. 'POL' creates a polygon with a specified number of sides.
When it comes to customising shortcuts, AutoCAD's preferences allow you to tailor the keys to your workflow. A printed cheat sheet or on-screen reference can be helpful until you memorise the keys. Regular practice can help build muscle memory for shortcut keys.
Finally, to create a new drawing, use CTRL + N. To open an existing drawing, use CTRL + O. And to print or plot the drawing, use CTRL + P.
Mastering these shortcut keys can significantly enhance your AutoCAD experience, making your design, drafting, and engineering tasks more efficient and productive. Happy AutoCAD-ing!
