In this blog, we will go over some AutoCAD tips and tricks to help you improve your drawings and improve your efficiency. Use the following commands & features in Autodesk’s AutoCAD to make it easier for you to get your work done.
AutoCAD Features to Improve Efficiency
OOPS (Command)
The OOPS command restores objects erased by the last ERASE command. It works better than CTRL-Z in that it undoes the previous erase command, without affecting any work done since the erase.
OVERKILL (Command)
This command removes duplicate or overlapping lines, arcs, and polylines. Moreover, it is used to combine those that are partially overlapping or contiguous. It’s as easy as typing ‘OVERKILL’ in the command line, selecting the objects you wish to include in the command, and letting AutoCAD do the rest.
PURGE (Command)
Use the PURGE command to remove unused items, such as block definitions and layers, from the drawing.
TIME (Command)
The TIME command displays date and time-related information such as last update, creation date, total editing time, and next automatic save. The information is updated when you save the drawing.
SPELL (Command)
Starting in AutoCAD 2021, the SPELL command was launched, providing an effective way to quickly spellcheck your drawings.
MULTIPLE (Command)
On the command line, type ‘MULTIPLE’ and hit enter. Next, enter the command you wish to repeat. Now, execute the command and notice that once the command is complete, the command remains in the command line. For example, type ‘MULTIPLE’ > hit enter > type ‘C’ (for the circle command) > hit enter. Now, make a circle. Once your circle is complete, AutoCAD will not exit the circle command and will be ready to make another circle. Hit the ‘esc’ button to end the MULTIPLE command.
Properties Search Features
The Properties Palette is a valuable tool that allows you to display the current settings of the drawing and edit object properties.
Display the Properties Palette by doing one of the following:
- Click View tab > Palettes panel > Properties
- At the Command prompt, enter PR
- Right-click a selected object and select Properties
- Press Ctrl+1
Quick Measure
Use Quick Measure when you want to measure something, but do not want to interrupt your workflow using the interactive measure command. Quick Measure can be accessed on the Utilities panel > Measure drop-down > Quick, or by typing ‘MEASUREGEOM’ in the command line.
Floating drawing windows
Beginning in AutoCAD 2022, you now have the ability to drag a drawing file tab off the AutoCAD application window and move it around, creating a floating window. Utilizing floating windows allows you to easily see two drawings at once.
Shift – Right Click
When you want to use Object Snaps, you don’t have to manually type END, MID, etc. Using Shift-Right Click quickly brings up your OSnap shortcut menu, displaying all of your Object Snap options.
TRIM Command
Type ‘TRIM’ in the command line to select an object to trim and shift-select to extend.
Autosave
To save a drawing automatically, set up different save time (in minutes).
SAVEALL (Express Tool)
Type ‘SAVEALL’ in the command line to save every drawing you have open. This is ideal for quickly getting all your work saved when you’re done for the day.
CLOSEALL (Command)
You can close any drawings you have open in the software by typing ‘CLOSEALL’ in the command line.
Classic Workspace
To display the menu bar, click the Quick Access Toolbar drop-down > select ‘Show Menu Bar.’
Note: Make sure you have a drawing open, so the Tools menu is included*
To display the toolbars you require, Click the ‘Tools’ tab > ‘Toolbars’ > AutoCAD > select the toolbars you wish to add to your workspace.
In general
The commands and tools that we introduce here are quick and easy to use. Incorporating these into your daily AutoCAD routine can help increase your productivity.
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