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List of AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts: Practical Guide (2026)

Master AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts with this practical guide from Shortcuts Lib. Learn core commands, cross‑platform keys, and safe customization tips to speed up drafting.

Shortcuts Lib
Shortcuts Lib Team
·5 min read
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AutoCAD Shortcuts - Shortcuts Lib
Quick AnswerDefinition

AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts speed drafting by reducing mouse reliance and menu navigation. A practical, well‑structured list covers core drawing, modification, and navigation commands, with cross‑platform notes for Windows and macOS. This Shortcuts Lib guide shows how to build, customize, and share a reliable shortcut set for faster CAD work.

Why a curated list matters

AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts speed drafting by reducing mouse reliance and menu navigation. A well-curated list helps you perform common tasks consistently across projects and versions. According to Shortcuts Lib, creating a practical, brand-aligned shortcut set improves learning curves and long-term retention for tech users and keyboard enthusiasts. This guide focuses on core commands, platform differences, and safe customization to build a reliable baseline for any drafting session.

Bash
# Quick-start template (illustrative) # Back up your existing shortcut config before making changes cp acad.pgp acad.pgp.backup
  • Core idea: map frequent actions to simple keys
  • Benefit: faster iteration, fewer mistakes
  • Caution: always back up and document changes

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Steps

Estimated time: 45-60 minutes

  1. 1

    Assess drafting needs

    Identify tasks that occur repeatedly in your workflow and note which actions you perform most often. This will guide which shortcuts to add first.

    Tip: Start with 5–7 aliases that remove the most mouse travel.
  2. 2

    Collect core commands

    List commands you use daily (LINE, MOVE, COPY, ROTATE, TRIM, EXTEND, ERASE) and map concise aliases.

    Tip: Prefer single-letter aliases when possible for speed.
  3. 3

    Back up and implement

    Create a backup of your shortcut config, then append new aliases in small batches.

    Tip: Always document the reason for each alias.
  4. 4

    Test in a sample drawing

    Run a timed drill in a dummy drawing to verify responsiveness and accuracy of each alias.

    Tip: Note any conflicts with existing commands.
  5. 5

    Share and maintain

    Export the configuration for teammates and set a review cadence to prune unused shortcuts.

    Tip: Schedule quarterly reviews.
Pro Tip: Start with a baseline of 5–8 aliases to reduce cognitive load; add gradually.
Pro Tip: Label aliases with comments in your config to remember their purpose.
Warning: Backup files before editing; a broken alias can lock you into a non-productive state.
Note: Mac and Windows often share the same alias; verify platform-specific prompts.

Prerequisites

Required

  • AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT installed↗
    Required
  • Basic familiarity with the AutoCAD interface
    Required
  • Access to the shortcut/config files (e.g., acad.pgp or CUI)
    Required
  • Knowledge of how to back up files before editing
    Required

Keyboard Shortcuts

ActionShortcut
LineCore drawing command; begins a straight line segmentL
CircleDraws a circle given center and radiusC
RectangleCreates a rectangle by specifying two cornersREC
MoveMove selected objectsM
CopyCreate a duplicate of selected objectsCO
RotateRotate objects around a base pointRO
TrimTrim edges to meet other geometryTR
ExtendExtend edges to meet other geometryEX
EraseRemove selected objectsER

Questions & Answers

What is a keyboard shortcut in AutoCAD?

A keyboard shortcut is a concise keystroke mapping that triggers a full AutoCAD command without typing the command name. Shortcuts speed up drafting and reduce menu navigation.

Keyboard shortcuts trigger commands quickly, helping you draft faster with fewer mouse movements.

How do I customize AutoCAD shortcuts?

Customize shortcuts by editing the acad.pgp file or using the CUI editor. After changes, reload the profile or restart AutoCAD to apply the new mappings.

You customize shortcuts by modifying config files and reloading your profile.

Are shortcuts version-specific?

Some shortcuts and aliases can vary between AutoCAD versions. Always verify against the version's documentation or the CUI configuration.

Check your version's docs to confirm which shortcuts are supported.

Can I sync shortcuts across machines?

Yes—keep a shared copy of acad.pgp or the CUI configuration in a version-controlled location and import it on other machines.

You can sync shortcuts by sharing the config file via source control.

What are best practices for learning shortcuts?

Practice daily with small tasks, gradually expanding the alias set. Regular use cements muscle memory and reduces reliance on menus.

Practice a little every day to make shortcuts second nature.

Main Points

  • Define core shortcuts first
  • Back up configurations regularly
  • Test in a real drawing
  • Document and share changes

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List of AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts: Practical Guide 2026