AutoCAD

How to Bring Back Command Line in AutoCAD?

Restoring the Command Line in AutoCAD

The command line is a critical component of AutoCAD, allowing users to input commands, receive prompts, and get help with various functions. If the command line is not visible, there are several straightforward methods to restore it. Below are detailed steps to bring back the command line in AutoCAD 2025.

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

  1. Open AutoCAD: Launch AutoCAD 2025 on your computer.
  2. Shortcut Key: Press CTRL + 9 for Windows users or CMD + 3 if you are using a Mac. This will toggle the command line’s visibility, allowing it to reappear on your screen.

Accessing the View Menu

  1. Activate the Menu Bar: If pressing the shortcut does not work, you can activate the menu bar. Press the F10 key to make the Menu bar visible.
  2. Locate the View Tab: Once the Menu bar is up, find and click on the View tab.
  3. Enable the Command Bar: Navigate to Toolbars. From here, you should see an option labeled Command Bar. Click this option, and a checkmark will confirm that it is activated. The command bar will then appear on your display.

Configuring Options

  1. Open Options: Type OPTIONS into the command line. If the command line is not visible, you can access this by clicking the AutoCAD application menu in the upper-left corner and selecting the Options button.
  2. Display Settings: In the Options window, click on the Display tab.
  3. Enable Tabs: Under the Layout elements section, ensure that the Display Layout and Model tabs checkbox is checked. Click OK to apply the changes.

Customizing Toolbars

  1. Menu Toolbar: Click on the Quick Access Toolbar drop-down menu and select Show Menu Bar if it’s currently hidden.
  2. Show Toolbars: Navigate to the Tools menu, then select Toolbars. From here, you can check and activate any toolbars that you want visible, including the command line.

Recovering Toolbars

If you have lost any toolbars in addition to the command line, you can follow these steps:

  1. Command Line Input: Type MENUBAR into the command line and set its value to 1.
  2. Toolbar Options: Go to the Tools menu followed by Toolbars. Here you can choose and enable any toolbars you wish to restore.

Understanding the Command Line

The command line in AutoCAD is a text interface that allows for precise interaction with the software. Commands, options, and prompts appear here, guiding users through various functionalities like drawing, modifying, and navigating within their designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key commands I should know in AutoCAD?
Basic commands include:

  1. L: Line – Creates straight lines.
  2. C: Circle – Draws a circle.
  3. PL: Polyline – Draws continuous lines.
  4. REC: Rectangle – Creates rectangular shapes.

How do I permanently customize my command line in AutoCAD?
You can customize the command line by going to the Customize tab, selecting the Command List pane, and creating new commands or modifying existing ones according to your preferences.

What to do if the command line still doesn’t appear?
If the command line is still missing after trying the above steps, consider resetting AutoCAD to its original settings. This can often resolve persistent interface issues. You can do this from the Reset Settings option found during the AutoCAD startup.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.