AutoCAD

How to Dock Command Line in AutoCAD 2020?

Understanding the Command Line in AutoCAD

The command line is a crucial tool within AutoCAD that facilitates various commands and prompts for inputting data. It acts as a communication bridge between the user and the software, allowing for precise control over actions like drawing lines, creating shapes, and executing commands.

How to Display the Command Line in AutoCAD 2025

If the command line is not visible, you can toggle it back using a simple keyboard shortcut:

  1. Press CTRL + 9 if you are using a Windows version of AutoCAD.
  2. For Mac users, use CMD + 3 to activate the command line.

Steps to Dock the Command Line Window

Docking the command line involves repositioning it to a preferred area of your workspace. Follow these steps to dock your command line in AutoCAD 2025:

  1. Undock the Command Line:

    • If the command line is currently floating, double-click its title bar to undock it.
  2. Locate the Docking Area:

    • Identify the edges of your drawing area—this could be the top, bottom, left, or right.
  3. Drag the Command Line:

    • Click and hold on the title bar of the command line.
    • While holding the mouse button down, drag the command line towards the desired edge of the workspace.
  4. Docking Confirmation:
    • As you approach the docking area, the interface should provide a visual cue (usually a highlighted area) indicating where the command line will dock.
    • Release the mouse button to position the command line in place.

Adjusting Command Line Size

To ensure comfort while using the command line, you might want to adjust its size. Here’s how:

  1. Hover your cursor over the top edge of the command line until a double-headed arrow cursor appears.
  2. Click and drag the edge either upward or downward to achieve your preferred height.

Accessing the Command Line Properties

If you wish to adjust the properties or orientation of the command line in AutoCAD 2025, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Open the Command User Interface (CUI) editor by typing CUI in the command line and pressing Enter.
  2. Navigate to the “Customize” tab.
  3. Expand “Workspaces” in the left pane.
  4. Choose the workspace you are currently using.
  5. In the right pane, find and expand the “Palettes” section.
  6. Click on “Command Line” and then adjust the orientation settings from “Floating” to either “Bottom” or another preferred position.

FAQ

1. What do I do if my command line is still not appearing?
Check if you have inadvertently hidden it. Use the CTRL + 9 shortcut to toggle its visibility, or ensure you are not in a workspace that disables the command line.

2. Can I customize the appearance of the command line?
Yes, you can customize its size and location. Use the CUI editor to access various options related to the command line appearance and behavior.

3. What should I do if my command line gets stuck or unresponsive?
Try restarting AutoCAD. If the issue persists, resetting the workspace can often resolve such glitches. Access into the CUI editor and restore to the default workspace settings.

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.