AutoCAD

How to Refresh Screen in AutoCAD?

Command to Refresh the Display in AutoCAD

To refresh the current display in AutoCAD, utilize the REDRAW command. This command prompts the program to refresh the viewport, ensuring all graphics update and display correctly.

Steps to Refresh an Xref in AutoCAD

To update an external reference (Xref) in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to the View tab on your ribbon.
  2. Select the Palettes panel and choose External References Palette.
  3. Within the palette, locate the specific Xref you need to refresh.
  4. Right-click on the chosen Xref and select Reload from the context menu.

This process ensures that any changes made to external references are reflected in your current drawing.

Resetting Units in AutoCAD

To adjust the drawing units in AutoCAD, proceed as follows:

  1. Type AECDWGSETUP in the command line and press Enter.
  2. The Drawing Setup dialog box will appear. Click on the Units tab.
  3. Set your desired parameters for Drawing Units, Precision, Angle, and other options.
  4. Optionally, to modify the scale list, go to the Scale tab and click Edit Scale List.

This customization allows for precise measurements tailored to your project requirements.

Restoring the AutoCAD Command Window

If the Command Window is missing in AutoCAD 2025, you can restore it by:

  1. Pressing CTRL + 9 on your keyboard.
  2. For Mac users, the shortcut is CMD + 3.

This action will toggle the Command Window back into view.

Locating the Offset Command

To find and use the Offset command, follow these steps:

  1. Click on the Home tab and navigate to the Modify panel.
  2. Select Offset from the options provided.
  3. Enter the desired offset distance.
  4. Choose the object you wish to offset.
  5. Finally, specify a point to indicate whether the object should be offset inside or outside the original shape.

This command is particularly useful for creating parallel lines or concentric circles.

Accessing Toolbars in AutoCAD

To restore any missing toolbars, you can use these steps:

  1. Open the Quick Access Toolbar drop-down menu.
  2. Select Show Menu Bar to display the main menu.
  3. To add a specific toolbar back, go to the Tools menu, choose Toolbars, and select the toolbar you need.

This will bring essential tools back to your workspace, enhancing your efficiency.

Basic AutoCAD Commands

A thorough understanding of basic commands in AutoCAD can significantly streamline your workflow. Here are some fundamental commands:

  1. L – Draws a simple line.
  2. C – Creates a circle.
  3. PL – Generates a polyline.
  4. REC – Makes a rectangle.
  5. POL – Draws a polygon.
  6. ARC – Creates arcs.
  7. ELLIPSE – Shapes ellipses.
  8. REG – Forms regions.

Familiarity with these commands can improve your overall design experience.

FAQ

How can I ensure all changes are displayed in my AutoCAD drawing?

Utilize the REDRAW command to refresh your viewport and update all on-screen elements, ensuring that any recent changes are visible.

What should I do if the Xrefs do not appear correctly?

If Xrefs are not displaying properly, check if the VISRETAIN variable is set to "1", which allows Xref layer settings to persist. If issues continue, consider reloading the Xrefs.

How can I change the units of an existing drawing in AutoCAD?

To change drawing units, type UNITS in the command line, press Enter, and modify the settings in the Drawing Units dialog box to suit your needs.

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.