How to Restore Command Line in AutoCAD 2020?

Understanding the Command Line in AutoCAD

The command line is a crucial interface in AutoCAD, serving as a centralized location for input commands, retrieving information, and providing feedback on your actions. If your command line becomes hidden or non-functional, access to essential commands and tools is significantly hindered. Learning how to restore the command line is vital for effective use of the software.

Steps to Restore the Command Line in AutoCAD 2025

To get your command line back in AutoCAD 2025, follow these simple steps:

1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts:

   • Press CTRL + 9 on your keyboard if you are working on a Windows machine. This shortcut toggles the command line on and off.
   • For those using AutoCAD on a Mac, use CMD + 3 to achieve the same result.

2. Accessing the Ribbon:

   • Click on the View tab located on the main ribbon at the top of the AutoCAD workspace.
   • Navigate to the Palettes panel, where you can find options related to various visual elements of AutoCAD.
   • Click on Command Line to activate it.

3. Using the Command Prompt:

   • Typing COMMANDLINE in the command prompt can also enable the command line if it’s currently not visible.
4. Confirm Visibility:
   • If the command line is still not visible, ensure it is not accidentally docked or minimized. You can adjust the size by hovering over its edges until the resizing cursor appears, then click and drag to resize it as needed.

Additional Tips for Command Line Management

Restoring the command line might not always be sufficient. Here are additional steps to consider for better management of the command line environment:

1. Docking the Command Line:

   • If you wish to have the command line permanently docked, click and hold the top-left corner of the command line. Move it to your desired location, such as the bottom of the window, until you see an outline indicating it can be docked, then release the mouse button.

2. Resizing the Command Line:

   • To customize the command line’s size, hover your cursor over the upper edge of the command line until a two-headed arrow appears. Click and drag to adjust its height for better visibility.
3. Restoring the Default Interface:
   • If you’ve made changes to the interface layout, you can restore all default settings including the command line. Right-click on the ribbon area and select the option to restore the default ribbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if the command line does not appear after using the shortcuts?

• Ensure that you are not in a full-screen view and that no other palettes are blocking the command line. Double-check that you have followed the visibility toggling steps correctly.

2. How can I see previous commands I have used?

• Press F2 to open the text window. This will display all the commands executed since the current session began.

3. Can I customize the command line commands in AutoCAD?

• Yes, you can create new commands using the Customize tab. Here, you can specify names and assign actions to new commands to streamline your workflow.