How to View Command in AutoCAD

Accessing the Command Line in AutoCAD

The Command Line in AutoCAD is a vital tool that facilitates efficient command execution and offers contextual prompts throughout the drawing process. Here’s how to view and access it:

Method 1: From the View Tab

1. Navigate to the **View** tab on the ribbon interface.
2. Look for the **Palettes** panel.
3. Click on **Command Line**. The Command Line should appear on your screen.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Press **Ctrl + 9** on your keyboard. This shortcut will toggle the Command Line display, allowing you to show or hide it as needed.

Method 3: Command Entry

1. Start typing directly at the Command prompt.
2. Input **COMMANDLINE** to open it or **COMMANDLINEHIDE** to close it.

Restoring the Command Bar

If the Command Bar is missing and you wish to restore it, follow these steps:

1. Click on the **Application Menu** (the big A at the top-left).
2. Go to **Options**, then click on the **User Preferences** tab.
3. Look for **Restore Defaults** to put back the standard interface settings, which may restore your Command Bar if it has been accidentally closed or moved.

Understanding the Command Line

The Command Line in AutoCAD functions as a central hub where users can input commands and receive feedback. Located typically in the lower left corner, it displays both the current command and prompts for additional input, enhancing user interaction with the software. It also logs past commands for quick reference.

Key Elements of the AutoCAD Interface

A comprehensive understanding of the AutoCAD interface can improve your efficiency. Key components include:

1. **Application Menu**: Access to file operations like open, new, and save.
2. **Quick Access Toolbar**: Frequently used commands for swift navigation.
3. **Ribbon Panel**: Contains contextual tabs for various tasks.
4. **User Coordinate System (UCS)**: Establishes the orientation of the drawing.
5. **Model Space/Work Space**: The primary area where your designs are created.
6. **View Cube**: A 3D navigation aid.
7. **Navigation Bar**: Tools for zooming and panning.
8. **Model Layout Tab**: For managing different layouts within the same drawing.

Adjusting the Size of the Command Line

To resize the Command Line for better visibility:

1. Hover your cursor at the top edge of the Command Line box until a double-headed arrow cursor appears.
2. Click and drag upwards or downwards to resize it to your preference.

Basic Commands to Know

Familiarizing yourself with some essential commands can significantly speed up your workflow:

1. **L**: Draws a line.
2. **C**: Creates a circle.
3. **PL**: Generates a polyline.
4. **REC**: Draws a rectangle.
5. **POL**: Creates a polygon.
6. **ARC**: Draws an arc.
7. **ELLIPSE**: Creates an ellipse.
8. **REG**: Makes a region.

Entering Commands in AutoCAD

To utilize the Command Line effectively:

1. Click within the Command Line area.
2. Use the Up or Down Arrow key to navigate through previously entered commands.
3. You can also access recent commands by right-clicking the Command Line area.

Initiating a New Drawing

To start a new drawing:

1. On the starting interface, click **Start New Drawing** to use the default template.
2. Alternatively, right-click on a file tab and select **New** to display the template selection dialog.
3. You can also access this through the **Application Menu** by clicking **New Drawing**.

Entering Commands through Various Methods

Commands can be executed using multiple methods for your convenience:

1. Select items from the ribbon, toolbar, or menu.
2. Type commands directly into a dynamic input tooltip.
3. Use the Command Window for command entry.
4. Drag and drop custom commands from tool palettes.

Function Key Shortcuts

The function keys in AutoCAD provide quick access to certain features:

– **F3**: Toggles object snap on and off.
– **F4**: Activates 3D object snap for additional options.
– **F5**: Cycles through isoplane settings in 2D drawing.
– **F6**: Turns dynamic UCS on or off.

Understanding the Screen Layout

Layouts in AutoCAD are crucial for creating sheets for documentation. The area within a layout is known as paper space, where you can integrate title blocks, display scaled views of model space, and add annotations like notes and dimensions.

Extending Objects

To extend objects in AutoCAD:

1. Select **Home** tab then **Modify panel** and click **Extend**.
2. Choose the boundary edges and press Enter.
3. Select the objects you want to extend and press Enter again to complete the action.

Resizing a Window

Resizing a window can be done either automatically or manually:

1. Drag the resize handles located at the corners of the window.
2. Click the maximize icon or choose from the size options in the title bar menu.

Customizing the Command Line

For customization of the Command Line:

1. Open the **Customize Interface** dialog by typing **CUI** in the Command Line.
2. Choose the current workspace from the list.
3. Navigate to **Palettes**, then select **Command Line**.
4. Adjust the settings to your liking, ensuring **Show** is set to Yes and the **Orientation** is at the bottom.

Exploring 3D Commands in AutoCAD

Here are fundamental commands for 3D modeling:

1. **3DMOVE**: Moves objects in a 3D space.
2. **3DORBIT**: Allows you to rotate the view of your 3D model.
3. **3DROTATE**: Rotates objects around a specified axis.
4. **3DSCALE**: Scales 3D objects.
5. **BOX**: Creates a 3D box.
6. **CONE**: Generates a 3D cone.
7. **CONVTOMESH**: Converts objects into mesh format.
8. **CONVTONURBS**: Transforms basic objects to NURBS format.