AutoCAD Commands: The Complete Guide

All Commands

Browse every AutoCAD command in one place with this complete A–Z index. Quickly find command pages for LINE, ERASE, ZOOM, and more, with clear explanations and tips for efficient drafting.

AutoCAD Command Search:

Scope: Commands Only

About This Page

AutoCAD includes hundreds of commands, tools, and drafting features.
This page gives you two easy ways to find what you need:

Browse All Commands — a complete A–Z index
Use the Command Search — jump directly to LINE, TRIM, OFFSET, ZOOM, and more

You can also scroll down to explore commands by category: Create, Modify, Notation, and Drafting Aids.

Command Categories

Create

Explore all AutoCAD Create commands in one place. Learn how to use LINE, CIRCLE, ARC, POLYLINE, BLOCK, HATCH, and more with tutorials and practical examples.

Modify

Your complete guide to AutoCAD Modify tools—ERASE, TRIM, EXTEND, MOVE, ROTATE, OFFSET, FILLET, and more—with tips and workflows.

Notation

Complete guide to annotation in AutoCAD: text, dimensions, leaders, tables, zoom/pan basics, and clipboard tools.

Drafting Aids

Learn AutoCAD’s Drafting Aids and Precision Controls—OSNAP, Ortho Mode, Polar Tracking, Object Snap Tracking, and Dynamic Input. Improve accuracy, speed, and control with this complete guide.

Introduction

AutoCAD commands are the language of drafting. This page organizes the essentials into three categories—Create, Modify, and Notation—so you can quickly find what you need and dive deeper into step-by-step tutorials. Each section below shows featured commands; use the “View all” link to see the complete list for that category.

CREATE – Draw New Geometry

Below are just a few highlight commands. Click the button to see the complete list of CREATE commands.

Line

Get precise with the LINE command: useful tips for angles, dynamic input, object snaps, and layering.

Circle

Learn how to draw circles in AutoCAD using center-radius, diameter, 2-point, 3-point, and tangent options, plus practical drafting tips.

Arc

Learn how the AutoCAD ARC command works using all 10 arc drawing methods. Clear explanations, common pitfalls, and practical drafting examples.

Polyline

Explore how PLINE combines lines & arcs, editing techniques, width control, and smoothing with arcs.

Block

Use the BLOCK command to define reusable drawing geometry. Step‑by‑step creation, editing, and best practices.

Hatch

Learn how the AutoCAD HATCH command fills closed areas with patterns, solid fills, and gradients. Includes options, common issues, and pro tips.

View all CREATE Commands

MODIFY – Edit Existing Geometry

Below are just a few highlight commands. Click the button to see the complete list of MODIFY commands.

Move

Learn how the AutoCAD MOVE command repositions objects using base points and displacement. Includes OSNAP tips, selection strategies, and common mistakes.

Copy

Learn how to use the AutoCAD COPY command to duplicate objects quickly and accurately using base points, multiple copies, displacement options, and time-saving shortcuts.

Erase

Learn how the AutoCAD ERASE command removes objects from a drawing. Covers selection methods, shortcuts, common mistakes, and when ERASE is better than TRIM or DELETE.

Trim

Learn how the AutoCAD TRIM command cuts objects to boundaries. Understand Quick mode, classic selection, implied edges, and common trimming mistakes.

Extend

Learn how the AutoCAD EXTEND command works to lengthen lines, arcs, and polylines to boundary edges. Includes boundary selection tips and common mistakes.

Rotate

Rotate entities around a base point to precise angles. Reference options and best practices.

View all MODIFY Commands

ANNOTATE – Add Notes & Dimensions

Below are just a few highlight commands. Click the button to see the complete list of ANNOTATE commands.

Distance

Learn how to use the AutoCAD DISTANCE (DIST) command to measure distances, angles, and coordinate differences accurately using OSNAP and inquiry tools.

Dtext

Create single‑line notes with TEXT/DTEXT. Height, style, justification, and best practices.

Mtext

Use the MTEXT command in AutoCAD to create and edit multiline text with formatting, columns, styles, and fields. Learn when to use MTEXT instead of TEXT.

Dim

Apply linear, angular, radial, arc length, ordinate dims with DIM. Styles, tolerances, and tips.

Qleader

Learn how the AutoCAD QLEADER command creates quick leader annotations for notes and callouts. Includes tips for styles, arrowheads, and consistent drafting.

Layer

Control visibility and standards with LAYER. Create, rename, freeze, lock, filter, and set properties.

View all ANNOTATE Commands

Drafting Aids & Precision Tools

Below are just a few highlight commands. Click the button to see the complete list of DRAFTING AID commands.

OSNAP

Learn how to use OSNAP (Object Snap) in AutoCAD like a pro. This detailed guide covers running snaps, one-time snaps, shortcuts, best practices, tables, images, and precision drafting tips.

Object Snap Tracking

Learn how Object Snap Tracking works in AutoCAD and how to use it with OSNAP, POLAR, and ORTHO for fast, precise drafting without construction lines.

ORTHO

Learn how the ORTHO drafting aid in AutoCAD locks your cursor movement to perfect horizontal and vertical angles. This beginner-friendly guide explains how ORTHO works, how to turn it on/off, when to use it, common mistakes, CAD Master Coach tips, and real engineering examples.

Polar Tracking

Learn how Polar Tracking works in AutoCAD, how to control angles, set custom angles, use it with OSNAP, and create drafting shortcuts for real-world engineering applications.

Dynamic Input

Learn how to use Dynamic Input in AutoCAD with this step-by-step guide. Includes how to turn it on/off, distance and angle entry, pointer input, settings, tips, troubleshooting, and FAQs.

View all DRAFTING AIDS Commands