AutoCAD is one of the most popular computer-aided design (CAD) software tools in the world. Whether you are an architect, engineer, or designer, learning 2D AutoCAD commands is the first step toward creating professional and accurate technical drawings.
In this guide, we will cover all the essential 2D commands in AutoCAD with easy-to-understand explanations for beginners.
1. LINE (L) – Draw Straight Lines
The LINE command is the most basic and frequently used in AutoCAD. It allows you to draw straight lines between two points.
Shortcut: L + Enter
Example Use: Drawing walls, boundaries, or structural outlines.
2. PLINE (PL) – Draw Polylines
A Polyline is a continuous sequence of connected line segments that act as one object. This makes editing easier compared to individual lines.
Shortcut: PL + Enter
Example Use: Creating roads, paths, or complex outlines in one object.
3. CIRCLE (C) – Draw Circles
The CIRCLE command lets you draw perfect circles by specifying a center point and a radius or diameter.
Shortcut: C + Enter
Example Use: Designing holes, columns, or round components.
4. ARC (A) – Draw Arcs
The ARC command creates part of a circle, which is useful for curved designs.
Shortcut: A + Enter
Example Use: Creating arches, curved windows, or mechanical parts.
5. RECTANGLE (REC) – Draw Rectangles
The RECTANGLE command draws a closed shape with four sides.
Shortcut: REC + Enter
Example Use: Drawing doors, rooms, or machinery bases.
6. POLYGON – Draw Equal-Sided Shapes
This command creates polygons (triangles, pentagons, hexagons, etc.) with equal sides.
Shortcut: POL + Enter
Example Use: Drawing bolts, gears, and symmetric designs.
7. ELLIPSE (EL) – Draw Ellipses
The ELLIPSE command is used to draw oval shapes.
Shortcut: EL + Enter
Example Use: Designing cylinders in 2D, windows, or decorative patterns.
8. SPLINE (SPL) – Draw Smooth Curves
The SPLINE command creates smooth, curved lines that pass through or near specified points.
Shortcut: SPL + Enter
Example Use: Creating artistic designs, flexible pipes, or freeform shapes.
9. MOVE (M) – Move Objects
The MOVE command shifts selected objects from one location to another.
Shortcut: M + Enter
Example Use: Repositioning a door or adjusting an object’s location in a drawing.
10. COPY (CO) – Duplicate Objects
The COPY command creates duplicates of objects without affecting the original.
Shortcut: CO + Enter
Example Use: Copying furniture layouts or repeating design elements.
11. ROTATE (RO) – Rotate Objects
The ROTATE command turns objects around a base point.
Shortcut: RO + Enter
Example Use: Rotating a chair, table, or machine part in the layout.
12. SCALE (SC) – Resize Objects
The SCALE command changes the size of objects proportionally.
Shortcut: SC + Enter
Example Use: Making a small model larger or reducing a large object to fit the plan.
13. MIRROR (MI) – Create a Mirror Image
The MIRROR command creates a flipped copy of an object across a selected axis.
Shortcut: MI + Enter
Example Use: Designing symmetrical parts or opposite-facing rooms.
14. OFFSET (O) – Create Parallel Objects
The OFFSET command duplicates an object at a specified distance parallel to the original.
Shortcut: O + Enter
Example Use: Drawing wall thickness or road lanes.
15. TRIM (TR) – Cut Unwanted Parts
The TRIM command removes extra parts of objects that extend beyond a boundary.
Shortcut: TR + Enter
Example Use: Cleaning up lines after designing a floor plan.
16. EXTEND (EX) – Lengthen Objects
The EXTEND command lengthens objects until they meet another object.
Shortcut: EX + Enter
Example Use: Extending a wall to meet another wall.
17. STRETCH (S) – Stretch Objects
The STRETCH command reshapes objects by moving certain points while keeping the rest fixed.
Shortcut: S + Enter
Example Use: Extending part of a window or door without moving the whole object.
18. FILLET (F) – Round Corners
The FILLET command connects two lines with a rounded arc.
Shortcut: F + Enter
Example Use: Smoothing sharp edges in furniture or machinery.
19. CHAMFER (CHA) – Bevel Corners
The CHAMFER command connects two lines with a straight bevel instead of a curve.
Shortcut: CHA + Enter
Example Use: Creating safety edges or machine part angles.
20. TEXT – Single-Line Text
The TEXT command adds one line of text at a time.
Example Use: Adding short labels to drawings.
21. MTEXT – Multi-Line Text
The MTEXT command allows you to type paragraphs of text.
Example Use: Adding detailed descriptions or notes.
22. DIM – Add Dimensions
The DIM command measures and displays distances, angles, or diameters.
Example Use: Showing wall lengths, part sizes, or hole diameters.
23. LEADER (LE) – Add Leader Lines
The LEADER command creates an arrow with an annotation.
Example Use: Pointing to specific features with descriptions.
24. ZOOM (Z) – Change View Magnification
The ZOOM command increases or decreases your view without changing the actual size of the objects.
Shortcut: Z + Enter
Example Use: Viewing small details or the full layout.
25. PAN (P) – Move the View
The PAN command shifts your view without zooming in or out.
Shortcut: P + Enter
Example Use: Moving around the drawing to view different areas.
Conclusion
Learning these 2D commands in AutoCAD will give you a strong foundation for professional drafting and design work. Mastering them will save time, improve accuracy, and make your workflow much smoother.