How Do I Go Back to an Earlier Command in AutoCAD?

by

How Do I Go Back to an Earlier Command in AutoCAD?

As you work on your AutoCAD projects, you may find yourself needing to backtrack to a previous command. Fortunately, AutoCAD provides several ways to go back and retrace your steps. In this tutorial, we will explore the different methods you can use to navigate back to an earlier command.

1. Using the UNDO Command

The first and perhaps most common method is by using the UNDO command. This command allows you to undo your most recent actions in AutoCAD. To access it, simply follow these steps:

  1. Type “UNDO” in the command line or click on the Undo button located on the toolbar.
  2. Press Enter.
  3. Your most recent action will be reversed.

Note that using the UNDO command will only take you back one step at a time. If you need to go further back, simply repeat the process until you reach your desired earlier command.

2. Utilizing the Previous and Next Buttons

In addition to the UNDO command, AutoCAD also provides two buttons that allow you to navigate between previous and next commands:

  • The “Prior” button: This button takes you back to the previous command.
  • The “_Next” button: This button takes you forward to the next command after going back using either the UNDO command or the “Prior” button.

To access these buttons, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the “Prior” and “_Next” buttons on your toolbar. They are typically located near the navigation controls.
  2. Click on the “Prior” button to go back to the previous command.
  3. Click on the “_Next” button to go forward to the next command.

These buttons can be particularly useful when you want to jump back and forth between commands without using the UNDO command repeatedly.

3. Employing Keyboard Shortcuts for Navigation

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts for increased efficiency, AutoCAD offers a set of shortcuts specifically designed for navigation purposes. Here are some useful shortcuts:

  • Z + Enter: This shortcut allows you to zoom to a previous view.
  • F3: Pressing F3 will bring up the Object Snap menu, allowing you to snap to points or objects in your drawing.
  • F8: Pressing F8 will toggle Ortho mode on and off, which restricts cursor movement to horizontal and vertical directions only.
  • F9: This shortcut enables or disables grid display in AutoCAD.

Using these keyboard shortcuts can save you time and provide a seamless navigation experience within AutoCAD.

In Conclusion

Navigating back to an earlier command in AutoCAD can be done using several methods. Whether you prefer using the UNDO command, the previous and next buttons, or keyboard shortcuts, AutoCAD provides options that cater to your needs. By familiarizing yourself with these techniques, you can work more efficiently and effectively in AutoCAD.