For many of us, productivity is always an issue, as well as the time it takes to perform each individual task. If you can save a few seconds here and a few seconds there, before you know it, you will have increased your productivity without the need for big changes. With this simple AutoCAD guide to shortcuts, you will soon find yourself flying through your projects and saving time one click at a time.
Guest post by Eric Hoover, on behalf of SEER Interactive:
AutoCAD comes with numerous one key shortcuts. Using these shortcuts will make tackling even the most complicated projects easier. Here are just a few key shortcuts you can use to enhance your productivity:
- Q – There is nothing worse than losing your work. By simply pressing the Q button, your current drawing will be saved.
- A – Create an arc easily and quickly by pressing the A key.
- Z – Whether you need to see your drawing in closer detail or you want the bigger picture, pressing the Z key will zoom in and out in the current viewpoint.
- F – When you need to round or fillet the edges of objects in your drawings, click on the F key. Problem solved..
- H – By hitting the H key, the object you select, or an enclosed area, will be filled with a hatch pattern, a gradient fill, or a solid fill.
- I – To insert a drawing or a block into the current drawing, hit the I key.
- S – When it is time to stretch an object, click the S key. Any object that is crossed by a polygon or selection window will be stretched.
- V – When you need to save and restore camera views, preset views, named views, or layout views, clicking on the V key will do the job for you.
- J – Joining two or more similar object to create an unbroken object can be accomplished by clicking on the J key.
- P – To add a parameter with grips to a dynamic block definition, press the P key.
- T – For creating a multiline text object, all you need to do is click on the T key.
- O – When it is time to create parallel curves, concentric circles, or parallel lines, just click on the O key.
Using computer aided design software has never been easier. Once you’ve mastered this brief list of shortcuts, try memorizing some more advanced shortcuts. The shortcuts you use really depend upon what matters most to you and your design style.
This AutoCAD shortcuts guide allows you to shave off seconds from multiple tasks when using CAD that will add up to hours saved and increased productivity. It is a true win-win situation.
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