1
Paper Space & Layout Fundamentals
▲ Contents
AutoCAD has two distinct working environments: Model Space and Paper Space. Every professional drawing workflow lives in Paper Space — your virtual sheet of paper — while all geometry is drawn at 1:1 real-world scale in Model Space.
1.1 Model Space vs Paper Space
▲ Ch 1
| Environment | Purpose | Scale Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Model Space | Draw all geometry at true 1:1 size. A 30-ft wall = 360 drawing units (1 unit = 1 inch). | Always 1:1. Never scale geometry here. |
| Paper Space (Layout Tabs) | Virtual sheet of paper. Place title blocks, borders, notes, and viewports that show Model Space at a specific drawing scale. | Plot at 1:1. Scale is controlled by the viewport. |
Tip: The Golden Rule: Draw at 1:1 in Model Space, scale via viewport in Paper Space, plot Paper Space at 1:1. Every drawing can have multiple Layout tabs — one per sheet.
1.2 Setting Up a Layout Tab — Complete Workflow
▲ Ch 1
Step 1: Right-click the Layout tab > Page Setup Manager > Modify
Step 2: Set Printer/Plotter to DWG To PDF.pc3 (or your physical plotter)
Step 3: Select Paper Size (e.g., ARCH D 24x36 in.)
Step 4: Set 'What to Plot' to Layout and Plot Scale to 1:1
Step 5: Set Plot Style Table to monochrome.ctb for B&W output
Step 6: Set Drawing Orientation to Landscape or Portrait to match your title block
Step 7: Click OK > Set Current > Close
Step 8: Set Paper Space LIMITS: Command LIMITS > 0,0 > 36,24 (Arch D landscape) > ZOOM A
Step 9: Insert title block at 0,0 at scale 1. Create viewport(s) and set scale inside each viewport.
| Sheet Size | Orientation | LIMITS Upper Right | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANSI A 8.5×11" | Portrait | 8.5, 11 | Letter |
| ANSI B 11×17" | Landscape | 17, 11 | Tabloid |
| ANSI C 17×22" | Landscape | 22, 17 | |
| ANSI D 22×34" | Landscape | 34, 22 | Common engineering |
| ANSI E 34×44" | Landscape | 44, 34 | |
| Arch C 18×24" | Landscape | 24, 18 | |
| Arch D 24×36" | Landscape | 36, 24 | Most common arch sheet |
| Arch E 36×48" | Landscape | 48, 36 | Large commercial |
| ISO A1 594×841mm | Landscape | 841, 594 | Units must be mm |
| ISO A0 841×1189mm | Landscape | 1189, 841 | Units must be mm |
1.3 Viewport Fundamentals
▲ Ch 1
A viewport is a rectangular window in Paper Space that shows Model Space geometry at a specific scale. Double-click inside a viewport to activate it (green border) and set its scale.
| Action | Command / Method |
|---|---|
| Create a single viewport | MV (MVIEW) > specify two corners |
| Set viewport scale | Double-click inside VP > VP Scale drop-down, or ZOOM > 1/48XP for ¼"=1'-0" |
| Lock viewport scale | Select VP border > Properties > Display Locked: Yes |
| Make VP border non-printing | Layer Manager > click plotter icon on the VP layer |
| Clip a viewport to custom shape | VPCLIP > select VP > select cutting object |
| Turn viewport off | MVIEW > Off > click inside VP |
2
Title Blocks & Smart Attributes
▲ Contents
A smart title block replaces static text with attributes — editable fields embedded inside a block. When you insert the block, AutoCAD displays a fill-out form for each field. Using Fields and Sheet Set Manager, the sheet number and total page count update automatically as your drawing set grows.
2.1 ATTDEF — Attribute Definition Dialogue
▲ Ch 2
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Mode — Invisible | Hidden after insert. Use for tracking data not shown on the sheet (file path, project code). |
| Mode — Constant | Fixed value — no prompt on insert. Use for company name that never changes. |
| Mode — Verify | Confirms the value after insert. Extra check for critical fields like job numbers. |
| Mode — Preset | Uses default without prompting, but still editable via EATTEDIT. Use for Fields (date, sheet number). |
| Mode — Lock Position | Prevents moving individual attribute text. Recommended for all title block attributes. |
| Mode — Multiple Lines | Allows multi-line MText input. Use for long project descriptions or addresses. |
| Tag | Internal field name (no spaces). e.g., PROJECT_NAME, SHEET_NO, DRAWN_BY |
| Prompt | Text shown in the insert dialogue. e.g., 'Enter project name:' |
| Default | Pre-filled value. Right-click > Insert Field for auto-updating values (date, sheet number). |
| Text Style | Must match a style defined in your template. Use the same style as your title block text. |
| Height | Plot height. For 1:1 paper-space title blocks, use actual plot height (e.g., 0.125" for small fields). |
| Insertion Order | Attributes appear in the dialogue in the order they were placed. Plan ATTDEF sequence — top first. |
Note: BATTORDER (inside BEDIT) lets you reorder the dialogue fields without redrawing. BATTMAN edits tag names, prompts, and modes for existing attributes without opening the Block Editor.
2.2 Standard Title Block Attributes
▲ Ch 2
| Tag | Prompt | Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROJECT_NAME | Project name: | Normal | Largest text. Middle-Center justification. |
| PROJECT_NO | Project number: | Normal | Job or contract number. |
| CLIENT | Client / Owner: | Normal | |
| ADDRESS | Project address: | Multiple Lines | 2-line addresses. |
| SHEET_TITLE | Sheet title: | Normal | e.g., 'Site Plan', 'Floor Plan'. |
| SHEET_NO | Sheet number: | Preset | Link to Sheet Set Field for auto-fill. |
| SHEET_TOTAL | Total sheets: | Preset | Link to NumberOfSheets Field — auto-updates. |
| DRAWN_BY | Drawn by: | Normal | Initials or full name. |
| CHECKED_BY | Checked by: | Normal | |
| APPROVED_BY | Approved by: | Normal | |
| DRAW_DATE | Drawing date: | Preset | Link to Date Field for auto-fill. |
| SCALE | Drawing scale: | Normal | Default: AS SHOWN. |
| REVISION | Revision: | Normal | Default: 0. |
| DWG_NO | Drawing number: | Normal | Unique file identifier. |
| COMPANY | Constant | Always your firm's name — never prompted. | |
| FILE_PATH | Invisible, Preset | Invisible. Link to File Path Field for tracking. |
2.3 Building the Smart Title Block
▲ Ch 2
1. Draw border geometry on layer TB-BORDER. Draw static labels on TB-LABELS.
2. Type ATTDEF for each field. Fill in mode, tag, prompt, default. Place each attribute in top-to-bottom form order.
3. Type BLOCK > name it (e.g., TB-ARCH-D) > set insertion point at lower-left corner > select all geometry and all ATTDEF objects > OK.
4. Type WBLOCK to save as a standalone .dwg for reuse in other projects.
5. File > Save As > AutoCAD Drawing Template (.dwt) to embed the title block in a template.
6. Run ATTSYNC after any future block edits to push definition changes to all existing instances.
2.4 Fields: Auto-Updating Values Inside Attributes
▲ Ch 2
| Field Type | How to Insert | What It Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Current date | FIELD > Date & Time > Date > format M/d/yyyy | Today's date — updates on open/save |
| Save date | FIELD > Date & Time > SaveDate | Date the file was last saved |
| Sheet number (SSM) | FIELD > SheetSet > Sheet > CurrentSheetNumber | Sheet's SSM number — auto-increments |
| Total sheets (SSM) | FIELD > SheetSet > Sheet Set > NumberOfSheets | Total sheets in set — updates as sheets added |
| Sheet title (SSM) | FIELD > SheetSet > Sheet > CurrentSheetTitle | Sheet title from the DST file |
| Drawing filename | FIELD > Document > Filename | Current .dwg filename |
| Full file path | FIELD > Document > Filename > check Full path | Complete folder path |
Force all fields to recalculate now:
Command: UPDATEFIELD
Control grey field shading:
FIELDDISPLAY = 0 (no shading)
FIELDDISPLAY = 1 (grey — default, shows which text is a Field)
2.5 Auto Page Count via Sheet Set Manager
▲ Ch 2
When your drawing file is part of a Sheet Set (.dst), the CurrentSheetNumber and NumberOfSheets Fields update automatically every time sheets are added, removed, or renumbered.
1. Type SHEETSET (or SSM) > New Sheet Set Wizard > create a .dst file for the project.
2. Add each Layout: right-click a subset > Import Layout as Sheet.
3. Set Sheet Number for each sheet: right-click in SSM > Properties > Number (e.g., A-1, C-1).
4. BEDIT > double-click SHEET_NO attribute > Default field > right-click > Insert Field > SheetSet > Sheet > CurrentSheetNumber.
5. Set SHEET_TOTAL the same way but Field type = SheetSet > Sheet Set > NumberOfSheets.
6. Close Block Editor > Save Changes.
7. Run ATTSYNC > Update to push Field-linked defaults to all existing insertions.
8. Add a new Layout to the Sheet Set > all SHEET_TOTAL attributes update on next REGEN.
Tip: Result: every title block shows 'Sheet X of Y' with no manual editing. Add a Layout, add it to the Sheet Set, assign its number — all other sheets update their Y total automatically.
2.6 EATTEDIT, ATTSYNC & BATTMAN
▲ Ch 2
| Command | What It Does | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| EATTEDIT | Double-click block > tabbed dialogue. Edit any attribute value, text style, height, or layer. | After insertion to update title block fields. |
| ATTEDIT | Global edit — change one attribute value across all instances in the drawing. | Batch-changing e.g. DRAWN_BY across all sheets. |
| ATTSYNC | Pushes updated block definition to all existing insertions. | Always run after adding a new field to the block. |
| BATTMAN | Block Attribute Manager — edit tag, prompt, mode, height, style. Move Up/Down sets form order. | Reordering the dialogue without opening Block Editor. |
| BATTORDER | Drag to reorder attribute prompts inside Block Editor. | Inside BEDIT only — sets the Insert dialogue order. |
| DATAEXTRACTION | Export all attribute values to AutoCAD table or .xlsx. | Generating a drawing register from all title blocks. |
2.7 Custom Dialogue with AutoLISP + DCL
▲ Ch 2
An AutoLISP routine paired with a DCL dialogue file creates a custom fill-out form that auto-counts Layout tabs and populates all title block attributes with one command.
; Save as titleblock.dcl in your Support folder
titleblock_dialog : dialog {
label = "Fill Out Title Block";
: edit_box { label = "Project Name:"; key = "proj_name"; width = 40; }
: edit_box { label = "Project Number:"; key = "proj_no"; width = 40; }
: edit_box { label = "Client:"; key = "client"; width = 40; }
: edit_box { label = "Sheet Title:"; key = "sheet_title"; width = 40; }
: edit_box { label = "Sheet Number:"; key = "sheet_no"; width = 10; }
: text { label = "Total Sheets:"; key = "total_lbl"; }
: edit_box { label = "Drawn By:"; key = "drawn_by"; width = 20; }
: edit_box { label = "Scale:"; key = "scale"; width = 20; value = "AS SHOWN"; }
ok_cancel;
}
; LISP routine — run command: FILLTB
(defun c:FILLTB ( / dcl_id result layouts total)
(setq layouts (vla-get-layouts
(vla-get-activedocument (vlax-get-acad-object))))
(setq total (- (vla-get-count layouts) 1)) ; exclude Model Space
(setq dcl_id (load_dialog "titleblock.dcl"))
(new_dialog "titleblock_dialog" dcl_id)
(set_tile "total_lbl" (strcat "Total Sheets: " (itoa total)))
(setq result (start_dialog))
(unload_dialog dcl_id)
; write attribute values to block via vlax-for ...
(princ))
Note: Save both .dcl and .lsp files to your AutoCAD Support File Search Path (Options > Files > Support File Search Path). Load via APPLOAD. Run command: FILLTB.
2.8 DATAEXTRACTION — Automatic Drawing Register
▲ Ch 2
1. Type DATAEXTRACTION > Create a new extraction > name and save the .dxe file.
2. Select Drawings/sheet set > add all .dwg files in the project.
3. Select Objects page > select only your title block name.
4. Select Properties page > check only the tags you want: PROJECT_NAME, SHEET_TITLE, SHEET_NO, DRAWN_BY, DWG_NO.
5. Refine Data page > set column order, sort by SHEET_NO.
6. Choose output: Insert data extraction table into drawing (cover sheet), or Output to .xlsx.
7. Re-run from the saved .dxe file any time the project changes — drawing register updates in seconds.
3
Blocks, Dynamic Blocks & XRefs
▲ Contents
3.1 Block Basics
▲ Ch 3
| Command | Action |
|---|---|
| BLOCK (B) | Create a block from selected objects in the current drawing. |
| WBLOCK (W) | Write block to a standalone external .dwg file. |
| INSERT (I) | Insert a block — classic dialogue with attribute fill-out form. |
| CLASSICINSERT | Forces the legacy Insert dialogue (preferred for attribute blocks). |
| EXPLODE (X) | Explode a block into individual objects. Destroys attribute values. |
| BEDIT (BE) | Open Block Editor — edit the block definition in-place. |
| REFEDIT | Edit a block or xref in-place within the drawing context. |
| PURGE | Remove unused block definitions and other unused named objects. |
| ATTSYNC | Update all block instances after editing block definition attributes. |
| RENAME | Rename a block definition without redefining it. |
3.2 Dynamic Block Parameters & Actions
▲ Ch 3
Dynamic blocks let a single block definition behave like multiple blocks. Parameters define what can change; actions define how it changes.
| Parameter | What It Controls | Paired Action(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Linear | Distance along one axis (e.g., stretch a wall length) | Stretch, Scale, Move, Array |
| Polar | Distance + angle (e.g., rotate and stretch simultaneously) | Stretch, Move, Scale, Array |
| XY | Independent X and Y distances | Stretch, Scale, Move, Array |
| Rotation | Rotation angle around a base point | Rotate |
| Flip | Mirror the block horizontally or vertically | Flip |
| Visibility | Show/hide sets of objects — creates a drop-down on insert | (Visibility States — no action needed) |
| Lookup | Select from a predefined list that drives other parameters | Lookup |
| Point | Move objects to any XY position relative to the block | Move, Stretch |
Visibility States — Step by Step
1. Open the block in BEDIT.
2. Add a Visibility parameter (Parameters tab > Visibility).
3. Click the Visibility States button on the ribbon.
4. Click New to add a state name (e.g., 'Open', 'Closed', '90-Degree').
5. For each state, show/hide the objects that should be visible in that state.
6. Close Block Editor > Save. The block now shows a grip with a drop-down list.
Tip: Combine Lookup + Visibility to build a smart door block: one Lookup list drives a Visibility state that changes the door swing geometry automatically.
3.3 XRef Manager — Complete Reference
▲ Ch 3
| Attach Type | Behaviour | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Attach | Nested XRefs come in with the file. If host is XRefed elsewhere, all nested refs show too. | Most common for discipline coordination drawings. |
| Overlay | Nested XRefs are stripped. Only the top-level ref is shown. | Avoid circular references in large project sets. |
| Path Type | How it Stores the Path | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Full Path | Absolute path on disk (e.g., C:\Projects\Site.dwg) | Single-user or fixed server location. |
| Relative Path | Path relative to host drawing (e.g., ..\Civil\Site.dwg) | Networked project folders — portable. |
| No Path | Filename only — AutoCAD searches Support File Search Paths to find it. | Files always in same folder as host. |
| XRef Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
| XATTACH (XA) | Attach an XRef — opens the Attach External Reference dialogue. |
| XREF / EXTERNALREFERENCES | Open the External References palette to manage all XRefs. |
| XBIND | Import specific XRef-dependent named objects into the host drawing. |
| XCLIP (XC) | Clip an XRef to a rectangular or irregular boundary. |
| RELOADALL | Force all XRefs to reload their latest saved state from disk. |
| DETACH | Permanently remove an XRef from the drawing. |
| BIND | Convert an XRef into a permanent block in the drawing. |
| ETRANSMIT | Package drawing + all XRefs into a ZIP for transmittal. |
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| XRef not found | Path changed or file moved | External References palette > right-click > Select New Path. |
| Missing layers from XRef | Layer frozen or XRef not loaded | Reload the XRef. Check VISRETAIN = 1. |
| XRef shows wrong version | File not saved after edits | Save the source file. RELOADALL in host drawing. |
| Can't select XRef objects | XRef is on a locked layer | Unlock the XRef's layer in the host drawing. |
| XRef binding fails | Duplicate named objects (layer names clash) | Use Bind with 'Insert' option to merge layer names. |
4
Scaling Reference
▲ Contents
4.1 Scale Factors by Discipline
▲ Ch 4
| Drawing Scale | Scale Factor | DIMSCALE / LTSCALE | Text Ht for ⅛" plot | ZOOM XP Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" = 10' | 120 | 120 | 15" | 1/120xp |
| 1" = 20' | 240 | 240 | 30" | 1/240xp |
| 1" = 30' | 360 | 360 | 45" | 1/360xp |
| 1" = 40' | 480 | 480 | 60" | 1/480xp |
| 1" = 50' | 600 | 600 | 75" | 1/600xp |
| 1" = 60' | 720 | 720 | 90" | 1/720xp |
| 1" = 100' | 1200 | 1200 | 150" | 1/1200xp |
| 1/16" = 1'-0" | 192 | 192 | 24" | 1/192xp |
| 1/8" = 1'-0" | 96 | 96 | 12" | 1/96xp |
| 3/16" = 1'-0" | 64 | 64 | 8" | 1/64xp |
| 1/4" = 1'-0" | 48 | 48 | 6" | 1/48xp |
| 3/8" = 1'-0" | 32 | 32 | 4" | 1/32xp |
| 1/2" = 1'-0" | 24 | 24 | 3" | 1/24xp |
| 3/4" = 1'-0" | 16 | 16 | 2" | 1/16xp |
| 1" = 1'-0" | 12 | 12 | 1.5" | 1/12xp |
| 1.5" = 1'-0" | 8 | 8 | 1" | 1/8xp |
| 3" = 1'-0" | 4 | 4 | 0.5" | 1/4xp |
| Full size 1:1 | 1 | 1 | 0.125" | 1xp |
4.2 Annotative Objects
▲ Ch 4
| Setting / Command | Value / Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| CANNOSCALE | Set to viewport scale before placing objects (e.g., 1/4"=1'-0") | Controls which annotation scale is current |
| ANNOALLVISIBLE | 1 = show all scales / 0 = show only current scale | Controls visibility of non-current scale objects |
| Text / Dims | Check 'Annotative' in Text Style or Dimension Style | Makes all text/dims in that style annotative |
| Blocks | Check 'Annotative' in Block Definition dialogue | Makes the block annotative |
| Add a Scale | Select annotative object > Properties > Annotative Scales > Add | Adds another display scale to one object |
4.3 Viewport Scales & ZOOM XP
▲ Ch 4
Set viewport scale via ZOOM XP (activate viewport first — double-click inside):
1/48xp -> 1/4"=1'-0" 1/96xp -> 1/8"=1'-0"
1/240xp -> 1"=20'-0" 1/480xp -> 1"=40'-0"
Set viewport scale via the status bar drop-down:
Double-click inside viewport > Status bar > VP Scale drop-down > select scale
Lock the viewport scale after setting it:
Click viewport border (in Paper Space) > Properties > Display Locked: Yes
Or: right-click VP border > Display Locked > Yes
5
Plot & Print Guide
▲ Contents
5.1 CTB vs STB Plot Styles
▲ Ch 5
| Type | How It Works | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| CTB (Color-Dependent) | Line weight and plot properties are assigned by ACI colour number. All objects on colour 1 (red) plot at the same weight regardless of layer. | Legacy drawings. Simple black-and-white output. Most common in utility and civil workflows. |
| STB (Named Plot Style) | Line weight is assigned by named style (e.g., 'Thin', 'Medium', 'Heavy') applied per layer or per object. ACI colour is independent of print weight. | Complex drawings requiring different weights on the same colour. New projects starting from scratch. |
Tip: To convert a drawing from CTB to STB (or vice versa): type CONVERTPSTYLES. Common CTB files: monochrome.ctb (B&W), acad.ctb (colours), screening 25%.ctb.
Common CTB Lineweight Assignments (monochrome.ctb)
| ACI Colour | Colour Name | Typical Lineweight | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red | 0.05 mm | Hatch, annotation, notes |
| 2 | Yellow | 0.09 mm | Dimension lines |
| 3 | Green | 0.13 mm | Centerlines, hidden lines |
| 4 | Cyan | 0.18 mm | Property lines, grid |
| 5 | Blue | 0.25 mm | Walls, standard objects |
| 6 | Magenta | 0.35 mm | Major objects, equipment |
| 7 | White | 0.50 mm | Border, title block lines |
5.2 Page Setup & Plotting to Scale
▲ Ch 5
| Method | Plot Scale Setting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Space (recommended) | 1:1 always | Scale is controlled entirely by the viewport. Plot the Layout at exactly 1:1. |
| Model Space (avoid) | Manually set each plot | Must recalculate scale for every plot. Error-prone. No title block. |
5.3 Batch Plotting with PUBLISH
▲ Ch 5
1. Type PUBLISH > the Publish dialogue opens with all Layout tabs listed.
2. Add or remove sheets. Set 'Publish to' = PDF. Set 'Number of copies' = 1.
3. Check 'Publish in background' for large sets. Click Publish.
4. For multi-sheet PDFs: set the plot to DWG To PDF.pc3 and 'Publish as single sheet' = No.
5. Use SHEETSET (Sheet Set Manager) for the most powerful batch plot workflow — plots the entire set in one click with correct sheet ordering.
5.4 Common Plot Problems & Fixes
▲ Ch 5
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| PDF at wrong scale | Plot Scale not 1:1 | Page Setup > set Plot Scale to 1:1. Scale is in the viewport. |
| Sheet is blank | Viewport not activated / wrong layer frozen | Double-click VP, confirm content visible. Check frozen layers. |
| Viewport border prints | VP layer set to plotting | Layer Manager > click printer icon on VP layer > non-printing. |
| Text/dims too small | DIMSCALE or text height not set to SF | Set DIMSCALE = SF. Or switch to annotative objects. |
| Dashed lines appear solid | LTSCALE not matching Scale Factor | Set LTSCALE = SF. Confirm PSLTSCALE = 1. |
| Colors plot grey not black | Wrong CTB file selected | Page Setup > Plot Style Table > monochrome.ctb. |
| Sheet rotated 90° in PDF | Drawing orientation mismatch | Page Setup > Drawing Orientation > Landscape or Portrait. |
| PDF paper size wrong | Custom size not in plotter | Plotter Properties > Custom Paper Sizes > Add > enter W × H. |
| Cut-off corners in PDF | Printable area margin issue | Move border 0.125"–0.25" inside paper edge. |
| Need all sheets in one PDF | PLOT only does one sheet | Use PUBLISH > set to multi-sheet PDF. |
6
Command Aliases Reference
▲ Contents
6.1 Essential Aliases by Category
▲ Ch 6
Draw
L → LINE
PL → PLINE
C → CIRCLE
A → ARC
REC → RECTANG
POL → POLYGON
EL → ELLIPSE
SPL → SPLINE
H → HATCH
T → MTEXT
DT → TEXT
B → BLOCK
I → INSERT
W → WBLOCK
DIV → DIVIDE
ME → MEASURE
PO → POINT
DO → DONUT
REG → REGION
BH → BHATCH
Modify
E → ERASE
CO → COPY
M → MOVE
RO → ROTATE
SC → SCALE
MI → MIRROR
O → OFFSET
TR → TRIM
EX → EXTEND
BR → BREAK
J → JOIN
F → FILLET
CHA → CHAMFER
X → EXPLODE
S → STRETCH
LEN → LENGTHEN
PE → PEDIT
AL → ALIGN
AR → ARRAY
SL → SLICE
View & Display
Z → ZOOM
P → PAN
V → VIEW
RE → REGEN
REA → REGENALL
3DO → 3DORBIT
HI → HIDE
LA → LAYER
LW → LWEIGHT
UN → UNITS
OP → OPTIONS
PU → PURGE
Dimension
D → DIMSTYLE
DLI → DIMLINEAR
DAL → DIMALIGNED
DAN → DIMANGULAR
DDI → DIMDIAMETER
DRA → DIMRADIUS
DCO → DIMCONTINUE
DBA → DIMBASELINE
LE → LEADER
MLD → MLEADER
TOL → TOLERANCE
DOR → DIMORDINATE
Properties & Inquiry
PR → PROPERTIES
MA → MATCHPROP
LI → LIST
DI → DIST
ID → ID
AA → AREA
TP → TOOLPALETTES
ADC → ADCENTER
Layouts & Output
MS → MSPACE
PS → PSPACE
MV → MVIEW
SSM → SHEETSET
PUB → PUBLISH
QS → QSAVE
BE → BEDIT
XA → XATTACH
XC → XCLIP
XR → XREF
XB → XBIND
AT → ATTDEF
6.2 Keyboard Shortcut Cheat Sheet
▲ Ch 6
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| F1 | Open AutoCAD Help (context-sensitive to active command) |
| F2 | Toggle Text Window (command history) |
| F3 | Toggle Object Snap (OSNAP) on/off |
| F4 | Toggle 3D Object Snap |
| F5 | Cycle Isoplane (Top / Right / Left) for isometric drawings |
| F6 | Toggle Dynamic UCS |
| F7 | Toggle Grid display |
| F8 | Toggle Ortho mode (restrict to horizontal/vertical) |
| F9 | Toggle Snap to Grid |
| F10 | Toggle Polar Tracking |
| F11 | Toggle Object Snap Tracking |
| F12 | Toggle Dynamic Input |
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + S | Quick Save (QSAVE) |
| Ctrl + Shift + S | Save As |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| Ctrl + C | Copy to Clipboard |
| Ctrl + Shift + C | Copy with Base Point |
| Ctrl + V | Paste |
| Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste as Block |
| Ctrl + X | Cut to Clipboard |
| Ctrl + A | Select All objects |
| Ctrl + O | Open drawing |
| Ctrl + N | New drawing |
| Ctrl + P | Plot / Print |
| Ctrl + 1 | Toggle Properties palette |
| Ctrl + 2 | Toggle DesignCenter |
| Ctrl + 4 | Toggle Sheet Set Manager |
| Ctrl + 8 | Toggle Quick Calculator |
| Ctrl + 9 | Toggle Command Line |
| Ctrl + 0 | Toggle Clean Screen (hide all palettes) |
| Esc | Cancel current command |
| Enter / Space | Repeat last command |
7
Special Character Codes
▲ Contents
AutoCAD supports two special character systems. %% codes work in single-line TEXT, attribute values, and MText. \U+ Unicode codes work in MText and attribute editors that support Unicode.
7.1 %% Control Codes
▲ Ch 7
| Code | Symbol | Name | Works In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| %%c | ⌀ (diameter) | Diameter symbol | TEXT, ATTDEF, MText | Also %%C. Most common in utility and mechanical drafting. |
| %%d | ° | Degree symbol | TEXT, ATTDEF, MText | Use for angles, temps, bearings. e.g., 45%%d = 45° |
| %%p | ± | Plus/Minus tolerance | TEXT, ATTDEF, MText | Standard tolerance symbol. e.g., 1.500%%p0.005 |
| %%u | underline | Underline toggle | TEXT, ATTDEF, MText | Toggles underline on/off. Use twice to underline a word. |
| %%o | overline | Overline toggle | TEXT, ATTDEF | Toggles overline (bar above text) on/off. |
| %%% | % | Percent sign | TEXT, ATTDEF, MText | Since %% is the escape prefix, use %%% for a literal %. |
Note: %%nnn ASCII codes: In TEXT and ATTDEF you can type any character by decimal ASCII code. Examples: %%060 = <, %%062 = >, %%064 = @, %%091 = [, %%093 = ], %%123 = {, %%125 = }.
7.2 Unicode \U+ Codes for MText
▲ Ch 7
| Code | Name | Category |
|---|---|---|
| \U+00B0 | Degree ° | Math & Engineering |
| \U+00B1 | Plus/Minus ± | Math & Engineering |
| \U+00D8 | Diameter (Ø with stroke) | Math & Engineering |
| \U+2300 | Diameter sign ⌀ (ISO) | Math & Engineering |
| \U+2260 | Not equal to ≠ | Math & Engineering |
| \U+2248 | Approximately equal ≈ | Math & Engineering |
| \U+2264 | Less than or equal ≤ | Math & Engineering |
| \U+2265 | Greater than or equal ≥ | Math & Engineering |
| \U+00D7 | Multiplication sign × | Math & Engineering |
| \U+221A | Square root √ | Math & Engineering |
| \U+2220 | Angle symbol ∠ | Math & Engineering |
| \U+2032 | Prime ′ (feet / minutes) | Math & Engineering |
| \U+2033 | Double prime ″ (inches / sec) | Math & Engineering |
| \U+00B2 | Superscript 2 ² (squared) | Fractions & Powers |
| \U+00B3 | Superscript 3 ³ (cubed) | Fractions & Powers |
| \U+00BC | One quarter ¼ | Fractions & Powers |
| \U+00BD | One half ½ | Fractions & Powers |
| \U+00BE | Three quarters ¾ | Fractions & Powers |
| \U+03B1 | Alpha α | Greek Letters |
| \U+03B2 | Beta β | Greek Letters |
| \U+0394 | Delta Δ (uppercase) | Greek Letters |
| \U+03B8 | Theta θ | Greek Letters |
| \U+03BC | Mu μ (micro) | Greek Letters |
| \U+03C0 | Pi π | Greek Letters |
| \U+03C3 | Sigma σ | Greek Letters |
| \U+03A9 | Omega Ω / Ohm | Greek Letters |
| \U+2192 | Right arrow → | Arrows |
| \U+2190 | Left arrow ← | Arrows |
| \U+2191 | Up arrow ↑ | Arrows |
| \U+2193 | Down arrow ↓ | Arrows |
| \U+00A9 | Copyright © | Punctuation & Currency |
| \U+00AE | Registered ® | Punctuation & Currency |
| \U+2122 | Trademark ™ | Punctuation & Currency |
| \U+2022 | Bullet • | Punctuation & Currency |
| \U+2014 | Em dash — | Punctuation & Currency |
| \U+00B7 | Middle dot · (N·m, kW·h) | Punctuation & Currency |
| \U+00A3 | Pound sterling £ | Punctuation & Currency |
| \U+20AC | Euro € | Punctuation & Currency |
| \U+00A5 | Yen ¥ | Punctuation & Currency |
Tip: In MText, type the \U+xxxx code directly — AutoCAD converts it automatically. In TEXT/ATTDEF, use %% codes instead. Windows shortcut: hold Alt and type the decimal code on the numpad (e.g., Alt+0176 = °).
8
AutoLISP Quick Reference
▲ Contents
8.1 Essential AutoLISP Functions
▲ Ch 8
| Function | Syntax Example | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| command | (command "LINE" pt1 pt2 "") | Execute an AutoCAD command |
| getpoint | (setq pt (getpoint "Pick point: ")) | Prompt user to pick a point |
| getstring | (setq s (getstring "Enter name: ")) | Prompt user for text input |
| getreal | (setq n (getreal "Enter number: ")) | Prompt user for a number |
| ssget | (ssget "X" (list (cons 0 "INSERT"))) | Select set of objects by filter |
| entget | (setq data (entget (ssname ss 0))) | Get entity data as assoc list |
| entmod | (entmod data) | Modify entity with updated data |
| vlax-for | (vlax-for obj (vla-get-attributes ent) ...) | Iterate VLA object collection |
| vla-put-textstring | (vla-put-textstring obj "New Text") | Set attribute or text value |
| load_dialog | (setq d (load_dialog "myfile.dcl")) | Load a DCL dialogue file |
| new_dialog | (new_dialog "dialog_name" d) | Initialize and show dialogue |
| start_dialog | (setq result (start_dialog)) | Run dialogue — returns 1 on OK |
| get_tile | (get_tile "key_name") | Get value from a DCL control |
| set_tile | (set_tile "key_name" "value") | Set value of a DCL control |
| princ | (princ "\nDone.") | Print to command line (no echo) |
8.2 Common LISP Snippets
▲ Ch 8
; Count Layout tabs (excluding Model Space)
(defun count-layouts ()
(- (vla-get-count
(vla-get-layouts
(vla-get-activedocument (vlax-get-acad-object)))) 1))
; Get current drawing name
(defun get-dwgname ()
(vla-get-name (vla-get-activedocument (vlax-get-acad-object))))
; Select all INSERT objects with a specific block name
(defun get-block (bname)
(ssget "X" (list (cons 0 "INSERT") (cons 2 bname))))
; List all attribute tags + values on a block insert
(defun list-attrs (ent)
(vlax-for obj (vla-get-attributes (vlax-ename->vla-object ent))
(princ (strcat "\n" (vla-get-tagstring obj) ": "
(vla-get-textstring obj)))))
8.3 Loading & Autoloading LISP Files
▲ Ch 8
| Method | How To |
|---|---|
| Manual load | Type APPLOAD > browse to .lsp file > Load > Close |
| Auto-load on startup | Add path to Options > Files > Startup Suite (APPLOAD > Contents button) |
| acad.lsp | Save file as acad.lsp in your Support folder — AutoCAD loads it on every new drawing |
| acaddoc.lsp | Loads once per document. Use for document-specific routines. |
| Support File Path | Options > Files > Support File Search Path > add your LISP folder |
40+Pages
175+Command Aliases
60+Char Codes
v7.1July 2026
AutoCAD 2024 Scaling & Units Manual — utilitydrafter.com — Anthony Squires — 2026