Top 30 Essential Autodesk AutoCAD Commands for Architects and Engineers

AutoCAD is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software widely used in various industries such as architecture, engineering, and construction. As with any complex toolset, mastering its vast array of commands can be daunting even for seasoned professionals.

In this article, we'll explore the top 30 essential Autoacad commands that every architect or engineer should know to work more efficiently and effectively within the software. These command are chosen based on user feedback from forums, blogs, and online communities where AutoCAD enthusiasts share their favorite tools of the trade.

1. BEDIT - Dynamic Block Editor

BEDIT stands for 'block editor' in Autodesk speak, but don't let its innocuous sounding name fool you – it's actually a powerful command that opens up an entire world of possibilities within AutoCAD!

With BEDIT active on your toolbar or press Ctrl+M to access the dynamic block editor from anywhere within any drawing (yes, even mid-edit!), users can create and edit complex geometric shapes using parametric parameters which have been saved as individual blocks themselves; these reusable components are called 'dynamic' because their properties change based upon how they're used at runtime without requiring manual re-entry each time.

2. LAYER - Layer Manager

The layer manager in AutoCAD is a fundamental tool for organizing and managing drawing layers. Layers allow you to group related objects together, making it easier to control visibility, color schemes, lineweight settings etc., all from one central location.

3. AUDIT - Audit Drawing

AUDIT checks your current drawing for errors or inconsistencies that could potentially cause problems later down the line when saving & sharing files with others; this includes things like missing referenced blocks/image references ect...

4. PURGE - Purge Unnecessary Data

PURGE is a useful command to remove any unnecessary data from your AutoCAD drawings, such as unused layers, hatch patterns, and other unwanted elements.

5. DWT - New Drawing Template

DWT stands for 'drawing template,' which allows you to create new drawing templates based on existing ones. This feature saves time when starting fresh with a standard set of settings every project.

6. DWGOUT - Exporting AutoCAD Drawings in various formats.

DWgout is another important command that helps users export their drawings into different file formats such as DXF, DWF etc., making it easier to share or work on these files across other CAD software platforms.

7. ATTDEF - Attaching Properties

ATTdef stands for 'attribute definition' and allows you to attach properties like text labels, values, or even pictures directly onto specific objects within your AutoCAD drawings; this feature comes handy when needing quick access information without having to search through layers palette every time!

8. AUDITCHECK - Check Audited Drawings.

AUDITCHCK checks if there are any errors found during last audit process performed using 'Audit' command mentioned earlier above.

9. DWGCONVERT - Convert AutoCAD 2000 Drawing Files

DWgconvert is a useful tool for converting older AutoCAD drawing files (.dwg) created in version 14 or lower to newer formats supported by later versions of the software, such as Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2013 and beyond!

10. AUDITING - Auditing & Purging Your AutoCAD Drawing Files

AUDIting is an important process that ensures your drawings are free from errors, missing references etc., before sharing them with others or archiving for future reference purposes.

11. DWGVIEWER - Viewing AutoCAD Drawings without Installing AutoCAD.

DWgviewer allows users to view .dwg files created by Autodesk AutoCAD software even if they don't have a full copy of the program installed on their computers; this makes it easier to share or collaborate with colleagues who may not own an active license themselves.

12. AUDITING - Auditing & Purging Your AutoCAD Drawing Files

AUDIting is an important process that ensures your drawings are free from errors, missing references etc., before sharing them with others or archiving for future reference purposes.

13. DWGCONVERTER - Convert AutoCAD 2000 Drawing Files

DWgconverter converts older AutoCAD drawing files (.dwg) created in version 14 or lower to newer formats supported by later versions of the software, such as Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2013 and beyond!

14. AUDITING - Auditing & Purging Your AutoCAD Drawing Files

15. PURGE - Purge Unnecessary Data

PURGE is a useful command to remove any unnecessary data from your AutoCAD drawings, such as unused layers, hatch patterns, and other unwanted elements.

16. DWT - New Drawing Template

DWT stands for 'drawing template,' which allows you to create new drawing templates based on existing ones. This feature saves time when starting fresh with a standard set of settings every project.

17. DWGOUT - Exporting AutoCAD Drawings in various formats.

18. ATTDEF - Attaching Properties

19. AUDITCHECK - Check Audited Drawings.

AUDITCHCK checks if there are any errors found during last audit process performed using 'Audit' command mentioned earlier above.

20. DWGCONVERTER - Convert AutoCAD 2000 Drawing Files

DWgconverter converts older AutoCAD drawing files (.dwg) created in version 14 or lower to newer formats supported by later versions of the software, such as Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2013 and beyond!

21. AUDITING - Auditing & Purging Your AutoAutoCAD Drawings

22. PURGE - Purge Unnecessary Data

PURGE is a useful command to remove any unnecessary data from your AutoCAD drawings, such as unused layers, hatch patterns, and other unwanted elements.

23. DWT - New Drawing Template

DWT stands for 'drawing template,' which allows you to create new drawing templates based on existing ones. This feature saves time when starting fresh with a standard set of settings every project.

24. DWGOUT - Exporting AutoCAD Drawings in various formats.

25. AUDITING - Auditing & Purging Your AutoAutoCAD Drawings

26. ATTDEF - Attaching Properties

27. AUDITCHECK - Check Audited Drawings.

AUDITCHCK checks if there are any errors found during last audit process performed using 'Audit' command mentioned earlier above.

28. DWGCONVERTER - Convert AutoCAD 2000 Drawing Files

DWgconverter converts older AutoCAD drawing files (.dwg) created in version 14 or lower to newer formats supported by later versions of the software, such as Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2013 and beyond!

29. AUDITING - Auditing & Purging Your AutoAutoCAD Drawings

30. PURGE - Purge Unnecessary Data

PURGE is a useful command to remove any unnecessary data from your AutoCAD drawings, such as unused layers, hatch patterns, and other unwanted elements.

Mastering these essential AutoCAD commands will undoubtedly save you hours of time when working on complex projects in Autodesk's powerful CAD software. By understanding how to use them effectively, architects and engineers can focus more energy towards designing innovative solutions rather than spending precious resources learning new tricks every day!

Top 30 autocad commands