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Editing Text While Typing

Published in AutoCAD Command Line Customization 4 mins read

How to Edit the Command Line in AutoCAD

Editing the command line in AutoCAD can refer to several actions, from changing the text you're currently typing to customizing its appearance or position. Here's a breakdown of the different ways you can "edit" the AutoCAD command line.

When you are actively typing a command or response in the command line, you can edit the text using standard text editing keys:

  • Arrow Keys (Left/Right): Move the cursor within the current line.
  • Backspace: Delete the character to the left of the cursor.
  • Delete: Delete the character to the right of the cursor.
  • Home: Move the cursor to the beginning of the line.
  • End: Move the cursor to the end of the line.
  • Arrow Keys (Up/Down): Access previous or next commands from the command history.

This allows you to correct typos or modify previously entered commands quickly.

Editing Appearance (Changing Colors)

You can customize the colors of various elements within the command line window for better visibility or personal preference. Based on the reference provided, here's how to change specific colors like the active prompt background:

  1. Access Options:
    • Type OPTIONS or OP in the command line and press Enter.
    • Alternatively, right-click in the drawing area and select "Options". This brings up the Options dialog box.
  2. Navigate to Display Settings:
    • In the Options dialog box, click on the Display tab.
  3. Open Color Settings:
    • Within the Display tab, click the Colors button.
  4. Select Command Line Element:
    • In the Drawing Window Colors dialog box, look under the "Context" list.
    • Click on Command Line.
  5. Specify Element to Change:
    • Under the "Interface element" list, select the specific part of the command line you want to modify.
    • According to the reference, you can click on Active Prompt Background to change the color behind the text input area where you are currently typing.
    • Other elements you might see here include:
      • Command History Background
      • Command History Text
      • Active Prompt Text
      • Option Keyword
      • Option Keyword Background
  6. Choose New Color:
    • Under the "Color" dropdown list, select your desired color.
  7. Apply Changes:
    • Click Apply & Close in the Drawing Window Colors dialog box.
    • Click OK in the Options dialog box to finalize the changes.

This process allows you to tailor the visual style of the command line interface.

Editing Interface (Docking & Size)

You can also "edit" the command line by changing its position and size on your screen.

  • Docking: Click and drag the command line window by its left edge (where the title bar would be if it were floating). You can dock it at the bottom or top of the drawing window.
  • Floating: If it's docked, click and drag the left edge away from the docking area to make it a free-floating window.
  • Resizing: When it's floating, you can click and drag the edges or corners of the window to adjust its size. When docked, you can usually drag the top edge up or down to change how many lines of history are visible.

By understanding these different methods, you can effectively "edit" and customize the AutoCAD command line to suit your workflow and visual preferences.

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