Commands

3DMOVE command in AutoCAD : In a 3D view, displays the 3D Move gizmo to aid in moving 3D objects a specified distance in a specified direction

A clear, practical guide to using the 3dmove command in AutoCAD: what it does, how to use it step‑by‑step, why it sometimes fails and how to fix it, useful alternatives, and tips to work faster.

What is the 3DMOVE command?

The 3dmove command in AutoCAD displays the 3D move gizmo so you can translate objects precisely in three dimensions. The gizmo provides:

  • Arrow handles to move along the X, Y or Z axis,
  • Plane handles (squares) to move within an XY, YZ or XZ plane,
  • A free‑move center to drag objects freely in 3D.

Use 3dmove when you need intuitive, visual control to move 3D solids, surfaces, meshes or any objects in a full 3D view.

How to use 3dmove (step by step)

Quick overview

  1. Switch to a 3D workspace or a 3D view (e.g., SE Isometric or use 3DORBIT).
  2. Select the objects you want to move.
  3. Launch the command: type 3dmove and press Enter (or choose Modify > 3D Move on the ribbon).
  4. Use the gizmo handles or enter numeric input to move the selection.

Detailed steps

  • Open or prepare your drawing in a 3D visual style (Wireframe, Realistic, etc.) and ensure you can see the objects in perspective or isometric view.
  • Type 3dmove on the command line and press Enter.
  • When prompted, select objects and press Enter.
  • The 3D Move gizmo appears. Interact with it:
    • Click an arrow to move along a single axis (X, Y, or Z). After clicking, drag or type a distance and press Enter.
    • Click a square to constrain movement to a plane (e.g., X–Y plane). Drag or type the displacement.
    • Click the center/ball handle (if available) to drag freely in 3D.
  • To move to a specific point, use Object Snaps (OSNAP): click a handle then pick a reference point in the drawing.
  • To cancel the command at any time, press Esc.
Read Also:  ADDSELECTED command in AutoCAD : Creates a new object of the same type and general properties as a selected object, but with different geometric values

Keyboard and numeric input

  • After you pick a direction or handle, you can type a displacement value (positive or negative) or a coordinate or vector (for example, @0,0,50 to move up 50 units).
  • Use relative coordinates (leading with @) to specify movement from the initial point.

3D Move gizmo controls and options

  • Axis arrows: click and drag or enter a numeric value to move along that axis only.
  • Plane squares: limit movement to a plane (useful for sliding objects along a surface).
  • Center handle: free translation in 3D space.
  • Keyboard entry: type exact distances or vectors after selecting a handle.
  • Object snaps: maintain precision by snapping to endpoints, midpoints, centers, etc.
  • Ribbon access: in the 3D modeling workspace, the gizmo and 3dmove are accessible in the Modify panel.

Why 3dmove doesn’t work — common causes and fixes

  • You’re in a 2D view or workspace

    • Fix: Switch to a 3D view (isometric or use 3DORBIT) or switch to the 3D Modeling workspace so the gizmo can be displayed.

  • The command is not available in your AutoCAD version

    • Fix: Some features are limited or absent in AutoCAD LT or very old releases. Check your product documentation. If unavailable, use alternate commands below.

  • The object is on a locked or frozen layer

    • Fix: Unlock or thaw the layer before attempting to move the object.

  • The object is part of a block or is from an External reference (xref)

    • Fix: Explode the block (if editable) or edit the block definition (BEDIT). For xrefs, you must edit the source or bind it first.

  • Selection includes non‑editable or constrained objects

    • Fix: Verify object type (e.g., Annotative objects, locked geometry) and convert or unlock as needed.

  • Gizmo not visible even after starting 3dmove

    • Fix: Ensure dynamic input and Selection are enabled; orbit the view slightly or toggle visual styles. If still invisible, check that UI elements are not hidden and try restarting AutoCAD.

  • UCS orientation conflicts

    • Fix: The direction of the gizmo follows the current UCS. Reset or set the UCS to the desired orientation (UCS World or align UCS to the face) before using the gizmo.

  • Precision/OSNAP issues

Read Also:  AREA command in AutoCAD : Calculates the area and perimeter of objects or of defined areas

Alternative commands and workflows

  • MOVE — Traditional 2D/3D move using a base point and a second point; good for simple translations when you specify base/displacement points.
  • ALIGN / 3DALIGN — Move, rotate and scale objects to match two or three reference points to target points (useful for precise placement and orientation).
  • ROTATE3D — Rotate objects around an arbitrary 3D axis.
  • Grip editing — Select object grips and move them for quick edits; grips can be used in 3D for many object types.
  • UCS + MOVE — Change the UCS to align an axis with a face or direction, then use MOVE constrained to the UCS axes.
  • Direct Editing tools for solids: SOLIDEDIT, PRESSPULL, MOVEFACE (dependent on version and object type) for face/edge manipulation.
  • Copying with COPY or ARRAY — If you need multiple translated copies, use COPY or ARRAY to create systematic placements.

Choose alternatives depending on whether you need a visual gizmo (3dmove), coordinate precision (MOVE with coordinates), or alignment and rotation (3DALIGN).

Tips and best practices

  • Use Object Snaps (OSNAP) for accurate point-to-point moves.
  • When moving along the Z axis only, click the Z arrow on the gizmo or use a vector like @0,0,delta.
  • If you need the gizmo to match a face orientation, set the UCS to face (UCS > Face) so handles align to the face.
  • Keep Ortho off when you want free movement in 3D; Ortho constrains movement to the UCS axes.
  • Use relative coordinates (prefixed with @) for predictable displacements.
  • If working with assemblies, move subcomponents in their own block definitions to retain clarity.
  • Save a named UCS for repeated moves in the same orientation.
  • Use the Properties palette to verify final coordinates after a move for precision-critical work.
Read Also:  3DALIGN command in AutoCAD : Aligns objects with other objects in 2D and 3D

Examples (before / after scenarios)

  • Example 1 — Move a box up 50 units:

    • Before: A 3D box sits at Z = 0.
    • Action: Type 3dmove, select the box, click the Z arrow, type 50, Enter.
    • After: Box base now at Z = 50.

  • Example 2 — Slide a component along a sloped plane:

    • Before: Component rests on an inclined surface.
    • Action: Set the UCS to the plane, use 3dmove and click the plane square handle to move within that plane, snap to a target point.
    • After: Component moved precisely along the plane without changing height relative to the plane.

FAQ

Is the 3dmove command available in AutoCAD LT?

In many cases 3dmove and other advanced 3D gizmo features are limited or unavailable in AutoCAD LT. Check your product documentation or try the standard MOVE command and UCS workarounds for 3D‑like translations.

How do I move an object only along the Z axis?

Use 3dmove, click the Z arrow on the gizmo, then drag or type the displacement (for example, @0,0,100 to move up 100 units). Alternatively, set UCS so Z is up and use numeric input.

Why doesn’t the 3D gizmo show up when I run 3dmove?

Common causes: you’re in a purely 2D view or workspace, the current UCS is problematic, or the feature isn’t supported in your AutoCAD version. Switch to a 3D view/workspace, reset or align the UCS, and ensure your AutoCAD edition includes 3D gizmos.

Can I use 3dmove to move parts inside a block or xref?

No — you cannot directly move geometry that is locked inside a block or an attached xref. Edit the block definition (BEDIT) or open and edit the xref source, or explode the block if appropriate.

How can I Move objects precisely to match another object’s point in 3D?

Use 3dmove with Object Snaps or use 3DALIGN / ALIGN to match source points to target points for exact placement and orientation.

What if I need to move many objects by the same 3D vector?

Select all objects and use 3dmove, or use COPY with a specified displacement. You can also enter a numeric vector (@dx,dy,dz) with the standard MOVE command.

How do I disable the 3D gizmo if it gets in the way?

Complete or cancel the 3dmove command (press Esc). If the gizmo persists, check for other active 3D editing commands or tool settings; switching workspace or drawing a quick zoom/pan sometimes refreshes the UI.

The gizmo moves in the wrong direction — how do I change that?

The gizmo follows the current UCS. Reset to World UCS (type UCS > World) or create and set a UCS aligned to the direction you want before using 3dmove.

You may also like