If you need to show or hide the coordinate readout quickly in AutoCAD, this guide explains the Ctrl+D shortcut clearly and shows step‑by‑step use, alternatives, common reasons it may not work and how to fix them. The article is beginner‑friendly and packed with practical tips and answers to frequently asked questions.
Introduction
The Ctrl+D keyboard shortcut in AutoCAD is used to toggle the coordinate display in the drawing window. This is a fast way to show or hide the status bar coordinate readout (the X, Y, Z values typically shown on the lower-left or lower-right of the AutoCAD window). Knowing how and when to use this shortcut helps you check points quickly, keep the interface uncluttered, and switch between different coordinate display modes.
What the Ctrl+D shortcut does
- Ctrl+D: Toggle coordinate display on the AutoCAD status bar.
- When enabled, the status bar shows the current cursor coordinates (X, Y, Z) as you move the cursor in the drawing area.
- When disabled, the coordinate readout is hidden—useful when you need more screen space or a cleaner display.
How to use Ctrl+D — step by step
Step 1 — Focus the drawing area
- Make sure the drawing window is active (click in the model or layout area). Keyboard shortcuts usually only apply when the drawing canvas has focus.
Step 2 — Press Ctrl+D
- Press Ctrl + D once. The coordinate readout on the status bar will appear (if it was hidden).
- Press Ctrl + D again to hide the coordinate readout.
What you see before and after
- Before: the status bar does not show X, Y, Z values.
- After: the status bar displays live coordinates which update as you move the cursor.
Notes
- The shortcut toggles the status bar coordinate readout, not the command line or other coordinate tools.
- If you prefer coordinates shown near the cursor (dynamic input), see the Alternatives section.
Alternatives and other ways to view coordinates
1) Use the status bar context menu
- Right‑click the status bar and enable Coordinates (or similar item depending on AutoCAD version) in the context menu. This permanently shows the readout until you uncheck it.
2) Use the ID command
- Type ID at the command prompt and pick a point. AutoCAD returns the exact X, Y, Z values for that picked point. Useful for obtaining precise coordinates of a specific point.
3) Use Dynamic Input (F12 or DYNMODE)
- Press F12 to toggle Dynamic Input. With Dynamic Input on, you can see coordinates near your cursor while drawing or picking points. This is separate from the status bar readout and can be more convenient for drawing tasks.
4) Use the Properties palette or LIST command
- Select an object and open the Properties palette to view anchors or coordinates. Or use LIST to get geometric and coordinate information about selected objects.
5) Customize via CUI (if you want a different shortcut)
- Open the CUI editor (Customize User Interface) to assign a different keyboard shortcut to the command that toggles coordinates if desired.
Why Ctrl+D sometimes doesn’t work (common causes)
- The drawing area does not have focus (keyboard input is going to another pane such as the text editor or dialog box).
- The status bar is hidden or the toolbar area is locked in a workspace where the Coordinates item is not available.
- The shortcut has been reassigned or removed in a custom CUI profile.
- A third‑party utility or external software is intercepting the Ctrl+D keystroke.
- You are in the middle of another command that prevents toggling the display (many shortcuts only work when no command is active).
- Working in a non‑standard workspace or a specialized vertical product where the status bar item names differ.
How to fix Ctrl+D issues (solutions)
- Ensure the drawing area has focus: click in the model or layout space and try again.
- Check the status bar:
- If the status bar is hidden, show it via the View menu or workspace control.
- Right‑click the status bar and confirm Coordinates (or equivalent) is available and enabled.
- Test with no active command: press Esc several times and try Ctrl+D again.
- Check CUI customizations:
- Type CUI and search for the Ctrl+D assignment. Reassign or restore defaults if needed.
- Temporarily disable third‑party keyboard utilities (hotkey managers, clipboard tools) that might capture Ctrl+D.
- Reset AutoCAD to default settings if other UI items behave oddly (save your custom files first).
- Use the alternatives listed (ID, F12, status bar menu) if Ctrl+D remains unresponsive.
Practical tips and best practices
- Use Ctrl+D for a quick on/off check of cursor coordinates during layout or review sessions.
- Use F12 (Dynamic Input) when you need live coordinate input near the cursor while drawing; use Ctrl+D when you prefer the status bar readout.
- Combine ID with object snaps (OSNAP) to get exact coordinates of endpoints, intersections, or midpoints.
- If you frequently need coordinates visible, enable the status bar coordinate readout permanently via the right‑click menu.
- If you share drawings with colleagues, be mindful that workspace or CUI differences may change shortcut behavior across installations.
FAQ
What is the difference between Ctrl+D and F12?
Ctrl+D toggles the status bar coordinate readout. F12 toggles Dynamic Input, which displays coordinate and command input boxes near the cursor. They serve different display purposes.
How can I get the coordinates of a specific point?
Use the ID command: type ID, press Enter, then click the point. AutoCAD will display the exact X,Y,Z coordinates.
Can I change the Ctrl+D shortcut to another key combination?
Yes. Open the CUI (Customize User Interface) and reassign or add a different keyboard shortcut to the toggle‑coordinates command.
Why do I not see the Coordinates option in the status bar menu?
Some workspaces or AutoCAD verticals may hide certain status bar items. Try switching to a standard workspace, or restore the status bar configuration in the workspace settings.
Will Ctrl+D show coordinates during command prompts (like MOVE or ROTATE)?
Usually not while the drawing is in the middle of some commands. Press Esc to cancel the active command, then use Ctrl+D, or rely on Dynamic Input (F12) which can work during many interactive commands.
How do I display relative coordinates or polar coordinates?
- Relative coordinates: use the @ prefix when entering coordinates (for example @10,5).
- Polar tracking and relative entry can be enabled via Polar Tracking (F10) or using Dynamic Input for live polar readouts.