Shortcuts

AutoCAD Ctrl+Shift+c Shortcut: Copy to clipboard with base point

If you need to copy objects in AutoCAD while specifying an exact base point (so you can paste them with a known reference), the Ctrl+Shift+C shortcut is the built‑in, fastest way to do it. This guide explains what the shortcut does, how to use it step‑by‑step, why it sometimes fails and how to fix it, useful alternatives, and practical tips to avoid problems.

Introduction — what is Ctrl+Shift+C?

Ctrl+Shift+C in AutoCAD runs the command that copies selected objects to the Windows clipboard while prompting you to specify a base point. That base point becomes the reference when you paste the objects into the same or another drawing (using Ctrl+V or the PASTECLIP command).

The key benefits:

  • You can paste objects precisely relative to a chosen point.
  • It preserves entity geometry and most properties.
  • It’s ideal when moving groups of objects between drawings or layers while keeping alignment.

How Ctrl+Shift+C works — explanation

  • When you press Ctrl+Shift+C, AutoCAD asks you to specify a base point. This is the point that will be used as the insertion reference when pasting.
  • After you pick the base point, AutoCAD copies the currently selected objects to the clipboard.
  • You then switch to the destination drawing or location and paste (Ctrl+V or PASTECLIP). Use the same base point or pick an insertion point relative to that base to position the objects exactly.

Important concepts:

  • Base point: the reference coordinate you pick during the copy operation.
  • Clipboard: system clipboard holds the copied geometry until you paste or replace it.
  • UCS and units: target drawing’s User Coordinate System and units affect placement and scale when pasting.

How to use Ctrl+Shift+C — step by step

  1. Select the objects you want to copy (click or window selection).

    • Make sure the objects are fully selected and not locked or on a locked layer.

  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+C.

    • AutoCAD will prompt: Specify base point (or similar).

  3. Pick the base point (click with an object snap, type coordinates, or enter a precise coordinate).

    • Use object snaps (OSNAP) for accuracy (end, mid, intersection, etc.).

  4. Switch to the destination drawing or to the area where you want to paste.

  5. Paste using Ctrl+V or type PASTECLIP and press Enter.

    • If you want to place the copied objects at a precise location, type coordinates or pick a point when prompted for the insertion point.

  6. Place or confirm the objects; adjust if necessary (move, rotate, scale).

Tips while following steps:

  • If you need the objects to land at the same world coordinates, use the same base point coordinates in the destination and paste at those coordinates.
  • Use precise coordinate entry (e.g., typing X,Y) if you need absolute placement.

Alternatives to Ctrl+Shift+C

  • Type the command COPYBASE in the AutoCAD command line (this is the same command invoked by Ctrl+Shift+C). Use this when the shortcut is unavailable.
  • Use Ctrl+C (Copy to clipboard) — copies objects but typically does not prompt for a base point; not ideal when you need a reference point.
  • Use WBLOCK (Write Block) to export selected objects to a separate DWG file with a defined base point, then insert that DWG into the target drawing. Good for re-usable content and when clipboard transfer fails.
  • Save to a block (BLOCK or BMAKE) then insert the block in the target drawing. Blocks preserve layers, properties and make reuse easier.
  • Use DesignCenter (ADCENTER) or Tool Palettes to drag content between drawings when you want to reuse standard details and styles.
  • For very large datasets or external references, consider using XREF or insertion of DWG files rather than clipboard copying.

Common reasons Ctrl+Shift+C doesn’t work and fixes

  • Problem: Nothing happens when pressing the shortcut.
    Fixes:

    • Ensure AutoCAD window is active and has focus.
    • Check that PICKFIRST is set to 1 (so keyboard shortcuts work with selections).
    • Try the typed command COPYBASE — if that works, the shortcut may be remapped in CUI.
    • If the shortcut is remapped or removed, restore it in the CUI (Customize User Interface).

  • Problem: AutoCAD prompts but clipboard paste places objects in a wrong location or wrong scale.
    Fixes:

    • Confirm you picked the correct base point during copy and use the same reference when pasting.
    • Check drawing units and scale — different unit settings between drawings will change apparent size. Use CONVERTUNITS or scale after pasting, or ensure both drawings use same units.
    • Verify the UCS in destination drawing — paste is interpreted relative to current UCS.

  • Problem: Pasting fails or clipboard is empty.
    Fixes:

    • Make sure objects were actually selected prior to pressing Ctrl+Shift+C.
    • Clipboard may be cleared by another application. Paste immediately after copying.
    • Some remote desktop or virtual machine environments block clipboard transfer between host and guest — enable shared clipboard or use file-based transfer (WBLOCK).
    • Restart AutoCAD and Windows clipboard services if clipboard seems unresponsive.

  • Problem: Shortcut conflicts with other software or custom shortcuts.
    Fixes:

    • Inspect CUI and Keyboard Shortcuts to reassign or restore Ctrl+Shift+C to COPYBASE.
    • Temporarily close conflicting applications or change their shortcut settings.

  • Problem: Objects on locked layers or inside write-protected blocks cannot be copied.
    Fixes:

    • Unlock the layers or explode/unblock as needed (respect permissions and standards).

Practical tips and best practices

  • Use object snaps when picking the base point for precision (e.g., endpoints, intersections).
  • If you frequently copy standard details, create blocks or use Tool Palettes or WBLOCK to avoid repeated clipboard use.
  • When copying between projects, ensure consistent units, layer naming, and UCS to avoid surprises.
  • If you need the pasted content to appear at the exact same world coordinates, set the base point to a known coordinate (e.g., an origin point) and paste using that coordinate in the destination.
  • Keep clipboard operations short — save to a DWG via WBLOCK if you’ll reuse content across many files or need a portable reference.
  • If you work in a multi‑user environment, verify layer and block name conflicts after pasting; layer naming differences can create duplicate layers.

FAQ

What is the difference between Ctrl+Shift+C and Ctrl+C in AutoCAD?

Ctrl+Shift+C copies selected objects and prompts for a base point (COPYBASE). Ctrl+C copies objects to the clipboard without asking for a base point (COPYCLIP). Use Ctrl+Shift+C when you need a reference point for precise placement.

How can I paste copied objects at the exact same world coordinates in another drawing?

When copying, pick a base point with a known coordinate (for example a project origin). In the destination drawing, use Paste and either type the same coordinates for insertion or use a “paste to original coordinates” option (or place by entering the coordinate that matches the base point).

Ctrl+Shift+C does nothing — how do I restore the shortcut?

Open CUI (Customize User Interface), search for the COPYBASE command, and reassign Ctrl+Shift+C to it. Also confirm PICKFIRST=1 and that AutoCAD has keyboard focus.

Why are pasted objects the wrong size?

Different drawing units between source and destination (inches vs mm, for example) will change scale. Check both drawings’ units (UNITS command) and scale appropriately or convert units before pasting.

Can I copy objects from model space and paste into paper space or vice versa?

Yes — you can copy across spaces. Be mindful of UCS, annotation scales, and viewport scales when pasting into paper space to ensure the objects appear at the intended size and location.

Clipboard transfer fails over Remote Desktop — what are my options?

Enable the clipboard sharing feature in your remote desktop client or use WBLOCK to write the selected objects to a DWG file and then transfer/insert that file in the target environment.

How do I copy geometry while preserving layers and properties?

Copying with Ctrl+Shift+C preserves most properties and layer assignments. If you need more controlled reuse, create a block or use WBLOCK to export the geometry as a clean DWG and then insert it; this also helps avoid layer-name conflicts.

You may also like