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AutoCAD F12 Shortcut :Toggle dynamic input mode.

What is the F12 shortcut?

The F12 key in AutoCAD is the default keyboard shortcut to toggle dynamic input on and off. Dynamic Input brings command prompts, measurement entry boxes, and pointer-based tooltips close to the cursor so you can enter values without looking at the command line. When Dynamic Input is active you will see on-cursor tooltips for distances, angles and command options; when it is off, prompts appear only in the command line.

Explanations — what Dynamic Input does and why it matters

  • Dynamic Input places a mini-command interface next to the cursor so you can:

    • See command prompts and options near the cursor.
    • Enter numeric values (distance, angle, coordinates) directly at the cursor.
    • Use temporary dimensions and on-cursor input instead of switching focus to the command line.

  • Benefits:

    • Faster drawing and fewer eye movements between drawing area and command line.
    • More intuitive numeric entry for direct geometry commands (Line, Move, Offset, etc.).
    • Useful on laptops or when working with a single monitor.

  • Typical default setting: many installations use DYNMODE = 3 (both pointer and dimension input enabled).

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How to use F12 (Step by step)

Below are several reliable ways to toggle Dynamic Input and control its behavior.

Method A — Press F12 (quick toggle)

  1. Start AutoCAD and open a drawing.
  2. Press the F12 key once to toggle Dynamic Input on. Press again to turn it off.
  3. Check the cursor area: when on, you’ll see the on-cursor command tooltip; when off, prompts appear only in the command line.

Tip: If F12 seems unresponsive, try using the laptop Fn key (Fn + F12) — see troubleshooting below.

Method B — Use the status bar button

  1. Look at the status bar at the bottom of AutoCAD.
  2. Find the Dynamic Input icon (a small tooltip/cursor icon).
  3. Click it to toggle Dynamic Input on/off.
  4. Right-click the status bar to turn the Dynamic Input button on/off in the status bar display if it’s missing.

Method C — Use the DYNMODE system variable

  1. Type DYNMODE at the AutoCAD command prompt and press Enter.
  2. Enter one of the values and press Enter:
    • 0 — Dynamic Input Off
    • 1 — Pointer input only
    • 2 — Dimension input only
    • 3 — Both Pointer and Dimension input
  3. This gives precise control over what parts of Dynamic Input are enabled.

Method D — Use drafting settings (DSETTINGS)

  1. Type DSETTINGS and press Enter.
  2. In the Drafting Settings dialog, open the Dynamic Input tab.
  3. Toggle options such as Enable Pointer Input, Enable Dimension Input, and customize tooltip appearance.
  4. Click OK to apply.

Method E — Reassign or create a custom shortcut (CUI)

  1. Type CUI and press Enter to open the Customize user interface.
  2. In the Customize pane, expand keyboard shortcuts and Shortcuts Keys.
  3. Create a new command or assign an existing command (for example one that runs the macro to set DYNMODE) and bind it to F12 or another key.
  4. save changes. This is useful if F12 is blocked by OS or hardware.
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Example macro to toggle DYNMODE via CUI (replace exact macro according to your CUI workflow): ^C^C_DYNMODE — but be careful and test in a safe drawing.

Alternatives and related commands

  • Command line input — Use the standard command line for full prompt visibility (turn Dynamic Input off if you prefer).
  • DSETTINGS — Opens the Drafting Settings dialog to customize Dynamic Input appearance and behavior.
  • CUI — Reassign function keys or create custom macros if the default F12 doesn’t work.
  • Status bar icon — Quick on/off toggle without touching keyboard.
  • Contextual grips and temporary dimensions — Some dimension input can also be handled via grips and temporary dimension displays when editing objects.

Common problems and fixes (Why F12 doesn’t work)

Below are frequent reasons F12 may appear not to work and steps to fix each.

  • Laptop Fn key locking / special function mode

    • Many laptops require Fn + F12. Check for an Fn Lock key or change the Fn behavior in BIOS/UEFI or manufacturer utility so F-keys behave as standard function keys.

  • F12 is intercepted by another application or Windows

    • Some programs (browsers, vendor utilities, screen-recording tools) use F12. Close or reconfigure those programs or change AutoCAD’s keybinding via CUI.

  • Function keys disabled by AutoCAD keyboard shortcuts

    • The F12 assignment may have been removed in your CUI. Open CUI and verify F12 binding.

  • Remote desktop / virtualization

    • Remote Desktop or VMware may not pass function keys. In RDP, set “Apply Windows key combinations” to “On the remote computer” or use the remote client’s key mapping settings.

  • Custom LISP or scripts overriding behavior

    • Third-party LISP or script files loaded at startup may trap F12. Temporarily start AutoCAD without support files to test.

  • System variable settings

    • If DYNMODE is set to 0, Dynamic Input stays off even if F12 seems to toggle; set DYNMODE manually: type DYNMODE and enter 3.

  • Status bar button missing

    • Right-click the status bar and enable Dynamic Input to show the button; then toggle it.

  • Mac vs Windows differences

    • On AutoCAD for Mac, keyboard shortcuts differ. Use the Mac menubar or system preferences to map keys, or consult AutoCAD for Mac help.
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Tips & best practices

  • Keep DYNMODE = 3 if you want maximum on-cursor assistance (pointer + dimension input).
  • Use the status bar toggle when you frequently switch between on-cursor and command-line workflows.
  • If you prefer numeric input without popping tooltips, configure DSETTINGS to show only the parts you need.
  • When training newcomers, show both the command line and Dynamic Input to help them understand where prompts appear.
  • If F12 conflicts with other applications, create a custom shortcut via CUI that runs a macro to set DYNMODE values directly.

FAQ

How do I permanently enable Dynamic Input so it’s always on when AutoCAD starts?

Set DYNMODE to 3 in your startup profile or add a simple script/LISP to your startup suite that runs: DYNMODE 3. Also enable it in your profile so the setting is retained between sessions.

Can I have some Dynamic Input features on and others off?

Yes. Use DSETTINGS or set DYNMODE to 1 (pointer only) or 2 (dimension only) to enable only the parts you want.

F12 still does nothing — how do I test whether AutoCAD receives the key?

Open CUI, try assigning a different simple macro to F12 (for example a message box macro) and test. Or press F12 while a text editor running in the same machine to see if the OS receives it. This helps narrow whether the issue is AutoCAD, OS, or hardware.

Can I map another key to toggle Dynamic Input?

Yes. Use CUI to create a keyboard shortcut mapped to a command or macro that toggles DYNMODE.

Will turning off Dynamic Input speed up AutoCAD?

Turning Dynamic Input off has minimal impact on performance. It mainly affects workflow preference. However, on very slow remote sessions or older hardware, disabling on-cursor graphics can slightly reduce cursor lag.

Is Dynamic Input available in AutoCAD LT and other AutoCAD-based products?

Yes. Dynamic Input and F12 toggling are available in AutoCAD LT and most AutoCAD-based vertical products, though minor UI differences may exist.

What is the default value for DYNMODE?

The common default is 3 (both pointer and dimension input enabled), but this can vary if your CAD manager adjusted standards or profile settings.

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