Shortcuts

AutoCAD RE Shortcut : REGEN : Regenerates The Entire Drawing From The Current Viewport

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on how to utilize the regen-shortcut in AutoCAD, this article provides detailed explanations, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting, and alternative commands.


What is the regen-shortcut?

The AutoCAD RE Shortcut (short for REGEN) is a command that regenerates the entire drawing based on the current viewport. This is essential when updates or changes in the drawing do not display accurately on the screen.


How to use the regen-shortcut (Step by step)

Follow these steps to effectively use the regen-shortcut in your AutoCAD drawing:

  1. Open Your Drawing:
    Launch AutoCAD and open the drawing you wish to work on.

  2. Make Changes:
    Make any changes to your design, such as adding or modifying objects.

  3. Call the Command:
    You can activate the regen-shortcut by:

    • Typing RE into the command line and pressing Enter.
    • Alternatively, you can use the mouse by accessing the View tab, selecting Regen from the toolbar.
  4. Viewport Update:
    After invoking the command, AutoCAD will regenerate the entire drawing and refresh the display in the current viewport. You will see any changes made become visible.

  5. Verify Changes:
    Check your modifications on the screen to ensure everything has updated correctly.


Why the regen-shortcut doesn’t work?

There are several reasons why the regen-shortcut might not work as expected:

  • Corrupted Objects: Sometimes, drawing elements can become corrupted. Running the AUDIT command may help in fixing these issues.

  • Viewport Issues: Ensure that the viewport is active. If it is not, the regenerate command might not reflect changes accurately.

  • Display Settings: If certain display settings are turned off, it can hinder the visibility of changes. Ensure that layers and settings are properly configured.

Solutions:

  • Run the REGEN command multiple times.
  • Use AUDIT to check for and fix any drawing errors.
  • Ensure that the correct viewport is selected and active before executing the command.

Alternative Methods

If the regen-shortcut is still not functioning as intended, consider the following alternatives:

  • REGENALL: This command regenerates ALL viewports in the drawing and can be used if the standard regenerate command does not suffice.

  • ZOOM EXTENTS: Activating the ZOOM command followed by E will adjust the view to fit all objects within the drawing, effectively refreshing the visual display.


Tips

  • Regularly use the REGEN command after making significant changes to your drawings to ensure the display reflects the latest modifications.

  • Always save your work before executing commands that alter the drawing state, especially if using commands like AUDIT or PURGE.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I access the command line in AutoCAD?

You can press Ctrl + 9 or F2 to toggle the command line in AutoCAD.

What if the changes still do not appear after using the regen-shortcut?

Try zooming in or out, or use the REGENALL command for a complete refresh of all viewports.

Can I customize the regen-shortcut?

Yes, AutoCAD allows users to customize keyboard shortcuts through the CUI (Customize User Interface) command.

Is there a way to prevent the need for frequent regenerations?

Optimizing your drawing by reducing the number of layers and minimizing complex objects can decrease the frequency of required regenerations.