Using AutoCAD UNDO: It’s more than just one step back

I received this tip from Murray Clack mentioning about setting a mark to undo AutoCAD commands. That reminds me that many AutoCAD may not know UNDO does have options. We usually just press U then [enter], press [ctrl] + Z, or click undo button. But if you type UNDO then [enter], you can see more options like below.

If you are not familiar with these options, here is the explanation. Who knows, you need to use it.

To use this command options, you must type UNDO then [enter].

Undo a number of commands

You can undo several operations by typing a number here. Let’s say you want to undo 5 commands, just type 5 then [enter]. To be honest, I never use it except to undo everything. Typing 999 is faster than pressing U [enter] several times. I don’t think anyone will remember how many steps they want to go back.

Auto option

Auto is turned on by default. It will group commands in a macro, allows you to undo the commands in a single undo command.

Control

Control has sub options. In short, it allows you to control how UNDO command should behave.

All

All is the default UNDO options. It will behave just like how we use it today (if nothing goes wrong).

None

This will disable UNDO. AutoCAD will not record your commands and you simply can’t use it. Even undo button on quick access and modify toolbar is disabled.

One

This option will limit UNDO to one command only. Let’s say you activate 5 commands. You only can UNDO your last command, and AutoCAD doesn’t remember the other 4 commands.

Combine and Layer

Combine will combine screen navigation like zoom and pan. We zoom and pan many times to draw and modify our drawings. If disable this option, when you pan 5 times, to undo it you need to press undo five times. You only need to press one time if you activate it.

Layer option works similarly with combine, but it’s for combining layer operation.

Mark and Back

If you want to test creating some objects and think you may need to undo to certain point, you can mark before you start playing with your drawing. If you do need to undo your work, use BACK to restore it to your mark point.

UNDO from quick access toolbar

The most convenient way to undo, of course using undo button from quick access or modify toolbar. You can click the small down arrow and see the recent commands you use. Click at a point where you want to undo those commands.

Thank you to Murray Clack for bringing this up! Do you think any of these options can help you? Which one, and how do you use it?

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Sr. Consultant in PT Cipta Satria Informatika. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and I am also active in Autodesk discussion forum. I'm a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, an appreciation for individuals who give contributions to the Autodesk community.
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