AutoCAD MOVE Command: How to Move Objects Precisely

Moves selected objects a specified distance in a specified direction.

Command

MOVE

Aliases

M

English name

Move

The AutoCAD MOVE command relocates selected objects without changing their size or orientation. Start it by typing MOVE or the alias M. The distance and direction of the move are defined by a base point and a second point, or by a displacement you type in.

For accurate results, snap the base point to a meaningful location such as an endpoint, midpoint or center with object snaps. To move something an exact distance, turn on Ortho (F8) or polar tracking, point in the direction you want and type the distance.

How to use it

1. Type MOVE or M and press Enter.
2. Select the objects to move and press Enter.
3. Pick a base point, ideally using an object snap.
4. Pick the second point, or point in a direction and type a distance, then press Enter.

Options

Base point

The starting point of the move. The vector from the base point to the second point sets the distance and direction.

Displacement

Lets you enter a relative X,Y (and optionally Z) displacement instead of picking points, for example 100,0 to move 100 units along X.

Use first point as displacement

If you press Enter at the second point prompt, the coordinates of the first point are used as the displacement.

Notes and tips

• Type relative coordinates such as @500,0 for the second point.
• Use COPY instead of MOVE when you want to keep the original in place.
• If you select objects before starting MOVE, AutoCAD skips the selection prompt.