How to Move a Box in AutoCAD

Moving a box, or any object, in AutoCAD involves selecting the object and specifying a displacement. You can use commands like MOVE for precise placement or utilize methods like the ALIGN command for alignment, as well as quick methods like selecting and dragging.

Here are the primary ways to move a box in AutoCAD:

Using the MOVE Command

The most common and precise way to move objects is by using the MOVE command. This command allows you to select objects, specify a base point, and then specify a second point to indicate the direction and distance of the move.

According to the reference, you can "use the move command. And snap to things" to move objects.

Steps for the MOVE Command:

1. Select the Box: Click on the box object to select it. It will highlight, and grips will appear.
2. Initiate the Command: Type MOVE in the command line and press Enter (or Spacebar).
3. Specify Base Point: AutoCAD will prompt you to "Specify base point". Click on a point on or near the box. This point acts as a reference for the move. You can snap to specific points like corners or the center using Object Snaps (Osnaps).
4. Specify Second Point (Displacement): AutoCAD will then prompt you to "Specify second point". Click on a new location where the base point should move to. You can also type in coordinates or a distance and direction (e.g., @10,5 for relative coordinates or 10<45 for a distance of 10 at a 45-degree angle). As the reference notes, you can "snap to things" at this stage for precision.
5. Complete the Move: The box will move from the base point to the second point.

Tip: After selecting the object(s) but before starting the MOVE command, you can also type M and press Enter.

Using the ALIGN Command

The ALIGN command is powerful when you need to move, rotate, and/or scale an object based on aligning specific points on the object with points in another location.

As mentioned in the reference, you can "align them using the Align command to get more precise."

Steps for the ALIGN Command:

1. Select the Box: Select the box you want to move and align.
2. Initiate the Command: Type ALIGN (or AL) and press Enter.
3. Specify First Source Point: AutoCAD prompts for the "Specify first source point". Click a point on the box that you want to align.
4. Specify First Destination Point: AutoCAD prompts for the "Specify first destination point". Click the point in your drawing where the first source point should move to.
5. Specify Second Source Point (Optional but Recommended): AutoCAD prompts for the "Specify second source point". Click a second point on the box. This point is used to determine rotation and potential scaling.
6. Specify Second Destination Point (Optional but Recommended): AutoCAD prompts for the "Specify second destination point". Click the point where the second source point should move to.
7. Specify Third Source/Destination Points (Less Common): You can specify a third pair of points for 3D alignment. Press Enter if you only need two pairs for 2D alignment.
8. Scale Objects? AutoCAD asks if you want to scale the objects based on the alignment points (using the distance between the two pairs of points). Type Yes (Y) or No (N) and press Enter.
9. Complete: The box will move and potentially rotate and scale to align the source points with the destination points.

Quick Grab and Move

While not a dedicated command, the reference mentions a way "to quickly grab" and move objects. This likely refers to selecting the object and then either:

• Using Grips: Select the box, click one of the blue grips (e.g., a corner), and then move the mouse. Click a new location to place the grip, thus moving the object. This is often used for simple adjustments.
• Selecting and Dragging: Some AutoCAD configurations allow you to select an object and then click and drag it to a new location without initiating a specific command. This is less precise than using the MOVE command with base and second points.

Using these methods allows you to efficiently reposition a box or any selected object within your drawing. Combining them with object snaps helps maintain accuracy.

Moving objects is a fundamental operation in AutoCAD, essential for arranging your design elements correctly.