MET
THFree trial

Manual / Interface & settings

Command Line, Aliases and Smart Input

Type commands and aliases, use command autocomplete and Smart Input, enter coordinates, and use CAL and M2P.

What it does

Every command in MCAD 2026 can be typed with its full AutoCAD-style name or a short alias (for example L = LINE, C = CIRCLE). You can type in two places:

  • Type directly in the drawing area – the command box opens at the cursor position.
  • Type in the Command line at the bottom of the window.

Entering a command

  1. Type the command name or alias, for example DIM.
  2. A list of suggestions appears above the Command line. Use the up and down arrows to choose, or press Tab to complete the name.
  3. Press Enter or Space to run it. Press Esc to cancel.
  4. Press Enter or Space when no command is active to repeat the last command.
  5. Press the up and down arrows when no suggestions are shown to recall commands you typed before.

Command suggestions when you type DIM
Command suggestions when you type DIM

Most commands accept values after the name on the same line, for example OFFSET 10, FILLET 5, ARRAYPOLAR 8 or HATCH ANSI31 2 45. If you leave them out, the program asks in the prompt bar and shows the previous value in angle brackets <...>. Press Enter to use that value.

Transparent commands

Type ' before a command to run it in the middle of another command without cancelling it. The transparent commands are 'ZOOM, 'PAN, 'VIEWLOCK and 'M2P. Starting any other command ends the command that is waiting (as in AutoCAD).

Smart Input (Dynamic Input)

While a drawing command is waiting for a point, two number boxes appear at the cursor.

  • Type a length → press Tab to go to the angle box → type an angle → press Enter.
  • RECTANG shows W / H boxes, and CIRCLE shows the radius.
  • Turn it on or off with F12 (DYN on the Status bar).

Typing a length of 250 in the Smart Input box while drawing a LINE
Typing a length of 250 in the Smart Input box while drawing a LINE

Typing coordinates when the program asks for a point

When the prompt bar asks for a point (for example in ID, DIST, POINT or MOVE), you can type one of the following and press Enter.

Format Meaning
x,y An absolute coordinate, for example 100,50.
@dx,dy A relative distance from the previous point, for example @40,0.
d<a A distance and angle, for example 50<30.

CAL - Calculator

CAL <expression> calculates numbers on the command line. It supports + - * / % **, sqrt, sin, cos, tan (in degrees), atan, abs, round, min, max, pi and e.

Examples: CAL 25.4*3 → 76.2, CAL sqrt(2), CAL sin(30)

M2P - Midpoint between two points

During a command that asks for a point, type 'M2P (or MTP) and click two points. The midpoint between them is passed to the command.

Command output

Inquiry commands such as DIST show their result in the prompt bar and in the Command line history. Press F2 to open the full command history. Press Ctrl+9 to hide or show the Command line.

DIST result shown in the prompt bar
DIST result shown in the prompt bar

Try it: Storefront fascia with evenly spaced lamps

A 4.2 m shopfront with a 600 mm fascia and three sign lamps that must be exactly evenly spaced. You use CAL to do the maths on the command line and type coordinates instead of clicking.

  1. Type CAL 4200/4 and press Enter. The answer 1050 is the spacing for 3 lamps (4 gaps).
  2. Shop opening: REC 0,0, then 4200 Tab 2700 Enter.
  3. Fascia: REC 0,2700, then 4200 Tab 600 Enter.
  4. Lamps: C 1050,3000 radius 60, then repeat at 2100,3000 and 3150,3000 (press Enter on an empty line to repeat CIRCLE).
  5. 1000 wide door: L 1600,0, then @0,2200 @1000,0 @0,-2200 (Enter after each), and Esc.

4.2 m storefront with a fascia and three lamps 1050 apart
4.2 m storefront with a fascia and three lamps 1050 apart

Challenge: While LINE is asking for a point, type 'M2P and click the two bottom corners of the shopfront. The line starts exactly in the middle.

See also