How to Use Nudge
Quick answer: Nudge moves selected entities or subentities in small increments along the X, Y, or Z axis of the current coordinate system, using only the keyboard. Its step size comes from the adaptive grid snap resolution, so zooming in or out changes how far each nudge moves things. Entities on a locked layer can’t be nudged at all.
Using Nudge
- Select one or more entities or subentities, individual polyline segments or 3D solid faces, for example.
- Move the selection with:
| Axis | Keys | Command line feedback |
|---|---|---|
| X (current UCS) | Ctrl + Left/Right arrow |
“NUDGE: offset along the X axis of the UCS: xx” |
| Y (current UCS) | Ctrl + Up/Down arrow |
“NUDGE: offset along the Y axis of the UCS: xx” |
| Z (current UCS) | Shift + Up/Down arrow |
“NUDGE: offset along the Z axis of the UCS: xx” |
Entities on a locked layer can’t be nudged.
Controlling the Step Size
Nudge’s step size comes directly from the adaptive grid snap resolution, so zoom in to reduce it for finer movements, or zoom out to increase it for coarser ones, rather than setting a fixed distance separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I nudge a particular entity? Check whether it’s on a locked layer. Entities on locked layers can’t be nudged at all.
How do I nudge along the Z axis specifically? Hold Shift and use the Up or Down arrow keys. X and Y both use Ctrl instead.
How do I make each nudge move a smaller or larger distance? Zoom in to decrease the step size, or zoom out to increase it. Nudge’s step size follows the adaptive grid snap resolution directly.
Can I nudge a subentity, like a single polyline segment, rather than a whole entity? Yes. Nudge works on subentities too, individual polyline segments or 3D solid faces, for example.