AutoCAD TRIM command

Shortcut: TRModify

Shortens objects back to a cutting edge. Since AutoCAD 2021 the default Quick mode uses every visible object as a potential cutting edge.

Syntax

TRIM → Enter (select all as edges) → click the parts to remove

Step by step

  1. Type TR and press Enter.
  2. Press Enter again to accept all visible objects as cutting edges, or select specific edges first.
  3. Click the portion of each object you want removed.
  4. Hold Shift and click to extend instead of trim.
  5. Press Enter or Esc to finish.

Cleaning a wall junction

Two offset wall lines crossing another pair: run TR, press Enter, then click the four short overshoots inside the junction. Shift-click any line that stops short to extend it to the same edge without switching commands.

Common mistakes

  • Expecting a trim where the cutting edge does not actually cross the object — extend the edge first or use the Edge/Extend option.
  • Trimming objects on a locked or frozen layer and assuming the command failed.
  • Trimming inside a block reference instead of editing the block definition.

Questions

What is the TRIM shortcut in AutoCAD?

TR. In current releases you can then press Enter to trim against everything visible instead of selecting cutting edges one by one.

How do I trim and extend without swapping commands?

Hold Shift while clicking. Inside TRIM, Shift-click extends; inside EXTEND, Shift-click trims.

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