# ID in AutoCAD

> How AutoCAD's ID command works: pick or snap a point and read its X, Y and Z in the current UCS at the command prompt, inside a command too. Try it free.

ID writes the coordinates of a point. At `Specify point:` pick it, snap to it or type it, and ID writes its X, Y and Z on one line at the command prompt, then ends. The values are in the current UCS, at the drawing's precision. With an object snap, Z is the object's height at that point; otherwise it is the elevation plane's. Enter ends it without a word, and objects selected before ID are dropped as it starts. Typed with an apostrophe, `'ID`, it runs inside another command, which goes on after it.

- **Command:** `ID`
- **Panel:** [Inquiry & view](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands.md#inquiry)
- **Try it:** [Open the editor](/draw), type `ID` and press Enter.

## At the command line

The engine draws it and writes its history as you would type it: the prompts in AutoCAD 2027's order, with the same option letters.

ID with a Center snap on a plate's hole: the centre's X, Y and Z.

```text
Command: ID
Specify point: _cen of
 X = 70.00     Y = 35.00     Z = 0.00
```

## Questions

### What does the ID command do in AutoCAD?

It reports where a point is: X, Y and Z, in the current UCS. It draws and changes nothing.

### How do I find the coordinates of a point?

Type `ID`, then click the point with an object snap, Endpoint or Center, so it lands exactly on it. The coordinates are written at the command prompt.

### How do I get the Z coordinate of a point?

Snap to it with an object snap: ID writes the object's Z there. A plain click gives the Z of the elevation plane, 0 unless ELEVATION or the UCS raise it.

### Why does ID show coordinates I did not expect?

ID reads in the current UCS. If the UCS was moved or turned, the numbers are measured from its origin along its axes: [`UCS`](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands/ucs.md) World to read world coordinates.

## Related commands

- [DIST in AutoCAD](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands/dist.md)
- [LIST in AutoCAD](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands/list.md)
- [UCS in AutoCAD](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands/ucs.md)
- [AREA in AutoCAD](https://mellowcad.com/docs/commands/area.md)

[What it does and still lacks, in detail (in English)](https://github.com/ovelilla/mellowcad/blob/main/docs/coverage/inquiry.md#id--es-id--pt-br-id)