About Navigating and Editing in the Command Windows

You can edit text in the command window to run or correct commands and system variables.

Navigate the Standard Command Window

The command window is where you initiate commands and respond to prompts by entering values. It also provides a history of past activities and guidance on what to do next.

In the following example, the temporary prompt history is displayed above an undocked command window.

Use standard keys to operate within the command window:

Move cursor horizontally Left and Right Arrow keys
Cycle through commands used in current session Up and Down Arrow keys
Remove selected values Delete key
Remove selected values or remove character in front of cursor Backspace key
Specify an option Click the option or enter the capitalized letter
End command and clear command window Esc
Cycle between Command, System Variable, and Content Search lists Tab key

Change Command Prompt Settings

The Customize button provides several ways to modify the display and behavior of the command window:

Use the Text Window

The text window is similar to the command window except that it displays a complete history of the prompts and responses in the current work session. When the command window is docked or closed, press F2 to open the text window. The LIST command, which displays detailed information about the objects you select, also opens the text window if the command window is docked or closed.

You can navigate the text window the same way you navigate the command window. Because it contains more information, you can also do the following:

Move backward and forward in text window Scroll bars or mouse wheel
Move to beginning or end of text window Home and End keys
Select sections of text Shift + arrow key, Shift + Home key, Shift + End key
Copy all text to Clipboard COPYHIST command
Save commands to log file LOGFILEON command
Repeat previous command sequence Select the sequence and press Ctrl+C. At the command line, press Ctrl+V.

Use the Extended Command History

You can also display an extended command history without opening a separate window.

If the command window is not docked, pressing F2 causes a list of commands and prompts that you have used to expand up or down from the command line.

You can navigate the extended command history the same way you navigate the text window.