You can use many commands transparently like pan, zoom, , about, help, OSNAP, CAL, color, etc. You can enter them on the command line while another command is active.
To use a command transparently, enter an apostrophe (‘) before entering the command. After you complete the transparent command, the original command resumes. Example:
Command: L
LINE Specify first point: ‘p
>>Press ESC or ENTER to exit, or right-click to display shortcut menu.
Resuming LINE command.
Specify first point: