PLL library
Start with 2-Look PLL (corners, then edges), then drill all 21 one-look PLL cases. Filter by family, read one recognition tip per case, and demo any algorithm in Cube Lab.
Before you start
This page is the PLL part of CFOP. Finish OLL first so the whole top face is yellow and white stays on the bottom.
2-Look PLL places the corners first (CP), then the edges (EP). Notation refresher: cube notation — H-perm uses M.
Demo plays the case, then the fix. Cube Lab resets, applies the inverse instantly so you see the pattern, then animates the algorithm.
Open 2-Look PLL in Cube LabPractice random PLL cases in Cube Lab
Why 2-Look then full PLL
Full PLL is 21 algorithms. 2-Look PLL covers every scramble with corner algs (A-perm / E-perm) plus edge algs (Ua, Ub, H, Z). You finish the cube with two looks instead of one, but the list is short enough to learn this week.
Build an AUF habit early: after PLL, turn U until the sides match. The cube is not solved until that last U turn.
1. Corner positions
Read headlights (two matching side colours on one U-face edge). Your goal is to seat the four top corners. Edges can wait.
- A-perm: one pair of headlights. Hold them at the back and cycle the other three corners.
- E-perm: no headlights. Two diagonal corner pairs swap.
If no corner is correct yet, apply A-perm once and look again. A diagonal swap can also be A-perm twice.
2. Edge positions
Once the corners are seated, only four edge cases remain: Ua, Ub, H, and Z.
- U-perm: one solved edge. Hold it at the back.
- H-perm: headlights on all four sides. Opposite edges swap.
- Z-perm: diagonal bars of matching colour. Adjacent edges swap.
Finish with an AUF (a turn of the top) so the side colours line up.
Full PLL library (21 cases)
After 2-Look PLL, speedcubers learn one algorithm per last-layer permutation. The library below lists all 21 standard cases, grouped by family: corners, edges, adjacent swap, diagonal swap, and G perms.
Recognition for one-look: headlights and bars first, then name the case. Start with the edge and corner families you already know from 2-look, then add adjacent swaps and G-perms.
Practice path
- Drill A-perm holds (headlights back) until setup is automatic.
- Add Ua / Ub / H / Z; always finish with AUF.
- Solve full CFOP with 2-look PLL only for a week of timed solves.
- When CP and EP are fast, add one full-PLL family at a time from the library.
Stuck?
If corners will not seat, check headlights: none means E-perm (or A twice); one pair means A-perm with headlights at the back.
If edges look solved but sides are wrong, you forgot AUF — turn U, do not re-run PLL.
Need OLL first? OLL library. Whole CFOP flow: CFOP overview.
After this page
4-look last layer is complete once 2-look OLL and 2-look PLL are solid. Add full 21 PLL (and later full OLL) when you want fewer looks. For Cross and F2L depth, return to the CFOP overview and F2L library.
FAQ
Should I permute corners or edges first?
In 2-Look PLL, corners first (CP), then edges (EP). That is the standard on-ramp. Full PLL solves both in one algorithm.
What is AUF?
Adjust U Face — a U or U' (or U2) after PLL so the side colours match the centres. The cube is not solved until that last U turn.
Do I need all 21 PLL cases?
Not at first. 2-Look PLL covers every scramble with A-perm / E-perm plus U / H / Z. Add full 21 when 2-look is automatic.
How do I recognise PLL faster?
Scan for headlights (two matching side stickers on one face), then bars, then whether corners or edges need a cycle. Hold headlights at the back for A-perm and a solved edge at the back for U-perm.
Why did PLL leave the sides wrong?
You probably skipped AUF, held the wrong face as Front, or used the wrong A/U direction. Undo to yellow-on-top after OLL and try again.