How Do You Insert a Centerline Symbol in AutoCAD?

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In AutoCAD, the centerline symbol is a useful tool that helps to identify the centerline of an object or feature. It is commonly used in technical drawings to indicate symmetry, alignment, or the midpoint of a line.

Fortunately, inserting a centerline symbol in AutoCAD is a straightforward process. Let’s explore how you can do it.

Using the TEXT command

If you want to add a centerline symbol using the TEXT command, follow these steps:

  1. Open AutoCAD: Launch AutoCAD by double-clicking on its icon.
  2. Create a new drawing: Click on “New” or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+N to create a new drawing.
  3. Select the TEXT command: Type “TEXT” in the command line and press Enter.
  4. Specify insertion point: Choose a point where you want to insert the centerline symbol by clicking on it.
  5. Type the centerline symbol: In the text editor, type the characters “\U+2104” (without quotes) and press Enter. This code represents the Unicode for the centerline symbol.

You have successfully inserted a centerline symbol using the TEXT command in AutoCAD!

Creating a custom linetype

If you frequently use centerlines in your drawings, creating a custom linetype can be beneficial. This allows you to easily draw centerlines without manually inserting symbols each time.

To create a custom linetype for centerlines, follow these steps:

  1. Create a new linetype file: Open Notepad or any text editor and create a new file with a “.lin” extension. For example, “centerline.lin”.
  2. Define the linetype: In the text editor, enter the following code:
    • *Centerline, Centerline
    • A,–.5,-.1,[–.1]
  3. Save the linetype file: Save the file with the defined linetype.
  4. Load the linetype in AutoCAD: In AutoCAD, type “LINETYPE” in the command line and press Enter.

    Click on “Load” and select the linetype file you created.

  5. Select objects to apply centerlines: Use any drawing tool to create lines or select existing objects. Then, type “LTSCALE” in the command line and press Enter to set the linetype scale for centerlines.

You have successfully created a custom linetype for centerlines in AutoCAD!

In conclusion

The centerline symbol is an essential element in technical drawings as it helps convey important information about symmetry and alignment. By using either the TEXT command or creating a custom linetype, you can easily insert centerline symbols in your AutoCAD drawings. Incorporating these symbols can enhance clarity and improve communication within your designs.

Remember to practice these techniques regularly to become proficient with inserting centerline symbols in AutoCAD. Happy CADing!