How Do I Change the Size of a Line in AutoCAD?

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AutoCAD is a powerful software used by architects, engineers, and designers to create precise and detailed drawings. One common task in AutoCAD is changing the size of a line. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to resize lines in AutoCAD and create visually appealing designs.

Method 1: Using the Scale Command

The Scale command is a quick and effective way to resize lines in AutoCAD. Follow these steps:

  1. Select the line(s) you want to resize by clicking on them.
  2. Open the Modify panel by typing “M” on your keyboard.
  3. Click on the Scale command or type “SC” in the command line.
  4. Specify the base point or reference point for scaling. This is the point from which the line will be resized.
  5. Type in the scale factor or select two points to define a reference length. The scale factor determines how much larger or smaller the line will become.
  6. Press Enter to complete the scaling process.

Note:

  • The Scale command can be used for resizing other objects as well, such as circles, rectangles, and text.
  • You can also use negative scale factors to mirror or flip lines horizontally or vertically.

Method 2: Changing Line Properties

If you want more control over your line’s size, you can change its properties manually. Here’s how:

  1. Select the line(s) you want to resize by clicking on them.
  2. Right-click on any selected line and choose “Properties” from the context menu.
  3. In the Properties palette, locate the “Linetype” property.
  4. Click on the linetype name to open the Linetype Manager.
  5. In the Linetype Manager, click on the “Load” button to load a new linetype file.
  6. Select a suitable linetype that represents the desired line size. For example, you can choose a dashed or dotted linetype for a thinner line.
  7. Click “OK” to apply the new linetype and resize your line(s).
  • By changing other properties like color and thickness in the Properties palette, you can further customize your lines.

Method 3: Using Grips

Grips are small squares that appear when you select an object in AutoCAD. They allow you to manipulate and modify objects easily. To resize a line using grips, follow these steps:

  1. Select the line(s) you want to resize by clicking on them.
  2. Hover over one of the grips until it changes shape to a small square.
  3. Click and drag the grip to adjust the size of your line. The other grips will automatically adjust accordingly.
  4. Release the mouse button when you are satisfied with the new size of your line(s).
  • Grips can also be used to move, rotate, or stretch objects in AutoCAD.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we explored different methods for changing the size of lines in AutoCAD. The Scale command provides a quick way to resize lines, while changing line properties and using grips offer more control and flexibility. By incorporating these techniques into your designs, you can create visually engaging drawings that meet your specific requirements.