How Do I Combine Multiple Lines in AutoCAD?

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AutoCAD is a powerful software used for creating and editing 2D and 3D designs. One common task that users often come across is the need to combine multiple lines into a single object. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to achieve this in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Join Command

If you have two or more line segments that you want to combine into one continuous line, you can use the Join command. Here’s how:

  1. Select the lines you want to join by clicking on each one while holding down the Shift key.
  2. Type JOIN in the command line and press Enter.
  3. AutoCAD will prompt you to specify the first object to join. Click on one of the selected lines.
  4. Continue selecting the remaining lines you want to join.
  5. Press Enter when you have selected all the lines. AutoCAD will join them into a single polyline.

Note:

If any of the selected lines are not connected end-to-end, AutoCAD may prompt you with a warning message. You can choose whether to ignore this message and proceed with joining or cancel the operation.

Method 2: PEDIT Command

The PEDIT command in AutoCAD allows you to edit polylines and can be used to combine multiple lines into a polyline. Follow these steps:

  1. Type PEDIT in the command line and press Enter.
  2. Select one of the lines you want to combine by clicking on it.
  3. In the PEDIT prompt, choose the option ‘Join’ (shortcut J) and press Enter.
  4. Select the remaining lines you want to join. AutoCAD will combine them into a single polyline.

If the lines you want to join are not contiguous or have gaps between them, AutoCAD may prompt you to convert them into a polyline. You can choose whether to convert or cancel the operation.

Method 3: AutoCAD Express Tools

If you have access to the Express Tools in AutoCAD, there is an alternative method to combine multiple lines called ‘PlineMerge’. Here’s how:

  1. Type PEXEC in the command line and press Enter. This will open the Express Tools menu.
  2. In the Express Tools menu, select ‘PlineMerge’ from the list of tools.
  3. Select all the lines you want to merge into a single polyline.
  4. Press Enter. AutoCAD will merge the selected lines into a single polyline object.

The availability of Express Tools may vary depending on your version of AutoCAD. If you don’t have access to these tools, you can still use the previously mentioned methods.

Combining multiple lines into a single object can help simplify your drawings and make editing easier. Whether you choose to use the Join command, PEDIT command, or AutoCAD Express Tools, these methods will enable you to create more efficient designs in AutoCAD.