Converting multiple lines to a polyline in AutoCAD can be a useful technique when working with complex drawings or when you need to simplify your design. Instead of handling individual line segments, a polyline allows you to work with a single object, making editing and manipulation much easier. In this tutorial, we will explore the step-by-step process of converting multiple lines to a polyline in AutoCAD.
Step 1: Selecting the Lines
To begin, open your AutoCAD drawing and identify the lines that you want to convert into a polyline. You can use the selection tool by clicking on it or by typing “SELECT” in the command line. Alternatively, you can use other selection methods such as window or crossing for selecting multiple lines at once.
Step 2: Accessing the Polyline Command
Once you have selected all the lines that you want to convert, access the Polyline command by either typing “PLINE” in the command line or by navigating to the Draw tab and selecting “Polyline” from the ribbon.
Step 3: Creating a New Polyline
After accessing the Polyline command, AutoCAD will prompt you to specify the start point of your new polyline. Simply click on any point in your drawing area to begin creating your polyline.
Step 4: Adding Segments
Note: Before proceeding with this step, ensure that Ortho mode is enabled. You can enable it by clicking on the Ortho mode button on your status bar or typing “ORTHO” in the command line and setting it to “On”.
This will restrict cursor movement to horizontal and vertical directions only.
To add each segment of your polyline, move your cursor towards one end of a line and click on it. Then, move your cursor towards the other end of the line and click again to define the segment. Repeat this process for each line segment you want to include in your polyline.
Step 5: Closing the Polyline
If you want your polyline to be a closed shape, such as a rectangle or a polygon, you need to close it by connecting the last segment to the first one. To do this, move your cursor towards the endpoint of the last segment and click on it. AutoCAD will automatically close the polyline by connecting these two points.
Step 6: Adjusting Polyline Properties
Once you have created your polyline, you can modify its properties such as width, color, or linetype using AutoCAD’s Properties panel or by typing “PROPERTIES” in the command line. This allows you to customize your polyline to match your design requirements.
Step 7: Saving Your Changes
Finally, remember to save your changes by either clicking on the Save button in AutoCAD’s toolbar or typing “SAVE” in the command line. This will ensure that your converted lines are preserved in your drawing.
Congratulations! You have successfully converted multiple lines into a polyline in AutoCAD.
By utilizing this technique, you can simplify complex drawings and streamline your design workflow. Experiment with different settings and explore additional features of polylines to enhance your drawing skills even further.