How Do I Delete Part of a Line in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a powerful software used by architects, engineers, and designers to create precise and detailed drawings. One common task that CAD users often encounter is the need to delete part of a line. Whether you want to remove a certain segment of a line or trim it to a specific length, AutoCAD provides several tools and commands to accomplish this task.

Trim Command:
The Trim command in AutoCAD allows you to remove unwanted parts of lines or objects. To use the Trim command, follow these steps:

1. Launch AutoCAD and open the drawing where you want to delete part of a line. 2. Type “TRIM” in the command line or navigate to the Modify panel in the Home tab and click on the “Trim” button. 3. Select the cutting edge or object that will define the boundary for trimming. You can use existing lines or draw temporary lines as cutting edges.

4. Press Enter or right-click to confirm your selection. 5. Move your cursor over the parts of lines or objects that you want to delete. AutoCAD will highlight them in a dashed pattern. 6. Click on each highlighted part that you want to remove.

Extend Command:
The Extend command is another useful tool for deleting part of a line in AutoCAD while extending other lines to meet it. Here’s how you can use this command:

1. Open your drawing in AutoCAD. Type “EXTEND” in the command line or go to the Modify panel and click on the “Extend” button. Select one or more boundary edges that define how far you want to extend other lines. Hover your cursor over the line(s) that need trimming until they turn blue. Click on any portion of those lines beyond where they intersect with other objects.

Erase Command:
The Erase command is a straightforward way to delete entire lines or objects in AutoCAD. However, if you only want to delete part of a line, you can use the Trim or Extend commands as mentioned earlier. To use the Erase command:

1. Type “ERASE” in the command line or find the Erase button on the Modify panel and click on it.

Select the line(s) or objects that you want to delete by clicking on them individually. 4. The selected lines or objects will be deleted from the drawing.

Conclusion:
Deleting part of a line in AutoCAD can be achieved using various commands like Trim, Extend, or Erase. The Trim command allows you to remove unwanted segments of lines, while the Extend command helps you delete parts while extending other lines to meet them. The Erase command is suitable for removing entire lines or objects.

Remember that these commands are powerful tools, so exercise caution while using them to prevent unintentional deletions. Practice using these commands on sample drawings before applying them to important projects.

With these techniques at your disposal, you can confidently handle deleting part of a line in AutoCAD and streamline your drafting workflow.