How Do I Draw a Leader Line in AutoCAD?

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How Do I Draw a Leader Line in AutoCAD?

Drawing leader lines in AutoCAD can be a useful tool when annotating your drawings. Leader lines are used to indicate dimensions, callouts, or notes and can add clarity and organization to your designs.

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps of drawing a leader line in AutoCAD.

Step 1: Launch AutoCAD

Before we begin, make sure you have AutoCAD installed on your computer. Launch the software and open the drawing where you want to draw the leader line.

Step 2: Activate the Leader Command

To start drawing a leader line, you need to activate the “Leader” command. There are several ways to do this:

  • Method 1: Type “LEADER” in the command line and press Enter.
  • Method 2: Click on the “Leader” icon in the “Annotation” panel of the Home tab.
  • Method 3: Go to the “Annotate” tab, click on the “Leader” button in the “Dimensions” panel.

Step 3: Specify Leader Start Point

After activating the “Leader” command, you need to specify the start point of your leader line. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Pick Point Method:
    • Type “P” and press Enter.
    • Select a point on your drawing by clicking with your mouse.
  2. Type Method:
    • Type “T” and press Enter.
    • Enter the coordinates of the start point in the command line.

Step 4: Specify Leader Endpoint

After specifying the start point, it’s time to define the endpoint of your leader line. Follow these steps to do so:

  1. Pick Point Method:
    • Type “P” and press Enter.
    • Select a point on your drawing where you want the leader line to end.
    • Enter the coordinates of the endpoint in the command line.

Step 5: Add Annotation Text

Once you have defined the start and endpoint of your leader line, you can add annotation text to provide additional information. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Type your desired text in the command line after specifying the endpoint.
  2. Press Enter to confirm the text.

Step 6: Modify Leader Style (Optional)

AutoCAD provides various options for modifying the appearance of your leader lines. To change their style, follow these steps:

  1. Type “STYLE” in the command line and press Enter. The Dimension Style Manager dialog box will open up.
  2. Select “Leader” from the list of dimension styles.
  3. Click on “Modify” to customize your leader style according to your preference.
  4. Once you’re satisfied with your changes, click “OK” to apply them.

Congratulations! You have successfully drawn a leader line in AutoCAD.

Remember, leader lines can be a valuable tool for annotating your drawings and conveying important information. Practice using different styles and formats to enhance the clarity and visual appeal of your designs.