AutoCAD is a powerful software used for creating 2D and 3D designs. One common task in AutoCAD is flattening everything, which means converting all 3D objects into 2D. This can be useful when you want to simplify your drawing or prepare it for printing.
To flatten everything in AutoCAD, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Select All Objects
The first step is to select all the objects in your drawing. You can do this by using the “Select All” command or by manually selecting each object.
To select all objects, press Ctrl + A on your keyboard, or click on the “Select All” button in the toolbar.
Step 2: Access the Flatten Command
Once you have selected all the objects, you need to access the “Flatten” command. To do this, go to the Modify menu and click on Flatten.
Alternatively, you can type FLATTEN in the command line and press Enter.
Step 3: Specify Z Value
After accessing the Flatten command, AutoCAD will prompt you to specify a Z value. The Z value determines how much the objects will be flattened along the Z-axis.
Enter a value of 0, which will flatten everything to a 2D plane.
Step 4: Confirm Selection Set
Next, AutoCAD will ask you to confirm the selection set. Make sure that all the objects you want to flatten are included in the selection set.
If not, you can add or remove objects before confirming.
Step 5: Flatten Objects
Once you have confirmed the selection set, AutoCAD will flatten all the selected objects. You will notice that all 3D objects are now converted into 2D entities on the XY plane.
This makes your drawing easier to work with and print.
Tips:
- Make sure to save a backup of your drawing before flattening everything, as this operation is irreversible.
- If you have complex 3D objects with different elevations, consider using the “Flatten” command on individual sections instead of the entire drawing.
In conclusion, flattening everything in AutoCAD is a straightforward process. By following these steps and considering the tips provided, you can easily convert your 3D drawings into 2D for better organization and printing purposes.