How Do I Merge Two Lines in AutoCAD?

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In AutoCAD, merging two lines is a common task that can help simplify your drawings and improve their overall accuracy. Whether you want to connect two lines that are close together or merge overlapping segments, AutoCAD provides several methods to achieve this.

Merging Lines Using the Join Command

The Join command is a quick and efficient way to merge two lines in AutoCAD. To use this command, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Join command from the Modify panel or type “JOIN” in the command line and press Enter.
  2. When prompted to select the first object, click on one of the lines you want to merge.
  3. Next, select the second line by clicking on it.
  4. AutoCAD will attempt to join the two lines. If successful, you’ll see a message indicating that the lines have been joined.

Note: The Join command works only if the selected lines are collinear or parallel. If they are not, you may need to use additional methods for merging them.

Merging Overlapping Segments

Sometimes, you may have overlapping line segments that need to be merged into a single continuous line. Here’s how you can achieve this:

  1. Select both line segments using either window or crossing selection method.
  2. Type “PEDIT” in the command line and press Enter to activate the PEDIT (Polyline Edit) command.
  3. In the PEDIT prompt, type “M” and press Enter for Multiple object selection mode.
  4. Click on one of the overlapping segments.
    • If there are more than two overlapping segments, click on each one to include them in the selection.
  5. Press Enter to exit the selection mode.
  6. Type “Y” and press Enter to confirm joining the selected segments.

Note: The PEDIT command can also be used to convert multiple lines into a single polyline, which can be useful for various purposes in your drawings.

Merging Lines Using Trim and Extend Commands

Another way to merge lines in AutoCAD is by using the Trim and Extend commands:

  1. Type “TRIM” in the command line and press Enter.
  2. Select the line you want to extend by clicking on it.
    • You may need to zoom in or use the window selection method to accurately select the line segment.
  3. Specify a cutting edge or press Enter to select all objects as potential cutting edges.
    • If necessary, use Shift+Right-click and choose “Select All” to select all objects at once.
  4. The selected line will be trimmed or extended based on its interaction with other objects in the drawing.

Note: The Trim and Extend commands are versatile tools that can be used for various editing tasks beyond just merging lines. Experiment with their options and functionality to explore their full potential.

In Conclusion

Merging two lines in AutoCAD is a fundamental skill that every user should master. Whether you need to connect collinear lines, merge overlapping segments, or extend existing lines, AutoCAD offers several methods such as Join, PEDIT, Trim, and Extend commands. By utilizing these tools effectively, you can improve the accuracy and efficiency of your drawings.