In AutoCAD, there may come a time when you need to replace one object with another. Whether it’s because you made a mistake or simply want to change the design, AutoCAD offers several methods to help you easily replace objects. In this tutorial, we will explore these methods and guide you through the process step by step.
Method 1: Using the “Erase” Command
If you want to replace an object with another object that is similar in shape and size, the “Erase” command can be a quick and efficient method. Here’s how:
- Select the object you want to replace by clicking on it.
- Type “erase” in the command line and press Enter.
- Select the new object that you want to replace the old one with by clicking on it.
- Press Enter again to complete the replacement process.
Note: This method works best when both objects are similar and have the same properties.
Method 2: Using the “Copy” Command
If you want to replace an object with another object that is different from the original but still maintains its position, size, and orientation, the “Copy” command can be a useful tool. Follow these steps:
- Select the original object that you want to replace by clicking on it.
- Type “copy” in the command line and press Enter.
- Select a base point for your copy by clicking on a point near or on the original object.
- Select a second point as your destination for placing the copied object. This point should be aligned with where you want to replace the original object.
- Press Enter to complete the copy process.
Note: The “Copy” command creates a new object while keeping the original intact. If you no longer need the original object, you can use the “Erase” command to remove it.
Method 3: Using the “Move” Command
If you want to replace an object with another object and also change its position, size, or orientation, the “Move” command is what you need. Here’s how to use it:
- Select the object you want to replace by clicking on it.
- Type “move” in the command line and press Enter.
- Select a base point for your move by clicking on a point near or on the original object.
- Select a second point as your destination for placing the moved object.
- Press Enter to complete the move process.
Method 4: Using Blocks and Wblock
If you want to replace multiple instances of an object with another object without modifying each instance individually, using blocks can be a powerful technique. Here’s how:
- Create a block from the new object that you want to replace multiple instances with. You can do this by typing “block” in the command line and following the prompts.
- Select all instances of the old object that you want to replace by clicking on them while holding down Shift or using a selection window.
- Type “wblock” in the command line and press Enter. This will open up a dialog box.
- In the dialog box, choose a name and location for the new block.
- Press OK to create the block.
- Delete the old instances of the object using the “Erase” command or by selecting them and pressing Delete on your keyboard.
- Insert the new block into your drawing by typing “insert” in the command line and selecting the block from your saved location.
Note: Using blocks allows you to easily replace multiple instances of an object with just one action, saving you time and effort.
With these methods at your disposal, replacing objects in AutoCAD becomes a breeze. Whether you need to replace a single object or multiple instances, AutoCAD provides versatile tools to help you achieve your desired design.
Experiment with these methods and find which one works best for your specific project. Happy designing!