How Do You Join Lines in AutoCAD That Don’t Touch?

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AutoCAD is a powerful software used for creating precise and detailed drawings. One common challenge faced by AutoCAD users is joining lines that don’t touch. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to accomplish this task.

The PLINE command

The PLINE command, short for Polyline, is a versatile tool in AutoCAD that allows you to create complex shapes by connecting multiple lines or arcs. To join lines that don’t touch using the PLINE command, follow these steps:

  1. Activate the PLINE command: Type “PLINE” in the command line or select the Polyline tool from the Draw panel.
  2. Select the starting point: Click on one end of the first line.
  3. Create additional points: Click on each point where you want to connect the lines.
  4. Close the shape: To close the shape and join the lines, either click on the starting point again or press ‘C’ and Enter.

This method allows you to create a continuous polyline by connecting lines that don’t touch. However, it may not be suitable if you want to maintain separate entities with distinct endpoints.

The JOIN command

If you prefer to keep your lines as separate entities, you can use the JOIN command in AutoCAD. The JOIN command allows you to connect two endpoints of different objects without physically touching them. Here’s how:

  1. Select the JOIN command: Type “JOIN” in the command line or access it from Modify > Join from the menu bar.
  2. Select source objects: Click on one line (the source object) that you want to extend.
  3. Select the Target object: Click on the endpoint of the second line (the Target object) that you want to connect to the source object.

The JOIN command extends the source line to meet the endpoint of the Target line, effectively joining them without physically touching. This method is useful when you want to maintain separate lines for accurate representation.

The FILLET command

If you have two lines that are close but don’t touch, and you want to create a smooth corner between them, you can use the FILLET command. The FILLET command allows you to round off sharp corners by adding an arc. Follow these steps:

  1. Select the FILLET command: Type “FILLET” in the command line or select Modify > Fillet from the menu bar.
  2. Set fillet radius: Specify a radius for the fillet arc by typing a value or selecting points on screen.
  3. Select first object: Click on one line that you want to connect.
  4. Select second object: Click on another line that you want to connect.

The FILLET command creates an arc between the two lines, joining them smoothly while maintaining their individual endpoints. This method is ideal when you need curved transitions between non-touching lines.

Conclusion

Joining lines that don’t touch in AutoCAD can be accomplished using various tools and commands. The PLINE command allows you to create continuous polylines, while the JOIN command connects separate entities without physical contact.

The FILLET command adds smooth arcs at corners, providing seamless connections between non-touching lines. Depending on your specific requirements and preferences, choose the method that best suits your needs.

With these techniques, you can efficiently handle situations where lines need to be joined without touching in AutoCAD. Practice these methods to enhance your drawing skills and create more precise and detailed designs.