Welcome to this tutorial on how to use the Paste Special feature in AutoCAD. In this article, we will explore the various options available when pasting objects into an AutoCAD drawing and how to use them effectively.
What is Paste Special?
Paste Special is a powerful feature in AutoCAD that allows you to paste copied objects with specific properties and settings. It offers more control over the pasted objects, allowing you to choose which properties to retain and which ones to discard.
How to Access Paste Special
To access Paste Special, follow these simple steps:
- Copy the object(s) you want to paste.
- Navigate to the location where you want to paste the objects.
- Right-click and select “Paste Special” from the context menu.
Note: Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+V after copying the object(s) and navigating to the desired location.
Paste Options
Upon selecting “Paste Special,” a dialog box will appear with various options for pasting. Let’s explore some of these options:
Paste as Block
This option allows you to paste copied objects as a block. A block is a collection of objects that can be treated as a single entity.
When pasted as a block, you can modify all instances simultaneously by editing just one instance. This is useful when dealing with repetitive elements in your drawing.
Paste as Group
If you choose this option, AutoCAD will paste the copied objects as a group. Unlike blocks, groups do not have shared properties or attributes. However, you can still select and modify all objects within a group simultaneously.
Paste to Original Coordinates
This option ensures that the pasted objects maintain their original coordinates from where they were copied. This is helpful when you need to preserve the relative positions between objects.
Match Properties
This option allows you to match the properties of the copied object(s) with those of existing objects in your drawing. You can selectively choose which properties to match, such as color, layer, linetype, etc. This is particularly useful when you want consistency in your drawing’s appearance.
Conclusion
The Paste Special feature in AutoCAD provides a range of options for pasting objects with specific properties and settings. Whether it’s pasting as a block or matching properties, this feature enhances your efficiency and control over your drawings. Experiment with these options and find the best approach for your workflow.
Now that you have learned how to use Paste Special in AutoCAD, you can take advantage of this powerful tool to streamline your drafting process.