How Do You Ungroup a Polyline in AutoCAD?

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In AutoCAD, a polyline is a connected sequence of lines and arcs that form a continuous shape. Sometimes, you may need to ungroup a polyline in order to modify or manipulate individual segments. In this tutorial, we will explore how to ungroup a polyline in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Using the Explode Command

The Explode command in AutoCAD allows you to break down complex objects into their individual components. To ungroup a polyline using this method, follow these steps:

  1. Select the polyline you want to ungroup by clicking on it.
  2. Type “Explode” in the command line and press Enter. Alternatively, you can access this command from the Modify panel on the Home tab.
  3. AutoCAD will prompt you to select objects. Simply press Enter again to select all objects within the polyline.
  4. The selected polyline will now be ungrouped into its individual line and arc segments.

Note: The Explode command permanently breaks down the selected object into its components. Make sure to create a backup or save your drawing before using this command.

Method 2: Using the Pedit Command

The Pedit (Polygon Edit) command is another way to ungroup a polyline in AutoCAD while retaining control over its segments. Here’s how:

  1. Select the polyline you want to ungroup by clicking on it.
  2. Type “Pedit” in the command line and press Enter.
  3. In the Pedit command options, choose “Spline” and press Enter. This will convert the polyline into a spline.
  4. Next, type “Y” and press Enter to confirm the conversion.
  5. The polyline will now be converted into a spline, which consists of individual spline segments that can be modified independently.

Note: The Pedit command allows you to further modify the individual spline segments by using additional options such as adding vertices or deleting segments.

Conclusion

Ungrouping a polyline in AutoCAD can be done using either the Explode or Pedit command. The Explode command breaks down the polyline into its individual line and arc segments, while the Pedit command converts it into a spline with independent spline segments. Depending on your requirements, you can choose the method that suits your needs best.

Remember to exercise caution when using these commands, as they permanently modify your drawing objects. It is always recommended to create backups or save your work before making any changes.