What Is the Difference Between Copy and Move in AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a powerful software used for creating precise and accurate 2D and 3D drawings. It offers a wide range of tools to help designers and engineers efficiently manipulate objects within their drawings.
Two commonly used commands in AutoCAD for relocating objects are Copy and Move. While both commands allow you to change the position of objects, they have distinct differences that are important to understand.
The Copy Command
The Copy command in AutoCAD creates a duplicate of an object and places it at a new location without affecting the original object. The copied object retains all its properties, such as layer, color, linetype, and scale. This command is especially useful when you want to create multiple instances of an object or when you need to maintain a backup while making changes.
To use the Copy command, follow these steps:
- Select the object(s) you want to copy.
- Type “COPY” into the command line or click on the Copy icon from the Modify panel.
- Specify a base point as a reference for the copy.
- Select the destination point where you want to place the copied object(s).
- Press Enter or right-click to complete the command.
The Move Command
The Move command allows you to relocate objects from one location to another within your drawing. Unlike the Copy command, Move does not create duplicates; instead, it physically moves the selected object(s) without leaving any copies behind. This can be useful when you want to reposition objects or rearrange the layout of your drawing.
To use the Move command, follow these steps:
- Select the object(s) you want to move.
- Type “MOVE” into the command line or click on the Move icon from the Modify panel.
- Specify a base point as a reference for the move.
- Select the destination point where you want to place the object(s).
Key Differences
The primary difference between Copy and Move in AutoCAD lies in their outcomes. Copy creates duplicates of objects, while Move physically relocates objects without creating duplicates. Here are some additional differences:
- Duplicates: Copy creates copies of objects, allowing you to have multiple instances of an object. Move only moves objects, without creating any duplicates.
- Properties: Copied objects retain all their properties, such as layer, color, linetype, and scale.
Moved objects maintain their original properties and do not change.
- Original Objects: With Copy, the original object remains in its original location. With Move, the original object is moved from its original location to a new one.
Conclusion
In summary, both Copy and Move are valuable commands in AutoCAD that help designers and engineers manipulate objects within their drawings. The Copy command creates duplicates of selected objects while retaining their properties, allowing for multiple instances and backups.
On the other hand, the Move command physically relocates selected objects without creating duplicates. Understanding the differences between these commands will enable you to work more efficiently and effectively in AutoCAD.