How to Divide Angles in AutoCAD?

You can effectively divide an angle in AutoCAD by using the DIVIDE command on circular objects like arcs or circles. This command places points along the object's length, which for arcs and circles, corresponds to dividing the angle they represent into equal segments.

The primary method involves utilizing the Divide command (DIV).

Using the DIVIDE Command for Angular Division

The DIVIDE command is typically used to measure and divide selected objects into a specified number of equal-length segments. When applied to an arc or a circle, the command divides the object's circumference into equal parts, which, when measured from the center of the arc or circle, results in equal angular divisions.

Here's how to use it, incorporating details from the reference:

1. Initiate the Command: Start the Divide command.
   • You can type DIV at the command prompt and press Enter.
   • Alternatively, as mentioned in the reference, use the shortcut keys: D+I+V+Enter.
2. Select the Object: The command prompt will ask you to "Select object to divide".
   • Click on the arc or circle you wish to divide.
3. Specify Segments: The prompt will then ask for the number of segments you want.
   • Enter the desired number of equal parts (e.g., 4 for dividing an angle into quadrants, 3 for trisection, etc.) and press Enter.

AutoCAD will then place point objects along the arc or circle at the division points. These points mark the end of each equal segment along the object's path. When these points are connected back to the center of the arc or circle, they define the equal angular divisions.

Understanding the Output

The DIVIDE command itself does not draw division lines; it only places point objects.

• Point Style: By default, point objects might appear as small dots, making them hard to see. You can change the point style using the DDPTYPE command (or POINTOUT variable) to make them more visible (e.g., crosses, circles with crosses, etc.).
• Creating Division Lines: To represent the actual division lines (or rays) of the angle, you would typically draw lines from the center of the arc/circle to each of the points created by the DIVIDE command.

Table Summary: DIVIDE Command Steps

Step	Action	Command Input / Shortcut
1. Start Command	Initiate Divide command	DIV or D+I+V+Enter
2. Select Object	Click on the arc or circle	Select object
3. Specify Segments	Enter number of divisions	Type a number (e.g., 4)

Practical Example

Let's say you have a 90-degree arc and want to divide it into three equal 30-degree segments.

1. Draw the 90-degree arc.
2. Start the DIVIDE command (DIV + Enter).
3. Select the 90-degree arc.
4. When prompted for the number of segments, enter 3 and press Enter.
5. AutoCAD places two point objects along the arc, dividing it into three equal-length sections.
6. (Optional) Use the DDPTYPE command to change the point style if needed.
7. (Optional) Draw lines from the arc's center to the division points to visualize the 30-degree angular divisions.

This method effectively uses the DIVIDE command on a circular object (arc or circle) to achieve equal angular segments, allowing you to "divide" the angle represented by that object.