Copying a model or a selection of objects in AutoCAD is a fundamental task, often done using the clipboard for pasting within the same drawing or into another file. A precise method involves using a base point for accurate placement.
Steps to Copy a Model (Objects) with a Base Point
One of the most effective ways to copy objects, especially when moving them between drawings or placing them accurately, is to use the COPYBASE command. This command allows you to define a specific base point for the copied selection.
Here's how to do it:
- Initiate the Command: You can start the
COPYBASEcommand in one of two ways:- Press Ctrl+Shift+C on your keyboard.
- Enter COPYBASE at the command prompt and press Enter.
- Select the Base Point: You will be prompted to specify a base point. This is the handle by which your copied selection will be held when you paste it.
- Tip: Choose a point that is easy to reference when pasting, such as a corner, center, or intersection.
- Select the base point. (As stated in the reference)
- Select Objects to Copy: Next, you need to select the objects that make up your 'model' or the part you want to copy.
- Click individual objects, or use a window or crossing selection to select multiple objects.
- Select the objects to copy and press Enter. (As stated in the reference)
Once you press Enter, the selected objects are copied to the Windows clipboard, ready to be pasted.
Pasting the Copied Model
After copying with COPYBASE, you can paste the objects:
- Within the same drawing: Use Ctrl+V or the
PASTECLIPcommand. The objects will appear attached to your cursor by the base point you specified, allowing you to place them accurately. - Into another drawing: Switch to the desired drawing file and use Ctrl+V or the
PASTECLIPcommand. Again, the objects will be attached to your cursor via the base point.
Alternative Paste Options
AutoCAD provides several paste options:
- Paste (Ctrl+V / PASTECLIP): Pastes the objects using the specified base point.
- Paste as Block (
PASTEBLOCK): Pastes the objects as a single block definition. - Paste to Original Coordinates (
PASTEORIG): Pastes the objects into the current drawing using the same coordinates they had in the source drawing. This is useful for aligning content between files that share coordinate systems.
Other Common Copy Methods
While COPYBASE is excellent for precise copying with a base point, especially across drawings, AutoCAD offers other standard copy methods:
- Copy (
COPYorCP): Copies objects within the same drawing. You select objects, specify a base point, and then specify displacement points. - Copy to Clipboard (
CTRL+C): Copies selected objects to the clipboard without specifying a base point beforehand. When you paste (Ctrl+V), the objects are typically attached to the cursor by their centroid or a default point relative to the selection. - Cut (
CTRL+X): Removes selected objects from the drawing and places them on the clipboard.
| Method | Primary Use Case | Base Point Selection | Paste Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| COPYBASE | Copying for precise placement (same or other drawing) | Required (User Defined) | Attached to cursor by base point |
| COPY | Copying within the same drawing | Required (User Defined) | Placed by relative displacement |
| CTRL+C | General clipboard copy (same or other drawing) | Default/Automatic | Attached to cursor by default point |
Using the COPYBASE command as described by pressing Ctrl+Shift+C or entering COPYBASE at the command prompt, selecting the base point, and then selecting the objects to copy and pressing Enter is a reliable way to copy objects for accurate placement.
