In AutoCAD, you join lines, arcs, and polylines, often referred to in a broader sense as 'vectors', using the JOIN command. This combines touching or collinear objects into a single, longer object, typically a polyline.
Here is how to join these vector objects in AutoCAD:
Steps to Join Objects in AutoCAD
Joining objects is a straightforward process using the JOIN command. The command consolidates multiple selected objects into one, provided they meet certain criteria (like being collinear or touching end-to-end).
-
Initiate the Command:
- Select the Join command from the ribbon panel under the Modify interface.
- Or, type J or join on the command line and press Enter.
-
Select Objects:
- We need to select multiple objects to join.
- The selected objects are joined at once. Click on the lines, arcs, or polylines you want to combine. Ensure the objects are touching or collinear.
-
Execute the Join:
- Press Enter after selecting all the desired objects.
AutoCAD will then attempt to join the selected objects. If successful, the individual objects will be replaced by a single object. For example, several aligned line segments might become a single polyline segment.
What Objects Can Be Joined?
The JOIN command works with several types of linear objects:
- Lines: Multiple collinear lines can be joined into a single line.
- Arcs: Multiple arcs can be joined into a polyline or ellipse, provided they are concentric and collinear, or touch end-to-end and form a continuous curve.
- Polylines: Lines, arcs, or other polylines can be joined to an existing polyline if they touch an endpoint. Multiple polylines can also be joined if they meet end-to-end.
Successfully joining objects helps simplify drawings, reduce file size, and make editing easier as you work with fewer, longer objects.
