How to Draw Curved Polyline in AutoCAD?

Steps to Create a Curved Polyline in AutoCAD

Creating a curved polyline in AutoCAD is an essential skill for designers and drafters looking to produce accurate and aesthetically pleasing drawings. Here’s a detailed guide on how to accomplish this task in AutoCAD 2025.

Step 1: Access the Polyline Tool

• Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon.
• Locate the Draw panel and click on the Polyline option. This will activate the polyline command.

Step 2: Set Your Starting Point

• Click in the drawing area to specify the starting point of your polyline. This could be anywhere in your workspace based on your design requirements.

Step 3: Define the Endpoint and Switch to Arc Mode

• Move your cursor to indicate the endpoint of the first segment.
• To create a curve, type A at the command prompt and press Enter. This action switches the polyline segment to arc mode, allowing you to create a smooth curve.

Step 4: Specify Additional Segments

• After defining the arc segment, you can continue to add more segments. Move your cursor to set each subsequent endpoint, entering arc mode when needed by repeating the A command.
• Continue this process until all required segments are drawn.

Step 5: Complete the Polyline

• Press Enter to finish the command. If you want to close the polyline shape, type C and hit Enter to connect the last point back to the start.

Drawing Smooth Curves

For smoother curves within your polyline, consider using the fit option.

Step 1: Use the Join Command

• If you have multiple straight lines, arcs, or other segments, you can join them into a single polyline. Use the command J (for Join) to combine these elements seamlessly.

Step 2: Specify Polyline Width

• If you want to change the width of your polyline, type W while in the polyline editing mode to set a uniform width that visually enhances your design.

Creating and Editing Curves

AutoCAD offers various ways to create and modify curves to suit your design preferences.

Utilizing the Curve Tool

• For drawing curves that connect two points, navigate to the Home tab, select Curves, and choose Create Curves Between Two Lines.
• Identify the two lines to act as tangents, and specify the desired curve length when prompted.

Smoothing Curved Lines

• To refine curves after drawing, use the Modify tab to access the Smooth command. Select the curves you want to smooth out, and execute the command to achieve a more continuous shape.

Common Questions

1. What is the difference between a polyline and a spline in AutoCAD?
A polyline is composed of straight line segments and curves, defined by vertices. In contrast, a spline is a smooth curve defined by control points, allowing for more complex shapes and flexibility.

2. How can I convert a polyline back into individual line segments?
You can separate a polyline by using the Explode command. This will break the polyline into its component segments, allowing you to edit them individually.

3. Can I create freehand curves in AutoCAD?
Yes, by entering the SKETCH command at the command prompt, you can draw freehand curves. This tool allows flexibility in design, suitable for drafting more organic shapes.