How To Insert Break Line In AutoCAD?

Understanding Break Lines in AutoCAD

Creating break lines in AutoCAD is essential for clearly delineating sections of a drawing that are not to be shown in their entirety. This guide details how to insert a break line effectively in AutoCAD.

Utilizing the Break-Line Symbol Tool

1. Access the Break-Line Symbol Tool:

   • Navigate to the Express menu.
   • Under the Draw section, select Break-Line Symbol.
   • Alternatively, you can type BREAKLINE directly into the command line.

2. Define the Break-Line:

   • You will be prompted to specify two points. Click on the first point to start the break line.
   • Click on the endpoint to define where you want the line to finish.
   • A third click will determine where the jogged portion of the break line will appear.
3. Finalize the Drawing:
   • After selecting the three points, the break line symbol will be inserted automatically based on your specifications.

Creating a Broken Section View

1. Draw a Closed Polyline:

   • Go to the Home tab and select the Draw panel.
   • Choose Polyline and draw a closed shape around the area you intend to break.

2. New Drawing View Setup:

   • Access the Drawing tab and select New View.
   • In the Create Drawing View dialog box, you will be guided to select a parent view.
3. Selecting the Parent View:
   • Choose the view that contains the closed polyline you just drew. This action will generate a new broken section based on the defined parameters.

Breaking Lines Manually

For scenarios where a simple line break is required without using specific tools:

1. Edit Cell:

   • Double-click the cell within which you want to create a line break.

2. Position the Cursor:

   • Move the cursor to the exact location in the text where you wish to insert the break.
3. Insert the Line Break:
   • Use the keyboard shortcut ALT + ENTER. This will divide the text in the cell at the specified point, creating a new line while remaining within the same cell.

Exploding Blocks in AutoCAD

If you’re unable to modify a block as needed:

1. Use the Explode Command:

   • Type EXPLODE (or press the shortcut key X) while a block is selected.
   • This will break down the compound object into individual components, allowing for separate modifications.
2. Options for Exploding:
   • When creating blocks, ensure to check the Allow Exploding option if you want to have the flexibility to explode it later. This is crucial when you’re uncertain about needing to modify block elements in the future.

Managing Section Lines

Section lines indicate cutting planes on drawings, vital for understanding cross-sectional views.

• Angle and Style: Typically, section lines are drawn at a 45-degree angle, with distinct symbol types representing different materials.

Command Efficiency

The SECTION command can be utilized to create a 2D representation of a cross section of 3D models. This functionality does not provide live sectioning, which can be accessed through the SECTIONPLANE command, ensuring clear delineation in complex drawings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between a break line and a section line in AutoCAD?
A: A break line indicates a discontinuity in a drawing, often used to suggest a missing section, while a section line shows where a cut is made through an object, providing insight into its internal structure.

Q2: Can I customize the appearance of break lines in AutoCAD?
A: Yes, you can adjust the properties of break lines, including color, line type, and other attributes, through the properties panel after selecting the break line symbol.

Q3: Is it possible to undo the break line insertion?
A: Yes, if you need to remove or adjust a break line after placing it, you can use the Undo command or select the break line and delete it through the delete key.