How to Join Multiline in AutoCAD?

Understanding Multilines in AutoCAD

When working with complex drawings in AutoCAD, joining multiple lines into a single multiline is often essential for clarity and efficiency. Multilines allow you to create parallel lines quickly and can significantly enhance your drafting experience.

Steps to Join Multiline in AutoCAD

1. Initiate the Command
   Start by typing MLINE in the command prompt and press Enter. This command will allow you to work with multilines.

2. Select a Style
   To choose a specific multiline style, enter st at the command prompt. You can view available styles by typing the style name or using the ? command, which will list all styles for you.

3. Determine Justification
   Justification adjusts the position of the multiline. Type j and select from the options: top, zero, or bottom justification, depending on your project requirements.

4. Set the Scale
   If necessary, adjust the scale of your multiline. Enter s and input the desired scale value.

5. Drawing the Multilines
   Click on the points in your drawing area where you want the multiline to begin and end. AutoCAD will create parallel lines based on your selections.

Joining Multiple Lines

To connect multiple lines, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Modify Panel
   Navigate to the Home tab and locate the Modify panel. Click on the Join option within this panel.

2. Select the Lines
   Click on a source line or click multiple lines that you wish to join. Ensure that the chosen lines are valid objects such as lines, arcs, polylines, or splines.

3. Finish the Joining Process
   After you select the required lines, confirm the action. The lines should now appear joined as one continuous object.

Challenges in Joining Polylines

Sometimes, polylines may not join due to elevation differences. If this issue occurs, you may need to adjust their elevation levels to be uniform. If working in AutoCAD 2025 or earlier versions, additional compatibility issues could also hinder the joining.

Exploring the PEDIT Command

The PEDIT command serves multiple purposes relating to polyline editing:

1. Initiate PEDIT
   Type PEDIT into the command line and press Enter.

2. Choose Your Object
   Select a polyline, arc, or line that you want to modify.

3. Joining Objects
   If you intend to join, type j for join and select the objects that are end-to-end.

Closing Gaps in AutoCAD

If you need to close gaps between lines or polylines, use the following method:

1. Start PEDIT
   Execute the PEDIT command and select the Multiple option to address multiple objects.

2. Select the Objects
   Choose the two objects that you want to join.

3. Set Fuzz Distance
   At the prompt requesting fuzz distance or Jointype, enter a number greater than the gap to successfully connect the objects.

FAQs

Q1: Can I join shapes other than lines in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD allows you to join various objects such as arcs, splines, and multiple lines using the join commands available in the Modify panel.

Q2: What should I do if my polylines won’t join after adjusting elevations?
Ensure that all selected objects are either 2D or 3D and compatible. Check for other factors such as overlapping segments or geometrical inaccuracies that might prevent joining.

Q3: How do I convert lines into polylines if they are not joining?
Utilize the PEDIT command. Start by typing PEDIT, select M for Multiple, choose the lines you want to convert, and then finish by confirming your selections.