How to Join 2 Polylines in AutoCAD?

Understanding How to Join Two Polylines in AutoCAD

Joining two polylines in AutoCAD can significantly enhance your efficiency when working on your designs. Polylines are versatile 2D vectors that can consist of straight and arc segments. Here’s a detailed guide on joining them seamlessly.

Preparing the Workspace

1. Open Your Drawing: Launch AutoCAD 2025 and open the drawing file containing the polylines you wish to join.

2. Check Visibility of Polylines: Ensure that the polylines are visible and distinct. Select them to verify any gaps or overlaps that might affect the joining process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Join Polylines

1. Select the PEDIT Command:

   • Activate the command by typing PEDIT in the command line and press Enter.

2. Choose the First Polyline:

   • Click on one of the polylines to select it. If prompted to convert the selected object to a polyline, agree to do so.

3. Select the Multiple Option:

   • At the command prompt, choose the "Multiple" option by typing M and hitting Enter. This allows you to select more than one polyline consecutively.

4. Select Additional Polylines:

   • Click on the second polyline you wish to join. You can continue to select additional polylines if needed.

5. Join the Polylines:

   • Once all desired polylines are selected, type J for the Join option at the command prompt and press Enter. AutoCAD will attempt to connect the selected polylines into a continuous shape.

6. Adjust Gaps Using Fuzz Distance:

   • If you encounter gaps that prevent joining, you can specify a fuzz distance. When prompted to enter a fuzz distance, input a value that is larger than the gap between the segments. This allows AutoCAD to fill the space automatically.
7. Finalize the Command:
   • After all segments have been joined, press Enter to complete the command. Check the result to ensure that all desired segments are connected as intended.

Alternative Method Using the Join Tool

1. Select the Join Command:

   • Alternatively, you can access the Join command directly from the Modify panel in the Home tab.

2. Select Polylines:

   • Use your cursor to select multiple polylines in the drawing area. As with PEDIT, ensure the polylines are fuzzy enough to allow for joining.
3. Execution:
   • Hit Enter to complete the command. This method provides a straightforward way to join polylines without accessing the PEDIT options.

Troubleshooting Joining Issues

• Elevation Differences:
  If the lines refuse to join, check the elevation values in the Properties palette. Minor differences in Z values can impede the joining process. Adjust these values to ensure that all segments are on the same plane.

• Gaps and Overlaps:
  Inspect the polylines closely for any tiny gaps or additional line segments that could prevent successful joining. Utilize zoom tools for a better view.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of using PEDIT in AutoCAD when joining polylines?
PEDIT allows users to convert various objects into polylines and offers options for editing them collectively, including joining multiple segments at once.

2. Can I join more than two polylines in a single command?
Yes, by using the Multiple option in the PEDIT command, it is possible to join multiple polylines simultaneously.

3. How do I know if my polylines are ready to be joined?
Ensure there are no significant gaps between the endpoints of the polylines and that they share a common elevation level for optimal joining.