AutoCAD

How to Get Center of Circle in AutoCAD?

Methods for Centering a Circle in AutoCAD

Centering a circle in AutoCAD can be essential for various design tasks. The process involves several straightforward steps, whether you’re marking the center for reference or aligning objects around it. Here’s how to do it effectively.


Using the Center Mark Tool

  1. Access the Annotate Tab: Navigate to the Annotate tab on the top menu of your AutoCAD interface.
  2. Select Center Mark: Locate the Centerlines panel and click on Center Mark.
  3. Choose the Circle or Arc: Click directly on the circle or arc you want to center. If multiple circles need marking, continue to select them one by one.
  4. Finalizing: Press the Enter key to conclude the command after finishing your selections.

Aligning Objects to a Center Point

If you need to center various objects in relation to one another, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Objects: Click on the object(s) you wish to center. For multiple selections, either drag a selection box around them or hold the SHIFT key and click on each object individually.
  2. Open the Align Tool: Go to the Home tab and find the Modify panel. Click on the Align dropdown menu and select Center.
  3. Define the Centering Axis: Choose an existing edge of another object to use as an axis. Then, identify two points between which you desire to center the selected object. Alternatively, pressing Enter allows you to directly specify two points for alignment.

Finding the Center of an Arc

To locate the center point of an arc, execute these actions:

  1. Open Command Line: Start by typing CHPROP into the command line and press Enter.
  2. Select the Arc: Click on the arc whose center you need to identify.
  3. Complete Command: Press Enter once more to conclude the operation.

Displaying Centerlines of Circles

For a visual aid in determining the centroid of a circle, you can use the following method:

  1. Access the Annotate Tab: Similar to finding the center mark, open the Annotate tab.
  2. Add Centerline: From the Centerlines panel, choose the Centerline option, which will help in visually identifying the center.

Calculating Center of Gravity in 2D Designs

For objects with mass in your 2D design:

  1. Select Mass Element: Click on the mass element of interest.
  2. Right-Click: Right-click to bring up options. Select Convert To > 3D Solid.
  3. Confirm Erasure: When prompted on the command line, type Yes to delete the selected element.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Circle Command in AutoCAD?
The Circle command is utilized to create a circular shape by specifying the center and radius. You activate it by typing Circle or simply C into the command line, hitting Enter, and then defining both the center point and the radius of the circle.

How can I modify or edit a circle after it’s created?
To modify an existing circle, select it and access the Properties panel or use commands such as CHPROP or MIRROR for more complex alterations. This allows you to adjust size, position, or other attributes.

Is it possible to snap to the center of a circle while drawing other objects?
Yes, you can enable object snaps within AutoCAD to ensure precision while drawing. By activating Center Snap, you’ll be able to snap directly to the center of any circle, facilitating perfect alignment with other elements in your design.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.