How to Add Length of Polyline in AutoCAD?

Understanding How to Add Length of a Polyline in AutoCAD

To effectively add lengths of polylines in AutoCAD, follow the detailed steps below that provide instructions on various methods, measurement tools, and commands specific to AutoCAD 2025.

Measuring Polyline Length Using the List Command

1. Select the Polyline: Click on the polyline you wish to measure. Ensure it is highlighted.

2. Access the Command Line: Type LIST into the command line and press Enter.

3. Choose the Polyline: After executing the command, you’ll be prompted to select the object again. Click on the polyline once more.

4. View Details: A dialog box will appear showing various properties of the polyline, including its total length. Look for the section labeled "Length" for the precise measurement.

Measuring the Length of Individual Segments

1. Select an Element: Click on any line, polyline segment, circle, or arc you wish to measure.

2. Hover Over Control Points: Move your cursor over the endpoints of the selected element. Information about the length will be displayed near the endpoint controls.

Using the Properties Palette

1. Select the Polyline: Click on your desired polyline.

2. Open Properties Palette: If it’s not already visible, press Ctrl + 1 to open the Properties palette.

3. Locate Length: In the Properties palette, find the "Geometry" section. Under this, you will see the "Length" attribute where the total length of the polyline is displayed.

Measuring Continuous Length

1. Access the Analyze Tab: Navigate to the Analyze tab on the ribbon.

2. Select Continuous Distance: Click on the Inquiry panel and choose "Continuous Distance."

3. Start Measurement: Click on your first point to begin measuring.

4. Select Additional Points: Continue selecting points along the paths you wish to measure.

5. Finalizing the Measurement: Once all desired points have been selected, press Enter to see the cumulative length.

Extending a Polyline

1. Select the Polyline: Click on the polyline you want to extend.

2. Choose a Grip: Hover over the grip point (a small square node) at the end of the segment you want to lengthen.

3. Activate the Stretch Command: Right-click and select "Stretch" (or simply type S if your version supports it).

4. Specify a Base Point: Click to designate the base point from which you will stretch the polyline.

5. Select the Endpoint: Click on the endpoint grip you initially hovered over.

6. Execute Extension: Type EXT and hit Enter, or use the right-click context menu to select “Extension” as needed to finalize the stretching of the polyline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I measure multiple polylines at once?

To measure multiple polylines, you can use the Properties palette. Simply select several polylines by holding down the Shift key while clicking on them, then open the Properties palette to view combined lengths. Alternatively, use the LIST command for more detailed information.

What if the polyline consists of many small segments?

For polylines with multiple small segments, you can join them into a single polyline first by using the JOIN command. Select all segments you want to connect, execute the command, and then measure the length of the new polyline as described above.

Is there a shortcut for measuring lengths in AutoCAD?

Yes, you can quickly measure lengths by using the DIST command. Press D, then select two points to measure the distance between them immediately. This command allows you to measure straight-line distances easily.