AutoCAD

How to Donut in AutoCAD

Creating a Donut in AutoCAD

Understanding the Donut Object

A donut in AutoCAD is formed by two arc polylines that connect end-to-end, resulting in a circular shape. The appearance of the donut is defined by its inside and outside diameters. If the inside diameter is set to zero, the result is a solid filled circle.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing a Donut

  1. Access the Donut Command:

    • Start AutoCAD 2025 and open your desired drawing.
    • Type DONUT in the command line and hit Enter. This activates the donut tool.
  2. Set the Width of the Donut:

    • You can define the width by entering a numerical value directly or interactively selecting two points on your drawing. These points will establish the outer diameter of the donut.
  3. Specify the First Diameter Point:

    • Click on the workspace to indicate the first point that sets the donut’s diameter. Alternatively, you can input the precise coordinates in the command line if you know them.
  4. Choose the Second Diameter Point:

    • Similarly, specify the second point to finalize the diameter. This will complete the outline for your donut.
  5. Finalize the Drawing:

    • Once both points are selected, the donut will be drawn based on the width you specified. You may go back and adjust the diameter if needed by re-running the command.

Modifying Donut Properties

To adjust the dimensions post-creation:

  • Select the donut object.
  • Right-click and choose “Properties” to access the width and diameter settings.
  • Modify the values as necessary, ensuring your design meets the specifications you require.

Saving and Utilizing Donuts

After creating your donut:

  • Save your drawing to keep your changes.
  • Donuts can be used in various applications such as layouts for mechanical parts, decorative elements, or even in architectural designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I create a filled donut with a specific radius?
Yes, by setting the inside diameter to zero, you create a filled circle. You can specify the width to control the outer diameter.

2. Is there an easier way to create multiple donuts at once?
While you can easily copy and paste an existing donut, AutoCAD does not have a built-in multi-donut creation tool. You might consider creating a block if you frequently use the same design.

3. Are there any limitations on the size of the donut?
In AutoCAD, the dimensions of your donut are primarily limited by the overall drawing scale. Ensure your drawing units and settings are correctly configured for your project requirements.

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.