How to Draw Double Headed Arrow in AutoCAD?

Understanding Double Headed Arrows in AutoCAD

Double-headed arrows are essential in technical drawings for indicating direction or range. In AutoCAD, creating these arrows can be accomplished through various methods.

Method 1: Using the Dimension Tool

1. Open AutoCAD: Launch AutoCAD and open the drawing where you want to add double-headed arrows.
2. Access Dimension Tools: Navigate to the Home tab on the Ribbon. Look for the Annotation panel and select the Dimension drop-down menu.
3. Create a New Dimension Style: Click on the Dimension Style icon, which will open the Dimension Style Manager.
4. Modify Existing Style: Select an existing dimension style and click the Modify button, or create a new one by selecting New.
5. Adjust Arrow Settings:
   • Go to the Symbols and Arrows tab.
   • Under Arrowheads, select a double arrow representation or use the User Arrow option if you have a custom arrow block.
6. Set First and Second Arrowheads: Ensure both the First and Second arrowhead options are set to the double-headed arrow type.
7. Save the Changes: Click OK to save the changes to your dimension style.

Method 2: Drawing Polylines with Arrows

1. Set Up the Line Tool: From the Home tab, select the Polyline tool from the Draw panel.
2. Draw the Line: Click on your starting point in the drawing area, drag to create the line, and then click to finish the first segment of the polyline.
3. Select the Leader Tool: Switch to the Annotation tab and select the Leader Line option to create a leader for your arrow.
4. Define Arrowhead Style: Before finishing the leader, adjust the properties in the Properties panel to choose your desired arrowhead style.
5. Place the Other Arrowhead: Click at the endpoint of the polyline, then move your cursor to position the second arrow by clicking to finish.

Method 3: Using the QLEADER Command

1. Activate the QLEADER Command: Type QLEADER in the command line and press Enter.
2. Select the Annotation Object: Click on the point where you want your leader to start and drag to where you want it pointed.
3. Specify Arrowhead Style: In the QLEADER options, select the arrowhead option for both ends to configure a double-headed arrow.
4. Finalize the Text: Input any annotation text you wish to include alongside your arrows before finishing the command.

Customizing Arrow Size and Style

1. Open the Dimension Style Manager: From the Home tab, access the Dimension drop-down menu and open the Dimension Style Manager.
2. Modify Arrowhead Size: Select the current dimension style and click Modify. Adjust the size of the arrowheads in the Symbols and Arrows tab, specifying larger sizes for better visibility if needed.
3. Select Arrow Styles: You can also opt for different predefined arrow styles or create your custom styles using blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I create custom arrow styles in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can create custom arrow styles by designing a block that you want to use as an arrowhead. These blocks can then be imported and set as User Arrows in the dimension styles.

2. How do I ensure my arrows are consistently sized across all dimensions?
To maintain consistency, establish a standard dimension style for your projects and ensure that the arrow size settings are uniform in that style.

3. Is it possible to edit an existing double-headed arrow after it’s been placed?
Yes, you can select the arrow and use the Properties panel to modify its attributes, such as size, type, and placement, to meet your design needs.