How to Reduce Length in AutoCAD?

Understanding Length Adjustment in AutoCAD

Reducing the length of objects in AutoCAD is essential for precise design work. This guidance will detail various methods to achieve this effectively in AutoCAD 2025.

Method 1: Utilizing the Lengthen Command

1. Initiate the Command: Type LENGTHEN into the command line and press Enter.
2. Select the Delta Option: When prompted, type D for Delta and press Enter.
3. Input the Value: Enter a negative number to specify how much you want to shorten the line. For example, if you want to reduce the length by 3 units, type -3.
4. Choose the Line: Click on the line you wish to shorten. The line will adjust according to the distance entered.

Method 2: Adjusting Line Dimensions with Constraints

1. Access Parametric Tools: Navigate to the “Parametric” tab on the ribbon.
2. Select Dimensional Constraints: Click on the “Dimensional Constraints” option in the drop-down.
3. Choose Dimension Type: Select the type of dimension appropriate for your line (e.g., horizontal, vertical).
4. Adjust the Length: Click on the dimension you want to adjust, and then enter the new desired length to modify the line.

Method 3: Directly Modifying the Line

1. Select the Line: Click to select the line you want to shorten.
2. Move the Endpoint: Grab the endpoint of the line and click to initiate movement.
3. Tab to Length Field: Press the Tab key to navigate to the length input field.
4. Enter the New Length: Input the new length directly, ensuring you are not entering a difference, but the absolute length you want.
5. Confirm Change: Press Enter to apply the new length to the line.

Method 4: Modifying Line Spacing in Multiline Text

1. Open Properties Panel: Go to the View tab, then select the Palettes panel, and choose Properties.
2. Select the Text Object: Click on the multiline text object that requires modification.
3. Adjust Line Spacing: In the Properties panel, find the Line Space Style option. From there, select a spacing type like “At Least” and enter new values to enhance or reduce the space between lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I measure the length of a line in AutoCAD?
To measure the length of a line, use the DIST command. Simply type DIST into the command line, select the start point and the endpoint of the line, and the distance will be displayed.

2. What should I do if the line appears incorrectly scaled?
If lines appear incorrect, consider adjusting the drawing limits with the command LIMITS. Following this, zoom into your drawing using Z + Enter, followed by A + Enter for an automatic zoom.

3. Can I restore the original length of a line after reducing it?
Yes, you can undo changes by using the UNDO command immediately after making adjustments. Alternatively, if you have saved original dimensions or created backup copies, you can revert to those.