AutoCAD

How to Ungroup in AutoCAD 2018?

Understanding How to Ungroup Objects in AutoCAD 2025

When working with AutoCAD, the ability to manage groups of objects efficiently is vital for effective design manipulation. Ungrouping allows you to separate grouped entities so you can edit them individually. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to ungroup in AutoCAD 2025.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ungrouping

  1. Access the Drawing Tools:
    Begin by ensuring you are in the drawing workspace. Look for the Drawing Tools option, which is key for object management.

  2. Navigate to the Format Tab:
    Go to the upper menu and click on the Format tab. This area houses important tools for object arrangement.

  3. Locate the Arrange Group:
    Within the Format tab, find the Arrange group section. This is where you can manipulate the grouping of objects.

  4. Initiate the Ungroup Command:
    Click on the Group dropdown menu. Here, you’ll see the option to Ungroup. Select this option to proceed with ungrouping your chosen items.

  5. Select the Objects to Ungroup:
    You will be prompted to select the group of objects you wish to ungroup. Click on the grouped elements to highlight them.

  6. Confirm the Ungrouping:
    After selecting the group, hit Enter. The objects will be separated, allowing you to work on them individually.

Alternative Methods for Ungrouping

If you prefer keyboard shortcuts or command line entries, several alternatives can expedite the ungrouping process:

  • Using the Command Line:
    Type UNGROUP in the command line and hit Enter. Follow the prompt to select the group you wish to ungroup.

  • Keyboard Shortcut:
    For a quicker method, press Ctrl + Shift + G. This combination directly executes the ungroup action without additional navigation.

What to Do if You Cannot Ungroup

Sometimes, you might find that the ungroup function is grayed out or unresponsive. This issue can occur due to several reasons:

  1. Object Types:
    Ensure that the items selected are indeed grouped objects. Some elements, like certain dimensions or annotations, might not adhere to grouping commands.

  2. Block Restrictions:
    If the grouped items were created as a block, you may need to first explode the block. Type EXPLODE in the command line, select the block, and then proceed to ungroup it.

  3. Selection Awareness:
    Make sure you are correctly selecting the entire group. If any part of the group is missed during selection, the ungroup function might not activate.

Ungrouping Nested Groups

In AutoCAD, it’s possible to encounter nested groups, where groups contain other groups. To manage nested groups:

  1. Select the outer group you want to ungroup.
  2. Invoke the ungroup command to break down the outer layer.
  3. Repeat the process for any remaining groups within the selection as needed.

FAQ

1. Can you undo an ungroup action in AutoCAD?
Yes, if you accidentally ungroup an object, you can use the undo function (Ctrl + Z) to revert the last action and restore the objects to their grouped state.

2. Is there a limitation to how many objects I can group in AutoCAD?
While there is no strict limit on the number of objects that can be grouped, very large groups may affect performance or cause issues with object selection.

3. Can I change the properties of grouped objects after ungrouping?
Absolutely. Once you ungroup objects, you can alter their properties such as color, layer, and line type as needed for your project.

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.