The LINE command and the PLINE command in AutoCAD are the same things looking at it from the steps you have to go through while creating a line (resulting objects have different properties). Consequently, it is hard for a CAD beginner to fully grasp the need of using one to the detriment of the other.
In this post, we will look into a very basic example where the use of the PLINE is more appropriate, all this for the simple reason that you need to start using commands taking into account the final aspect of the project you are working on and using the shortest way and often as possible.
Let’s use the following image, the initial object being on the left and the final object being on the right.
As you can see, we need to OFFSET the outer object with a specific length to get the inner object.
Polyline vs Line
Using the LINE command
Step 1
If you are using the LINE command, the first step will be to get the following object created.
Step 2
Then you will need to OFFSET each side of the object, which will give you the following
Step 3
And lastly, you will have to TRIM unwanted ends to end up with the final product.
Using the PLINE command
Step 1
Using the PLINE, it will take you the same time and effort as it did using the LINE command to create the following
Step 2
And the simple action to take next is to use the OFFSET command
And the Good part about this is that you will use the OFFSET command only once to created the inner image.
The second method is way quicker than the first method. Here is one of the few AutoCAD tips you will want to make use of frequently to train the habit of wanting to use the software in the most efficiently way possible.
