Explore our comprehensive AutoCAD tutorial focused on utilizing the 'Join' command to connect straight lines after deleting parts of the drawing that leave gaps in the lines.
This exercise is excerpted from Noble Desktop’s past AutoCAD training materials and is compatible with Photoshop updates through 2020. To learn current skills in AutoCAD, check out AutoCAD Bootcamp and AutoCAD classes in NYC and live online.
Note: These materials are provided to give prospective students a sense of how we structure our class exercises and supplementary materials. During the course, you will get access to the accompanying class files, live instructor demonstrations, and hands-on instruction.
Topics covered in this AutoCAD tutorial:
Join Command
Exercise Preview
Exercise Overview
In this exercise, you will use the Join command to connect straight lines after deleting parts of the drawing that leave gaps in the lines.
The Join Command
Open the file Join-Brace.dwg.
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Select and delete the two curved line segments in the center of the object as shown below.
You should end up with the following:
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Start the Move tool to reconnect the bottom edges by selecting all of the objects on the right half and clicking the bottom left endpoint as the base point, and then connecting it with the endpoint of the other bottom line.
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Type JOIN Enter or click the Join button
in the extended Modify panel or toolbar. Select the two disconnected edges on the top of the object and press Enter. The segments will be joined into one fluid line.If the line segments are not touching, the Join command can only join straight line segments that are perfectly aligned with each other so that the end product is a straight line. The Join Command can join any two straight or curved line segments that are touching each other.
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The bottom edge of the object is still divided into two segments. If you click on either side of the line, only one segment will be selected. This will probably not be an issue for normal printing, but it can cause problems for CNC machines, cutters, and various other forms of automatic fabrication and may lead to wasted time and materials. You may also need to connect segments into polylines or use the Overkill command to prepare drawings for these machines.
Press Enter to restart the Join command. Select both the straight segments of the bottom edge to join them into one fluid line. If you select the bottom edge now, it will be one object.
Save and close the file.