Learn how to use the Edge option of the Polygon tool in AutoCAD to create a polygon based on the length of edges rather than a circle, with a detailed step-by-step tutorial and exercise.
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:
The Polygon tool’s Edge method
Exercise Preview
Exercise Overview
In this exercise, you will use the Edge option or the Polygon tool to make a polygon by entering the distance of the edges instead of basing the polygon on a circle. You will do this to add a large polygonal ball room to this event space. Because all sides and angles of a polygon are equal, you can define the whole shape by establishing the length and angle of one edge. You can type in the dimension of an edge or click two points. In this exercise you will click on two end points of a preexisting wall so that the length of the sides of the polygon will match the length of the wall.
Matching the Length of the Polygon & Wall
Open the file Polygon-Event Hall.dwg.
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Start the Polygon Command
(POL). For number of sides, enter 10. In the Command Line, it will say to specify the center or use the Edge option. Press E Enter to choose the Edge method.
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Click on the endpoint at the upper-left corner of the rectangular section at the back of the building to establish the first point of the edge. Pull right along the X-axis and click on the endpoint at the upper-right corner of the rectangle to set the bottom edge of the Polygon which will define the whole shape. Remember that all angles in AutoCAD are measured counter-clockwise, so Polygons will be created in that direction when you use the Edge option. If you had started on the upper-right corner and pulled left to make the edge, the polygon would have gone counter-clockwise downward and overlapped the rest of the building.
Save and close the file.