LINE command and options in AutoCAD - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The LINE command in AutoCAD lets you draw straight lines between points. It helps you create shapes and designs by connecting dots with lines.

When you want to draw the outline of a building in a floor plan.

When you need to create a simple shape like a rectangle or triangle.

When you want to connect two points to show a boundary or path.

When sketching a quick design or draft with straight edges.

When you need to add details like walls or fences in a drawing.

Steps

Step 1: Type LINE or L

- Command line

AutoCAD prompts: Specify first point

💡 You can also click the Line tool icon on the Draw panel

Step 2: Click or type coordinates for the first point

- Drawing area or command line

AutoCAD prompts: Specify next point or [Undo]

💡 Use object snaps to pick exact points

Step 3: Click or type coordinates for the next point

- Drawing area or command line

A line segment appears between the last point and this point

💡 Press Enter or Esc to finish the LINE command

Step 4: Use options like Undo, Close, or Width

- Command line options during the LINE command

Undo removes the last point, Close connects to the first point, Width sets line thickness

💡 Type the option letter shown in brackets to activate it

Before vs After

Before

No lines drawn on the canvas

After

One or more connected straight lines appear between specified points

Settings Reference

Undo

📍 Command line during LINE command

Remove the last point entered to correct mistakes

Default: Not active

Close

📍 Command line during LINE command

Draw a line from the last point back to the first point to close the shape

Default: Not active

Width

📍 Command line during LINE command

Set the thickness of the line segments

Default: 0 (thin line)

Common Mistakes

Pressing Enter too soon after the first point

This ends the command immediately, drawing only a single point or no line

Specify at least two points before pressing Enter to create a line segment

Not using object snaps when picking points

Lines may not connect exactly to existing objects, causing gaps

Turn on object snaps and use them to pick precise points

Forgetting to close a shape when needed

The shape remains open, which can cause issues in later operations like hatching

Use the Close option (C) to connect the last point back to the first

Summary

The LINE command draws straight lines by connecting points you specify.

You can use options like Undo, Close, and Width during the command to adjust your drawing.

Remember to specify at least two points and use object snaps for accuracy.

Practice

1.

What does the LINE command do in AutoCAD?

easy

A. Creates curved shapes automatically

B. Draws straight lines between points you specify

C. Deletes existing lines

D. Changes the color of objects

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of the LINE command

   The LINE command is used to create straight line segments by specifying points.

2. Step 2: Compare options with the command's function

   Only Draws straight lines between points you specify correctly describes drawing straight lines; others describe unrelated actions.

3. Final Answer:

   Draws straight lines between points you specify -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   LINE command = Draw lines [OK]

Hint: LINE always connects points with straight segments [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing LINE with curve or erase commands
• Thinking LINE changes object properties
• Assuming LINE creates shapes automatically

2.

Which of the following is the correct way to start the LINE command in AutoCAD?

_line, line, Line, or LIne

easy

A. None of these work

B. Only line works

C. Only _line works

D. Both line and _line work

Solution

1. Step 1: Check AutoCAD command case sensitivity

   AutoCAD commands are not case sensitive, so line and Line work the same.

2. Step 2: Understand underscore prefix usage

   The underscore _ allows commands to work in different language versions, so _line also works.

3. Final Answer:

   Both line and _line work -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Commands ignore case and accept underscore [OK]

Hint: Use line or _line to start LINE command [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking commands are case sensitive
• Believing underscore is mandatory
• Assuming only uppercase works

3.

What will happen if you enter these points in order after starting the LINE command: 0,0, 5,0, 5,5, then press Enter?

medium

A. Two connected lines forming an L shape

B. A straight line from (0,0) to (5,0) only

C. A closed square shape

D. An error message appears

Solution

1. Step 1: Trace the points entered for the LINE command

   Points (0,0) to (5,0) create the first line, then (5,0) to (5,5) creates the second connected line.

2. Step 2: Understand pressing Enter ends the command

   Pressing Enter finishes the line sequence without closing the shape, so no square is formed.

3. Final Answer:

   Two connected lines forming an L shape -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Points create connected lines, Enter ends command [OK]

Hint: Each point adds a line segment; Enter finishes drawing [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming Enter closes the shape automatically
• Thinking only one line is drawn
• Expecting an error from coordinate input

4.

You started a LINE command and accidentally clicked a wrong point. Which option lets you remove the last point without canceling the entire command?

medium

A. Type Undo or press U

B. Press Esc to cancel the command

C. Use the Delete key

D. Restart AutoCAD

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall how to undo last point in LINE command

   During LINE command, typing Undo or pressing U removes the last point entered.

2. Step 2: Compare other options

   Pressing Esc cancels the whole command, Delete key does not remove points, restarting is unnecessary.

3. Final Answer:

   Type Undo or press U -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Undo removes last point without canceling [OK]

Hint: Use Undo or U to fix last point during LINE [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Pressing Esc cancels entire command
• Trying Delete key to remove points
• Restarting program unnecessarily

5.

You want to draw a triangle using the LINE command by specifying points: 0,0, 5,0, 2.5,4. How do you complete the triangle shape properly?

hard

A. Enter the three points then press Enter

B. Enter the three points then type Close

C. Enter the three points then enter the first point 0,0 again before pressing Enter

D. Draw three separate LINE commands for each side

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand LINE command does not auto-close shapes

   LINE command draws connected lines but does not close shapes automatically when pressing Enter.

2. Step 2: Close the triangle by re-entering the first point

   To close the triangle, you must specify the first point again as the last point before pressing Enter.

3. Final Answer:

   Enter the three points then enter the first point 0,0 again before pressing Enter -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Re-enter first point to close shape [OK]

Hint: Repeat first point last to close shape with LINE [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming Enter closes shape automatically
• Typing Close command which is invalid here
• Drawing separate lines instead of connected