Polyline editing (PEDIT) in AutoCAD - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the PEDIT command do in AutoCAD?

PEDIT stands for Polyline Edit. It allows you to edit polylines by joining, converting lines to polylines, or changing their shape.

beginner

How can you convert a line or arc into a polyline using PEDIT?

Use the PEDIT command, select the line or arc, then choose the option to convert it into a polyline.

intermediate

What is the purpose of the 'Join' option in PEDIT?

The 'Join' option lets you connect multiple lines, arcs, or polylines into a single polyline.

intermediate

How do you edit the width of a polyline using PEDIT?

After starting PEDIT and selecting the polyline, choose the 'Width' option to set the starting and ending widths of the polyline segments.

beginner

What happens if you try to use PEDIT on an object that is not a polyline, line, or arc?

AutoCAD will show an error or will not allow editing because PEDIT only works with polylines, lines, or arcs.

Which command is used to edit polylines in AutoCAD?

A TRIM

B LINE

C PEDIT

D OFFSET

PEDIT is the command specifically designed for editing polylines.

What does the 'Join' option in PEDIT do?

A Connects multiple lines or arcs into one polyline

B Splits a polyline into segments

C Deletes a polyline

D Changes the color of a polyline

Join connects separate lines or arcs into a single polyline.

Can PEDIT convert a line into a polyline?

A Yes

B No

C Only if the line is horizontal

D Only if the line is vertical

PEDIT can convert lines and arcs into polylines.

Which option in PEDIT allows you to change the thickness of a polyline segment?

A Edit vertex

B Join

C Close

D Width

The Width option sets the starting and ending widths of polyline segments.

What happens if you select a circle and try to use PEDIT?

A It converts the circle to a polyline

B It shows an error or does nothing

C It deletes the circle

D It fills the circle

PEDIT only works with polylines, lines, or arcs, not circles.

Explain how to join multiple lines into a single polyline using PEDIT.

Think about connecting separate pieces into one.

Describe the steps to change the width of a polyline segment using PEDIT.

Width controls thickness along the polyline.

Practice

1. What is the primary purpose of the PEDIT command in AutoCAD?

easy

A. To edit polylines by joining, smoothing, or changing their shape

B. To create new layers for organizing drawings

C. To measure distances between points

D. To change the color of objects

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the function of PEDIT

   The PEDIT command is designed specifically for editing polylines, allowing users to join segments, smooth curves, and modify shapes.

2. Step 2: Compare with other options

   Options A, B, and C relate to coloring, layers, and measuring, which are not the main functions of PEDIT.

3. Final Answer:

   To edit polylines by joining, smoothing, or changing their shape -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   PEDIT edits polylines = D [OK]

Hint: PEDIT is for polylines editing only, not layers or colors [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing PEDIT with layer management commands
• Thinking PEDIT measures distances
• Assuming PEDIT changes object colors

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to start the PEDIT command in AutoCAD?

easy

A. EDITPOLYLINE

B. POLYEDIT

C. PLINEEDIT

D. PEDIT

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall the exact command name

   The correct command to edit polylines in AutoCAD is PEDIT.

2. Step 2: Verify other options

   Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not recognized AutoCAD commands for polyline editing.

3. Final Answer:

   PEDIT -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Command to edit polylines = PEDIT [OK]

Hint: Remember the exact command: PEDIT, not variations [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Typing similar but incorrect commands like POLYEDIT
• Using full words instead of command abbreviations
• Confusing with other editing commands

3. Given a polyline with two separate segments, what will happen if you use PEDIT and choose the Join option with a small gap between segments?

medium

A. The segments will remain separate regardless of gap size

B. The segments will join into a single polyline if the gap is within the specified tolerance

C. The segments will be deleted

D. The command will produce an error and stop

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the Join option in PEDIT

   The Join option in PEDIT connects separate polyline segments into one if the gap between them is less than the specified joining tolerance.

2. Step 2: Analyze the effect of gap size

   If the gap is small enough, the segments join; if too large, they stay separate. No deletion or errors occur.

3. Final Answer:

   The segments will join into a single polyline if the gap is within the specified tolerance -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Join merges close segments = A [OK]

Hint: Join works only if gap is small enough [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming segments join regardless of gap size
• Thinking segments get deleted after join
• Expecting errors when joining segments

4. You tried to use PEDIT to join two polylines but got an error saying "Object is not a polyline." What is the most likely cause?

medium

A. One or both objects are simple lines, not polylines

B. The polylines are on different layers

C. The drawing is corrupted

D. You did not select any object

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the error message

   The error "Object is not a polyline" means the selected object is not recognized as a polyline by AutoCAD.

2. Step 2: Identify common causes

   Simple lines are different from polylines and cannot be edited with PEDIT unless converted first.

3. Final Answer:

   One or both objects are simple lines, not polylines -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Non-polyline objects cause this error = B [OK]

Hint: Check if objects are polylines before using PEDIT [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming layer differences cause this error
• Blaming drawing corruption without checking object type
• Ignoring selection step

5. You have a polyline with sharp corners, and you want to smooth it by converting corners into curves. Which PEDIT option should you use, and what additional parameter must you specify?

hard

A. Use the Join option and specify the curve smoothness

B. Use the Width option and set a curve radius

C. Use the Spline option and specify the fit tolerance

D. Use the Spline option to smooth the polyline; no additional parameter needed

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the smoothing option in PEDIT

   The Spline option converts sharp corners into smooth curves on a polyline.

2. Step 2: Understand the parameter needed

   When using Spline, you must specify the fit tolerance to control how smooth the curve becomes.

3. Final Answer:

   Use the Spline option and specify the fit tolerance -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Spline with fit tolerance smooths corners = A [OK]

Hint: Spline option needs fit tolerance for smooth curves [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using Join instead of Spline for smoothing
• Setting Width instead of fit tolerance
• Skipping the fit tolerance parameter