How to Break Object in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

In AutoCAD, you can break an object using the BREAK command, which splits a line, arc, or polyline into two parts at specified points. Use BREAK, select the object, then specify the break points to split it as needed.

Syntax

The BREAK command syntax in AutoCAD is simple:

• BREAK - Starts the break command.
• Select the object to break.
• Specify the first break point on the object.
• Specify the second break point (optional) to define the segment to remove.

If the second break point is not specified, the object breaks at the first point, splitting it into two parts.

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Command: BREAK
Select object to break: (select line or arc)
Specify first break point: (pick point on object)
Specify second break point or [First point]: (pick second point or press Enter)

Output

The selected object is split into two parts at the specified points.

Example

This example shows how to break a line into two parts at a specific point.

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Command: BREAK
Select object to break: (click on a line)
Specify first break point: (click at 5 units from start)
Specify second break point or [First point]: (press Enter to break at one point)

Output

The line is split into two separate lines at the chosen point.

Common Pitfalls

• Not selecting the object properly before specifying break points.
• Specifying break points outside the object, causing errors.
• For polylines, BREAK may not work as expected; use PEDIT to edit segments.
• For arcs or circles, breaking at the same point twice does not split the object.

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Wrong way:
Command: BREAK
Specify first break point: (point outside object)
Error: Point not on object.

Right way:
Command: BREAK
Select object to break: (select object)
Specify first break point: (point on object)
Specify second break point or [First point]: (optional second point on object)

Output

Error if points are outside; successful break if points are on the object.

Quick Reference

Step	Action
1	Type BREAK and press Enter
2	Select the object to break
3	Specify the first break point on the object
4	Specify the second break point or press Enter to break at one point
5	Object splits into two parts at the break points

Key Takeaways

Use the BREAK command to split lines, arcs, or polylines at specified points.

Always select the object before specifying break points on it.

If you only specify one break point, the object splits into two parts at that point.

For polylines, consider using PEDIT for more control over segments.

Ensure break points are exactly on the object to avoid errors.