How to Chamfer in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

In AutoCAD, use the CHAMFER command to create a beveled edge between two lines by specifying the distances or angle for the chamfer. Activate the command, select the two lines, and AutoCAD will trim and join them with the chamfered edge automatically.

Syntax

The basic syntax for the Chamfer command in AutoCAD is:

• CHAMFER - Starts the chamfer command.
• D - Sets the chamfer distances for the two edges.
• A - Sets the chamfer angle instead of distances.
• Polyline - Applies chamfer to polyline segments.
• Select two lines - AutoCAD creates the chamfer between them.

autocad command line

Command: CHAMFER
Specify first chamfer distance or [Undo/Polyline/Angle/Distance]: D
Specify first chamfer distance: 1
Specify second chamfer distance: 1
Select first line or [Undo]: (select line 1)
Select second line: (select line 2)

Output

Lines are trimmed and joined with a chamfer of 1 unit on each edge.

Example

This example shows how to chamfer two lines with equal distances of 2 units:

autocad command line

Command: CHAMFER
Specify first chamfer distance or [Undo/Polyline/Angle/Distance]: D
Specify first chamfer distance: 2
Specify second chamfer distance: 2
Select first line or [Undo]: (select line 1)
Select second line: (select line 2)

Output

The two selected lines are trimmed and connected with a chamfered edge 2 units long on each side.

Common Pitfalls

• Not setting chamfer distances or angle before selecting lines causes AutoCAD to use default values, which may not be what you want.
• Trying to chamfer lines that do not intersect or are too far apart will fail.
• For polylines, forgetting to use the Polyline option means chamfers won't apply to all segments.
• Using the wrong order of selecting lines can affect the chamfer direction.

autocad command line

Wrong way:
Command: CHAMFER
Select first line or [Undo/Polyline/Distance/Angle]: (select lines without setting distances)

Right way:
Command: CHAMFER
Specify first chamfer distance or [Undo/Polyline/Angle/Distance]: D
Specify first chamfer distance: 1
Specify second chamfer distance: 1
Select first line: (select line 1)
Select second line: (select line 2)

Output

Wrong way: No chamfer or unexpected result.
Right way: Chamfer applied correctly with specified distances.

Quick Reference

Option	Description
CHAMFER	Starts the chamfer command
D (Distance)	Set distances for chamfer edges
A (Angle)	Set chamfer angle instead of distances
Polyline	Apply chamfer to all polyline segments
Undo	Undo last chamfer selection

Key Takeaways

Always set chamfer distances or angle before selecting lines.

Select two intersecting lines to create a chamfered edge.

Use the Polyline option to chamfer multiple connected segments.

Chamfer trims and joins lines with a beveled edge automatically.

Incorrect order or missing parameters can cause unexpected results.