How to Draw Section in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

To draw a section in AutoCAD, first create a Cutting Plane line where you want to slice the object. Then use the SECTIONPLANE command to generate the section view, which shows the internal features of the object along that plane.

Syntax

The main command to create a section in AutoCAD is SECTIONPLANE. You can also use PLINE or LINE to draw the cutting plane manually before generating the section.

• SECTIONPLANE: Starts the section plane creation tool.
• PLINE: Draws a polyline to define the cutting path.
• SECTION: Generates the section view from the cutting plane.

autocad command line

SECTIONPLANE
Specify start point of section plane or [3points/Axis/Full/Offset]:
Specify second point of section plane:
Specify height of section plane or [Flip/Depth]:

Output

A section plane object appears in the drawing, allowing you to generate a section view.

Example

This example shows how to create a vertical section through a 3D model using the SECTIONPLANE command.

autocad command line

1. Type <code>SECTIONPLANE</code> and press Enter.
2. Click to specify the start point of the section plane on the model.
3. Click to specify the second point to define the cutting line.
4. Specify the height or depth of the section plane.
5. Use the <code>SECTION</code> command to generate the section view from the created section plane.

Output

A section view is created showing the internal features sliced by the section plane.

Common Pitfalls

• Not specifying the section plane correctly can result in no visible section.
• For 2D drawings, forgetting to draw the cutting line before generating the section.
• Ignoring the section plane height or depth can cause incomplete sections.
• Not using the SECTION command after creating the section plane will not generate the section view.

autocad command line

Wrong way:
SECTIONPLANE
Specify start point: (click outside model)
Specify second point: (click outside model)
=> No section visible

Right way:
SECTIONPLANE
Specify start point: (click on model edge)
Specify second point: (click on model edge)
Specify height: 100
SECTION
Select section plane
=> Section view generated

Quick Reference

Command	Purpose
SECTIONPLANE	Create a cutting plane for sectioning 3D models
SECTION	Generate section view from the section plane
PLINE or LINE	Draw cutting line manually for 2D sections
Flip (option in SECTIONPLANE)	Change direction of section plane
Depth (option in SECTIONPLANE)	Set how deep the section cuts

Key Takeaways

Use the SECTIONPLANE command to create a cutting plane for your section.

Always specify the cutting line carefully on the model to get accurate sections.

After creating the section plane, run the SECTION command to generate the section view.

Check the section plane height or depth to include all relevant parts of the model.

Avoid clicking outside the model when defining the section plane to prevent empty sections.