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

To mirror an object in AutoCAD, use the MIRROR command, select the object, then specify the mirror line by picking two points. The command creates a flipped copy of the object across the mirror line, and you can choose to keep or erase the original.

Syntax

The basic syntax for the mirror command in AutoCAD is:

• MIRROR: Starts the mirror command.
• Select objects: Choose the objects you want to mirror.
• Specify first point of mirror line: Pick the first point to define the mirror axis.
• Specify second point of mirror line: Pick the second point to complete the mirror axis.
• Delete source objects? [Yes/No]: Choose whether to erase the original objects or keep them.

autocad

Command: MIRROR
Select objects: (select object)
Specify first point of mirror line: (pick point)
Specify second point of mirror line: (pick point)
Delete source objects? [Yes/No] <N>:

Output

Creates a mirrored copy of the selected object across the defined mirror line.

Example

This example shows how to mirror a rectangle across a vertical line:

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Command: RECTANGLE
Specify first corner point: 0,0
Specify other corner point: 4,2
Command: MIRROR
Select objects: (select rectangle)
Specify first point of mirror line: 2,0
Specify second point of mirror line: 2,3
Delete source objects? [Yes/No] <N>: N

Output

A mirrored rectangle appears on the opposite side of the vertical line x=2, original rectangle remains.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using the mirror command include:

• Not selecting the correct mirror line points, which results in unexpected mirror direction.
• Accidentally deleting the original object by choosing Yes at the delete prompt.
• Trying to mirror objects on locked layers, which prevents changes.
• Forgetting to select all objects intended for mirroring.

Always double-check the mirror line and the delete option before confirming.

autocad

Wrong way:
Command: MIRROR
Select objects: (select object)
Specify first point of mirror line: 0,0
Specify second point of mirror line: 0,0  ; (same point, invalid mirror line)

Right way:
Command: MIRROR
Select objects: (select object)
Specify first point of mirror line: 0,0
Specify second point of mirror line: 0,5

Output

Wrong way: Error or no mirror effect.
Right way: Object mirrored vertically.

Quick Reference

Step	Action	Notes
1	Type MIRROR	Starts the mirror command
2	Select objects	Choose what to mirror
3	Pick first mirror line point	Defines start of mirror axis
4	Pick second mirror line point	Defines end of mirror axis
5	Choose to delete original	Type Yes to erase, No to keep

Key Takeaways

Use the MIRROR command and define a mirror line with two points.

Choose whether to keep or delete the original object after mirroring.

Ensure the mirror line points are different to avoid errors.

Select all objects you want to mirror before starting the command.

Avoid mirroring objects on locked layers to prevent issues.