1.

Title of the Module

Chapter 3: The Modify Panel Commands.
2. Introduction
Through a combination of Online lecture, Video tutorials, hands-on exercises, and
drawing problems, this course introduces the student to computer-aided design/drafting
with AutoCAD. The AutoCAD topics covered in this course include using Move, Rotate,
Copy, Mirror, Stretch, Scale, Trim, Extend, Fillet, Chamfer, Blend Curves, Erase, Offset,
Array, Explode, Lengthen, Break, Break at point, Join and editing Hatch, Array, Polyline,
Spline.

3. Learning Outcome
LO1. Use Move Command
LO2. Use Copy Command
LO3. Use Rotate Command
LO4. Use Mirror Command
LO5. Use Stretch
LO6. Use Scale Command
LO7. Use Trim Command
LO8. Use Extend Command
LO9. Use Fillet Command
LO10. Use Chamfer Command
LO11. Use Blend Curves
LO12. Use Erase Command
LO13. Use Offset Command
LO14. Use Array Command
LO15. Use Explode
LO16. Use Lengthen
LO17. Use Break Command
LO18. Use Break at point
LO19. Use Join Command
LO20. Use Edit Hatch
LO21. Use Edit Array
LO22. Use Edit Polyline Command
LO23. Use Edit Spline
4. Learning Content

Modify Panel
Modify Panel is a part of Ribbon Panel. We can modify any drawing by using Modify Panel
commands. It is used for the editing of any existing drawing.

Essential Commands of Modify Panel in AutoCAD

There are some essential commands in Modify Panel:

• Move (M + Enter)
• Copy (CO + Enter)
• Rotate (RO + Enter)
• Mirror (M + Enter)
• Stretch
• Scale (SC + Enter)
• Trim (TR + Enter)
• Extend (EX + Enter)
• Fillet (F + Enter)
• Chamfer (CHA + Enter)
• Blend Curves
• Erase (E + Enter)
• Offset (O + Enter)
• Array (AR + Enter)
• Explode
• Lengthen
• Break (BR + Enter)
• Break at point
• Join (J + Enter)
• Edit Hatch
• Edit Array
• Edit Polyline (PEdit + Enter)
• Edit Spline
Move (M + Enter):
By this one can move any objects at a specified distance and direction.

Process of using move command:

• Select Move Command from modify panel.
• Select the object.
• Right click.
• Left click on object.
• Move it any direction.
• D Enter
• Type distance
• Enter.

Copy (CO + Enter):

This command is used to copy an object at a specified distance or direction. It works
almost like Move Command. The only difference is that it makes a copy of the original
objects.

Process of using Copy command:

• Select copy command.
• Select object.
• Right click
• Specify base point.
• Move it any direction.
• Make multiple copies.
• Enter.
Move and Copy
Here's how you would use the COPY command to lay out a row of decorative tiles. Starting
with a polyline that represents its shape, you need to make copies that are 1/8" apart.

You click the Copy tool or enter CP in the Command window to start the command. From
here, you can choose between two methods, depending on what's more convenient. You
will use these two methods frequently.

The Distance Method

The second tile needs to be a total of 9-7/8" + 1/8" = 10" to the right of the original tile.
So, you select the tile, press Enter or the Spacebar to end your selection, and click
anywhere in the drawing area (1). This point does not have to be located on the tile.
Next, you move your cursor to the right, relying on the polar tracking angle to keep the
direction horizontal, and then enter 10 for the distance. Press Enter or the Spacebar a
second time to end the command.
The specified distance and a direction from a point (1) is applied to the tile that you
selected.

The Two Points Method

Another method, one that you will often use when you don't want to add numbers
together, requires two steps. You start the COPY command and select the tile as before,
but this time you click the two endpoints as shown. These two points also define a
distance and direction.

Next, to add the 1/8" space between the tiles, click the Move tool or enter M in the
Command window. The MOVE command is similar to the COPY command. Select the
newly copied tile, and press Enter or the Spacebar. As before, click anywhere in the
drawing area and move your cursor to the right. Enter 1/8 or .125 for the distance.
Tip: The two points that define the distance and direction don't need to be located on the
object that you want to copy. You can use two points specified anywhere in your model.

Create Multiple Copies

You can use the two-points method as a repeating sequence. Let's say that you want to
make more copies of the circle at the same horizontal distance. You start the COPY
command and select the circle as shown.
Then, using the Center object snap, click the center of circle 1, followed by the center of
circle 2, and so on.

For larger numbers of copies, try experimenting with the Array option of the COPY
command. For example, here's a linear arrangement of deep foundation piles. From a
base point, you specify number of copies and the center-to-center distance.

Rotate (RO + Enter):

By this one can rotate any selected object around a base point to an angle. It rotates any
objects in clock and anti-clockwise. We can also make a copy of the object by rotate
command.
Process of using Rotate command:
• Select Rotate command from modify panel.
• Select the object.
• Right click
• Specify base point
• Enter C (copy) or Enter R (reference)
• Type rotation angle
• Enter.

Mirror (MI + Enter):

This command creates a reverse copy of the selected object.

Process of using mirror command:

• Select mirror command.
• Select object.
• Right click.
• Click on the first point of mirror line.
• Drag mouse in the direction where you want to make mirror
• Specify the second point of mirror line.
• Enter.

The following illustration comes from a tile project. The walls in this residential bathroom
are flattened out to be able to lay out the tile pattern and estimate the number of tiles
needed.
You can save a lot of work by taking advantage of the symmetry between the left and
right walls. All you need to do is create the tiles on one wall and then mirror the wall across
the center of the room.
In the example below, you start the MIRROR command (or enter MI in the Command
window), use window selection (1 and 2) to select the geometry on the right wall, press
Enter or the Spacebar, and then specify a mirror line (3 and 4) corresponding to the
centerline of the bathroom.

Finally, decline the option to "Erase source objects" by pressing Enter or the Spacebar.
Tip: Always look for symmetry to save yourself extra work, even if the symmetry is not
100% identical.

Stretch:
By this command, one can move some part of drawing with maintaining the connection
with other parts.

Process of using Stretch command:

• Select Stretch Command.
• Select the part of the object which you want to stretch.
• Right click.
• Drag the mouse in that direction where you want to stretch.
You can stretch most geometric objects. This lets you lengthen and shorten parts of your
model. For example, this model might be a gasket or the design for a public park.

Use the STRETCH command (or enter S in the Command window) and select the objects
with a crossing selection as shown below (1 and 2). The crossing selection is
mandatory—only the geometry that is crossed by the crossing selection is stretched.
Then click anywhere in the drawing area (3), move the cursor to the right, and enter 50 as
the distance. This distance might represent millimeters or feet.

To shorten the model by a specified amount, you'd move your cursor to the left instead.

Scale (SC + Enter):

By this command, one can enlarge or reduce the objects. The length and width of objects
would be enlarged or reduced at the same size.
Process of using Scale command
• Select Scale command.
• Select the part of the object which you want to enlarge or reduces.
• Select base point
• Type the value
• Right click.
• Drag the mouse.

Trim (TR + Enter + Enter):

This command is used to trim any objects whose edge meet the other objects. It trims
the crossed line.

Process of using Trim Command:

• Select trim command from modify panel
• Double Enter.
• Double click on the intersect line or extra line.
• If we want to exchange trim command into Extend command press shift.

To trim objects, select the boundaries and press Enter. Then select the objects that you
want to trim. To use all objects as boundaries, press Enter at the first Select Objects
prompt.
The following prompts are displayed.

Select cutting edges

Specifies one or more objects to be used as a boundary for the trim. TRIM projects the
cutting edges and the objects to be trimmed onto the XY plane of the current user
coordinate system (UCS).

Note: To select cutting edges that include blocks, you can use only the single selection,
Crossing, Fence, and Select All options.

Select objects
Specifies objects individually.
Select all
Specifies that all objects in the drawing can be used as a trim boundary.

Object to Trim
Specifies the object to trim. If more than one trim result is possible, the location of the
first selection point determines the result.

Shift-Select to Extend
Extends the selected objects rather than trimming them. This option provides an easy
method to switch between trimming and extending.

Fence
Selects all objects that cross the selection fence. The selection fence is a series of
temporary line segments that you specify with two or more fence points. The selection
fence does not form a closed loop.
Crossing
Selects objects within and crossing a rectangular area defined by two points.
Note: Some crossing selections of objects to be trimmed are ambiguous. TRIM resolves
the selection by following along the rectangular crossing window in a clockwise
direction from the first point to the first object encountered.

Extend (EX + Enter):

This command helps to extend the line to join the edges of other objects line. It is used
as a trim command.

Process of using Extend command:

• Select Extend command from modify panel.
• Select object.
• Specify opposite corner.
• Right click.
• Double left click on object whom you want to Extend.
• Enter.
In the following illustration, you want to extend the lines that represent the steps for this
deck. You start the Extend command, select the boundary, and then press Enter or the
Spacebar.

Pressing Enter or the Spacebar indicates that you've finished selecting the boundaries,
and that you're now ready to select the objects to be extended.

Tip: A faster method is to press Enter or the Spacebar right away instead of selecting any
boundary objects. The result is that all objects are available as possible boundaries.
Next, you select the objects to be extended (near the ends to be extended), and then you
press Enter or the Spacebar to end the command.

The result is that the lines are extended to the boundary.

The TRIM command follows the same steps, except that when you select the objects to
trim, you select the portions to trim away.

Fillet (F + Enter):
The FILLET command (enter F in the Command window) creates a rounded corner by
creating an arc that is tangent to two selected objects. Notice that the fillet is created
relative to where you select the objects.

Process of using Fillet command:

• Select Fillet Command.
• Type R (radius).
• Enter.
• Put the value of radius.
• Enter.
• Select the first object.
• Select the second object.

You can create a fillet between most types of geometric objects, including lines, arcs, and
polyline segments.
Tip: If you specify 0 (zero) as the radius of the fillet (imagine a circle shrinking to a radius
of 0), the result trims or extends the selected objects to a sharp corner.

Chamfer (CHA + Enter):

By Chamfer command, one can bevels the corner of objects. It cuts the object in any
Angle.

Process of using Chamfer command:

• Select chamfer command.
• Type D (distance)
• Type first chamfer distance.
• Enter
• Type second chamfer distance.
• Enter.
• Select the first object.
• Select the second object.

Blend Curves:
It makes a Spline between two lines or curves.
Process of using blend curves command:
• Select blend curves command
• Select the first object
• Select the second object
• Specify types of blends
• Tangent
• Smooth
• Enter.

Erase (E + Enter):
By this command, one can remove the extra part from any object.

Process of using Eraser command:

• Select Erase Command.
• Select the object.
• Right click.
• Ok.
Select Multiple Objects
Sometimes you need to select a large number of objects. Instead of selecting each object
individually, you can select the objects in an area by clicking an empty location (1), moving
your cursor right or left, and then clicking a second time (2).

• With a crossing selection, any objects within or touching the green area are
selected.
• With a window selection, only the objects completely contained within the blue
area are selected.

The result is called the selection set, the set of objects that will be processed by a
command.
Tip: You can easily remove objects from the selection set. For example, if you select 42
objects, and two of them should not have been selected, hold down Shift and then select
the two that you want to remove. Then, press Enter or the Spacebar, or right click to end
the selection process.

Note: Clicking and dragging results in a different selection method alled lasso selection.

Offset (O + Enter):
By this command, one can create parallel copies of any line, circular copies of any circle
at a specified distance.

Process of using Offset Command:

• Select offset Command.
• Enter D (distance).
• Type distance.
• Enter.
• Select object.
• Move the mouse in that direction where you want to be offset.
• Left click.
Select the object (1), specify the offset distance, and click to indicate on which side of
the original that you want the result (2). Here is an example of offsetting a polyline.

Tip: A fast way to create concentric circles is to offset them.

Array (AR + Enter):

It creates multiple copies of any objects. We can create multiple copies of objects in the
rectangular array, polar array or path array.

1. Rectangular Array:
It makes copies of any object in rows and columns.
Process of using Rectangular Array:
• Select Array Command
• Select object
• Right click
• Select Rectangular Array
• Modify values on the Array context ribbon.

2. Polar Array:
It makes copies of any object around the center point in the circular pattern.

Process of using Polar Array:

• Select Array command
• Select object
• Right click
• Select Polar Array
• Pick center point
• Click on mid-point
• Modify values on the Array context ribbon.
3. Path Array:
It makes copies of an object along a Path. One can make a path array in line,
polyline, spline, and arc.

Process of using Path Array:

• Select Array command
• Select object
• Right click
• Select Path Array
• Select path curves.
• Modify values on the Array context ribbon.

Explode(X + Enter):
This command is used to break a joint object.

Process of using Explode Command:

• Select Explode Command
• Select object which you want to break
• Right click.
Lengthen:
It changes to object’s length and angle of arc. It also works like Trim and Extend.
Process of using Lengthen:
• Select Lengthen Command
• Select an object (delta, percent, total dynamic)
• Type value
• Select the line or arc in which you want to apply this command
• Click ok.

Break (BR + Enter):

By this command, one can break a line or object between two points in many parts.

Process of using Break Command:

• Select break command
• Select the first point of an object.
• Specify the second point
• Ok.

Break at point:
By this command, you can break a straight line into two parts but there would be no gap
between the lines.
Process of using Break at point Command:
• Select break at point command
• Click on the first point
• Click on the second point.
• Ok.

Join (J + Enter):
By this command, one can join the break line or two or multiple lines.

Process of using Join Command:

• Select join command
• Select the first point
• Select the second point
• Right click.
Edit Hatch:
One can modify the hatch by hatch edit command.
Process of using Edit Hatch Command:
• Select Edit Hatch Command
• Click on Hatch whom we want to edit.
• Change the swatch if you want
• Change the angle
• Increase or decrease the scale.
• Ok

Edit Array:
One can edit any type of Array by this Command. We can edit Rectangular Array, Polar
Array and Path Array.

Process of using Edit Array Command:

• Select Edit Array Command
• Click on that Array object which we want to edit
• Click on first component object
• Click on second component object
• Break the Array component.
• Modify the object.
Edit Polyline (PEdit + Enter):
It is used to edit any polylines. By this, we can change any straight line into spline, arc-fit,
curve etc.

Process of using Edit Polyline:

• Select edit polyline command
• Select the polyline to modify
• Edit the polyline by entering these options
• Enter c (close) for creating a closed Polyline.
• Enter J (join) to join polyline.
• Enter W (width) to give a width for polyline
• Enter E (Edit Vertex) for editing a vertex.
• Enter F (Fit) for making an arc-fit polyline.
• Enter S (Spline) to create a spline
• Enter D (Decurve) for removing extra vertices.
• Enter L (Ltype Gen)
• Enter R (Reverse) to reverse the polyline
• Enter U (Undo)
• Enter X (Exit) for end the command option
• Enter.

Edit Spline:
It is used to edit any type of Spline. By this, we can change any spline into polyline.
Process of using Edit Spline:
• Select Edit spline command
• Select the Spline to modify
• Edit the Spline by entering these option
• Enter C (Close) for creating a close Spline
• Enter J (join) to join Spline
• Enter F (Fit data)
• Enter E (Edit vertex)
• Enter convert to polyline
• Enter R (Reverse)
• Enter U (Undo)
• Enter X (Exit) for end the command option
• Enter

Grips
Grips are displayed when you select an object without starting a command. Grips are
often handy for light editing. For example, the line below accidentally snapped to the
wrong endpoint. You can select the misaligned line, click on a grip and then click to
specify the correct location.
By default, when you click a grip, you automatically start in **STRETCH** mode as
indicated in the Command window. If you want to explore other ways of editing objects
with grips, press Enter or the Spacebar to cycle through several other editing modes.
Some people perform most editing operations using grips.

Summary:
The above-mentioned commands will assist you to modify any drawing in
AutoCAD. By applying these commands one can edit any line, move and copy any object,
make a mirror image of objects etc. We can also convert any Modify command into
another command by using some keys.
References:

Cheryl R. Shrock, Steve Heather 2018 - Beginning AutoCAD® 2019 Exercise Workbook
George Omura and Brian C BentonMastering, "AutoCAD® 2018 and AutoCAD LT® 2018",
© 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
George Omura, Brian C. Benton 2017 - Mastering AutoCAD 2018 and AutoCAD LT 2018
Zico Pratama Putra, Ali Akbar 2019 - AutoCAD 2019 From Zero to Hero
AutoCAD and its Applications-Basic/Shumaker & Madsen 27th Edition for Release 2020
Tutorial Guide to AutoCAD 2018
An Introduction to AutoCAD for Beginners
https://thesourcecad.com/autocad-tutorials/
http://www.cadinternational.com/
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/
https://www.educba.com/introduction-to-autocad/?source=leftnav
https://myCADsite.com/
https://www.javatpoint.com/arc-in-autocad/
http://www.cadtraininginstitute.com/essential-modify-panel-commands-in-autocad/