You can easily insert a break line symbol in AutoCAD using the built-in Express Tools, which provide a dedicated command for this purpose. This method offers a quick and customizable way to represent breaks in your drawings.
Break lines are essential graphical annotations used in technical drawings to indicate that an object has been cut, shortened, or partially omitted to save space or to highlight a specific detail without drawing the entire length. They help convey that the omitted portion would otherwise continue uniformly or be irrelevant to the current view.
1. Using AutoCAD Express Tools (Recommended Method)
The most common and efficient way to insert a break line symbol is through AutoCAD's Express Tools. These tools offer enhanced productivity features and include a specific command for generating break lines.
Follow these steps to insert a break line:
- Ensure Express Tools are Loaded: Express Tools are typically installed with AutoCAD. If you don't see the "Express Tools" tab, you might need to install or enable them via the AutoCAD installer or by loading the
acetmain.cuixCUIX file. - Navigate to the Express Tools Tab: Go to the Express Tools tab on the AutoCAD ribbon, located at the top of your interface.
- Locate the Break Line Command: Within the Express Tools tab, look for the Draw panel or the Annotation panel. Click the Break-line Symbol button, or type
BREAKLINEin the command line and press Enter. - Define the Break Line:
- Specify First Point: Click on the drawing area to define the start point of your break line.
- Specify Second Point: Click again to define the end point of your break line.
- Specify Location for Break Symbol: Finally, click a third time to place the zigzag break symbol along the line you just defined. AutoCAD will automatically adjust the line to include the symbol.
Customizing Break Line Properties
Before specifying the points for your break line, you can adjust its properties directly from the command line options. After activating the BREAKLINE command, observe the command line for options like Size, Extension, and Block.
Size(S): This option controls the overall length of the break symbol (the zigzag part). Enter a numerical value to set the size. A larger value creates a more prominent symbol.Extension(E): This defines how far the line extends beyond the break symbol on both sides. Enter a numerical value for the extension length.Block(B): If you have custom break line blocks defined, you can use this option to select a different block to represent the break symbol.
Example of Property Adjustment:
| Property | Description | Command Line Option |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Adjusts the length of the zigzag symbol in drawing units. | S |
| Extension | Controls the length the line extends beyond the break symbol. | E |
| Block | Allows selection of a different custom break line block if available. | B |
2. Alternative Methods for Inserting Break Lines
While Express Tools offer the most straightforward method, there are other approaches for specific needs:
-
Creating a Custom Break Line Block: For drawings requiring a unique break line style not provided by the Express Tools, you can create your own.
- Draw the desired break line symbol using standard AutoCAD commands (e.g., lines, polylines, arcs).
- Use the
BLOCKcommand (orB) to define this geometry as a reusable block. - You can then insert this custom block into your drawings using the
INSERTcommand (orI).
This method provides ultimate control over appearance but is more time-consuming.
-
Using Standard AutoCAD Blocks: Many organizations and users maintain libraries of standard drawing symbols, including various break line blocks. If such a library is available, you can simply insert these pre-defined blocks using the
INSERTcommand.
3. Best Practices for Using Break Lines
To ensure clarity and professionalism in your AutoCAD drawings, consider these best practices:
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent break line style (size, extension, symbol) throughout your entire drawing set.
- Layer Management: Place break lines on a dedicated annotation or dimension layer to easily control their visibility and plotting properties.
- Scale Considerations: Ensure that your break line symbols are appropriately scaled relative to your drawing's overall scale. For drawings with multiple viewports at different scales, consider using Annotative Blocks for your break lines to automatically adjust their size.
- Clarity: Position break lines strategically to clearly indicate the omitted section without obscuring other important drawing elements.
- Plotting: Always preview your drawing before plotting to confirm that the break lines appear as intended and are legible.
The Express Tools BREAKLINE command is a powerful feature for efficiently adding break line symbols. By understanding its options and following best practices, you can enhance the readability and professionalism of your AutoCAD designs. For more information on Express Tools and other AutoCAD features, refer to the Autodesk Knowledge Network.
