How to Bevel in AutoCAD?

In AutoCAD, creating a bevel – an angled or sloped edge – is precisely achieved using the CHAMFER command. This command allows you to add a straight, angled cut at the intersection of two lines or at the vertices of a polyline, providing a clean, professional finish to your designs.

Understanding the CHAMFER Command

The CHAMFER command is a fundamental tool for modifying corners in 2D drawings. Instead of a sharp, 90-degree corner, a chamfer creates an angled transition. You can define this angle based on specific distances from the corner along each line or by a distance and an angle.

Step-by-Step Guide to Beveling (Chamfering) in AutoCAD

You can apply a bevel in several ways, depending on whether you're working with individual lines, polylines, or multiple objects.

Chamfering Two Lines or Polyline Segments

This is the most common method for applying a bevel between two distinct lines or segments of a polyline.

Access the CHAMFER Command:
- Command Line: Type CHAMFER or its alias CHA and press Enter.
- Ribbon: Navigate to the Home tab, then the Modify panel, and click the drop-down arrow next to Fillet. Select Chamfer.
Set Chamfer Distances or Angle: AutoCAD will prompt you to specify how the chamfer should be defined.
- By Distance (D): This is the most frequently used method.
  - Type D and press Enter.
  - Enter the first chamfer distance (how far from the corner the chamfer starts on the first selected line) and press Enter.
  - Enter the second chamfer distance (how far from the corner the chamfer starts on the second selected line) and press Enter. These can be the same or different.
- By Angle (A): This method defines the chamfer using one distance and an angle.
  - Type A and press Enter.
  - Enter the chamfer length (distance from the corner along the first line) and press Enter.
  - Enter the chamfer angle (the angle of the chamfer line relative to the first line) and press Enter.
Select Objects:
- Select the first line.
- Select the second line.
- Practical Insight: The chamfer will be created between the selected ends of the lines. Ensure the lines intersect or would intersect if extended. The original lines will typically be trimmed back to the new chamfer line.

Chamfering an Entire Polyline (All Vertices)

A chamfer or bevel can be inserted at a single vertex or all the vertices of a 2D polyline using a single command. If you need to apply the same chamfer to every corner of a 2D polyline, this option saves a lot of time.

Start the CHAMFER Command: Type CHAMFER (or CHA) and press Enter.
Set Chamfer Distances or Angle: Define your desired chamfer distances (D) or angle (A) as described in the previous section.
Use the Polyline Option: Type P for Polyline and press Enter.
Select the 2D Polyline: Click on the polyline you wish to modify.
- A chamfer will be automatically applied to each vertex of the polyline where two segments meet, based on your set distances or angle.

Chamfering Multiple Objects Without Exiting (Multiple Option)

If you have several pairs of lines that need chamfering with the same settings, you don't have to restart the command each time.

Start the CHAMFER Command: Type CHAMFER (or CHA) and press Enter.
Set Chamfer Distances or Angle: Define your desired chamfer distances (D) or angle (A).
Use the Multiple Option: Type M for Multiple and press Enter.
Select Pairs of Objects: You can now select the first line and then the second line for one chamfer, and the command will remain active, allowing you to select another first line and second line, and so on.
- Continue selecting pairs of objects until all desired chamfers are created.
- Press Enter or Esc to exit the command once finished.

Useful CHAMFER Options

The CHAMFER command offers several sub-options to control the outcome of your bevels:

Option	Description
`Distance`	Specifies two chamfer distances from the intersection point along each line. This is ideal for asymmetrical bevels.
`Angle`	Defines the chamfer using a length from an endpoint on the first line and an angle relative to that line. Useful for precise angular cuts.
`Trim`	Controls whether the original line segments are trimmed back to the chamfer line (`Trim` mode) or remain extended (`No Trim` mode). Default is `Trim`.
`Method`	Switches between `Distance` and `Angle` input methods without restarting the command.
`Polyline`	Applies a chamfer to all vertices of a selected 2D polyline. This is very efficient for objects like rectangles or polygons.
`Multiple`	Allows you to chamfer multiple pairs of objects sequentially without having to re-enter the CHAMFER command after each operation.
`Undo`	Reverses the last chamfer operation.

Practical Tips for Effective Beveling

Verify Settings: Always check the current chamfer distances or angle displayed in the command line before applying, especially if you're using Multiple or Polyline options.
Preview: AutoCAD often provides a dynamic preview of the chamfer as you hover over the second object, helping you visualize the result before clicking.
Order of Selection: The order in which you select lines can matter for the Angle method, as the angle is measured relative to the first selected line.
Join Before Polyline: If you have individual lines that form a closed shape, consider using the JOIN command to convert them into a single 2D polyline before using the Polyline option for chamfering.
Trim Mode: Be mindful of the Trim setting. If you want the original lines to extend beyond the chamfer, set Trim to No Trim.
Zero Chamfer: Setting both chamfer distances to 0 acts like the FILLET command with a radius of 0, effectively cleaning up intersecting lines without creating a chamfer.

Common Applications

The CHAMFER command is widely used in various design disciplines:

Architectural Drawings: Adding detail to window frames, door trims, or furniture.
Mechanical Engineering: Creating functional chamfers on parts to facilitate assembly, reduce sharp edges, or for aesthetic purposes.
Product Design: Giving objects a refined look by breaking sharp edges.
2D Layouts: Preparing objects for 3D modeling where chamfered edges might be extruded.

Mastering the CHAMFER command is crucial for precise and efficient 2D drafting in AutoCAD, allowing you to create professional and detailed drawings.