This guide offers an in-depth tutorial on using the Edge option of the Polygon tool in AutoCAD, an important skill for careers in areas like architecture and design. Learn how to define the shape of a polygon by establishing the length and angle of one edge, and how to ensure the sides of the polygon match the length of a pre-existing wall.
Key Insights
- The Edge option of the Polygon tool in AutoCAD allows creating a polygon by entering the distance of the edges, rather than basing the polygon on a circle.
- Defining the shape of a polygon can be achieved by establishing the length and angle of one edge.
- Dimensions of an edge can be entered manually or defined by clicking two points in the design.
- The tutorial provides specific steps to add a large polygonal room to an event space, matching the polygon's sides to the length of a pre-existing wall.
- It is crucial to remember that all angles in AutoCAD are measured counter-clockwise, affecting the direction of polygon creation when using the Edge option.
- Concrete examples and images are provided for each step to facilitate learning and execution of the task.
This exercise is excerpted from Noble Desktop’s past AutoCAD training materials and is compatible with Photoshop updates through 2020. To learn current skills in AutoCAD, check out AutoCAD Bootcamp and AutoCAD classes in NYC and live online.
Plot Setup Workflow
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Switch to Layout Tab
Move from model space to paper space for output configuration.
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Insert Title Block
Use a block-based title block referenced from your template.
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Configure Viewports
Set scale per viewport — 1/4" = 1'-0" or other standards.
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Plot or Export
PDF or printer with the correct page setup and plot style.
Topics Covered in This AutoCAD Tutorial:
The Polygon Tool’s Edge Method
Exercise Preview
Exercise Overview
In this exercise, you will use the Edge option or the Polygon tool to make a polygon by entering the distance of the edges instead of basing the polygon on a circle. You will do this to add a large polygonal ball room to this event space. Because all sides and angles of a polygon are equal, you can define the whole shape by establishing the length and angle of one edge. You can type in the dimension of an edge or click two points. In this exercise you will click on two end points of a preexisting wall so that the length of the sides of the polygon will match the length of the wall.
Matching the Length of the Polygon & Wall
Open the file Polygon-Event Hall.dwg.
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Start the Polygon Command
(POL). For number of sides, enter 10. In the Command Line, it will say to specify the center or use the Edge option. Press E Enter to choose the Edge method.
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Click on the endpoint at the upper-left corner of the rectangular section at the back of the building to establish the first point of the edge. Pull right along the X-axis and click on the endpoint at the upper-right corner of the rectangle to set the bottom edge of the Polygon which will define the whole shape. Remember that all angles in AutoCAD are measured counter-clockwise, so Polygons will be created in that direction when you use the Edge option. If you had started on the upper-right corner and pulled left to make the edge, the polygon would have gone counter-clockwise downward and overlapped the rest of the building.
Save and close the file.
