How to Use the Multiline Command in CAD Software

The multiline command, which has been available since AutoCAD 13, allows the drawing of multiple parallel lines with a single command. Not only does this feature allow you to create simultaneous, perfectly parallel lines, but these lines are treated as one entity, allowing for easy editing.

Things You'll Need

• AutoCAD 13 or later

Instructions

1. Make sure you have a version of AutoCAD that supports the multiline command. Open a new CAD project.

2. Enter the MLSTYLE command, which will allow you to edit the multiline style guidelines. Click the "New..." button to create a new style guide.

3. From this window, select the color and cap types. The cap type will determine how intersecting lines will be handled.

4. Under the "Elements" heading, change the offsets. This will determine by how much each line will be separated and how many lines there will be. For example, two lines with an offset of 1.5 and -1.5 will start 1.5 units above and below an invisible central line, respectively. They will be three units apart.

5. Give your new line style a description and save it. You may now use the MLINE command to draw your multiline. Once all the settings are in place, drawing multilines is handled in the same manner as normal lines.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many different color and capping options available; you might not be sure exactly which would best suit your project. Don't be afraid to experiment with them. Multilines are especially suited to creating walls, roads or other parallel areas.