Polygon Command in AutoCAD
The Polygon command in AutoCAD is used to create regular polygons with a specified number of sides. A polygon is a closed shape that has straight sides and is defined by the number of sides (or vertices) it has. The Polygon command can create polygons with any number of sides, and you can define them by specifying the center point, radius, or inscribed or circumscribed circles.
How to Use the Polygon Command
Follow these steps to create a polygon using the Polygon command:
Step 1: Activate the Polygon Command
To start the Polygon command, you can:
- Type POLYGON in the command line and press Enter.
- Click the Polygon icon from the Draw panel or ribbon (if available).
Step 2: Specify the Number of Sides
After activating the Polygon command, AutoCAD will prompt you to specify the number of sides for the polygon. You can:
- Enter the number of sides (e.g., 6 for a hexagon) and press Enter.
Step 3: Choose the Polygon's Inscribed or Circumscribed Circle
Once you have specified the number of sides, AutoCAD will ask you to choose whether you want the polygon to be:
- Inscribed in a circle: The polygon's vertices will touch the circle's edge.
- Circumscribed about a circle: The polygon's sides will touch the circle's edge.
You can type I for inscribed or C for circumscribed and press Enter.
Step 4: Specify the Center Point
After choosing the type of circle (inscribed or circumscribed), AutoCAD will prompt you to specify the center point of the polygon. You can:
- Click anywhere in the drawing area to set the center point.
- Enter the coordinates of the center point in the command line (e.g., 10,10).
Step 5: Define the Radius
After specifying the center point, AutoCAD will prompt you to define the radius of the circle that the polygon will be inscribed in or circumscribed about. You can:
- Click to define the radius by dragging the mouse.
- Enter the radius value in the command line (e.g., 5) and press Enter.
Step 6: Complete the Polygon
Once the polygon is drawn, you can press Enter or Esc to complete the command and exit.
Applications of the Polygon Command
The Polygon command is widely used in various design fields for the following applications:
- Creating geometric shapes for mechanical and engineering designs.
- Drawing objects with multiple sides, such as gears, wheels, and architectural components.
- Designing patterns, tiles, and other decorative elements in various design fields.
Conclusion
The Polygon command in AutoCAD is a powerful tool for creating regular polygons with precision. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily create polygons with any number of sides, making it an essential tool for many design tasks in AutoCAD.