AutoCAD LINE command
Draws straight segments between picked points. Each segment is a separate object, unlike PLINE which keeps them joined.
Syntax
LINE → specify first point → specify next point → Enter (or C to close)Step by step
- Type L and press Enter.
- Pick the start point, or type coordinates such as 0,0.
- Pick the next point, or type a relative coordinate like @1200,0.
- Keep picking points to chain segments.
- Press Enter to finish, or type C to close back to the start point.
A 1200 x 900 rectangle with LINE
L → 0,0 → @1200,0 → @0,900 → @-1200,0 → C. The C option closes the last edge exactly on the start point, which avoids the hairline gap that breaks hatching later.
Common mistakes
- Using LINE where a polyline is needed — hatch boundaries, offsets and area queries all behave better on a single PLINE.
- Leaving ortho and polar tracking off, then eyeballing horizontal runs that are 0.2 degrees out.
- Typing absolute coordinates when relative ones were intended: 1200,0 is a point near the origin, @1200,0 is a 1200 unit move.
- Closing a shape by snapping near the start point instead of typing C, which leaves an open boundary.
Questions
What is the shortcut for the LINE command in AutoCAD?
L. Type L, press Enter or Space, then pick your points. The alias is defined in the acad.pgp file and is the same in every recent AutoCAD release, including AutoCAD LT.
Why can't I hatch inside lines I just drew?
Individual LINE segments must form a fully closed boundary with no gaps and no overshoots. Either close the shape with the C option, or redraw it as a polyline. HATCH's gap tolerance can bridge small gaps but hides the underlying error.
How do I draw a line at a specific angle and length?
Use polar entry: after picking the start point type @2500<30 for a 2500 unit segment at 30 degrees measured counter-clockwise from east.