Convert Spline to Polyline Draftsight

Understanding the Spline and Polyline Relationship in Draftsight

Draftsight is a robust software tool frequently used for creating and modifying CAD drawings. Among its many features, it provides the ability to convert splines to polylines, a process that can be useful in various drafting situations. Understanding how to perform this operation efficiently can enhance your design workflow.

What is a Spline?

A spline can be described as a smooth, continuous curve defined by a series of control points. These curves are advantageous for creating complex shapes without the constraints of straight-line segments. They are extensively used in graphic design, engineering, and architectural drawings where fluid shapes are required.

What is a Polyline?

A polyline, on the other hand, consists of connected line segments or arcs that can form open or closed shapes. The key characteristics of a polyline include its capability to have varying widths and the ability to define it as a single object despite comprising multiple segments. Polylines are often utilized for simpler shapes and can provide various properties such as total length and enclosed area.

Steps to Convert a Spline to a Polyline in Draftsight

1. Access the Command Line:
   Begin by navigating to the Draftsight interface. Ensure that you have the spline you wish to convert already drawn on your workspace.

2. Initiate the Polyline Editing Command:
   Type PE into the command line and press Enter. This command is designated for the Polyline Edit function.

3. Select the Spline:
   Click on the spline in your drawing area that you want to convert. Ensure it is highlighted to confirm your selection.

4. Finish the Selection:
   After selecting the spline, press Enter again to confirm your choice. This tells Draftsight that you are ready to proceed with the conversion.

5. Complete the Conversion:
   Upon pressing Enter, the spline will be transformed into a polyline. Observe that it might visually appear similar, but now it possesses the characteristics and properties of a polyline you can manipulate further.

Why Convert Spline to Polyline?

There are several reasons to convert a spline into a polyline:

• Ease of Modification: Polylines offer simpler editing options compared to splines.
• Compatibility: Some software and devices primarily recognize polylines, making them essential for interoperability.
• Feature Utilization: Polylines can be closed, have defined widths, and allow for segment properties, which can be beneficial for specific design requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I convert multiple splines to polylines at once in Draftsight?
Yes, you can convert several splines to polylines in one process by selecting all the desired splines before confirming the conversion.

2. What happens to the original spline after conversion?
The original spline is replaced by the new polyline. If you want to keep the original spline, ensure to create a copy of it before proceeding with the conversion.

3. Is there a way to revert a polyline back to a spline?
Once a spline is converted into a polyline, it cannot be directly reverted back. However, you can redraw the spline if necessary using the appropriate spline command.