Autocad - How to Draw a Line at an Angle - Guide, Tutorial

Publication date: 20-02-2025  |  Update date: 20-02-2025  | Author: Adrian Szerszeń

Line is a basic object in AutoCad, used to build most of the drawings. Depending on our needs, we can draw lines horizontally or vertically, as well as at a specified angle.

Drawing horizontal and vertical lines is enabled by the ortho mode, which can be activated using the keyboard shortcut F8 or by clicking on the corresponding icon on the drawing mode toolbar.

Autocad - Angle Bracket

When we need to draw lines at an angle, we have several options available. The first one is to use the angle bracket. After selecting the first point of the line, enter the value of the angle of interest, preceded by the left angle bracket. So, if I wanted to draw a line at an angle of 27°, I would enter the expression <27, then after pressing Enter or space, our movement will be limited only to the angle we provided.

Autocad - Dynamic Input Mode

Another method is to use the dynamic input mode, which can be activated using the keyboard shortcut F12 or by clicking on the corresponding icon on the work mode toolbar. This mode allows us to switch during drawing from the length value of the line to the angle value at which it will be drawn. To switch to the angle value, after activating the line drawing function and specifying the first point or continuing it, press the TAB key, then we will move to the angle value input box. After entering the value of interest, we can also switch to the line length value input box if we have not done so earlier.

Autocad - Polar Tracking Mode

Drawing at an angle is also possible using the polar tracking mode, which can be activated using the keyboard shortcut F10 or by clicking on the corresponding icon on the drawing mode toolbar. This mode allows us to draw in chosen angle increments based on the angle increment we have set. So, if we set an increment of 30°, during drawing angles divisible by this value will be prompted, such as 30, 60, 90, and so on.

If we often use an angle that is not displayed on the selection list, we can add such an angle. To do this, go to the polar tracking mode settings by right-clicking on the corresponding icon. Then, by clicking on the "Tracking Settings" option, a window will appear where we need to find the "new" field. Clicking on the label will allow us to enter the angle of interest. For the angle we entered to work, the "additional angles" box must be checked. However, it will not work as an increment. So, if we add, for example, an angle of 17°, angles divisible by this value will not appear additionally.

In the polar tracking mode, we also have the option to draw at an angle relative to some object. To use this option, go to the mode settings and in the "Polar Angle Measurement" position, check the "Relative to last segment" box. In this case, when we draw a line segment at some angle and continue drawing, relative angles will be displayed, relative to the previous positioning of the line instead of the main coordinate axes.

A good example of using this option is drawing a line perpendicular to the side of a triangle. Starting drawing from any point on a particular side, if we position the cursor correctly, the relative angle of 90° will appear. This means that the line will be perpendicular to the side of the triangle from which we started drawing.

It's important to note that all the options mentioned here for using angles are available for a wide variety of functions, not just for drawing lines. For example, we can move and copy objects at a specified angle, or set the angle of reflection axis inclination for the "Mirror" function, using the methods indicated here.

We hope that after familiarizing yourself with this guide, drawing lines at a specific angle will no longer be problematic for you :). If you have any suggestions for the next articles, be sure to let us know in the comments below.

Greetings! :)