Converting & Exploding Entity Types. Autodesk AUTOSKETCH 8

Converting &

Exploding Entity Types

Each entity type in AutoSketch has unique properties and editing procedures. Because of this, it is often advantageous to use one type of entity rather than another for a particular purpose. Converting an entity or group of entities from one type to another allows you to gain the features of the new entity type, usually without noticeably altering the look of the drawing.

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In this chapter

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Converting polylines and polygons

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Converting TrueType fonts

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Creating groups

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Exploding entities

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Assume you want to fill a circle with a solid color. While you cannot fill a circle, you can convert the circle to a polygon. The new entity still looks like a circle, but because it has the properties of a polygon, you can now fill it with a solid color. AutoSketch can make many other conversions:

Entity conversion: Convert

Entity arc

Convert to open curve, polyline, or elliptical arc circle polyline polygon closed curve, polygon, or ellipse curve or polygon curve or polyline curve line(s) polyline or polygon polyline (by joining to other entities)

TrueType text polygons

NOTE A minimum number of vertices may be required for conversion.

Explode converts an entity, such as a dimension, marker, symbol or polyline to its component entities. For instance, in an exploded door symbol you could select the individual lines and arcs that make up the door. This is particularly useful when you need to create symbols using existing symbols as a basis.

Entity conversion: Explode

Entity polyline

Explode to lines or arcs polygon markers lines or arcs or multiple polygons symbols dimensions symbols base entities base entities

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Chapter 25 Converting & Exploding Entity Types