How To Make Mirror In Autocad Without Mirroring Text

How to Make a Mirror Image in AutoCAD Without Mirroring Text

Creating mirrored objects in AutoCAD is a common task, often used for symmetrical designs or replicating existing elements. While the standard mirror command flips text along with other objects, there are instances where mirroring the geometry while preserving the original text orientation is necessary. This article details methods to achieve this.

Using the COPYBASE Command

The `COPYBASE` command offers a powerful way to create mirrored copies while retaining the original object properties, including text orientation. This method is particularly useful for complex objects with multiple text elements.

Select the objects to be mirrored.
Type `COPYBASE` in the command line and press Enter.
Specify a base point on the objects. This serves as the reference for the copying operation.
Specify a second point, representing the mirrored location of the base point. This effectively defines the mirroring axis.

Mirroring with Block Creation

Creating a block of the object before mirroring is another effective technique. This method isolates the text from the mirroring operation, ensuring it remains unchanged in the mirrored copy.

Select the object to be mirrored.
Type `BLOCK` (or `B`) in the command line and press Enter.
In the Block Definition dialog box, provide a name for the block.
Select the objects to include in the block and specify a base point.
Click OK to create the block.
Insert the newly created block into the drawing.
Select the inserted block.
Type `MIRROR` in the command line and press Enter.
Specify the first and second points of the mirroring axis.
Press Enter to complete the mirroring process.

Exploding the Mirrored Block (Optional)

After mirroring a block, the resulting object remains a block reference. If modifications are needed, exploding the block converts it back into individual editable objects.

Select the mirrored block.
Type `X` (for explode) in the command line and press Enter.

Employing the COPY and ROTATE Commands

For simpler objects, using the `COPY` and `ROTATE` commands can provide a viable alternative to mirroring.

Select the object to be mirrored.
Type `COPY` (or `CP`) in the command line and press Enter.
Specify a base point and a second point to create a copy of the object.
Select the copied object.
Type `ROTATE` (or `RO`) in the command line and press Enter.
Specify a base point for rotation.
Enter `180` as the rotation angle to create the mirrored effect.

Utilizing the REFLECT Command

The `REFLECT` command in AutoCAD creates a reflected copy of selected objects across a specified reflection line. However, this command typically also reflects text. To avoid this, text elements must be manipulated separately.

Select the objects, excluding the text, to be mirrored.
Type `REFLECT` in the command line and press Enter.
Specify the first and second points defining the reflection line.
Choose "No" when prompted to erase the source objects.
Manually reposition or redraw the text in the correct orientation on the reflected copy.

Using Multiple Viewports

Using multiple viewports can provide a visual guide for creating the mirrored effect without directly using the mirror command. This approach allows for precise alignment and control, particularly beneficial for complex drawings.

Create a new viewport adjacent to the existing one.
In the new viewport, set the view to a mirrored version of the original viewport.
Using the new viewport as a reference, redraw the desired objects in the original viewport, ensuring text orientation is preserved.

Mirroring with the ARRAY Command (for repetitive elements)

When mirroring repetitive elements, the `ARRAY` command can be combined with rotation to create a mirrored array.

Select the objects to be mirrored.
Type `ARRAY` in the command line and press Enter.
Choose the "Rectangular" array option.
Specify the number of rows and columns (1 row and 2 columns for a simple mirror).
Specify the row and column distances.
Select the "Angle of array" option, and rotate the array by 180 degrees around a suitable base point.

Choosing the appropriate method depends on the complexity of the objects and the specific requirements of the drawing. Understanding these different techniques offers flexibility and control in achieving accurate mirrored images in AutoCAD while maintaining the original text orientation.