How To Mirror Autocad - Mirror Ideas

How to Mirror Objects in AutoCAD

Mirroring in AutoCAD creates a reversed copy of selected objects across a specified mirror line. This powerful tool is useful for creating symmetrical designs, reflecting existing geometry, or quickly generating opposite-hand versions of parts. This article explains the various methods and options available for mirroring in AutoCAD.

Accessing the Mirror Command

The Mirror command can be accessed in several ways:

Typing "MIRROR" or "MI" in the command line.
Selecting the "Mirror" icon from the "Modify" panel on the Home tab of the ribbon.
Navigating to the "Modify" menu in the menu bar and selecting "Mirror."

Regardless of the chosen method, activating the command initiates the mirroring process.

Defining the Mirror Line

After invoking the Mirror command, AutoCAD prompts the user to select the objects to mirror. Once the objects are selected, the next step is to define the mirror line. This line acts as the axis of reflection.

The mirror line can be defined by specifying two points. These points can be existing geometry points, grid intersections, or manually entered coordinates. The orientation of the mirror line dictates how the mirrored objects are positioned.

Deleting Source Objects

After defining the mirror line, AutoCAD prompts the user regarding the source objects. Users are presented with the option to "Erase source objects?"

Selecting "Yes" deletes the original objects, leaving only the mirrored copies. Selecting "No" retains both the original objects and the mirrored copies. This provides flexibility depending on the desired outcome.

Mirroring About Non-Orthogonal Lines

While mirroring about horizontal or vertical lines is straightforward, AutoCAD also allows mirroring about any arbitrary line. This enables more complex symmetrical designs and reflections.

The process remains the same: select the objects, define the two points for the non-orthogonal mirror line, and then choose whether to erase the source objects.

Using Object Snap for Precise Mirroring

Utilizing Object Snap enhances precision during the mirroring process. Object Snap allows users to specify points on existing geometry with accuracy, such as endpoints, midpoints, intersections, and centers of circles.

By activating the appropriate Object Snap modes before defining the mirror line, users can ensure that the mirror line aligns precisely with desired points on existing objects, resulting in accurate and predictable mirroring.

Mirroring in 3D

The Mirror command is not limited to 2D. It can also be used to mirror 3D objects about a plane.

In 3D mirroring, the user defines the mirror plane by specifying three points. These points define a plane about which the selected 3D objects are mirrored.

Mirroring with Dynamic Input

Dynamic Input provides real-time feedback and input options directly within the drawing area. When mirroring with Dynamic Input enabled, the coordinates of the points defining the mirror line are displayed as the cursor moves.

This can streamline the process, particularly when precise coordinate input is required.

Mirroring and Blocks

Mirroring is often used with blocks to create symmetrical arrangements. For example, if a block represents a chair, mirroring the block can quickly create a mirrored version of the chair.

This is especially useful in architectural and interior design applications.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, unexpected results can occur when mirroring objects. For instance, text and dimensions may not appear mirrored as expected. This is because their properties are generally designed to maintain readability.

To correctly mirror text and dimensions, consider exploding them into their component parts before mirroring. Alternatively, create a mirrored copy of the text or dimension and manually adjust its position and properties.