Mirror Command In Autocad 2018

Mirror Command In AutoCAD 2018: Essential Considerations

Whether you're a seasoned AutoCAD professional or just starting out, the Mirror command is an essential tool for creating symmetrical objects and designs. By understanding its capabilities and nuances, you can unlock its full potential and streamline your workflow.

The Mirror command creates a mirrored copy of selected objects about a specified axis. This axis can be a line, a plane, or an arbitrary point. Once mirrored, the new objects are positioned opposite the axis from the originals, maintaining the same distance and orientation.

To invoke the Mirror command, simply type "MI" at the command prompt or select it from the Modify panel in the Ribbon. Here are some critical aspects to consider when using the Mirror command:

1. Axis Selection:

The axis you choose for mirroring determines the orientation of the mirrored objects. A line axis will mirror objects along a straight line, while a plane axis will mirror them across a flat surface. An arbitrary point axis allows you to mirror objects around a specific point.

2. Selection Order:

The order in which you select objects for mirroring matters. The first object you select will be mirrored first, followed by the subsequent objects. This order determines the position and orientation of the mirrored copies.

3. Mirror Options:

The Mirror command offers several options to customize the mirroring process. The "Delete Original" option deletes the original objects after mirroring, while the "Copy" option creates a new set of mirrored objects. The "Erase Source" option removes the original objects without creating mirrored copies.

4. Multiple Objects and Groups:

The Mirror command can mirror multiple objects or groups of objects simultaneously. This capability allows you to create symmetrical patterns and designs efficiently.

5. Dynamic Preview:

AutoCAD 2018 provides a dynamic preview of the mirrored objects as you adjust the axis or selection. This live feedback helps visualize the final result before executing the command.

6. Keyboard Shortcuts:

For quick access, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts for the Mirror command:

MI: Invokes the Mirror command
M: Repeats the last Mirror command
Ctrl+M: Mirrors objects along the X-axis
Ctrl+Y: Mirrors objects along the Y-axis

Conclusion:

By mastering the intricacies of the Mirror command in AutoCAD 2018, you gain an essential tool for creating symmetrical objects and designs. Its versatility, coupled with keyboard shortcuts, enables efficient and precise mirroring operations. Whether you're a novice or an experienced user, understanding the axis selection, selection order, and mirror options will empower you to harness the full potential of this powerful command.