The flexible CHANGE command

The CHANGE command changes the endpoint of a line and the radius of a circle. The CHANGE command works differently, depending on whether you select lines or circles, so it’s best not to choose lines and circles at the same time.

Note: You can use the CHANGE command to change text , the text and text properties of block attributes (not yet contained in a block), as well as the location and rotation of blocks. Of course, it’s easier to use the text-related commands. The Properties option of this command can change many object properties, but it’s generally easier to use the Properties palette. However, these features of the CHANGE command are useful when writing scripts or AutoLISP code.

Change lines

If you select one line, the CHANGE command changes the endpoint closest to where you picked the line. At the prompt for a change point, specify where you want that endpoint to be. You can use an object snap to specify the change point. If Ortho Mode is on, the line becomes orthogonal, bringing the endpoint of the line as close as possible to the change point that you specify. OK, it’s easier to do this with grip editing.

However, if you select more than one line, CHANGE works differently, moving the nearest endpoints of all the lines to the change point so that all the lines meet at one point.

See it in action!

Change circles

Changing the radius of a circle is the same as scaling it. When you select a circle, the command prompts you for a change point. AutoCAD resizes the circle so that it passes through the new point. You can also press Enter. You then get a prompt to enter a new radius. OK, so it’s easier to just grip-edit it.

But, if you select more than one circle, the command moves from circle to circle, letting you specify a new radius for each, one at a time. You can tell which circle is current because of its drag image, which lets you drag the size of the circle. You can type the radius of each circle.

If you want to make several circles the same size, select the circles and enter the desired radius in the Radius box of the Properties palette.

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Ellen Finkelstein

Ellen Finkelstein is the author of the best-selling AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT Bible, which started with R14. Ellen has written extensively on AutoCAD, including articles for Autodesk’s website and features for AutoCAD’s Help system. Ellen’s first book was AutoCAD For Dummies Quick Reference.

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