The ability to copy and paste objects is functionality that any quality software product has. But did you know you can copy and paste properties from one object to another? Properties can include general object properties such as layer, color, linetype, linetype scale, and lineweight. They can also include properties specific to an object type such as dimension style or hatch pattern.
Properties of an object control what the object looks like and even how it plots. You can spend a lot of time updating properties of objects getting them just right. Copying properties from one object to other objects can save time.
Before trying the examples, let's make sure command preview is on. This way you can preview the results when hovering over an object before you copy properties.
Let's start with a simple example, using MATCHPROP to copy properties from one line to other lines. The first object selected is the source object, which means that its properties are copied to all destination objects.
You can also enter MATCHPROP at the Command prompt.
You are prompted to select the source object.
You are prompted to select destination objects. You also have an option for Settings but hold off on that for now.
The cursor looks like a paint brush.
The properties from the source object are copied to the destination object and you remain in the command allowing you to continue selecting objects.
Remember the settings option mentioned earlier in this article? For this example, I'll copy properties from a line to a variety of other objects and use the settings option to limit the properties copied.
Some things to note about the property settings:
Notice that layer and color were not copied to the destination objects.
Sometimes you might want to copy properties from an object in one drawing to objects in another drawing. In this example, I'm going to copy properties from a dimension object to a dimension object in another drawing. For this example, we'll need to do some setup and look at the MATCHPROP Special Properties settings.
For more about templates, see Have You Tried: Working with Templates.
Now you are ready to see how MATCHPROP can be used across drawings.
Special properties apply properties that are specific to the source object type. For dimension objects that includes the dimension style and more.
The cursor is still the paint brush.
The dimension is updated as expected. But even better, if the dimension style doesn't exist it is created in the drawing! Double-check this by using the DIMSTYLE command. Find
When using MATCHPROP across drawings, any styles or definitions that are needed are created in the drawing. These can include:
You can use the MATCHPROP command to copy properties from one mtext object to another. If Text is selected on the Special Properties, MATCHPROP copies the text style, rotation, justification, and more. However, sometimes you might want to copy properties within an mtext object.
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In this example, I want to copy the properties from the word "expertise" to "innovators" and "pressing".
You can click a word to quickly select it.
When you use MATCHPROP to copy properties from one hatch object to another, the hatch origin coordinates are also copied. To avoid copying the origin, use the following steps.
The Hatch Editor contextual ribbon displays.
This is considered the source object. The properties are copied to the hatch being edited.
Have You Tried: Command Preview. Preview and evaluate the potential changes of many editing commands.
Have You Tried: Accessing Data from the Clipboard. Use the clipboard to copy text and tables from applications outside of AutoCAD, and geometry within AutoCAD.
Have You Tried: MText Basics and Beyond. Go beyond the basics of creating a multiline text object (MText), and explore more options.Have You Tried: Working with Templates. Using a drawing template with predefined drawing settings is an efficient way to start a new drawing.
Here are some frequently used commands and system variables related to matching object properties.
Command | Description |
---|---|
LAYMCH | Changes the layer of a selected object to match the destination layer. |
MATCHPROP | Applies the properties of a selected object to other objects. |
PROPERTIES | Controls properties of existing objects. |
System Variable | Description | Default Value | Saved In |
---|---|---|---|
COMMANDPREVIEW | Controls whether a preview of the possible outcome of certain commands is displayed. | 1 | Registry |