AutoCAD BREAK Command: How to Break and Split Objects

Removes the part of an object between two points, or splits it at one point.

Command

BREAK

Aliases

BR

English name

Break

The AutoCAD BREAK command removes the portion of a line, arc, circle, polyline or similar object between two points, creating a gap. Start it with BREAK or the alias BR. Typical uses are opening a door gap in a wall line or cutting a line to make room for text.

By default, the point where you select the object becomes the first break point. Use the First point option to specify a more precise first point. If you enter @ for the second point, both points are the same and the object is split in two without a gap.

How to use it

1. Type BREAK or BR and press Enter.
2. Select the object to break.
3. To pick the first point separately, type F and click the point.
4. Pick the second break point; the part between the points is removed.

Options

Second break point

The end of the part to remove. If you pick a point off the object, AutoCAD uses the nearest point on it.

First point

Lets you specify the first break point instead of using the point where you selected the object.

@ (same point)

Entering @ for the second point splits the object at the first point without leaving a gap.

Notes and tips

• On circles, AutoCAD removes the part going counterclockwise from the first point to the second, so point order matters.
• A full circle cannot be split at a single point; pick two different points.
• Use JOIN to put broken pieces back together.