AutoCAD 2026 Multiline Command details with 3 examples

Often used for architectural walls, roads, and electrical diagrams, the Multiline (MLINE) tool in AutoCAD enables you to construct many parallel lines simultaneously. The command can produce symmetrical layouts in a single operation and offers greater control than drawing several separate lines.

Key Features of the Multiline Command:

• MLINE style: You can define a specific style for the multiline, which determines the line types, line spacing, and other properties.
• Offset distance: Multiline command allows you to set the distance between the lines, which can be adjusted dynamically.
• Customizable lines: You can create complex layouts by combining various line types and widths.

How to Use the Multiline Command:

1. Activate the Multiline Command:
   • Type MLINE in the command bar and press Enter, or select it from the Draw menu.
   • Alternatively, use the shortcut ML.
2. Choose MLINE Style:
   • A prompt will appear asking you to select an MLINE style (or you can create a custom style using the MLSTYLE command).
3. Specify Starting Point:
   • Click on the desired starting point or type the coordinates.
4. Draw the Multiline:
   • Define the direction and length of the multiline. AutoCAD will automatically draw the parallel lines based on the set distance and style.
5. End the Command:
   • Right-click or press Enter to end the command.

Example 1: Basic Multiline Drawing

• Objective: Draw a simple roadway with two parallel lines. Steps:
  1. Type MLINE and press Enter.
  2. Choose a standard MLINE style (default is “Standard”).
  3. Specify the starting point for the roadway (e.g., (0,0)).
  4. Drag the cursor along the desired direction (e.g., along the X-axis) and click to set the length.
  5. Press Enter to finish.

Example 2: Custom Multiline with Different Line Spacing

• Objective: Draw a set of walls with a wider gap between the two lines. Steps:
  1. Type MLINE and press Enter.
  2. Type MLSTYLE to create a custom style with a 0.5-unit gap between the lines.
  3. Specify the starting point (e.g., (10,10)).
  4. Draw the wall by specifying the direction and length.
  5. Press Enter to finish.

Example 3: Draw Parallel Electrical Lines

• Objective: Draw electrical lines with three parallel lines for a circuit layout. Steps:
  1. Type MLINE and press Enter.
  2. Type MLSTYLE and create a style with three lines spaced at 0.3 units apart.
  3. Specify the starting point for the layout (e.g., (20,20)).
  4. Drag the cursor to the right to create the electrical lines.
  5. Press Enter to finish.

Additional Options with the Multiline Command:

Modify the MLINE Style: After drawing, you can change the style by adjusting properties such line types and offsets with the MLSTYLE command.

Editing Multilines: To edit multilines, select them and move or extend them with grips.

In architectural and civil design, this command is particularly helpful for building constructions with parallel elements, such as walls, roadways, and other things. ce lines or lines that are extended for projection and intersection.