AutoCAD 2026 Ray Command details with 3 examples

In AutoCAD, the RAY command generates a line from a given point that extends indefinitely in a single direction. Rays, in contrast to ordinary lines, have a single terminus and continue in the specified direction indefinitely.

How to Use the RAY Command:

1. Activate the Command:
   • Type RAY in the command line and press Enter.
   • Or, click the Ray tool from the Draw panel in the Home tab.
2. Specify the Start Point:
   • Click anywhere in your drawing area, or input the exact coordinates (e.g., 10,10).
3. Define the Direction:
   • After defining the start point, click to specify a point in the direction you want the ray to extend. The ray will start at the given point and extend infinitely in that direction.

Example 1: Creating a Ray from a Specific Point at a Given Angle

1. Start the RAY command.
2. At the “Specify start point” prompt, click a point (e.g., 10,10).
3. At the “Specify direction point” prompt, type coordinates such as 20,20 or click a point along that direction to define the ray.

Example 2: Using Object Snaps to Define the Ray’s Direction

1. Start the RAY command.
2. At the “Specify start point” prompt, click a point (e.g., 5,5).
3. At the “Specify direction point” prompt, use object snaps (e.g., endpoint or midpoint) to snap to an existing object. Click on the snap point to define the direction.

Example 3: Creating Multiple Rays from a Single Point

1. Start the RAY command.
2. At the “Specify start point” prompt, click a point (e.g., 0,0).
3. For each ray:
   • Click to specify a direction point (e.g., 10,0 for the first ray).
   • Repeat for each additional ray, specifying different direction points (e.g., 0,10 for the second ray, etc.).

This tool is commonly used in geometric and architectural drawings for creating reference lines or extending lines for intersection and projection purposes.