Simplifying Polygons and Polylines

Command

Path

Simplify Polys

Modify > Drafting Aids

The Simplify Polys command simplifies one or more 2D polygons, 3D polygons, and polylines by reducing the number of corner vertices. This operation can reduce the file size and shorten processing time while having a minimal effect on the shape of the polygons/polylines themselves. There are two methods for simplifying polygons/polylines: by the maximum deviation or by the minimum distance.

To simplify a polygon or polyline:

Select the polygon and/or polyline to simplify.

Select the command.

The Simplify Polys dialog box opens.

Click to show/hide the parameters.

Set the parameters to simplify the polygon/polyline.

The Simplify Polys command does not remove start and end vertices, and does not remove non-corner vertices unless multiple vertices exist at the same location. If you select the No Smoothing command first, Simplify Polys will then work on an object with these vertices.

The command works for stand-alone polygons/polylines. To simplify polygons/polylines located inside objects such as groups and symbol definitions, you must enter the object and simplify the polygon or polyline while in object editing mode (see Object Editing Mode).

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Parameter	Description
Simplify by
Maximum Deviation	Select to remove the corner vertices within a specified maximum tolerable deviation between the original and the simplified polygon/polyline
Deviation	Specify the maximum deviation value. A deviation value of zero removes all collinear vertices.
Minimum Distance	Select to remove corner vertices located equal to or less than a specified minimum distance from adjacent vertices
Distance	Specify the minimum distance value. A distance of zero removes all extra vertices existing at the same location.