K4 ToolKit #1, a suite of productivity tools for AutoCAD 2002, includes commands to flatten, fragment and wobble selected lines.

The 3D wire-frame houses in the diagram, drawn using only lines, have been flattened (from view-point [-1,-1,1] in WCS) to create a flat 2D image. The flattened lines have subsequently been fragmented, that is, broken into segments whenever and at wherever they intersect one another, and then selected fragments have been erased to create a solid looking cut-away model. Finally, the remaining fragments have been wobbled (to user-defined parameters) to create a hand-drawn effect.

Use flatten from different view points to create multiple views from one simple wire-frame drawing. What you see is what you get as a 2D drawing on the XY plane, leaving the original entities intact! Use fragment to break flattened lines into segments, and then selectively erase fragments to create solid looking models and cut-aways. Useful for 'trimming' multiple lines without the hassle of selecting cutting edges and then entities to trim - just erase the required fragments! Use wobble to randomly squiggle selected lines to user-defined parameters to create effects ranging from fine hand-drawn lines to very wiggly lines. Wobble lines more than once to create sketched effects and add emphasis to presentation drawings.

After the request 'Select entities to flatten:' is fulfilled the user is presented with the flatten dialogue box (the use of dialogue boxes for data input provides for fast and accurate entry of parameters). Flatten defaults to the current (User) view point, expressed in WCS in the X, Y and Z edit boxes. Four preset view points are also available:- Plan [0,0,1], Front [-1,0,0], Left [0,-1,0] and TFL [-1,-1,1] (top-front-left). After 'OK' is clicked the drawing is regenerated from the specified view point and the user is asked to confirm that the view is correct (the view point can be re-selected and the view redraw until it is correct). Finally, the user is requested where to insert the flattened image. The original entities are not modified in any way.