In CAD drafting, which command is best for creating a single “line” whose width tapers (varies) along its length, while keeping it as one editable object?

Introduction / Context:
A frequent production task in CAD is drawing a stroke that starts thick and ends thin (or vice versa). In AutoCAD-class systems, this is done by creating a single object with variable width, which is critical for easy editing, snapping, and exporting to CAM/graphics workflows.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The goal is one contiguous object, not many segments.
• The width must vary along the path (taper).
• We want standard drafting behavior (OSNAP, grips, properties).

Concept / Approach:
A polyline supports start width and end width on each segment. By specifying different start/end widths, a taper is formed. This preserves the object as a single entity with editable vertices, widths, and curvature (if fit/spline options are used).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Open Properties; confirm Polyline has width values. Print/plot preview to verify stroke appearance at scale.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• circle: Creates closed curves with uniform radius, not tapered strokes.
• eclipse: Not a standard CAD draw command; ellipse draws constant-width curves.
• line: Lines have no width property (display thickness is cosmetic only).

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing lineweight (plot style) with true polyline width; lineweight is a display/plot attribute, while polyline width is geometric.

Final Answer:
polyline