If you need to draw polylines with a predefined, fixed length (cable reels, fire hoses, flexible pipes...) you can use the freeware LISP utility FPoly.
Download FPoly from Download, load it into your AutoCAD with _APPLOAD and start it by typing the FPOLY command.
First specify the source length (stock). Then click the individual vertices of the polyline. The remaining length is displayed numerically and visually with a sized shrinking spiral. Any active Osnap modes are applied to the clicked vertex points.
The option "E" will draw the polyline to its full remaining length using the proposed segment direction.
The option "U" will undo the last drawn segment(s). The option "F" allows to specify a fixed size of segments and you then draw just the direction (angle) of them. The fixed mode remains active until you type "F" again (a toggle).
Enter, spacebar or right-click will end the polyline at the current point. The polyline is never drawn longer than the specified maximum length.
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Please use these tips at your own risk. Arkance Systems is not responsible for possible problems that may occur as a result of using any of these tips.