How to Show Dash Line in AutoCAD?

Understanding Dashed Lines in AutoCAD

Dashed lines are essential in drafting for representing various elements like hidden objects or specific design features. Properly displaying these lines in AutoCAD 2025 enhances the clarity of drawings. This guide outlines concise steps to ensure dashed lines are visible in your projects.

Step 1: Adjust Linetype Scale

The visibility of dashed lines largely depends on the linetype scale. If the scale is too low, the dashes may not be visible.

1. Select the Dashed Line: Click on the line you wish to modify in your drawing.
2. Open Properties: Right-click the selected line and choose "Properties."
3. Modify Linetype Scale: Look for the option labeled "Linetype Scale" and increase the value. A scale of 1 is standard, but you may want to try 2 or 3 for better visibility.

Step 2: Utilize the LTSCALE Command

For a broader adjustment of dashed lines throughout your drawing, use the LTSCALE command.

1. Access Command Line: Type LTSCALE in the command line and hit Enter.
2. Set Global Scale Factor: Input a higher value to make the dashed lines appear more pronounced. For instance, changing from 1 to 2 will increase visibility across the board.

Step 3: Verify PSLTSCALE Settings

PSLTSCALE helps maintain consistent line types in layouts and viewports.

1. Check PSLTSCALE Variable: Type PSLTSCALE in the command line.
2. Change Value to 1: Set the PSLTSCALE value to 1 for uniformity between model and paper space. A value of 0 may result in inconsistent line types.

Step 4: Regenerate the Drawing

Sometimes AutoCAD needs a refresh to reflect changes made to linetypes.

1. Execute the REGEN Command: Type REGEN in the command line and press Enter. This forces AutoCAD to recalculate all objects and their appearances on the screen.

Step 5: Adjustments in Paperspace

Getting dashed lines to show clearly in paperspace requires careful scaling.

1. Double-click the Viewport: This allows you to zoom in and adjust your view within the viewport.
2. Zoom and Check: Ensure you are adequately zoomed in to see the details clearly.
3. Set Viewport Scale: Adjust the viewport scale to match your design intentions, such as 1/4" = 1′-0". This tends to make dashed lines more legible.

Step 6: Display Hidden Lines

If you need to represent hidden lines in your layout:

1. Access the MVIEW Command: Type MVIEW to enter the viewport command.
2. Select Shadeplot Option: Pick ‘S’ for shadeplot.
3. Choose Hidden Lines: Type ‘H’ to activate hidden lines for that viewport.

FAQ

How do I know if my linetype scale is correct?
The appropriate linetype scale can usually be determined based on how visible the dashed lines are in relation to other elements. Experiment with different scales and regenerate the drawing to assess visibility.

What happens if my dashed lines still don’t appear after adjustments?
If your dashed lines remain invisible, check the layer properties to ensure they are not turned off. Additionally, confirm that the drawing scale is correctly set for the area you’re working on.

Can I revert to the original settings if needed?
Yes, you can always use the undo command to revert changes or record your original scale settings before making adjustments for easier restoration after testing different configurations.