How to Draw Dotted Line in AutoCAD 2007

Steps to Create a Dotted Line in AutoCAD 2007

Creating a dotted line in AutoCAD can enhance your drawings by providing clear distinctions between different line types. Here’s how you can achieve this in AutoCAD 2007, step by step.

Accessing the Linetype Manager

1. Open AutoCAD: Start by launching your AutoCAD 2007 application.

2. Go to the Home Tab: From the top menu, click on the Home tab to access the primary tools.

3. Open Layer Properties: Locate the Layers Panel and click on Layer Properties. This panel is crucial for adjusting various layer settings including linetypes.

Changing Linetype to Dotted

1. Select the Desired Layer: In the Layer Properties Manager window, find the layer where you want to apply the dotted line.

2. Modify Linetype: Under the Linetype column, click on the current linetype listed. This action opens a drop-down menu.

3. Choose Dotted Line Style: In the subsequent dialog box titled Select Linetype, you will find a list of available linetypes. Scroll until you find the dotted line option, such as "Dotted" or a similar designation. Click on it, then confirm your selection.

Adjusting Linetype Scale for Visibility

1. Set Linetype Scale: To ensure that the dotted line appears correctly on your drawing, you may need to adjust the linetype scale. Type LTSCALE in the command line and hit Enter.

2. Enter Scale Value: Input a scale value that makes the dotted line visible. A value of 1 is often a good starting point, but you can adjust it based on how it looks on your drawing.

3. Check Paper Space Settings: For drawings in Paper Space, ensure that PSLTSCALE is set to 1. Type PSLTSCALE in the command line and enter 1, to ensure consistency in linetype scaling.

Drawing the Dotted Line

1. Begin Drawing: Now, return to the drawing area. Select the line tool (either the polyline or line option) to start drawing your dotted line.

2. Verify Appearance: As you draw, continuously zoom in or adjust your view to ensure that the dotted line appears as expected.

Troubleshooting

If your dotted line still doesn’t appear as intended, double-check the following:

• Ensure that the correct layer is active when drawing.
• Revisit the Linetype Manager to confirm that the dotted linetype is applied to the correct layer.
• Make sure that you have set the appropriate scale values for both LTSCALE and PSLTSCALE.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert a solid line to a dotted line in AutoCAD?

To convert a solid line to a dotted line, select the solid line in your drawing, right-click and choose Properties. Navigate to the Linetype option in the Properties Inspector and select the dotted line from the drop-down menu.

Why are my dashed lines appearing as solid lines in AutoCAD?

This issue typically occurs due to improper scaling. Ensure that your LTSCALE and PSLTSCALE values are set correctly. A common solution is to adjust the LTSCALE until the dashed lines appear as intended.

Can I create a custom dotted line style in AutoCAD?

Yes, you can create custom line styles in AutoCAD. This involves modifying or creating a linetype definition file (.lin) where you can specify custom patterns. After creating your custom line style, you can load it into AutoCAD and utilize it in your drawings.