How to Scale Linetype in AutoCAD

Understanding Linetype Scaling in AutoCAD

Scaling linetypes in AutoCAD effectively is crucial to ensuring that your drawings look exactly how you want them to, especially when dealing with different viewport settings and printing requirements. This guide will detail the process of adjusting linetype scales step by step to ensure clarity and uniformity in your drawings.

Adjusting the Linetype Scale in a Viewport

1. Open the Layout: Navigate to the layout tab where your viewport is located.
2. Activate the Viewport: Double-click within the viewport. This action places you in paper space inside the viewport.
3. Set PSLTSCALE: Type PSLTSCALE in the command line and press Enter.
   • Set this variable to 0 if you prefer the viewport to control linetype scaling based on the scale set for the viewport.
   • Setting it to 1 uses the current linetype scale in model space across all viewports.
4. Check Results: Modify or draw linetypes to see if the changes reflect correctly within the viewport.

Scaling a Layout

To scale your layout for better visualization and presentation:

1. Select the Viewport: Click on the border of the viewport you wish to modify.
2. Access Properties: Right-click and select ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
3. Unlock Display: If the ‘Display Locked’ option is set to ‘Yes,’ change it to ‘No.’
4. Change Scale: Within the Properties palette, locate the ‘Standard Scale’ option. Choose the scale that best fits your drawing, such as 1:100 or 1:50. The changes will apply instantly.

Addressing Linetype Scale Issues

If your linetypes seem unresponsive to changes, follow these steps:

1. Check LTSCALE: Enter LTSCALE in the command line to check the system variable. It should be set appropriately based on your drawing scale.
2. Adjust Viewres: If objects are still appearing as continuous lines, you might need to adjust the VIEWRES setting. Use the command VIEWRES and increase the value for better resolution.
3. Regenerate the Drawing: After adjustments, type REGEN into the command line to refresh the display and apply the settings.

Manipulating Each Linetype

To scale specific linetypes:

1. Set PSLTSCALE: Confirm that PSLTSCALE is set to 1 to ensure linetypes reflect changes accurately in paper space.
2. Choose a Linetype: Select the object that you’ve assigned a particular linetype.
3. Create a New Linetype: Go to the Linetype Manager and click ‘Load’ to import or create a new linetype if necessary.
4. Draw in Paper Space: Create a viewport with a zoom factor of 1. Modify linetypes as needed, ensuring they appear as intended.

Utilizing the LTSCALE Command

To change the general linetype scale across your drawing:

1. Enter LTSCALE: Use the command LTSCALE and input the new scale factor.
2. Immediate Changes: This process automatically prompts a regeneration (REGEN) to show the results immediately on-screen.
3. Template Adjustments: If you primarily work in model space, applying LTSCALE here also scales linetypes in line with your plotting requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the effect of PSLTSCALE on linetype visibility?
PSLTSCALE controls whether the linetyping in paper space viewports follows the linetype settings from either model space or its own unique settings. Setting it to 0 allows the viewport to dictate the scale, while 1 uses the drawn linetype scale.

2. How do I refresh the display after making changes to the linetype?
Use the REGEN command after adjusting your linetype or scale settings. This command forces AutoCAD to refresh the drawing display, ensuring that all changes are visualized correctly.

3. Can I adjust the scale for individual layers within my drawing?
Yes, using the Layer Properties Manager, you can adjust the global scale factor for specific layers. This allows for precise control over how each layer’s linetypes appear in relation to others within your project.