How Do You Create a Linetype in AutoCAD LT?

Steps to Create a Linetype in AutoCAD LT

Creating a linetype in AutoCAD LT requires several deliberate steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it effectively.

Accessing the Linetype Manager

1. Open Your Drawing: Launch AutoCAD LT and open the drawing where you want to create or apply a new linetype.
2. Open the Linetype Manager: Type LINETYPE into the command line and press Enter. This opens the Linetype Manager dialog box.

Loading a New Linetype

1. Select Load: In the Linetype Manager, click on the "Load" button. This will initiate the process to add new linetypes.
2. Choose a Linetype File: You will see a dialog box labeled “Load or Reload Linetypes.” Here, select the "File" option and navigate to the folder containing your LIN (linetype definition) files.
3. Open the LIN File: Find the desired linetype file, select it, and click “Open”. The linetypes within that file will now appear in the Linetype Manager.

Applying the Linetype

1. Choose the Linetype: Select the linetype you wish to apply from the list you just loaded. Once highlighted, click “OK” to confirm your selection.
2. Assigning Linetype to Objects: Return to your drawing area and select the objects you want to change. Right-click and choose ‘Properties’ from the context menu.
3. Change Linetype in Properties: In the Properties palette, find the option labeled ‘Linetype’. Click on the drop-down arrow next to it, and select your desired linetype from the list.

Saving Changes

1. Confirm Changes: Make sure all your modifications are saved. This may involve saving your drawing file to secure any new linetypes you’ve created.

Checking Linetype Display Issues

If the new linetype doesn’t appear as expected:

• Text Style Adjustments: If your linetype includes text and it doesn’t display correctly, ensure that the text style associated with the linetype has its height set to 0. Use the command STYLE, select the text style, and adjust accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I create custom linetypes in AutoCAD LT?
AutoCAD LT does not support the creation of custom linetypes, but it does allow you to load predefined linetypes from LIN files.

2. How can I view existing linetypes in AutoCAD LT?
To view existing linetypes, simply open the Linetype Manager by typing LINETYPE in the command line. This will show you all the currently available linetypes in your drawing.

3. Are there limitations on how many linetypes I can load?
While there isn’t a strict limit, performance may degrade if you load an excessive number of linetypes. It’s best to keep only those necessary for your current project to maintain optimal performance.