How To Change Distance Between Dashed In AutoCAD?

Understanding Linetype Scaling in AutoCAD

To effectively manage dashed lines in AutoCAD, particularly when aiming to adjust the distance between dashes, it’s crucial to understand the role of linetype scaling. The two variables, LTSCALE and PSLTSCALE, directly influence how dashed lines are displayed in your drawings.

Step 1: Adjusting LTSCALE

LTSCALE is the global scale factor for linetypes in your model space. Follow these steps to modify it:

1. Type LTSCALE in the command line and press Enter.
2. Input a new scale value; generally, a value of 1 is standard but adjusting it (e.g., to 10 or more) can help increase visibility.
3. Check your drawing to see how the dashed lines look now.

Step 2: Setting PSLTSCALE

PSLTSCALE determines the linetype scale in paper space. Adjusting this can help standardize the visibility of dashed lines across different layouts:

1. Enter PSLTSCALE in the command prompt and hit Enter.
2. Set the value to 0 to disable it, which makes the linetype scale consistent with model space.
3. Alternatively, set it to 1 for ratio scaling based on the viewport.

Step 3: Fine-Tuning Linetype Through Properties

You may also require specific adjustments to the properties of the dashed lines:

1. Select the lines you want to modify.
2. Right-click and choose Properties.
3. Under the Linetype section, you can change to a different dashed type if necessary.

Step 4: Updating Linetype Definitions

To achieve more control over the appearance of dashed lines:

1. Open the Linetype Manager by typing LINETYPE in the command line.
2. Click on Load to bring up a list of available linetypes.
3. Add or update the linetypes as needed, then assign them to your objects.

Frequently Used Linetype Adjustments

If you find the default separating distance between dashes is not suitable:

1. Customize the linetype definition file. Access your linetype files, typically found in AutoCAD’s support path.
2. Use a text editor to find the linetype you wish to adjust.
3. Edit the pattern to change the dash lengths and the gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the best way to visualize dashed lines clearly?
A1: Higher values for LTSCALE, around 10 or more, often make dashed lines clearer. Also, ensure PSLTSCALE is set appropriately to keep the scale consistent.

Q2: Can I customize dashed patterns?
A2: Yes, you can edit the existing linetype definitions in the linetype file to create custom dash and gap lengths.

Q3: Why are my dashed lines not visible in my current layout?
A3: Check your PSLTSCALE and LTSCALE values, as low settings can lead to poor visibility. Adjusting these values can help resolve the issue.