How to Change Line to Dashed Line in AutoCAD?

Changing a Solid Line to a Dashed Line in AutoCAD: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adjusting line types in AutoCAD allows for clearer and more effective presentations of designs. If you’re looking to change a solid line to a dashed line in AutoCAD 2025, follow these steps for a seamless transition.

Step 1: Zoom In to the Line Feature

Begin by navigating to the specific line you want to modify. Zoom in closely to ensure you can easily select and manipulate the line.

Step 2: Access the Linetype Manager

1. Enter “Linetype” at the command prompt. This action opens the Linetype Manager window.
2. Click on the Load button to view available linetypes.

Step 3: Select the Desired Dashed Linetype

1. In the Linetype Manager, browse through the list of linetypes.
2. Choose the dashed line type that fits your design requirements.
3. After selecting the preferred linetype, confirm your choice and return to the drawing area.

Step 4: Apply the Dashed Linetype

1. Select the line or object you want to change.
2. Right-click on the selected object to open the context menu.
3. Choose Properties from the menu options.
4. In the Properties palette, locate the Linetype field. Click the down arrow to access a drop-down list.
5. Select your newly loaded dashed linetype from the list.

Step 5: Finalize the Changes

1. After applying the new linetype, click Esc to deselect the object.
2. Review the line to ensure it is displayed as you intended.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the dashed line does not appear as expected, several factors may be influencing this:

Line Type Scale

• The LTSCALE variable controls how the linetypes are displayed.
• Enter LTSCALE at the command prompt and adjust the value to reflect your desired scaling. A higher number generally results in a more spaced-out dashed line.

Viewport Scale

• Examine whether you are working in model space or paper space. The way lines are rendered can differ based on the current view.
• Consider adjusting PSLTSCALE to maintain consistent linetype rendering across different viewports.

Additional Considerations

If you still encounter issues visualizing dashed lines, check the following:

• Ensure that the Viewres variable is set adequately to enhance line visibility; a higher value can improve line representation.
• Verify that your drawing view is zoomed in enough to display the dashed effect.

FAQ

Q1: Can I apply a dashed linetype to multiple lines at once?
Yes, you can select multiple lines, open the Properties menu, and change the linetype for all selected objects simultaneously.

Q2: What if my dashed lines still appear as solid after changing settings?
In such cases, inspect the LTSCALE setting and make sure it aligns with your drawing specifications. Additionally, check if the line thickness is affecting visibility.

Q3: How can I see changes in linetypes when printing?
To ensure that dashed lines print correctly, adjust your layout settings and double-check the print preview. Make sure the PSLTSCALE is set to 1 for accurate representation across different scales.