How to Change Line Width in AutoCAD 2019?

If the article refers to an earlier AutoCAD version, change it to AutoCAD 2025.

Understanding Line Width in AutoCAD

Changing the line width in AutoCAD can significantly impact the clarity and visual quality of your drawings. This guide outlines how to adjust line width in AutoCAD 2019 effectively.

Accessing Line Width Settings

1. Open AutoCAD: Start by launching the AutoCAD software on your computer and opening the drawing file you wish to modify.

2. Check Display Settings: Before changing line width, ensure that the line weights are visible. Type LWDISPLAY in the command line, and set the value to On (or 1). This action ensures the line widths will be displayed while editing.

Modifying Line Width

1. Open the Properties Palette: Select the line or object for which you need to change the width. Right-click on the selected line and choose Properties from the context menu. If the Properties palette isn’t visible, you can press Ctrl + 1 to display it.

2. Adjust Line Thickness: In the Properties palette, look for the Line section. Here you will find options for color and thickness. Choose your desired width from the dropdown list under Lineweight. If you want to apply the thickness to multiple lines, make sure to use the Quick Select tool to select all relevant lines first.

Using Plot Style for Line Width Changes

1. Access Plot Style Table: To modify line widths as part of plotting, you should utilize the Plot Style Table. Open this by going to the Manage tab and selecting Plot Style.

2. Select Plot Style: Choose the plot style you want to change from the list. Click on the Lineweight drop-down menu, and select your desired thickness.

3. Apply Changes: After selecting the new line weights, confirm by clicking Save & Close. This method allows line weight settings to persist when plotting your drawing.

Controlling Polyline Width

1. Select the Polyline: Click on the polyline in your drawing where you want to adjust the width.

2. Adjust Global Width: In the Properties palette, find the option for Global Width. Set this value to 0 if you want to eliminate any custom thickness, or input your desired thickness for a uniform value across selected polylines.

3. Use the PEDIT Command: For more complex adjustments, use the command PEDIT. Select your polyline, and choose the Width option to set your desired thickness.

Troubleshooting Thick Polylines

If polylines appear excessively thick:

1. Check Global Width Setting: Confirm that the global width for your polylines has not inadvertently been set to a high value in the Properties palette.

2. Review Layer Settings: The layer settings can override object settings. Ensure that the lineweight assigned to the layer is not contributing to the thickness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I display line weights in AutoCAD?

To display line weights, type LWDISPLAY in the command line and set it to On. Additionally, you can check the status bar for a Show/Hide Lineweight option to ensure visibility.

What is the default line weight in AutoCAD?

The default line weight in AutoCAD, controlled by the LWDEFAULT system variable, is typically set to 0.01 inches or 0.25 mm, dependent on drawing settings.

How do I change the units in AutoCAD to millimeters?

To change to millimeters, type the command UNITS, which opens the Drawing Setup dialog. From there, you can select “Millimeters” and check “Save as Default” to keep these settings for future drawings.