How to Change Linetype in AutoCAD?

Understanding Linetype in AutoCAD

Linetypes in AutoCAD define the pattern and style of lines used in your drawings, such as solid lines, dashed lines, and lines with various symbols or text. The choice of linetype can enhance the clarity of your drawings by differentiating elements based on function or importance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to change linetypes effectively in AutoCAD.

Steps to Change Linetype in AutoCAD

1. Open the Properties Panel

To begin, select the object whose linetype you wish to change. You can do this by clicking on the object directly in your drawing area. After selecting the object, right-click to bring up the context menu and then choose “Properties.” This will open the Properties panel, displaying the attributes of the selected object.

2. Locate the Linetype Option

Within the Properties panel, navigate to the section labeled “Linetype.” Click on the drop-down arrow next to it to view the list of available linetypes. If you don’t see your desired linetype in the list, you may need to load it.

3. Load New Linetypes if Necessary

If the desired linetype isn’t available, you’ll need to load a new linetype file:

• In the Properties panel, click on the linetype field and select “Other” from the drop-down menu.
• This will open the Linetype Manager. In the manager window, click the “Load” button.
• In the dialog box that opens, click “File” to navigate to the location of your LIN linetype file.
• Select the desired file and click “Open” to load it into your drawing.

4. Changing the Linetype

Once your linetype is available in the list:

• Return to the Properties panel where you initially found the Linetype options.
• Click the drop-down menu for Linetype again and choose the new linetype you want to apply to the selected object.
• Ensure that the new linetype is displayed in the preview section of the Properties panel to verify the change.

5. Adjusting Linetype Scale

After changing the linetype, you may need to adjust the scale for proper visibility:

• Type LTSCALE at the command prompt to access the linetype scale variable.
• Set LTSCALE to a value that corresponds with your drawing scale. The default is often set to 1.
• For better appearance, consider adjusting CELTSCALE, which affects the scale of the linetype relative to the current annotation scale.

6. Verify Changes in Model Space and Paper Space

To make certain that your changes reflect correctly across different viewports:

• In model space, check that the linetypes appear correctly.
• Switch to paper space and attempt a plot or print preview to confirm the linetypes maintain their intended style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between LTSCALE and PSLTSCALE?

LTSCALE controls the overall scale of linetypes in model space, while PSLTSCALE determines the scale of linetypes in paper space. Adjusting both variables helps ensure consistency in the appearance of lines across different drawing contexts.

How do I create a custom linetype?

To create a custom linetype, use the -linetype command at the command prompt, follow the prompts to define the new linetype, and save it with a unique name. You can add symbols or patterns to customize it further according to your needs.

Why isn’t my linetype displaying correctly?

If a linetype is not displaying as expected, check the LTSCALE and other related variables. A value that is too low or too high can result in a solid line appearance rather than the intended dashed pattern. Adjust these settings until the desired outcome is achieved.