How to Change Linetype in AutoCAD 2019?

Understanding Linetype in AutoCAD

Linetype in AutoCAD represents various patterns like dashes, dots, and text, used to differentiate between types of entities within a drawing. Adjusting the linetype not only enhances visual clarity but also plays a crucial role in effective CAD design.

Reasons for Changing Linetype in AutoCAD

If you modify the linetype of a layer or an object and it still appears as a continuous line, it’s essential to check specific system variables. The value of LTSCALE, which controls the linetype scale, should correspond with your drawing scale factor. If adjustments don’t have any visible impact on the linetype, particularly check if you are currently in a drawing layout.

Steps to Change Linetype in AutoCAD 2025

1. Select the Object: Click on the object or layer for which you wish to change the linetype.

2. Open Properties Palette: Right-click on the selected object and choose the "Properties" option from the context menu.

3. Locate Linetype: In the Properties palette, look for the "Linetype" field. Click on the down arrow next to it.

4. Choose New Linetype: A drop-down list will appear, displaying all available linetypes. Select the desired linetype from this list.

5. Deselect the Object: Press the Esc key to finalize your changes and deselect the object.

Creating a New Linetype

1. Access the Linetype Creation Tool: Navigate to the ribbon or the AutoCAD Menu and go to Express > Tools > Make Linetype.

2. Name Your Linetype File: Enter your desired name for the linetype file and click "Save."

3. Define the Linetype: Specify a name for the new linetype, then press Enter.

4. Add a Description (Optional): Provide a description for the linetype and hit Enter.

5. Specify Points: Indicate the starting and ending points for the linetype definition.

Loading a New Linetype

1. Initiate Linetype Command: Type -linetype at the Command prompt.

2. Choose to Create New: Enter “c” for create.

3. Name Your Linetype: Type a name for the new linetype and hit Enter.

4. Select Linetype File: In the dialog box that appears, either choose an existing LIN linetype file or enter a name for a new file.

5. Provide a Description (Optional): Optionally enter a short description and press Enter.

6. Finalize Loading: Follow through with the prompts and click “OK” to close all dialog boxes once loaded.

Adjusting Linetype Visibility in Model Space and Paper Space

Linetype visibility is managed by four crucial variables: LTSCALE, CELTSCALE, PSLTSCALE, and MSLTSCALE. For proper display in both model and paper space, it’s essential to set each of these variables to 1.

Understanding Linetype Manager

To manage linetypes effectively:

1. Access Linetype Manager: Click on the Home tab, then navigate to the Properties panel. Open the Linetype drop-down list and select "Other."

2. Load New Linetypes: In the Linetype Manager dialog, click on "Load."

3. Select Linetypes: Use the dialog box to choose which linetypes you wish to load into your drawing.

4. Confirm Changes: Click "OK" to apply and close each dialog box.

FAQ

1. Why is my linetype not displaying correctly?
If your linetype appears incorrectly, it might be due to a defined height in the text style within the linetype. Use the STYLE command to check and set the text style height to zero.

2. How do I copy an existing linetype?
Select the layout containing the linetype you wish to duplicate, right-click, and choose "Move or Copy." Then, check the "Create a Copy" box and proceed.

3. Can I use custom text in my linetype?
Yes, to create a text linetype, you can define it within the linetype pattern using the specified format: [“text”, text_style_name, scale, rotation, xoffset, yoffset].