How to Change Linetype Scale in Layer AutoCAD?

Understanding Linetype Scale in AutoCAD

Changing the linetype scale in AutoCAD is a crucial task for ensuring that your drawings maintain clarity and precision. When properly set, linetypes can enhance the visual interpretation of a drawing, making it easier to distinguish between different types of lines.

Steps to Change Linetype Scale in a Layer

1. Access the Layer Properties Manager:

   • Begin by selecting the "Home" tab in the AutoCAD interface.
   • Click on the "Layers" dropdown menu, then select "Layer Properties" to open the Layer Properties Manager.

2. Select the Layer:

   • Browse through the list of layers and identify the one for which you want to alter the linetype scale.
   • Click on the layer name to highlight it.

3. Edit Layer Properties:

   • Once the layer is selected, look for the "Linetype" property. Click on it to open the Linetype dialog box.
   • If necessary, you can load a new linetype by clicking the “Load” button and choosing from the available options.

4. Adjust Linetype Scale:

   • After selecting the desired linetype, you can modify the “Linetype Scale” property.
   • Enter a scale factor that suits your drawing requirements. Use a scale factor greater than 1 to increase spacing between dashes and dots, or use a value between 0 and 1 to decrease the spacing.

5. Utilize the LTSCALE Variable:

   • Open the command line and type LTSCALE, then press Enter.
   • Set the value based on your requirements. This value adjusts the global linetype scale and impacts all linetypes across the drawing.
   • After entering the desired value, exit the command.
6. Refresh the Drawing:
   • To see the changes applied, type REGEN in the command line and hit Enter. This command regenerates the drawing to reflect the updated linetype settings.

Checking and Correcting Issues with Linetype Scale

If the linetypes do not appear as expected:

• Ensure PSLTSCALE is Set Correctly: Type PSLTSCALE in the command line. If set to 1, it ensures that line types in Paper Space reflect those in Model Space.

• Verify LTSCALE: Confirm that the LTSCALE variable is appropriate for the overall drawing scale.

• CELTSCALE Adjustments: Similarly, check the CELTSCALE, which affects the scale of the current object. Ensure it is set to 1 for consistent linetype presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are my linetypes showing as continuous lines despite changing the settings?

If linetypes continue to display as solid lines, check the layer properties to ensure the desired linetype is applied, and verify that LTSCALE and PSLTSCALE are properly set for the intended effect.

2. How do I change the default linetype for new objects?

To change the default linetype for new objects, modify the layer’s properties or set the desired linetype in the current workspace before creating new lines.

3. What is the impact of setting LTSCALE to a value less than 1?

Setting LTSCALE to a value less than 1 compresses the appearance of linetypes, making gaps between dashes or dots smaller, which might be useful for achieving specific visual requirements in detailed drawings.