How To Change The Global Width In AutoCAD?

Understanding Global Width in AutoCAD

Global width in AutoCAD refers to a setting that influences the thickness of the lines in polylines. This setting allows you to apply a consistent line thickness across multiple segments of a polyline, ensuring that your drawings meet specific aesthetic or technical requirements. Adjusting this feature can enhance the visual impact of your designs and help maintain uniformity across your drafting projects.

Steps to Change the Global Width of Polylines

To alter the global width of polylines within AutoCAD, follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Open the Properties Palette

• Begin by ensuring the Properties palette is visible. If it is not open, you can access it by typing PROPERTIES into the command line and pressing Enter. Alternatively, you can right-click and select it from the context menu.

Step 2: Select the Polyline

• Click on the polyline for which you wish to adjust the global width. This selection activates the Properties palette with the relevant settings for that object.

Step 3: Modify the Global Width

• In the Properties palette, look for the section labeled "Geometry" or "Line Type" where you’ll find the "Global Width" setting. Enter the desired thickness value. If you need to set it back to zero (which indicates no additional width), simply type 0.

Step 4: Apply Changes to Multiple Polylines (Optional)

• If you have multiple polylines that require the same global width adjustment, utilize the Quick Select feature. Activate it by typing QSELECT in the command line. In the dialog that appears:
  • Set "Object Type" to Polyline.
  • For the property, select "Global Width."
  • Use the operator "Not Equal to" and enter 0 if you wish to target only those with a current width. Click OK.

Step 5: Confirm Changes

• After adjusting the global width, you may want to zoom in and examine the polylines visually. This allows you to confirm that the changes have taken effect as intended.

Resetting Default Polyline Width

If you find that polylines are consistently appearing thicker than desired, you may wish to reset the default width. Here’s how:

Step 1: Command Input

• Type PLINE in the command line and press Enter.

Step 2: Select a Point

• Click anywhere in the drawing area to select the starting point of a new polyline.

Step 3: Specify Width to Reset

• When prompted, type L and hit Enter. Enter 0 to reset the width to the default value. Complete the command by pressing Enter again.

Changing Polyline Width with the PEDIT Command

Another method to adjust the width of polylines is by using the PEDIT command.

Step 1: Select the Polyline

• Enter PEDIT in the command line and press Enter.

Step 2: Choose the Polyline

• Select the specific polyline you wish to edit.

Step 3: Choose the Width Option

• When the prompt appears, select the "Width" option by typing W and pressing Enter.

Step 4: Enter the New Width

• Input your desired width value and then press Enter to apply the changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the global width be changed for other types of objects in AutoCAD?

Global width settings typically apply to polylines. Other objects may use different properties for line thickness, often found in their respective properties palettes.

What happens if I set the global width to zero?

When you set the global width of a polyline to zero, it eliminates any additional thickness, reverting the line to the default lineweight defined by your current layer settings.

Is there a way to revert all polyline widths to their original settings?

Yes, you can use the QSELECT command to select all polylines, and then set the global width back to your preferred value in the Properties palette to revert them to a consistent appearance.