How to Display Dotted Line in AutoCAD?

Understanding Dotted Lines in AutoCAD

Dotted lines are essential in AutoCAD as they represent various elements, from margins to specific line types used in technical drawings. To ensure dotted lines display correctly in your layouts, it’s vital to understand the settings that influence their appearance.

Check Linetype Scale Settings

The primary factor affecting the visibility of dotted lines in AutoCAD is the linetype scale. Adjusting the LTSCALE variable is crucial:

1. Access the Command Line: Open AutoCAD and click on the command line at the bottom of the screen.
2. Type LTSCALE: Enter LTSCALE and hit Enter.
3. Set the Value: Adjust the value based on your drawing needs. A value of 1 reads directly as drawing units, but you might need to experiment with different settings (like 0.5 or 2) to achieve the look you want.

Configure Paper Space Linetype Scale

In addition to LTSCALE, the Paper Space Linetype Scale (PSLTSCALE) also plays a significant role:

1. Type PSLTSCALE: Enter PSLTSCALE in the command line.
2. Set to 1: Ensure this is set to 1 to synchronize your layouts with model space. If it’s set to 0, it may cause your linetypes to appear inconsistent.

Review Measurement Units

Mistakes in the measurement units can obscure how dotted lines appear. Confirm that your drawing and the printer configuration align with the intended units (Imperial or Metric).

1. Check Units: Type UNITS in the command line.
2. Inspect the Setup: Adjust settings to match either imperial or metric as required.

Modify Printer Configuration Settings

If dotted lines still do not appear, inspect your plotter configuration:

1. Access Page Setup: Right-click on the layout tab and select “Page Setup Manager”.
2. Modify Plotter Settings: Click on the plotter name and choose “Properties”.
3. Set Margins: Navigate to paper sizes and set margins appropriately. Zero margins can often help with visibility.

Change Line Type from Continuous to Dotted

To assign a specific linetype to your drawing objects:

1. Select the Objects: Click on the lines or polylines that need updating.
2. Open Properties Panel: Right-click and choose “Properties” from the context menu.
3. Choose Linetype: In the Properties palette, find "Linetype", click the down arrow, and select the desired dotted linetype from the dropdown list.

Adjust Viewport Settings

If you’re working within a viewport, ensure it’s correctly set up:

1. Activate the Viewport: Double-click inside the viewport.
2. Set Viewport Scale: Ensure the scale matches your requirements (e.g., 1/4" = 1'-0").
3. Zoom in: Zoom in on the model to visualize how the dotted lines should look.

FAQ

1. What if the dashed lines still don’t appear after adjusting settings?

If adjustments to LTSCALE and PSLTSCALE do not work, ensure that you are viewing the correct layer and that the layer is not frozen or turned off. Check the properties to confirm visibility.

2. How do I reset my AutoCAD settings to default?

To reset your AutoCAD settings:

• Type RESET in the command line.
• Follow the prompts to return settings to their defaults.

3. What is the impact of viewport scale on linetypes?

Viewport scales directly affect how linetypes are rendered. If the scale is too small or too large, dotted lines might appear too closely packed or too spaced out, leading to visibility issues. Always double-check your scale settings when viewing or printing.