How to Draw Dotted Line in AutoCAD 2021?

Understanding Linetypes and Dotted Lines in AutoCAD

Drawing dotted lines in AutoCAD requires an understanding of linetypes and some key operations within the software. This guide will provide a structured, detailed process to help you create dotted lines in AutoCAD 2025.

Step 1: Open a New or Existing Drawing

Start by launching AutoCAD and open your desired drawing file. If you’re beginning a new project, ensure you set your units accordingly (imperial or metric) by typing UNITS into the command line and adjusting settings as necessary.

Step 2: Open the Linetype Manager

To create a dotted line, the first task is to access the Linetype Manager:

1. Type LINETYPE into the command prompt.
2. Press Enter, which brings up the Linetype Manager window.

Step 3: Load the Dotted Linetype

If the dotted linetype is not already available in your list, you need to load it:

1. In the Linetype Manager, click on the Load button.
2. A dialogue will appear, displaying available linetypes.
3. Scroll through the list and select a dotted linetype (often referred to as “Dotted” or “Dashed”).
4. Click OK to load the selected linetype.
5. You may close the Linetype Manager afterwards.

Step 4: Assign the Dotted Linetype

Now that the dotted linetype is loaded, the next step is to assign it to a line or object:

1. Select the line or object where you want to apply the linetype.
2. Right-click and choose Properties from the context menu.
3. In the Properties palette, locate the Linetype option.
4. Click the linetype dropdown and select the dotted linetype option you just loaded.

Step 5: Adjust Linetype Scale (If Necessary)

If the dotted line does not appear as expected, it may be due to the linetype scale. Here’s how to adjust it:

1. Type LTSCALE into the command prompt and press Enter.
2. Enter the desired scale factor (start with a value of 1 and adjust as necessary).
3. Press Enter to apply the changes.

Step 6: Confirm the Dotted Line Appearance

To ensure that the dotted line displays correctly:

1. Zoom in on the drawing to assess how the line appears.
2. If needed, return to the LTSCALE command and fine-tune the scale until the dotted line looks satisfactory.

Step 7: Saving Your Work

Once you achieve the desired appearance of the dotted line:

1. Save your work by going to File and selecting Save or using the shortcut Ctrl + S.

FAQs

What should I do if my dotted lines are not showing up in the layout?

Check the linetype scale (LTSCALE) settings for your model and paper space. Ensure PSLTSCALE is set to either 1 or 0. If your drawing units are set incorrectly (metric vs. imperial), it can also affect how linetypes are displayed.

Can I create my custom linetypes in AutoCAD?

Yes, AutoCAD allows you to create custom linetypes using a text editor. You will need to define the linetype code in a .LIN file and load it into your drawing using the Linetype Manager.

How can I visualize changes to line weights in AutoCAD?

You can adjust the lineweight by selecting an object and viewing its properties in the Properties palette. Additionally, you can change the global lineweight setting through the Lineweight settings in the Home tab’s Layers Panel.