How To Find Hidden Lines In AutoCAD?

Understanding Hidden Lines in AutoCAD

Hidden lines play a crucial role in technical drawings, as they help illustrate parts of an object that are not currently visible. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively find, show, and manage hidden lines in AutoCAD.

Identifying Hidden Lines

Hidden lines are typically represented by medium-weight lines with short dashes, which indicate the edges or surfaces of objects that are obscured. They are important for clarity in complex designs, allowing viewers to understand the relationships between different elements.

Steps to Show Hidden Lines in AutoCAD

1. Select the Viewport: First, click on the viewport where you want to display hidden lines. This ensures that you’re targeting the correct area for adjustments.

2. Access the Properties Palette: Navigate to the View tab in the ribbon, then select the Palettes panel. Click on the Properties palette option to bring up the settings.

3. Adjust Shade Plot Settings: Within the Properties palette, locate the Misc section. Find the Shade Plot dropdown and select As Displayed. This will allow hidden lines to appear according to the current display settings.

Editing Hidden Lines in AutoCAD

1. Invoke Hidden Line Settings: At the command prompt, type HLSETTINGS and hit Enter. This action opens the Hidden Line Settings dialog box.

2. Modify the Settings: In the dialog box, you will find various options to adjust hidden line properties. Make your desired changes and click OK to apply them.

Deleting Hidden Lines

1. Use the AM2DHIDE Command: Type AM2DHIDE at the command prompt and press Enter. This initiates the process for deleting hidden lines.

2. Select Foreground Elements: Click on the elements that represent the foreground in your drawing. After selection, the Create Hide Situation dialog box will appear.

3. Set Background as Invisible: Navigate to the Background tab in the dialog. Choose the option to make it Invisible or Deleted to properly remove the unwanted hidden lines.

Showing Hidden Lines in 3D Views

1. Select the Viewport: Similar to the earlier steps, begin by selecting your desired viewport.

2. Open Properties Inspector: Click on the Window menu, then navigate to Properties Inspector.

3. Update Shade Plot Options: In the Properties Inspector window, find the Misc area. From the Shade Plot list, select As Displayed to visualize hidden lines effectively in 3D.

Working with Paper Space

1. Initiate MVIEW Command: Type MVIEW into the command line and press Enter to begin.

2. Choose Shade Plot Type: Type S for shadeplot, followed by H for hidden, to specify the type of visual representation you want.

3. Select the Viewport: Finally, click on the viewport you want to apply these settings to.

Adjusting Linetype Issues

If hidden lines are not displaying correctly, the problem may lie in the linetype scale settings:

• Check LTSCALE: At the command prompt, enter LTSCALE and ensure it is set to an appropriate value.

• Verify PSLTSCALE: Also, check the Paper Space linetype scale to confirm it isn’t affecting the display.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if my hidden lines don’t appear at all?
It’s important to ensure that the correct layer is active and that it is set to display hidden lines. Additionally, verify that the objects involved have the correct properties set to generate hidden lines.

2. Can I customize the appearance of hidden lines?
Yes, you can change the linetype and scale of hidden lines through the Linetype Manager in AutoCAD. This allows you to create a drawing style that meets your specific requirements.

3. Are hidden lines necessary in all types of drawings?
Not every drawing requires hidden lines. Their use depends on the complexity of the design and the need for clarity in illustrating occluded parts.