How to Fix Linetype Scale in AutoCAD?

Understanding Linetype Scale in AutoCAD

Linetype scale is a critical setting in AutoCAD that affects how dashed and dotted lines are represented in your drawings. If linetype scale is not properly set, lines that should appear dashed might look continuous when printed or rendered. This guide will provide a comprehensive step-by-step method to rectify linetype scale issues within AutoCAD 2025.

Step 1: Open the Linetype Manager

1. Start by navigating to the Home tab in the AutoCAD ribbon.
2. Look for the Properties panel and locate the drop-down menu for Linetype.
3. Click on the Linetype drop-down list and select Other. This action will open the Linetype Manager window.

Step 2: Adjust Global Linetype Scale

1. In the Linetype Manager window, search for the Global Scale Factor text box.
2. Enter your desired scale factor; this adjusts all linetypes within the drawing.
3. Click OK to apply the changes. Be sure to check if the new scale reflects as expected on your lines.

Step 3: Setting Specific Linetype Scale for Objects

Each object also has its own linetype scale, which can be adjusted independently:

1. Select the object you want to modify.
2. Right-click and choose Properties.
3. In the Properties palette, find the Linetype Scale setting.
4. Input a new scale factor as needed and press Enter. This setting allows you to customize how individual elements display.

Step 4: Check PSLTSCALE Setting

The PSLTSCALE variable controls how linetypes are displayed in paperspace. Ensure that it is appropriately set:

1. Type PSLTSCALE in the command line and press Enter.
2. Verify if the value is set to 1 to enable linetype scaling in paper space.
3. If visibility issues persist, try adjusting the value of PSLTSCALE to 0 to disable scaling and then test again for desired results.

Step 5: Verify Model and Paper Space Settings

Discrepancies in display can arise from how scaling is set in model versus paper space:

1. Make sure that you are using a viewport for layout. Select your layout viewport.
2. Right-click and choose Properties to access its settings.
3. Ensure that Display Locked is set to No so that changes can take effect.
4. Under the Standard Scale option, choose the appropriate scale for your viewport and ensure it matches the linetype properties.

Step 6: Regenerate the Drawing

After making adjustments to scales, it’s often necessary to regenerate the drawing to ensure all changes are applied:

1. Click on the View tab in the ribbon.
2. Locate the Appearance panel and select the Regenerate drop-down.
3. Choose Regenerate Model to refresh the view of your drawing with updated settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default linetype in AutoCAD?

The default linetype in AutoCAD is typically set to Continuous which means that new lines drawn will appear as solid unless specified otherwise.

How can I determine my current linetype scale?

To find your current linetype scale, simply select an object and check the linetype scale property within the Properties palette. It will display the current scale applied to that specific object.

How does changing the linetype scale affect printing?

If the linetype scale is not properly set when printing, dashed lines may appear solid or differ significantly in appearance from what is displayed on screen. It is essential to ensure that both LTSCALE and PSLTSCALE are configured correctly for accurate plotting outcomes.