How To Show Linetype In AutoCAD Layout?

Understanding Linetype Visibility in AutoCAD Layout

Showing linetypes correctly in an AutoCAD layout can sometimes be challenging due to various settings that influence linetype display. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your linetypes appear as intended.

Step 1: Accessing the Properties Palette

1. Open your drawing in AutoCAD.
2. Right-click in the drawing area.
3. Select Properties from the context menu that appears. This action opens the Properties palette.

Step 2: Adjust Linetype Generation Settings

1. In the Properties palette, locate the Linetype Generation option.
2. Click the downward arrow next to Linetype Generation.
3. From the dropdown menu, select Enabled. This step ensures that linetypes are displayed continuously, without interruption from any polyline segments.

Step 3: Set the Linetype Scale Variables

To ensure your linetypes display correctly in both model and paper space, you will need to adjust specific variables:

1. Type LTSCALE in the command line and press Enter.
2. Set the value to 1. This setting standardizes linetype scaling.
3. Next, type CELTSCALE and press Enter. Set it to 1.
4. For PSLTSCALE, type the command and press Enter. Again, set it to 1.
5. Finally, enter MSLTSCALE in the command line and set it to 1 as well.

These variables control how linetypes appear across different scales and viewports, ensuring uniform visibility.

Step 4: Adjust Text Style Height (if applicable)

Often, linetypes containing text may not display properly due to their style settings. To address this:

1. Type STYLE in the command line and press Enter.
2. Select the text style used in your linetype.
3. Change the height setting to 0 (zero) to allow AutoCAD to determine the appropriate size automatically.

Step 5: Manage Linetype Files

If you’re using custom linetypes, ensure they are properly loaded:

1. Access the Linetype dropdown on the Home tab.
2. Click Other to open the Linetype Manager.
3. In the Linetype Manager dialog, click the Load button.
4. Navigate to the required LIN file, select it, and click Open.

This ensures that your custom linetypes are available for use in your drawing.

FAQ

Q1: Why are my linetypes still not visible after following these steps?
A: If you’ve adjusted all the settings and linetypes remain invisible, check if your layers are turned on and are not set to black or white in a view that cannot display them.

Q2: What if I want to reset my linetype settings?
A: Begin with the Linetype Manager and select each linetype. You can adjust the Global Scale Factor to reposition linetypes visually across the drawing.

Q3: Will changing LTSCALE affect my entire drawing?
A: Yes, changing the LTSCALE affects how all dashed or dotted linetypes are displayed in your current drawing, ensuring they’re consistent.