How to Show Linetype in AutoCAD Model Space?

Understanding Linetype in AutoCAD

Linetypes are critical for conveying different kinds of information in a drawing. Properly displaying these linetypes in model space can ensure that your drawings are not only accurate but also visually clear. This guide will walk you through the steps necessary to show linetypes effectively in AutoCAD 2025.

Key Variables Influencing Linetype Display

To correctly display linetypes in AutoCAD, several key variables need to be adjusted:

1. LTSCALE: This variable controls the overall scale of the linetypes in the drawing. Setting it can affect how linetypes appear relative to other elements.
2. CELTSCALE: This variable defines the linetype scale for blocks and other objects with assigned linetypes.
3. PSLTSCALE: This adjusts the appearance of linetypes in paper space layouts.
4. MSLTSCALE: This setting controls linetypes in model space.

Setting these four variables to 1 will typically yield the correct display for most situations.

Steps to Configure Linetype in Model Space

1. Accessing the Command Line:

   • Open AutoCAD 2025 and make sure you are in the model space where you want to display the linetypes.

2. Adjusting LTSCALE:

   • Type LTSCALE in the command line and press Enter.
   • When prompted, type 1 (or your desired scale value) and hit Enter again.

3. Setting Other Important Variables:

   • Type CELTSCALE, and set it to 1 by following the same procedure.
   • Type PSLTSCALE, and set to 1.
   • Finally, input MSLTSCALE and set it to 1.
4. Selecting The Current Linetype:
   • Navigate to the Home tab.
   • Look for the Properties panel, and click the Linetype drop-down menu.
   • Choose the linetype that you want to apply. This will make it the current linetype for your drawing.

Troubleshooting Linetype Visibility Issues

If you find that certain linetypes are not displaying as expected, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Text Size in Linetype:

   • Linetypes that incorporate text may appear incorrect if the text style has a defined height. Type STYLE in the command line, select the relevant style, and set the height to 0 for proper scaling.

2. Hidden Lines Visibility:

   • To ensure hidden lines appear, select the viewport in which hidden lines are not showing.
   • Use the View tab and access the Properties palette.
   • Under the Misc section, change the Shade Plot setting to “As Displayed.”
3. Regenerating the Drawing:
   • After making changes, run the REgen command to refresh the display. This ensures that all elements are rendered correctly and consistently.

Managing External References (Xrefs)

When working with xrefs, it’s crucial to maintain proper visibility settings. The VISRETAIN variable governs whether xref layer properties are retained. Ensure it is set to 1 to preserve these settings.

FAQ

1. What should I do if my linetypes still don’t show after following these steps?

   • Verify each variable’s setting again and ensure they are all set to 1. If issues persist, check if the linetypes used have associated scale issues or require adjustments in the Style settings.

2. Can I set different scale values for different linetypes?

   • Yes, you can adjust the LTSCALE variable specifically for each linetype if you want differing appearances.
3. How can I reset a linetype to its default settings?
   • Access the Linetype Manager by clicking the drop-down menu in the Home tab, select “Other,” and then modify the Global Scale Factor to your desired default value.