AutoCAD

How to Stop Scanning the Drawing in AutoCAD?

Understanding AutoCAD’s Drawing Scan Feature

AutoCAD can sometimes create unexpected lines or “scan” through drawings while you’re working. This often disrupts the design process. To address this issue, players need to know how to manage its settings.

How to Minimize Drawing Scanning

  1. Adjust Line Smoothing:

    • Initiate by typing LINESMOOTHING in the command line.
    • Set the value to 0 (zero) to turn off line smoothing. This can help prevent unintended line display.
  2. Disable Smooth Line Display:

    • Enter the command GRAPHICSCONFIG in the command line.
    • In the Graphics Configuration dialog, uncheck the “Smooth line display” option.
    • Click OK to confirm your changes.
  3. Turn Off Hardware Acceleration:

    • Access the OPTIONS dialogue by typing OPTIONS into the command line.
    • Go to the System tab and scroll down to find the Hardware Acceleration section.
    • Uncheck the box for “Hardware Acceleration” to disable it.
    • Click OK to apply these settings and exit.

Hiding Unwanted Objects

To further refine your workspace and avoid unwanted lines interrupting your view, hiding certain objects can be beneficial:

  1. Select Objects to Hide:

    • Click on the objects you want to hide within your drawing.
  2. Using the Right-Click Menu:

    • Right-click on the selected objects.
    • Navigate to Isolate Objects, then choose Hide Selected Objects.
    • Alternatively, use the status bar option marked “Hide Objects” to manage visibility.

Managing Object Layer Visibility

Effects can also stem from layer settings affecting the visibility of objects in your workspace. To ensure that layers are properly managed:

  1. Unlock All Layers:

    • Type -LA in the command line and press Enter.
    • When prompted, type LO to lock layers.
    • Enter * to signify all layers and press Enter again.
  2. Enable or Disable Layers:

    • Utilize the Layers panel on the Home tab.
    • Look for the Lock/Unlock options and select the desired layer to manage its state.

FAQ

Q1: What is the purpose of line smoothing in AutoCAD?
A: Line smoothing helps to enhance the visual quality of drawings by making lines appear smoother, reducing jagged edges and improving the overall appearance of vector graphics.

Q2: How can I quickly select multiple objects in AutoCAD?
A: Press and hold the Shift key while selecting additional objects. You can also drag a selection window around the objects to include them all at once.

Q3: What steps should I take if turning off hardware acceleration doesn’t solve the problem?
A: If turning off hardware acceleration doesn’t resolve the issue, consider updating your graphics drivers or checking for updates available for AutoCAD. Additionally, look at other graphics settings in the GRAPHICSCONFIG command that might affect performance.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.