How to Turn Off Construction Lines in AutoCAD?

Understanding Construction Lines in AutoCAD

Construction lines, often referred to as guidelines, are essential in the drawing process, allowing designers to set up a framework for their designs. However, there are situations where you may want to hide or turn off these lines for better visibility or presentation. Here are the detailed steps to effectively manage construction lines in AutoCAD 2025.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiding Construction Lines

1. Select the Correct Layout Viewport

   • Begin by clicking on the viewport in which you want to hide the construction lines. This is crucial as the visibility settings can vary depending on the viewport.

2. Access the Properties Palette

   • Navigate to the View tab located in the top menu. Look for the Palettes panel and click on the Properties palette option. This action opens a new panel that displays various properties of the selected viewport.

3. Modify the Shade Plot Setting

   • In the Properties palette, scroll until you find the Misc section. Within this section, locate the Shade Plot field. Click the dropdown menu next to it and select the "Legacy Hidden" option. This change will affect how the construction lines are rendered in the selected viewport.
4. Confirm the Changes
   • Once the Shade Plot is set, double-check to ensure that the construction lines are now hidden as intended. If you are still seeing them, you may need to refresh or regenerate the viewport.

Removing Construction Lines from the Drawing

If you prefer to completely remove construction lines instead of just hiding them, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Line

   • Activate the command line in AutoCAD to facilitate entry of specific commands directly without navigating through menus.

2. Use the AMERASEALLCL Command

   • Type AMERASEALLCL into the command line and press Enter. This command is designed to delete all construction lines present in the current drawing.
3. Select Individual Lines for Deletion
   • If you wish to delete specific construction lines, use the Select tool. Click each construction line you want to remove and press Delete on your keyboard or right-click and select Delete from the context menu.

Adjusting Line Type Scale for Clarity

If you’re having issues seeing dashed lines or if they appear improperly, your line type scale may need adjustment. Here’s how to do it:

1. Select the Problematic Line

   • Click on the line that is displaying the issue to ensure it is highlighted.

2. Open Properties

   • Right-click on the selected line and choose Properties from the context menu to open the Properties palette for that line.
3. Adjust the Line Type Scale
   • Look for the Line Type Scale field. Increase this value incrementally and observe the changes in the display of the line until you achieve a visible dashed appearance.

FAQ Section

What are construction lines used for in AutoCAD?
Construction lines serve as guides for creating precise geometric shapes and aligning elements within your drawings. They do not represent physical components but help in layout and design.

How can I toggle the visibility of other types of lines in AutoCAD?
Visibility can usually be toggled via similar methods to construction lines. Access the Properties palette and adjust the relevant fields based on line type and properties.

Are there shortcuts for hiding elements in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD provides various shortcuts and commands for managing element visibility. Familiarizing yourself with these can greatly enhance efficiency during your design process.