Linetype Scale



Author Erhan Toker
Profession Architect M.Sc.
  Autodesk Authorized Consultant
  Software Specialist
e-mail  

AutoCAD R8 and higher versions

In AutoCAD, sometimes even though you change the line type, linetype still looks to be still continuous. The reason is that, scale unit (not scale) that you are currently using ( by default ) is not small or large enough to be able to show the line that you are about to use. In this article, HIDDEN line type is going to be used as an example. Definition that is shown in line type definition file is as follows:

Table.1
Table 1

Let me explain the details. Have a look at the line at the bottom; A, 6.35, -3.175. According to this, our line type is created so that 6.35 units is full and 3.175 is empty. If you are using ‘cm’ as drawing unit, than you will see a hidden line with 3.175 mm – 1.5875 mm spaces for a 1/20 scale print-out. Probably, you will be able to see the line type without any problems in the screen (Fig. 1).

Fig.1
Fig. 1

However, if you are using ‘mt’ as drawing unit, then linetype will be shown with 31.75 cm – 15.875 cm spaces in 1/20 scale, and probably will look like a continuous line on the screen. In such cases, we are going to use LTSCALE ( short : LTS ) command to adjust line type scale. Since AutoCAD 2000, dimension stype scale has become a fundamental property of entities ( like layer, color etc. ). From now on in in this article, I will explain about LTSCALE and Properties / Linetype Scale terms and also how they are used together with each other. First of all, let’s start with LTSCALE command, which is relatively easier among them.

Command : LTSCALE
LTSCALE Enter new linetype scale factor <1.0000>: 1/5
Regenerating model
.

If you enter a value between 0 and 1, then the line type will become smaller, and if you enter a value larger than 1, then the line type will become larger. You can find a table, which recommends the relationships between drawing unit that is used and layout scale and layer type scale, in ‘Scaling in Autocad drawings and layouts.’ article written by Günay ÖZMEN. Now, let me start explaining about the lie type scale in entity properties.

Fig.2
Fig. 2

As you can see in Fig. 2, there is a line type scale also in entity properties. According to the value that we write here, it will get smaller for values between 0-1 and get bigger for values larger than 1. LTSCALE value that you set inside the drawing will be used as it is multiplied with this value.

ENTITY FINAL LINETYPE SCALE = ENTITY LINETYPE SCALE X DRAWING LINETYPE SCALE

As you can see, we can not deal with line type scale of all of the entities one by one. One of the rare entities where we have to use this property is circle center mark. In Fig. 3, LTSCALE=1 and OBJLTS=1 is given for the circle and center mark on the left side; LTSCALE=1 and OBJLTS=0.5 is given on the right side.

Fig.3
Fig. 3

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Related Articles: Scaling in Autocad drawings and layouts, Understanding scale concept and units in Autocad

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8 Responses to “Linetype Scale

  • 1
    Mike Tumiel
    March 30th, 2007 14:25

    When will Autocad wake up and give the option where the view in the screen is constant, ie irrespective of the line type scale. Ive alwys sung Autcads praises that it gives you 5 ways to do what you require. However when it comes to dashed lines they are novices.They should look at a progam called Caddie. what you see is what you get. I work Architectural Civil and Survey, it doesnt matter what you do you always wind up messing around with Ltscale

  • 2
    Joe
    April 2nd, 2007 17:00

    Though informative to a point, this article is poorly written. Fails to provide a basis of importance and does not wrap itself up or lead to a point.

    There are many more issues related to Object LT scale and LTSCALE, most importantly that the manipulation of either within an office setting can lead to problems down the line when try to ‘harvest’ from past drawings.

    I agree with Mike T. Autocad needs to wake-up and make this issue less complex.

    joe

  • 3
    Matt
    October 4th, 2007 02:09

    could you tell me a simple formula on how to convert ltscale for example 3/4″=1′ or 1″=20′ or 10=1
    i just can’t grasp the concept from my instructor
    please help me thanks

  • 4
    Dermot
    February 12th, 2008 00:23

    Thanks Erhan
    I have put the article from your (Gunay Ozman) link into my ACA cad standards folder,its good to have a list of that sort of thing. Its good to get it already made up as opposed to taking the time & making it up myself
    Cheers Dermot

  • 5
    veli sanli
    March 4th, 2008 17:48

    Erhan bey

    White colour prints in black (cad 2008). If i want to have white lettering on blue backgroud how can i do that? I very often design signage for my retail projects. Therefore i am having difficulty to get white print. Hope i made myself clear.
    Regards

    VS
    Interior Designer/London

  • 6
    Erhan Toker
    March 5th, 2008 14:36

    Some Turkish words :-)
    Merhaba Veli Bey,
    Yazdığınız için teşekkür ederiz. Umarım Türkçe yazılarımızı da okuyorsunuzdur. Suzan isminde bir arkadaşımız vardı okulda. Onunla bir tanışıklığınız var mı?
    End of Turkish words :-)

    Please try to plot as PDF file. You can easily print PDF documents as required.

    Hope this helps

  • 7
    Lynsey maloy
    April 2nd, 2008 13:54

    Hi Veli,

    I’m not sure if i have the right person but did you study at London Guildhall Uni?

    anyway to get white text instead of white/black you want colour code 255,255,255 which will only show up on a coloured background.

    Lynsey

  • 8
    jacob
    July 12th, 2008 14:31

    i have a problem related to linetype…i get hidden lines in model but once when i see the layout i get continuous lines ….what is the solution to my problem…reply asap….

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