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Where did my linetypes go?
I've gotten this tech call many times. So, here's how to check for the
settings that make your linetypes show.
First, does your entity have a linetype associated to it?
Open the properties box and then highlight your entity. Typically the
object is associated to Bylayer for the linetype. Check the Layer
Properties box to make sure the layer has the correct linetype associated to
it. Next is the LTScale variable which controls the visual scaling of
your linetypes. If this is set to (1) the linetype is not scaled.
Since linetypes are usually based on the printed page, the lengths and
spaces are typically very small. One eighth to one quarter of an inch
spacing or length is common. The farther away from the objects you
get, the larger this scaling needs to be in order for those one eighth inch
spaces or lengths to be visible. The proper number is determined by
the scale that you are printing usually. If you are printing at
1/8"=1', then the linetype scale would be 96. Scales are determined by
figuring out how many times the scale (1/8") fits into one foot (1').
(96) times. If you are
in a paperspace layout tab, there is a variable to allow the scaled views to
correctly decipher the correct size for the scaling. If PSLTScale is
set to (1), all linetypes will use the global LTScale factor. If the
PSLTScale is set to (0), all linetypes in the viewports will be scaled
by the viewports scale. This allows the scaling to be proportionate to
the size of the viewport scaling. Hence, it looks right by setting the
PSLTScale is set to (0) in layout tabs..
Now for the real problem situations! The Properties
box has another listing for Linetype Scale for individual entities.
This is the dangerous one! This factor is applied to the linetype
variable number. If your LTScale is set to (96), and the Linetype
Scale for the object is (2), then the scaling becomes (192) over all for
that object! I wouldn't change this individual scale ever! Too
many chances for head scratching and lost productivity here. Another
odd ball problem with not being able to see your linetypes is what mode is
AutoCAD shading the display? If Shademode is set to anything other
than 2D, you will not see any linetypes! This is a common one for 3D
users or for those who "play" a little in 3D and don't know how to get out
of trouble! |
