Can I adjust the linetype scale if dashes are too small in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in BricsCAD, you can adjust the linetype scale if dashes are too small by using the LTSCALE command, which is the most common professional method for global linetype display control. Increase the scale value until dashed lines display clearly in model space and layouts. Limitation: some viewport-specific settings can still override the result.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your linetypes still look wrong after changing the global scale, the issue may be viewport scaling or paper space behavior rather than the linetype definition itself. A very common failure is adjusting only LTSCALE while PSLTSCALE or MSLTSCALE is causing inconsistent dash spacing.

How to Adjust Linetype Scale in BricsCAD

  • Command: LTSCALE

  • Shortcut: [LTSCALE]

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Type LTSCALE in the command line, then press Enter.
    2. Enter a larger value such as 10, 20, or another scale that matches your drawing units.
    3. Run REGEN to refresh the display and check the dashed lines in Model space or in the layout viewport.

Variables & Settings

  • System Variable: LTSCALE (Default: 1.0)

  • Expert Setting: LTSCALE controls the global linetype scale for the entire drawing. If dashes are too small, increasing this value makes dash and gap patterns longer. Also check PSLTSCALE and MSLTSCALE because they affect how linetypes appear in paper space and annotation-scaled views.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The object is too short relative to the linetype pattern, so BricsCAD cannot display enough dash-gap repetition to make the pattern readable.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The object may be on a layer using Continuous linetype, or the correct linetype is not loaded and assigned to the layer or object.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): You changed LTSCALE, but did not run REGEN, or viewport-related variables such as PSLTSCALE are overriding the expected display.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run LTSCALE, enter a higher value, then run REGEN. If working in layouts, set PSLTSCALE to 1 for consistent plotted linetypes.

  • Manager’s Verdict: Use LTSCALE first because it is the standard professional fix for small dashes. Avoid random per-object linetype scaling unless you have a special drafting exception, because it makes drawings harder to manage.

FAQ

Why are dashed lines still tiny after changing LTSCALE?
Check PSLTSCALE, MSLTSCALE, and run REGEN.

Can I change linetype scale for just one object?
Yes, use the object’s Linetype scale property in Properties.

Do I need to reload the linetype first?
Only if the required dashed linetype is missing or not assigned.

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