Can I change the linetype to ʼDashedʼ or ʼHiddenʼ in BricsCAD?
Short Answer
Yes — in BricsCAD, you can change an object or layer linetype to Dashed or Hidden using the LINETYPE command, then assign that linetype through Properties or the Layer panel. The most common professional method is to load the linetype first and apply it by layer. Limitation: the pattern may not display correctly until linetype scale is adjusted.
What You Need to Know Before
Warning: Dashed or Hidden lines often appear continuous because the linetype is loaded correctly but the linetype scale is too large or too small for the drawing. In many real projects, the issue is not the linetype itself — it is object scale, annotation scale, or paper/model space display.
How to Change the Linetype to Dashed or Hidden
Command: LINETYPE
Shortcut: LT
Quick Steps:
- Type LT and press Enter, then in the Linetype Manager click Load.
- Select DASHED or HIDDEN from the available linetypes, click OK, then assign it in the Properties panel or from the Layer panel on the Ribbon.
- If the line still looks continuous, adjust LTSCALE and regenerate the drawing with REGEN.
Variables & Settings
System Variable: LTSCALE (Default: 1.0)
Expert Setting: This controls the global linetype pattern scale in the drawing. If dashed or hidden lines look solid, reduce or increase LTSCALE depending on drawing size. In layouts, PSLTSCALE also affects whether linetypes display consistently across viewports.
Why it Fails
Cause 1 (Geometry): The line or object is too short for the dashed pattern to display, so it appears continuous.
Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The object is on a layer set to Continuous, or the layer is locked so the linetype change does not apply as intended.
Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The Dashed or Hidden linetype was not loaded into the drawing before assignment, or the linetype scale was never regenerated after the change.
Quick Fix & Best Practice
Quick Fix: Run LINETYPE, load HIDDEN, assign it by layer, then set LTSCALE to a suitable value and run REGEN.
Manager’s Verdict: In professional workflows, apply Dashed or Hidden linetypes by layer, not object-by-object. This keeps plotting, standards, and layer control consistent across large BricsCAD drawings.
FAQ
Can I assign Dashed or Hidden to a layer in BricsCAD?
Yes, assigning linetype by layer is the standard professional method.
Why does Hidden linetype still look continuous?
Usually the LTSCALE value is wrong or the drawing needs REGEN.
Can I use different linetype scales in layouts?
Yes, PSLTSCALE helps control linetype appearance in paper space viewports.
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