What is a Linetype in AutoCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

A linetype in AutoCAD is the visual pattern assigned to a line, polyline, or layer, such as continuous, dashed, or centerline, typically managed with the LINETYPE command. The most common professional method is loading linetypes from the Linetype Manager and assigning them by layer. Linetype appearance can still vary if scale settings are wrong.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: A linetype may be correctly assigned but still look continuous if linetype scale is not set properly in model space or paper space. This commonly causes plotting errors, especially when drawings come from different templates or external references.

How to Use Linetypes in AutoCAD

  • Command: LINETYPE

  • Shortcut: LT

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Type LT and open the Linetype Manager, or go to the Ribbon > Home tab > Properties panel > Linetype.
    2. Click Load, choose a linetype such as Hidden or Center from the standard .lin file, and click OK.
    3. Assign the linetype to a layer in the layer properties Manager or to selected objects in Properties, then adjust linetype scale if needed.

Variables & Settings

  • System Variable: LTSCALE (Default: 1.0)

  • Expert Setting: This controls the global linetype scale for the drawing. If dashed or center lines appear too dense or too spread out, adjust LTSCALE and then run REGEN to refresh the display.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The object is too short for the linetype pattern to display, so dashed or center segments may appear solid.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The object’s layer may be locked, or the linetype may not be loaded into the drawing even though the layer expects it.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): Global or viewport linetype scale settings are incorrect, so the pattern displays differently in model space, layouts, or plots.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run LINETYPE, load the correct pattern, set LTSCALE to a practical value, and use REGEN to update the display.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use linetypes primarily by layer, not by individual object, to keep drawings consistent and easier to manage across teams, xrefs, and plotting standards.

FAQ

How do I load a linetype in AutoCAD?

Use the LINETYPE command, click Load, and select the required linetype from the standard list.

Why is my dashed line showing as continuous?

The linetype scale is usually incorrect, or the line is too short for the pattern to display.

Can I assign linetypes by layer?

Yes, and this is the standard professional method for maintaining drawing consistency.

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