How Do You Fix Linetypes in AutoCAD?

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The linetype settings in AutoCAD can sometimes cause issues, resulting in incorrect display or unexpected behavior. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to fix linetypes and ensure they appear correctly in your drawings. In this tutorial, we will explore these methods and provide step-by-step instructions on resolving linetype issues.

Method 1: Check Linetype Scale

One of the most common reasons for linetype problems is an incorrect linetype scale. The linetype scale determines the size at which a specific linetype pattern is displayed in your drawing. To check and adjust the linetype scale:

  1. Select the object(s) with incorrect linetypes.

  2. Right-click and choose “Properties” from the context menu.

  3. In the Properties palette, locate the “Linetype Scale” property.

  4. Adjust the value to a suitable scale. A higher value increases the size of the linetypes, while a lower value decreases it.

By experimenting with different linetype scales, you can find the one that best suits your drawing’s requirements.

Method 2: Reload Linetypes

If the linetypes are still not displaying correctly after adjusting the linetype scale, it may be necessary to reload them. Here’s how:

  1. Type “LINETYPE” in the command line and press Enter.

  2. In the Linetype Manager dialog box, click on “Load..”.

  3. Browse to locate your AutoCAD support file directory (typically located in C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD [version]\Support).

  4. Select the linetype file with the correct extension (.lin) and click “Open”.

  5. Back in the Linetype Manager dialog box, select the linetype you want to reload, and click “Set Current”.

Reloading the linetypes ensures that AutoCAD recognizes and utilizes the correct linetype definitions.

Method 3: Check for Linetype Overrides

In some cases, linetypes may not display correctly due to overrides applied to individual objects. To check for and remove any overrides:

  1. Select the object(s) with incorrect linetypes.

  2. Type “REDOVERRIDE” in the command line and press Enter.

  3. In the Properties palette, locate the “Linetype” property.

  4. If there is a value other than “ByLayer” or “ByBlock”, right-click on it and choose “Reset to ByLayer”.

This ensures that objects use the layer’s linetype property instead of any individual overrides.

Method 4: Check Object’s Layer Properties

If none of the above methods resolve your linetype issues, it may be worth checking the object’s layer properties. Here’s how:

  1. Select the object(s) with incorrect linetypes.

  2. Type “PROPERTIES” in the command line and press Enter.

  3. In the Properties palette, locate and expand the “General” section.

    • To Change Layer: Click on the “Layer” field and select a different layer from the drop-down list.
    • To Change Linetype: Click on the “Linetype” field and select a different linetype from the drop-down list.

Adjusting the layer properties can often resolve linetype issues associated with specific objects.

Conclusion

Fixing linetypes in AutoCAD is crucial for maintaining accurate and visually appealing drawings. By following the methods outlined in this tutorial, you can identify and resolve common linetype issues, ensuring that your linetypes are displayed correctly. Remember to check the linetype scale, reload linetypes, remove overrides, and adjust layer properties as necessary to achieve desired results.