In AutoCAD, the term “cannoscale” refers to the scale at which the linetypes, such as dashed lines or centerlines, are displayed in a drawing. Understanding cannoscale is essential for creating precise and readable drawings in AutoCAD.
What is Cannoscale?
When you create objects or lines in AutoCAD, you can assign different linetypes to them. Linetypes are typically used to represent various elements such as hidden lines, centerlines, or section lines. These linetypes consist of repeating patterns of dashes, dots, or other symbols.
However, when you zoom in or out on a drawing in AutoCAD, the linetypes may appear too dense or sparse. This is where cannoscale comes into play.
How Does Cannoscale Work?
Cannoscale determines the scale at which the linetypes are displayed in a drawing. It allows you to control the appearance of linetypes based on your zoom level.
AutoCAD uses a default cannoscale factor of 1.0 for all drawings. This means that the linetypes are displayed at their intended size when you’re working at a 1:1 scale.
However, when you zoom in closer to an object or zoom out to see more of a drawing, AutoCAD adjusts the display of linetypes based on the cannoscale factor set for that object or layer.
Setting Cannoscale
To set cannoscale for an object or layer in AutoCAD:
- Select the object(s) or layer(s) whose cannoscale you want to modify.
- In the Properties palette, locate “Cannoscale” and enter a new value.
- Alternatively, you can use the “Ltscale” command to set the cannoscale for the entire drawing.
It’s important to note that cannoscale is a relative value. A cannoscale of 2.0 will display linetypes twice as large as their default size, while a cannoscale of 0.5 will display linetypes half their default size.
Benefits of Cannoscale
Using cannoscale effectively can greatly enhance the readability and clarity of your AutoCAD drawings. By adjusting the linetype scale according to your zoom level, you can ensure that your drawings are easily understandable regardless of the viewing scale.
For example, when you zoom in on a drawing with a high cannoscale factor, the linetypes will appear thicker and more prominent, making it easier to distinguish different elements.
On the other hand, when you zoom out to see an overview of a large drawing with a low cannoscale factor, the linetypes will appear thinner and less intrusive, preventing them from cluttering up the view.
In conclusion
Cannoscale plays a crucial role in AutoCAD by allowing you to control the display of linetypes based on your zoom level. By setting appropriate cannoscales for objects or layers, you can ensure that your drawings are clear and readable at any scale.
So next time you’re working on an AutoCAD drawing, don’t forget to consider the cannoscale factor for optimal results!