What Is the Psltscale in AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a widely used computer-aided design (CAD) software that allows designers and engineers to create precise and detailed drawings. One of the many features in AutoCAD is the ability to control the appearance of objects in different viewports using the psltscale system variable.
The Basics of Psltscale
The psltscale system variable determines whether linetypes are scaled according to the current viewport scale or not. By default, psltscale is set to 1, which means that linetypes are scaled according to the viewport scale. This ensures that dashed lines, for example, appear consistent with their intended pattern regardless of the zoom level or viewport size.
If you set psltscale to 0, linetypes will not be scaled according to the viewport scale. Instead, they will be displayed at their default scale regardless of the zoom level or viewport size. This can result in linetypes appearing either too dense or too sparse depending on the current zoom level.
Controlling Linetype Scaling
In most cases, it is recommended to keep psltscale set to 1 for consistent linetype scaling. However, there may be situations where you want specific linetypes to always display at their default scale regardless of the viewport scale.
To achieve this, you can use two different approaches:
The LTSCALE Command:
- Type “LTSCALE” in the command line and press Enter.
- In the prompt, enter the desired linetype scale factor.
- Press Enter to apply the new linetype scale.
This approach changes the linetype scale globally for the entire drawing, affecting all viewports. Keep in mind that adjusting LTSCALE affects all linetypes, not just specific ones.
The Ltscale Property:
- Select the desired object or objects.
- In the Properties palette, locate the “Linetype Scale” property.
- Enter the desired linetype scale value.
This approach allows you to control the linetype scaling on a per-object basis. It is especially useful when you need different objects to have different linetype scales within the same drawing or viewport.
Conclusion
The psltscale system variable in AutoCAD plays a crucial role in controlling how linetypes are scaled within viewports. By default, setting psltscale to 1 ensures consistent linetype scaling based on viewport size and zoom level.
However, if necessary, you can use either the LTSCALE command or adjust the Ltscale property to override this behavior and control linetype scaling globally or on a per-object basis. Understanding and effectively using psltscale will help you create accurate and visually appealing drawings in AutoCAD.