Expert: Bill DeShawn - 1/29/2004

Question
Aloha,
I have a real problem figuring out how to draw linetypes. E.g., dashed lines.
When I set the properties to dashed I experimented changing the Linetype scale way up or way down and the line still shows as a solid line in both model and paper space.

I finally got it to at least print out dashed by using a Linetype scale of .0080 and saved that line to my 'block and reference drawing' figuring I was saving the properties and could use it in another drawing, but when I copied it to another drawing it didn't show as dashed and wouldn't print as dashed either...

I finally ended up drawing a literally dotted line by using the line command to draw 1" segments with 1" blanks...  :-(

I have AutoCad 2002.

Thanks,
Jim

Answer
Well, I'd like to help you, but I need more information.  

How long is the line?

What is the linetype scale property of the line?
Type properties and then click on the line and the linetype scale property will be listed in the dialog box.

What is the global linetype scale of the drawing?  Type LTSCALE at the command line and read the returned value.

Now, addressing the difference between drawings, the LTSCALE system variable must be set the same in both drawings in order for the dashed line to appear the same.  The linetype scale property of the line will be the same if you copied it and pasted it into a new drawing session, because it is for most intents and purposes the same line.  So only the Global linetype setting (LTSCALE) will have an effect on the different way the same line displays in the two drawing sessions.

Similar problems can occur if you draw a line in a metric drawing and place it in a block and insert the block in an imperial drawing.  Make sure your drawing units match. Type Units and make sure that they both either say inches or they both say millimeters where it says: When inserting blocks into the drawing, scale them to:  .
You name is Jim, so I suspect you are either from USA or Great Britain or from another country that uses inches, right?  If so, make sure that dialog box says Inches.

Try these things and if that doesn't work get back to me again.  I might need you to send me the drawings in order for me to see what's going on.

Remember, there are two linetype scale settings that affect the appearance of the line.  The global linetype scale (LTSCALE) and the linetype scale property of the line (found the PROPERTIES dialog box).

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn