Expert: Bob - 7/10/2006

Question
I am working in autocad2000
I am a golf course architect...often times I create numerous polylines...turning them into splines. This can create numerous problems. But on this occassion, I am doing simple polylines.  When I go to plot, they turn into 'skeleton lines' [lines are typically wide, but now just show the outline, with no fill.  What steps must I take to remedy this and when does this transformation occur.
thanks
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Followup To

Question -
Every now and then, I will final my drawing and plot it....only to have many on my polylines turn to skeleton lines.....
What am I doing wrong and how do I fix it?


Answer -
Hi -- in order to reply intelligently, I need some of your history with AutoCAD, the release you are using, your field of work or study, and exactly what you are trying to do. In addition, sorry -- we have to use the generally agreed upon terms: I can only guess what you mean by "skeleton lines".
Please fill in those things so I can help  you  properly, and I dont feel like I am writing a long essay of "maybes"--THANKS!

BOB

Answer
HI -- I was going to merely say "dont plot hidden" which is probably it, but in case you are not, this took 10 seconds to look up in AutoCAD 2006 help: I typed "polyline fill" -- your pls are not filled, so either the variable got changed, or you are plotting with "hide" checked. If you need to plot hidden for some reason, write back and explain  fully -- I will help you find an answer.  And I hope you know that PEDIT makes separate PLs into splines in 3 clicks, at least on 2006.
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FILL command:You can simplify the display of certain kinds of objects in order to speed performance.

Display performance is improved when wide polylines and donuts, solid-filled polygons (two-dimensional solids), hatches, gradient fills, and text are displayed in simplified form. Simplified display also increases the speed of creating test plots.

Turn Off Solid Fill
When you turn off Fill mode, wide polylines, solid-filled polygons, gradient fill, and hatches are displayed in outline form. Except for patterned hatches and gradient fills, solid fill is automatically turned off for hidden view and nonplan views in three dimensions.
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Then, a gently asked, "Why use 7yr old 2D software, when you could be on Land Desktop??? or ADT??"  You could create real contours!   And I suggest you try creating splines from scratch -- they are a pain to master, but they dont have the zillion vertices that complex PLs can get, and end up being quicker.
.... and Plain AutoCAD 2007 has amazing new solids, and is better at all 3D. 7 years is 2 generations in computer software. (I am in 2nd career, learned just before 2000) Now I am a cad gun for hire -- lol.)

BOB